KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Main Street Returning to its Luster

(KATV) Little Rock - Some vacant shops off Main Street still have signs from their last tenants… from decades ago, but many buildings are getting a new lease on life.

Plenty of Arkansans remember Main Street at its peak when MMCohns and Pennys were big attractions. The City of Little Rock has considered different options on how to re-vamp the street but according to the Downtown Partnership, business owners who see it as a diamond in the rough are jumping on locations now.

You can't miss Maduro Cigar Bar & Lounge, mostly because the giant cigar on the store front at 109 Main Street.

Michael Peace says, "We're excited about being able to provide a new and relaxing atmosphere for people."

Peace's dream became a reality this week. The décor is Latin inspired with comfortable leather chairs. The full bar offers a custom drink menu and for cigar fans you can walk in the humidor, pick out a hand made cigar and light up.

When finances were in order, downtown Main Street is where peace wanted to set up shop. Peace adds, "People are living here, working here, going out for fun here so we think it's a great place for us to be."

Sharon Priest with the Downtown Partnership says those reasons and more are exactly why Main Street will thrive again. "There are still several buildings, particularly between 7th and Markham and we encourage you to get in now quick before things start going up."

Priest adds, "There are federal and state historic tax credits that are available for people who want to rehab a building, there are a few things and we will help anyone we can."

Peace is happy to be a part of the movement and plans to be around for the long haul. "I think we're going to be pretty busy this weekend so it will be really interesting to see what next week brings."

Also, the Oxford American Magazine signed a 5-year lease oat 1300 Main Street where Juanita's used to be. The open house is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in conjunction with the Mardi Gras Parade Saturday, February 18.

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