HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-18 Wells letter historic development wrong rock 10lth reject itKathy G. Wells
P.O. Box 777, Little Rock, AR 72203-0777
501-960-6918 wordsmithIpkgmail.com 2121 S. Gaines St.
May 18, 2020
The Honorable Frank Scott, Mayor
Little Rock Historic District Commissioners
Via email
RE: HDC2019-023 — PLEASE REJECT PROPOSAL
Dear Mayor Scott and Commissioners,
As a property owner in the MacArthur Park Historic District, I urge the Little Rock Historic District
Commission to reject HDC2019-023 because the proposed development will greatly diminish the
District's historic integrity, unique character and coveted sense of place.
Appropriate infill development is welcome in the District but this 15 -unit residential complex proposed for
3 vacant lots at 10th and Rock Streets does not follow the design factors set forth in the MacArthur Park
Historic District Guidelines for Rehabilitation and New Construction and is not in keeping with the area's
R4 -A Low Density Residential zoning which allows for the development of duplex dwellings. A 15 -unit
residential complex is not low density and is an intrusion that does not comply with the size; scale and
massing of the surrounding historic neighborhood.
New construction should be harmonious in form, materials, setting and scale within the established
District. The project's design elements and building materials are unsympathetic and out of character with
the neighboring historic structures and especially insulting to the simple mid-to-late 191h Century and early
20th Century wood frame cottages that face the site. The project application omits photographs of these
smaller homes but does include photographs of the largest structures in the area. Nor did the application
include photographs of the tree -lined streets and generous green space surrounding the historic housing
stock.
Thank you for your continual efforts to protect Little Rock's only Local Ordinance District from
incompatible alterations and even demolition. Now; we ask you to apply the same thoughtful
consideration when reviewing this infill, and support us in our efforts to maintain the unique identity and
irreplaceable character of this historic area.
Yours Truly,
Kathy Wells
Copy to: Jamie Collins, Director, Planning and Development
Brian Minyard, Office of Planning and Development