Delta Magic Launches Revitalization Effort of Historic Cleburne Hotel in Helena, Arkansas
Helena-West Helena, Ark. — In a significant step toward revitalizing downtown Helena, Delta Magic, a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Helena, has announced plans to develop housing in the historic Cleburne Hotel following the property’s donation by Southern Bancorp Community Partners, the nonprofit development partner of Southern Bancorp, which purchased the property in 2009 to ensure its protection for future use by the community.
Built in the early 20th century, the Cleburne Hotel has long stood as a symbol of Helena’s storied past. Now, with Delta Magic’s vision and Southern Bancorp Community Partners’ donation, the building is poised to play a pivotal role in the city’s future. Plans for the property include transforming it into vibrant, student-focused housing, providing a much-needed boost to downtown activity and community life. Delta Magic, a nonprofit focused on building regional capacity by highlighting the “magic” of the Delta, views this project as a cornerstone of its mission.
“The Cleburne Hotel is the jewel of downtown Helena, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to continue to shape the story of this historic building,” said Drew Smith, President and co-founder of Delta Magic, whose grandparents were the last tenants to leave the Cleburne Hotel. “Thanks to Southern Bancorp’s generosity, we can take the first crucial steps toward transforming this historic space into a place where people can live, learn, and thrive. This is the first building that most people see when they visit our downtown, and we can make a great first impression while also providing a valuable resource to residents. With new residents living downtown, small businesses can thrive again, people will have a more vibrant and energetic community, and our city will have another tool for growth.”
Following the property’s donation from Southern Bancorp Community Partners, Delta Magic will initialize stabilization efforts, ensuring that the building’s structure is safe and primed for redevelopment. These efforts will precede a comprehensive strategic planning phase, during which Delta Magic will engage community stakeholders and experts to design a redevelopment plan that honors the building’s history while meeting modern needs.
“We are extremely excited to collaborate with Delta Magic on this project as we share their belief that it will have a significant impact on this culturally rich community,” said Kenya Davenport, Southern Bancorp Community Partners President. “As a CDFI, we, along with Southern Bancorp Bank and other partners, have worked to save, support, and develop numerous properties throughout this area over the years, but the Cleburne Hotel has always been special, given its prominence and magnificent architecture.”
The hotel is one of several historic properties that the Southern Bancorp organization purchased in past years to support revitalization efforts in the community.
“Downtown Helena, and the broader Helena-West Helena community, have a rich history that can be seen in many of the structures and locations throughout our town,” said Wendy Von Kanel, Southern Bancorp’s Regional President and lifelong Phillips County resident. “While we’ve been honored to have played a part in numerous historic buildings and sites throughout the town, we knew the Cleburne Hotel would require a special vision to move it forward, which meant we’d have to be patient in finding the right partner to take on such a large project. We're beyond excited that this passionate group of local leaders has taken up the challenge, and we’re thrilled to support them in this journey to help our community grow.”
The project aligns with Delta Magic’s broader capacity-building initiatives, which include increasing access to healthy foods, connecting and celebrating existing resources, and fostering community pride. By reimagining the Cleburne Hotel as a hub of activity and housing, Delta Magic hopes to inspire further investment and revitalization in downtown Helena.
“Our aim is to transform the Cleburne Hotel into a cornerstone of Helena’s bright future,” said Smith. “And that future will be built on partnership, vision, and the enduring spirit of the Delta.”
As the project gets underway, Delta Magic invites the community to stay engaged and share their input by visiting www.DeltaMagic.org.
About Delta Magic
Delta Magic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation in Helena, Arkansas made up of motivated Delta residents dedicated to highlighting the magic that exists in our community. Delta Magic highlights the “magic” of the Delta by spearheading collaborative initiatives and connecting resources that build local capacity, challenge negative narratives, and foster community pride. Learn more at deltamagic.org.
About Southern Bancorp
Founded in 1986 by some of the nation’s leading political, business, and philanthropic leaders with an initial investment of $10 million, Southern Bancorp, Inc., along with its development partners – Southern Bancorp Bank and Southern Bancorp Community Partners – has grown into a $2.8 billion asset organization with 56 locations serving 65,000 customers across two states. Southern Bancorp has a unique array of financial products and services designed to help individuals at all stages of life’s financial journey – from teaching kids how to save to helping entrepreneurs and families realize the American Dream. Southern Bancorp is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, certified B-Corp, and proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values. Learn more at www.BankSouthern.com.