Who We Are

Argenta CDC's mission is to improve the economic vitality, quality of life, and sense of community in targeted neighborhoods through the development of quality housing, the promotion of homeownership and the stimulation of economic growth. We achieve our mission primarily through the following objectives:

  • Single and multi-family energy-efficient housing development
  • Commercial property development
  • NeighborWorks America Homeownership Center (homebuyer education, credit/financial counseling/IDA)
  • Community development and engagement

Our History


In the late 1980's fearful and angry residents became weary the many problems that were plaguing their once thriving Argenta Neighborhood - high crime, disinvestment, and abandoned homes. In response they formed Argenta CDC in 1993. By developing strategic partnerships with the private and public sectors, the CDC created a vision of how their neighborhood could be-a safe, thriving, strong community for residential, cultural and commercial growth.


Nearly two decades later this vision has evolved into a Historic District with numerous small businesses, private investments, low crime, recreational and entertainment venues, an emerging arts district and proud homeowners who have experienced a 200% increase in property values. At present, Argenta CDC has newly constructed and rehabilitated over 200 units of affordable housing (purchase and rental) and owns one-third of the properties in the district. This ownership has minimized gentrification in a now vibrant, mixed-income community.


Since 2001, the CDC has used components of its Argenta success as a blueprint in Baring Cross and Holt, adjacent neighborhoods, that mirror the decay that had overcome Argenta, by newly constructing, renovating and selling 40 affordable homes, some of which have earned Gold LEED-H designation, the homes first in Arkansas to earn this distinction.  Over the next three years, the CDC will continue their commitment, with private and public partnerships and funds, in all three neighborhoods by committing at least $15 million in urban planning, residential and commercial construction, infrastructure improvements, and economic development.


Highlighting these efforts will be an $8.4 million stimulus fund investment directly in neighborhoods through HUD’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program.  Argenta CDC will work in conjunction with the City and other partners to construct and rehabilitate at least 113 units of housing that have been vacant, abandoned and foreclosed upon over the next three years. Once complete, these energy-efficient homes will be sold and rented to very-low to middle-income families. Down payment assistance will be eligible to qualified homebuyers.


Working closely with us is NeighborWorks America, a key funder of organizations like Argenta CDC across the nation. Since 1998, NeighborWorks has provided us with over $1,000,000 in program support for general operations, real estate development, lending, training, consulting work and other forms of technical assistance. One of their most generous and important collaboration with Argenta CDC was the establishment of a NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center. The center is a one stop shop that teaches people how to become informed and responsible homeowners through one-on-one counseling, classes and lectures.


In our holistic approach to community revitalization, Argenta CDC recently launched a Community Engagement Department in 2010 with an $118,000 grant from the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation that funds activities inclusive of resident leadership, promotion of asset building, increasing housing opportunities, promoting youth development, and advancing workforce development and higher education.  The Wal Mart State Giving Campaign has also show their support in our community building efforts by giving $39,000  in 2011 to launch the Vestal Urban Farming Project.  For 220 youth, the grant will fund and foster academic and business opportunities, health and wellness initiatives, self-esteem and environmental stewardship through hands-on participation in all aspects of the creation, implementation, management and marketing of a sustainable urban farm.