As downtowns in many small communities slowly dry up, we want to encourage people to look at our downtown area and recognize how fortunate Clarksdale is.
Bound by a railroad on the south and a river on the west, Clarksdale’s downtown is compact and clearly defined.
Our Post Office and “Federal Building” stand on the east side, City Hall holds down the west and the Coahoma County Courthouse on the north, putting most of our major government offices in one location.
Please remember it was a community that built a bridge over the Sunflower River that founded this town. Please remember it was railroads that allowed Clarksdale to grow into a commercial center that financed the construction of most of our downtown.
As with most modern downtowns, merchants and retail have been replaced by restaurants and professional services. A quick look around shows banks, boutiques and restaurant/pubs now dominate Clarksdale’s downtown.
To say Clarksdale’s downtown is quaint is a little bit of an understatement. There are hundreds if not thousands of town across this nation that would love to have it so good.
Yes, there are vacant buildings. Yes, some of those buildings are desperately in need of repair and renovation. Yes, we had five local businesses close in downtown this past summer. And yes, some of that will not change very soon.
But downtowns do change.
Hardware stores, grocery stores and movie theaters all had a presence downtown in a bygone age. As shopping habits have changed, so has downtown.
The question Clarksdale must answer is how do we want our downtown to change?
Professional services and technology-related businesses are obvious factors in the mix. Bringing in doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants are a good choice, with plenty of parking available and other amenities, too. More state and federal government offices are another idea. A couple of restaurants would also be a nice addition and draw people to Downtown Clarksdale during the day. And what about another clothing store?
Yes, Clarksdale is fortunate.
Our downtown has potential. Our downtown has options. Our downtown needs businesses and individuals to help make good things happen.
