HOPE – Recently, we have noticed the exterior parts that have been refurbished at the former Hempstead County Courthouse, built in 1939. Fascinating to us, the old courthouse has been used as a storage building since its vacancy in 2022. This prompted us to ask the question, “For what reason would new work be being done on an out of use building?”. Wanting to learn more about the project, we turned to Anna Powell, the President of Hempstead County Economic Development Cooperation.
Mrs. Powell, over the last three years, has written winning grants through the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program for Hempstead County to use on the old courthouse:
-Her first grant of $264,800, which was written in 2024, was for a much-needed roof replacement.
– The second, totaling $265,000, which was finalized in 2025, was used for masonry restoration, exterior lighting, removal of the HVAC, repairing of window sashes, and to rearrange electrical.
– Finally, in March of 2026, a grant of $348,000 was approved to cover hazardous material abatement, exterior preservation work, exterior canopies, decorative precast concrete, and completion of window repairs.
All three grants fall under the category of courthouse restoration grants, grants solely for the use of restoring historic courthouses.
Anna recently paid a visit to a Hempstead County Quorum Court meeting to inquire of a possible vision for the future of the courthouse, beginning with a few ideas of her own. “I am envisioning one level of commercial and retail space on what was once the main floor of the courthouse, two floors of elderly or military veterans housing, and maybe a bed and breakfast at the top level where the jail used to be, along with a restaurant. These are just my ideas however, I am calling for many new plans and ideas for the use of this building so that it might generate regular income for the county. We are hoping for anyone with thoughtful ideas or visions for the old courthouse to contact either myself (Mrs. Anna Powell) or County Judge Jerry Crane”. Powell also mentioned that there are two more years left in the grant cycle, and, if the county continues to be awarded funds, the building could be ready for occupancy in as soon as two years.
Pictured: President of Hempstead County Economic Development Cooperation Anna Powell
Pictured: Art Deco main entrance decoration cleaned white by 2026 grant.
Pictured: Third floor exterior decorative piece cleaned white by 2026 grant.
Pictured: Third floor exterior decorative pieces cleaned white by 2026 grant.
All photos by Davis Johnson