DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS! Voice your opinions on what we need more of! (Little Rock: city hall, rent)

[jenni-b]

it is strange. it seems to me that most of the condo dwellers downtown definitely fall into the older/retired demographic. there are the River Market lofts, and a few apartments in the MacArthur Park Historic District, but I think even more rentals in the River Market proper would do quite well. same for Argenta.

[MakeDowntownGreat]

Anyone know why the other Rainwater Flat building wasn't finished out like the one that is currently condo dwellings? Is the space in that poor of condition?

The entire building is listed on the market for $375,000. Given its location, I would think it could be a great opportunity to develop some rentals, even if a few more $100k needs to be thrown into renovations. I'm surprised Moses and Tucker has jumped on it yet.

Also, any news on who/what is moving into the old Juanita's building on Main?

[jenni-b]

the Quapaw Quarter branding efforts are moving right along! exciting!

What's in a name? | Arkansas Reporter | Arkansas news, politics, opinion, restaurants, music, movies and art

PowerPoint Presentation - Brand Statement (http://downtownbranding.com/quapaw/ - broken link)

[AR007]

What about an entertainment district like the Power & Light District in Kansas City?

Some of my ideas include:
-New Art Museums
-Bike Rental Station
-Retail district

[thewizard16]

Originally Posted by AR007

What about an entertainment district like the Power & Light District in Kansas City?

Some of my ideas include:
-New Art Museums
-Bike Rental Station
-Retail district

I do like the Power and Light District a lot, but the River Market's district is always going to be different than that feel I think. Power and light feels like a scrape and redo to an extent, whereas the River Market feels like a rejuvenated version of what once was. On the museum front, the Arkansas Arts Center is a little too far from the main bar/entertainment district to promote the arts culture in that section of downtown, but some small galleries would be a nice fit down there or on Main. I also totally agree about more retail too, some more restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions along the rest of Clinton, 3rd, and stretching down Main would create a very nice (and expanded) entertainment and arts district for downtown.

[careerbound]

I totally agree being from the KC metro and now living in little rock, I think a power and light type district would be a really good thing for the area. They should take note on what that did in downtown KC.

Originally Posted by AR007

What about an entertainment district like the Power & Light District in Kansas City?

Some of my ideas include:
-New Art Museums
-Bike Rental Station
-Retail district

[cloudeleven]

Downtown needs very affordable, bare bones studio apartments. $500 a month or less. The vacant old Donaghey Building at the corner of 7th and Main (used to have a Subway on the ground floor) seems perfect to turn into studio apartments. A bunch of other vacant buildings on Main and in other parts of downtown would also be great candidates. I think this would attract younger and middle age working people who want to live close to work and don't want to pay for "luxury" living.

[thewizard16]

Originally Posted by cloudeleven

Downtown needs very affordable, bare bones studio apartments. $500 a month or less. The vacant old Donaghey Building at the corner of 7th and Main (used to have a Subway on the ground floor) seems perfect to turn into studio apartments. A bunch of other vacant buildings on Main and in other parts of downtown would also be great candidates. I think this would attract younger and middle age working people who want to live close to work and don't want to pay for "luxury" living.

There's been talk about developing some more affordable apartments downtown, but the costs involved with acquiring or renovating most of these old buildings make it an unappealing proposition for developers when the higher cost apartments are doing so well downtown (without really offering a whole lot, honestly...). The new K-Lofts on Main should be quite nice when finished and are a fairer price point for what you get, and the same developer is wanting to complete another apartment project across the street with a little more affordable apartments. The city would probably love for some artists lofts or similar to pop up and provide a broader range of housing options downtown, but the numbers haven't worked out for anyone yet I guess. Hopefully as Main develops a little momentum you'll see more interest.

[jenni-b]

exciting news for Juanita's old location!

The Oxford American this week signed a five-year lease on the buildings at 1300 Main Street that formerly housed Juanita's restaurant and the bar/concert venue. Publisher Warwick Sabin expressed his excitement about all of the possibilities that the new facility will make possible:

"With the event space in particular, we will be able to better connect with the community and be an energizing force for the revitalization of the SoMa neighborhood and Main Street." The company's vision includes an OA-branded Southern bistro/cafe that serves lunch and dinner and has a diverse series of evening events. The events would include musicians, writers, artists, photographers, chefs, filmmakers, playwrights, and others "for fun, intimate and educational programs." Ultimately Sabin hopes the venue will be seen as active cultural center and a leading tourist destination for Little Rock.

Over time, we can develop new programs, such as our own version of "Austin City Limits" in which we present our signature programming (music, writers, etc.) in front of a live audience and broadcast nationally on PBS in partnership with AETN. The building also offers space for art and photography exhibitions, receptions, and other types of programs.

[jenni-b]

I LOVE this idea!

Turn the Broadway Bridge into a park | Arkansas Blog