How Ray and Kimberly Hart and Creekside West Canal, LLC Are Investing in Community, History, and Growth
In Picayune, Mississippi, revitalization is not happening by chance. It is being built intentionally, thoughtfully, and with a long-term vision for community growth. Through Creekside West Canal, LLC, Ray and Kimberly Hart have become catalysts for downtown development, working alongside RCLF on multiple projects that preserve Picayune’s historic character while fueling economic opportunity.
The Harts’ work reflects a deep commitment to reinvesting in existing structures and reimagining their potential. One of their signature projects involved the transformation of a historic building originally constructed in 1907. What began as a fully gutted structure revealed remarkable architectural integrity; original floor joists, a rare metal I-beam encircling the building, and the bones of a space built to last. Rather than replacing history, the Harts reinforced it, adding structural supports, modern safety upgrades, and intentional design elements that honor the building’s past while ensuring its future
That philosophy carries through each of their developments. Former commercial spaces have been carefully restored into vibrant, mixed-use destinations; housing a downtown restaurant, a local insurance office, and thoughtfully designed Airbnb units that invite visitors to experience Picayune’s story firsthand. Formerly underutilized and deteriorating properties are now active contributors to the local economy, generating foot traffic, supporting small businesses, and creating new reasons for people to gather downtown.
Beyond bricks and mortar, Ray and Kimberly’s impact extend into civic leadership and community stewardship. As active participants in Picayune’s Main Street efforts and local business organizations, they have helped stabilize and strengthen institutions essential to the city’s economic health. Their projects align private investment with public purpose demonstrating how thoughtful development can support tourism, entrepreneurship, and long-term sustainability all at once.
RCLF’s partnership with Creekside West Canal, LLC has been instrumental in making this vision possible. By providing flexible financing and a relationship-based approach, RCLF has supported the Harts across multiple projects allowing them to move quickly, preserve historic assets, and reinvest continuously in the Picayune community.
Together, this ongoing partnership illustrates what is possible when mission-driven capital meets local leadership. The result is more than renovated buildings; it is renewed confidence in downtown Picayune, expanded economic activity, and a model for how rural communities can grow by building on the strength of what already exists.
