HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-13 HDC 7.13.20 Jameson letter JAMESON
A R C H I T E C T S P. A.
3 0 0 P U L A S K I S T R E E T L I T T L E R O C K , A R K A N S A S 7 2 2 0 1 5 0 1 – 6 6 6 – 6 6 0 0
t o m m y @ j a m e s o n a r c h i t e c t s . c o m
July 13,2020
Honorable Frank Scott, Mayor
Little Rock Historic District Commissioners
Jamie Collins, Director, Planning and Development
Brian Minyard, Office of Planning and Development
Re: HDC2019-023 10th and Rock
Dear Mayor Scott, Commissioners, Mr. Collins and Mr. Minyard:
I am writing to express my opposition and to encourage denial of the proposed infill project at
10th and Rock Streets in the MacArthur Park Historic District. I am writing from the perspective
of a former historic district commissioner, a former Capitol Zoning District Commissioner, a
former QQA board member, former board member and president of Preserve Arkansas, and as
an architect with a practice focused on historic preservation for the last 41 years.
The proposed project is too large, too close to the street, too tall, too dense and inadequately
designed to have a positive effect on this less than ¼ block site in the heart of the historic
district. It negatively alters the rhythm, scale and massing of the two blocks it faces. The
current zoning would allow for up to 6 dwelling units is fairly dense. The proposed
development creates 2.5 times that density. Imagine the traffic generated by 30 cars coming
and going from below grade parking – via a one lane access ramp on a quiet historic district side
street!
Well-designed infill projects have the potential to enhance historic neighborhoods when they
are well conceived and implemented. But infill projects also have the potential to leave a near
permanent negative scar when not well done, likely lowering property values and causing
conflict. I believe this project, as currently presented, fits the latter category.
Over its nearly 40 years of existence the MacArthur Park Historic District has been a success
story. Our oldest historic neighborhood is something Little Rock is and should be proud of.
Please don’t make the mistake of approving this project that will have a negative effect for the
next 40+ years. We can do better!
Sincerely,
Tommy Jameson, AIA