Land Development Today - July/August 2007 - (Page U12)

natural environments. As a result, the very river that once divided these two cities has become the strongest uniting link between them. The story of our downtown revitalization is similar to those of many other downtown districts across the U.S. currently witnessing significant redevelopments. The urban movement, in and of itself, isn’t new or unique. To some degree it has become a common rule rather than an exception. However, the combination of southern character, beauty, sustainable development and destinations consisting of “one-of-akind” is unique to Central Arkansas, and this is what sets our community apart. As time passed, a grassroots campaign evolved involving numerous public and private leaders, including Pulaski County Judge “Buddy” Villines and numerous city mayors. Many long planning sessions occurred to redefine the vision for the downtown areas and to With tremendous support from private groups and local, state and federal agencies our team helped to develop and promote the River Project. The community embraced the idea this time when the voters passed a one cent for one year county tax increase to subsi- Recent History We have witnessed positive environmental, social and structural changes in the last decade, ranging from small-scale restaurants and shops to a large-scale skyline overhaul. In the 1980s and 1990s, the riverfront area struggled: it was a run-down, rarely visited, desolate part of Arkansas’ capitol city. Businesses and restaurants were moving west to the ever-expanding suburban sprawl. In the 1980s, city officials decided that revitalizing downtown would revitalize the economy. Many ideas were presented and efforts were made to accomplish the overhaul. However, lacking a connected and sustainable approach, most attempts failed. One of the primary visionaries of the current River Market District was Jimmy Moses of Moses Tucker Real Estate based in downtown Little Rock. It is claimed that he crafted the original idea on the back of a napkin while visiting Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, during the early 1980s. Moses believed that a downtown revitalization along the river would serve as a cultural and entertainment district. He presented his idea to the city board in 1990. Moses strongly advocated a proposal for what was then known as the “Diamond Center.” Although his convictions for such a plan resonated with the city board and other city leaders, the $42.1 million proposal failed 57 percent to 43 percent when presented before the voters in October 1991. North Little Rock Riverfront Plan improve public opinion. Moses concurrently led The Downtown Partnership, as it geared up to advocate for the revitalization. By the mid 1990s, the redevelopment of downtown had real momentum. In the summer of 1995, I was afforded the opportunity to participate in an internship with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Donaghey Project for Urban Studies and Design. The goal of the summer program was to encourage local residents to look inward at the failing and neglected downtown and riverfront areas. Led by our director and well-known architect, George Wittenberg, we completed comprehensive planning and architectural studies for a major revitalization of the downtown know as the“River Project.” As a part of the project, city leaders visited Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Portland, Oregon, to study strong models of successful urban redevelopment. dize the construction of the new multipurpose Alltel Arena in North Little Rock and an expansion of the State House Convention Center in Little Rock. The two cities were finally partnering in a concerted effort to change their urban fabric for the better. Current Synergy In the decade since the initial “River Project,” this vision and the dedication for revitalization has become a strong and prosperous synergy for the entire region. Public and private partnerships, including city, county, state and federal groups, have worked to keep the movement alive and thriving. Over time, proposals for comprehensive redevelopment projects encompassing the River Market District were submitted and funded with over $5 million derived from a number of sources, including $1.2 million from the federal government, $1.1 million from the Capitol Improvement Bond Fund, 12 July/August 2007

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Land Development Today - July/August 2007

Cover Contents Our Voice: Industry Advocates Your Voice: Reader Response Cover Story: Preparing Your Tax Strategy The Rules of the Game Historical Redevelopment Project Profile: Seattle’s High Point Retention: From Ravine to Road Land Use: Picatinny Arsenal Mixed Use: Florida Offices Industry News Products/Services Showcase Classifieds Recommended Reading Advertiser Index Editorial Board The Last Word: What? Me Plan… Urban Development

Land Development Today - July/August 2007

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