3 replies to this topic

[zman9810]

Siloam Springs isn't a part of the main corridor that makes up NWA but is part of the metro and the largest city not in the main corridor. It has a population approaching 15,000 and is a major gateway to Arkansas from Oklahoma. The highway 412 entry sees over 22,000 vehicles per day. The city is home to John Brown University- a non-denominational college and several industries including Allen Canning. Siloam Springs saw a growth spurt along with the rest of NWA and has added much new business on the east side of town.

The major economic force in Siloam Springs these days is the Cherokee Casino just across the Oklahoma border in West Siloam Springs. The casino employs over 700 with a payroll over $7 million per year. It had over 150,000 visitors last year and just recently completed an expansion that increased the complex to over 312,000 sq. ft. This includes a new 8 story, 140 room hotel. Ther has been some concern in town that the casino takes away from the religous image of Siloam Springs even though the casino is legal,a major employer, gives money to the town for services and sponsors a major festival in town. Here's a photo of the new complex.

[Mith242]

Yeah Siloam Springs does often get overlooked in NWA. It's pretty much the only city in the metro that's not on the Hwy71/I-540 corridor.  I don't think Siloam Springs has seen the rapid growth other NWA communities saw in the 90's and early 00's.  But it is growing.  It could be reaching a point where it gains some impetus.  If it wasn't for the Ozark Natl Forest, I'd almost wonder if eventually you'd see some sort of population development along the Hwy 412 corridor between it and Springdale.  Anyway thanks for the info and reminder about Siloam.  

[zman9810]

Mith242, on 18 March 2010 - 04:12 AM, said:

Yeah Siloam Springs does often get overlooked in NWA. It's pretty much the only city in the metro that's not on the Hwy71/I-540 corridor.  I don't think Siloam Springs has seen the rapid growth other NWA communities saw in the 90's and early 00's.  But it is growing.  It could be reaching a point where it gains some impetus.  If it wasn't for the Ozark Natl Forest, I'd almost wonder if eventually you'd see some sort of population development along the Hwy 412 corridor between it and Springdale.  Anyway thanks for the info and reminder about Siloam.  

Yeah, I drove through for the first time in a while and the east side of Siloam is seeing the Wal Mart efffect- whenever a new Supercenter is built other businesses spring up around it. Even now there is quite a bit of activity- new resturants, stores and a new bank. I imagine the casino/hotel will do the same for the west side.

These Indian casinos amaze me- who are all these people that fill the parking lots at these places and spend enough money to enable the building of these huge complexes? I don't understand the attraction myself but but I guess that's just me.........

[Mith242]

zman9810, on 18 March 2010 - 06:28 AM, said:

Yeah, I drove through for the first time in a while and the east side of Siloam is seeing the Wal Mart efffect- whenever a new Supercenter is built other businesses spring up around it. Even now there is quite a bit of activity- new restaurants, stores and a new bank. I imagine the casino/hotel will do the same for the west side.

These Indian casinos amaze me- who are all these people that fill the parking lots at these places and spend enough money to enable the building of these huge complexes? I don't understand the attraction myself but but I guess that's just me.........

Personally I'm not into gambling.  But it bugs me to see states like Oklahoma and Mississippi putting all these casinos right on our border.  Arkansas might as well have them so that our state reaps the benefits.  But anyway, gambling is big business.  There's obviously some money in NWA and if some of these people want to gamble then they'll make the trip.