HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-20 email 2 Preserve AR Letter Opposing HDC2019-023 signedPRESERVE
restore, redevelop, revitalize
Board of Directors
May 20, 2020
Mason Ellis, AIA
President
The Honorable Frank Scott, Mayor of Little Rock
Jill Judy
Little Rock Historic District Commissioners
VP of Development
Tim Maddox, AIA
Jamie Collins, Director, Planning and Development Department
of Education
Brian Min and Planner II Planning and Development Department
Mike Kinkade
VP of Advocacy
RE: Opposition to HDC2019-023
Kathy Boyette
Treasurer & President-
Dear All,
Elect
Hunter M. Windle
On behalf of the board of Preserve Arkansas I am writing g to oppose
HDC2019-023. As the statewide nonprofit advocate for historic
Julie Bridgforth
preservation, Preserve Arkansas supports compatible, thoughtfully
State Rep. Denise Ennett
designed infill construction in historic districts; however, the design for
Suzzette Goldmon, Ph.D.
Edward Salo, Ph.D.
the proposed project at 10'J' and Rock streets is neither compatible nor
W. Chris Sheppard, AIA
designed with the surrounding historic buildings in mind.
Stuart Towns, Ph.D.
Mandy Welch
The proposed project's 15 units are not in keeping with the area's R4 -A
Angela Wilburn
Low Density Residential Zoning, and the design reflects that, as it
Ex -Officio
attempts to squeeze additional living space out of the allowable building
height. The parking plan indicates 31 underground parking spaces, but
Ruth A. Hawkins, Ph.D.
the L-shaped area with one access point doesn't appear to allow for
Sec. Stacy Hurst
adequate means of egress if the lot is full.
Scott Kaufman
Carl H. Miller, Jr.
Cheri Nichols
The proposed buildings are not harmonious with the setting and feel of
p P g g
Greg Phillips
one of the earliest -platted blocks within the MacArthur Park Historic
Debbie Shea
District and do not comply with HDC Guidelines for New Construction,
Hon. John Thurston
Michael Higgs
as the size, scale, massing, materials, and form are out of character with
Charles Witsell, Jr., FAIA
the majority of buildings in the area of influence. The overall hei ht is
g
uncertain since it is unknown exactly how deep the underground parking
level will go. The buildings' three squat levels are unlike the surrounding
historic one- and two-story buildings with indoor ceiling heights of 10 to
14 feet. When porches are included, the proposed set -back is much closer
to the street than buildings in the immediate area, and the development
covers almost the entirety of the 1/4 block that is visible from the street.
While some of the proposed buildings' Craftsman -style elements are in
keeping with nearby building design, the shaped Mission -style parapets
are out of character. Furthermore, the wide variety of exterior wall
materials, including "wood -like" and "limestone -like" finishes, brick,
stucco, metal, and wood, is incompatible with surrounding structures and
evocative of a modern suburban apartment complex.
501.372.4757 1 P.O. Box 305 1 Little Rock, AR 72203-0305
I urge you to deny the application for HDC2019-023 as it currently exists
and encourage the applicant to work with neighborhood residents and
historic preservation organizations to find a design solution that will
complement the historic character of the MacArthur Park Historic
District for years to come.
Thank you for your dedication to the preservation of Little Rock's
historic neighborhoods.
Sincerely,
Rachel Patton
Executive Director
Preserve Arkansas
Rpatton ,preservearkansas org
501-372-4757