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The evolution of a charming house into a thriving business in Searcy Arkansas.

This picture of 916 E Race shows it as it was when Race Street was a quiet little street with residential properties still on it. The builder/draftsman who drew it up had saved pictures and floorplans of some of his creations. His wife was throwing them away and I, being a saver, kept them. I had to do a lot of driving around to find some of them.

916 E Race

The house was added onto and turned into a business by Helen Holder who had a drapery business. Back when folks loved heavy window treatments, she did a fantastic business.

Then it changed hands and became a frame shop. Seems it has changed hands again. Here it is now.

Notice the lovely fence in the front, which is across the street and on land owned by Harding University. Harding bought all the houses in front of this one and took them down.

916 E Race

Posted by Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR on 10/23/2009 07:39 PM

Comments (19)

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19 Comments on The evolution of a charming house into a thriving business in Searcy Arkansas.

OCT

Barbara diggin the new glamour girl photog of you... :) I love your pictures....you have such great stories.

OCT

Barbara: Wow... what a difference. I must say I actually LIKE what they did to this property. And... a very nice treatment in what they did with the awnings. Sometimes newer can be nice. Just my two cents.

Konnie, thanks. After 15 years aren't we supposed to do a new photo. I had this guy in my office come take a few shots. Thanks for reading my blogs too!

Karen Anne, thanks for stopping by. One person in my office argued that he didn't think it was the same building but I pointed out the chimney and other things so he finally agreed.

LOVE the before and after pictures, Barbara. Now let's try and dig up the one where Carolyn Thompson lived.....also there on E. Race, probably close to this one you're showing today.....I think it now is a Counseling Center for Women or something like that. Oh, just looked in my 1957 phone book: L.A. Thompson, 912 E. Race....phone 419.

Anita Fuller

Anita, the "now" would be easy but what about the "then?" Do you have a picture? Also you didn't give us the history of who used to live in this house? Holders for a long time, perhaps?

I barely recognized this house in the after photo. It looks so incredibly different. Even the chimney is a different color.

Godmother,

Is that second photo a McDonalds?

Nutsy, Godson

OCT

Elizabeth, they probably painted the chimney but it had a unique design that is still there.

Nutsy, that appears to be some sort of design center. Perhaps we can get them to design you an attractive Halloween costume!!

Nutsy's comment about McDonalds prompted me to comment on a McDonalds in Sedona, AZ. The city planning commission wouldn't allow McDonalds to use the traditional yellow on red background for their arches. McDonald's fought it but complied in the end. I believe it is the only one in the world with teal arches

McDonalds in Sedona

Fascinating......Wonder what government personage had died, or what the occasion was for the flag being at half mast when the picture was taken.

At the corporate headquarters of Mickey D's in Oak Brook, Illinois, one can buy beer or wine to go with your Big Macs, if you are so inclined.

Anita Fuller

Anita and Don, you two are so full of stuff.....meant in a nice way, of course. You have info for every occasion! I love the McDonald's in pink and green!

Godmother,

The boss has actually seen that McDonalds. He was in Sedona years back and remembers it. I have a nice costume thanks. I hope none of my detractors will imply that it should be worn by a girl.

Godson Nutsy S. Wallenda

Godson Nutsy,

Perfect costume. I, in fact, am going to be a witch for Halloween. Perhaps we can meet up somewhere on our brooms!

Godmoma Ms B

Barbara - I had to look twice to beleive that it was the same house.

OCT

Carol, I had to double check it myself. They keep making changes.

This building is currently home to a funiture consignment store and the young man (Joey Gilbert) who operates it is an aspiring designer. He likes to arrange the furnishings in such a way as to highlight his design skills.

OCT

Barbara, My son is now leasing this building. It is now Searcy Design Gallery, in which he showcases local artist and their artwork. He also does new and used furniture, home decor, rugs, window blinds, blackberry olive oil soaps, and much more on consignment.(no clothes) He is also a Interior Designer, and does auto-cad work. That part of the business is called JTG Designs. He has been in there since August 1st. Please tell everyone to stop in and see him and welcome him into the Searcy Business World.

Barbara,

My husband bought the building many years ago and he was very excited recently when Joey Gilbert decided to lease it. Joey has done a terrific job of refurbishing the retail side of the building. The original building is now an apartment that is attached to the design center.

Thanks so much for sharing these pictures! I, too, found them quite interesting.

Susan

Angela, I need to stop by and see what's in the business.

Paula, I will stop by. I need to give him some real credit on my blog, don't I? I couldn't see the sign well enough to read when taking the picture. I used a zoom lens from Harding's parking lot for the shot.

Susan, yours makes three testimonials that this is a great new business. I MUST go by. Thanks so much for the comments.

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