HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-15 email PA 11
Minyard, Brian
From:Rachel Patton <rpatton@preservearkansas.org>
Sent:Wednesday, July 15, 2020 3:58 PM
To:Mayor; Minyard, Brian; LRzoning; Collins, Jackie; caleman@fridayfirm.com;
lindseymboerner@gmail.com; lfrederick@hosto.com; rob@hcglawoffice.com;
holderheuvel@yahoo.com; Amber Jones; jeremiah@roguearch.com
Subject:Please Deny HDC2019-023
Attachments:Preserve Arkansas Letter Opposing HDC2019-023 July 15-2020.pdf
Dear Mayor Scott, Commissioners, Mr. Collins, and Mr. Minyard:
On behalf of the board of Preserve Arkansas, I am writing to oppose HDC2019-023. Please take action and
deny the application at the July 23rd Historic District Commission hearing.
As the statewide nonprofit advocate for historic preservation, Preserve Arkansas supports compatible,
thoughtfully designed infill construction in historic districts; however, the design for the proposed project at
10th and Rock streets is neither compatible nor designed with the surrounding historic buildings in mind.
The proposed project’s 15 units are not in keeping with the area’s R4-A Low Density Residential Zoning, and
the design reflects that, as it attempts to squeeze additional living space out of the allowable building height.
The parking plan indicates 31 underground parking spaces, but the L-shaped area with one access point doesn’t
appear to allow for adequate means of egress if the lot is full.
The proposed buildings are not harmonious with the setting and feel of one of the earliest-platted blocks within
the MacArthur Park Historic District and do not comply with HDC Guidelines for New Construction, as the
size, scale, massing, materials, and form are out of character with the majority of buildings in the area of
influence. The overall height is 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 ¼ 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. The longevity of synthetic
“wood-like” and “limestone-like” materials is uncertain, and those materials may prove difficult to repair or
replace five to ten years from now.
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
2
Executive Director
Preserve Arkansas
Rpatton@preservearkansas.org
501-372-4757
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Rachel Patton | Executive Director
Preserve Arkansas
Office: 201 W. Fourth Street | North Little Rock, AR 72114
Mailing: P.O. Box 305 | Little Rock, AR 72203
501-372-4757 | www.PreserveArkansas.org