HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-15 email PA 2 Preserve Arkansas Letter Opposing HDC2019-023 July 15-2020
501.372.4757 | P.O. Box 305 | Little Rock, AR 72203-0305
July 15, 2020
The Honorable Frank Scott, Mayor of Little Rock
Little Rock Historic District Commissioners
Jamie Collins, Director, Planning and Development Department
Brian Minyard, Planner II, Planning and Development Department
RE: Opposition to HDC2019-023
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,
Board of Directors
Mason Ellis, AIA
President
Jill Judy
VP of Development
Tim Maddox, AIA
VP of Education
Mike Kinkade
VP of Advocacy
Kathy Boyette
Treasurer & President-
Elect
Hunter M. Windle
Secretary
Julie Bridgforth
Suzzette Goldmon, Ph.D.
Edward Salo, Ph.D.
W. Chris Sheppard, AIA
Stuart Towns, Ph.D.
Mandy Welch
Angela Wilburn
Ex-Officio
Ruth A. Hawkins, Ph.D.
Sec. Stacy Hurst
Scott Kaufman
Carl H. Miller, Jr.
Cheri Nichols
Greg Phillips
Debbie Shea
Hon. John Thurston
Michael Higgs
Charles Witsell, Jr., FAIA
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
Executive Director
Preserve Arkansas
Rpatton@preservearkansas.org
501-372-4757