Drive through downtown Conway one is likely to see Kim Williams talking with retailers, meeting with property owners, watering plants, and cleaning up the sidewalks. Anything that keeps downtown Conway prosperous and looking top-notch for patrons, businesses, and residents, Williams is game. 

You have been executive director of the downtown partnership for 15 years. What is the biggest change you have seen in downtown Conway since you began?  

The number of public art installations has quadrupled in the past 15 years. When I started, we had one mural. Now, we have 16 murals and sidewalk sculptures and interactive installations. Another great accomplishment is the number and variety of retailers and restaurants we have downtown. 

What is the big focus for downtown Conway and the Conway Downtown Partnership in 2024?  

Creating more density downtown by encouraging more residential and commercial office construction, and adding a boutique hotel, and more restaurant and entertainment options. 

What amenities do you see as potential for growth? 

I feel the addition of more entertainment venues, rooftop dining options, and an entertainment district status would be great for Downtown. Conway Social, set to open later this year, will bring a new twist to entertainment with great food and a host of activities for residents and visitors. 

What is a strength of downtown Conway that most people may not recognize? 

We have a powerful retail and restaurant core. We have more retail shops and restaurants in a three-block radius than most cities our size have in their entire downtown district. Conway’s retail core has remained consistent, and we have new entrepreneurs looking to set up shop downtown all the time.