Land Development Today - July/August 2007 - (Page U13)

$200,000 from related city street programs, $170,000 from The Downtown Partnership, $100,000 from RiverFest programs, and $80,000 from the Central Arkansas Library System. Additional funds were received from local property owners and the cities to improve sidewalks, landscapes and lighting in the area. To date, over $1 billion has been invested into downtown revitalization projects along both sides of the river. The efforts of our leaders in the early and mid 1990s were a spark that set off that positive ripple effect, which has been gaining stronger momentum with every passing year. The residents of both cities watch as the desolated downtowns are being transformed into a single modern city filled with condominiums, restaurants, retail shops, art galleries, museums, libraries, bars, the seasonal Farmers’ Market and holiday events of every description. Much to the delight of North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Hays and our community, April 2007 marked the grand opening of the brand new $40 million Dickey-Stephens Baseball Park for the Arkansas Travelers near the riverfront. And now, for the first time in over 60 years, electric streetcars travel downtown again, linking vibrant destinations in both cities; further enhancing our sustainability. Future Reality This year the historic Junction Railroad Bridge will be completely renovated into a lighted pedestrian walkway with stairs, elevators, and a permanently elevated lift span viewing deck. The Rock Island Railroad Bridge, which terminates at the 30-acre Clinton Library Site Park, is scheduled for a similar conversion. These bridges will tie into the existing 14-mile pedestrian River Trail loop that runs along both sides of the Arkansas River. This past year the "Big Dam Bridge" opened over the river and serves as the western edge of that river trail. This bridge was built directly on top of the existing Army Corps of Engineers’ Murray Lock and Dam and is the longest bridge ever built specifically for pedestrians and bicyclists in the world. . “Buddy” Villines is now working with a task force to develop an "Eco-Tourism" plan, which focuses on the riverfronts, "green" architecture, ecological points of interest, waterways, park systems and bike trails across the county. The “non-profit corridor” of Little Rock’s riverfront is continuing to see major strides in the redevelopment of what was once a large “brownfield” warehouse district and train yard. The Clinton Presidential Library opened in 2004, followed by the Heifer International Headquarters last year. Both facilities are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED) projects. Heifer is considered one of the “greenest” buildings in the country, currently awaiting a possible “LEED Platinum” certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This year Heifer also broke ground on their new $7.5 million Murphy Keller Education Center, which will serve as the gateway to their “Global Village.” Lions World Services for the Blind international headquarters is in the planning phase Working closely with communities to provide innovative, comprehensive and sustainable solutions. 800.479.3808 w w w. R B F. c o m ENGINEERING SURVEYING PLANNING Circle 167 • or www.LandDevelopmentToday.com/adinfo Sustainable Urban Redevelopment 13 http://www.RBF.com http://www.RBF.com http://www.LandDevelopmentToday.com/adinfo

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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