HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-03 Newbern Ltter to HDC about AMFA petitionTo: Little Rock Historic District Commission
From: Carolyn L. Newbern
Date: May 3, 2021
Re: HDC 2021-010
Please accept these comments regarding HDC2021-010: Signage, Lighting, and other Hardscape
in MacArthur Park
MacArthur. Little Rock’s first city park, repurposes grounds of a 19th Century federal military
base. The Park now includes three historic buildings: the Arsenal/Tower building (the sole remainder of
the large installation); the Museum of Fine Arts (currently under renovation and the reason for this
petition); and the Firehouse Museum and Hostel. These three structures sit within a large open park.
As a former member of the Historic District Commission and current member of the MacArthur
Park Group, I have several concerns with the proposed changes: signage, banners, and sidewalk plazas
at the Crescent Drive.
My first concern relates to signage. Currently, the 9th Street frontage displays one large sign
naming the Park. Smaller signs identify the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History/Arkansas
Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Arkansas Arts Center (before removal for construction.) This
petition asks permission to remove the remaining two signs and to replace one for MacArthur Park. No
replacement sign for the Military Museum/Korean Veterans Memorial is mentioned. I recommend that
on 9th Street the largest sign should acknowledge the historic park. Two smaller signs should announce
each museum. Still smaller wayfinding signs guide visitors to specific locations. Also, the current tall red
and black sign should be carefully removed and repositioned in the south portion of the Park, visible
from the interstate.
Secondly, the banner poles on 9th Street seem to be placed east of the sidewalk leading to the
Military Museum. Will the banners promote both museums? If not, should not they be in front of
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts? Matching poles on the east could be used for Park activities and the
Military Museum.
Although this letter expressed my personal opinions, many MacArthur Park Group members join
my delight in Studio Gang’s plan which opens the A/FMA to embrace the larger Park, particularly on the
south side. Our volunteer group has worked for thirteen years to enhance the Park, each change
focused on attracting more use of the Park, both active and passive. I wish the North Plaza and fountain
could be retained, as the benches and flower beds have been enjoyed by many visitors. I can only hope
that the A/MFA replacements will enhance the entire 9th Street view.
Finally, I urge the HDC to request revision of this proposal to include the three signs, described
earlier. Historic MacArthur Park deserves primary recognition, with the two major museums receiving
equal signage. Thank you for your consideration of these comments.