HomeMy WebLinkAboutCover Letter 081825To the City of Little Rock Planning and Development,
It is my pleasure to submit this letter of intent to pursue land use and related approvals for the
continuation of the current zoning and new development for 600 North Tyler Street, to the City
of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas.
The proposed project includes the renovation of the 1,300 sq. ft. structure currently on the
property and the construction of a detached 1,137 sq. ft. single-family residence behind it, with
an outdoor courtyard between the structures.
Currently zoned PD-C, with C-1 permitted uses, the existing structure on the property has
been vacant and unused for a period of four years, and neglected for many years prior. An
inspection brought to our attention serious issues that will require considerable efforts for
renovation. There are single family residences to the north, west, and south of the property. Fair
Park Early Childhood Center is located to the east, across Tyler Street. Hillcrest Community
Church is located one block west of the site on the corner of Taylor, Polk and Woodlawn
Streets.
After review and consideration of all regulations described by the Design Overlay District, our
proposed design for our 1,137 sq. ft. single family residence will be appropriately sized, and
blend with the look and esthetics of other homes in the neighborhood. We plan to bring the
existing structure on the property back into the fold for public use, and to be outfitted as a hair
salon. It will be called "Yellow House". We received verbal confirmation that the current PD-C/
C-1 zoning allows this and would like to request that the current zoning and uses be
maintained. As opposed to the recent use of the "Yellow House" as a restaurant, a hair salon
would be a better fit for a residential neighborhood —less traffic, quieter, and still community
oriented.
Keeping in mind the minimum of 10 linear feet per vehicle, adequate street parking (14 spaces)
is available along the property line facing Woodlawn Street. Normal staff/client traffic to the
salon would require less than this.
The "Yellow House" has a substantial story and history in the Hillcrest neighborhood; therefore,
we are pursuing an application of eligibility to add it on the Historic Register. The period of
significance is 1939-1976, when it was a mom-and-pop neighborhood grocer. We received
hundreds of comments on a Facebook post from people who grew up in Hillcrest within the
period of significance expressing what the store meant to them. We are happy to provide these
testimonials if requested. With the support of the neighborhood, our intention for the property
is much more than a standard development project. We aim to honor the memory of what was,
and add a business, a home, and a community -based safe space for future generations to look
back on fondly and tell a similar story. As the owner and operator of the business "Yellow
House", I will be onsite to address all aspects of the establishment and it's operation.
The Project will benefit the City of Little Rock in the following ways:
• Bringing a building of great historical neighborhood significance back to the community.
• Providing a low-tox/no-tax, cleaner -air salon experience for the community.
• Provide 5 additional work spaces for hair stylists, estheticians, massage therapist, and
varying professional services, to grow their business in the Hillcrest neighborhood.
• A welcoming community space for neighborhood small gatherings and activities, (i.e., host
fundraisers for local non -profits, pop -ups for other small businesses, etc.)
Project Specifics: The construction of a new 1,137 sq. ft. single-family residence, and
renovation of the 1,300 sq. ft. commercial property at 600 N Tyler. Both structures will be
constructed to complement existing structures in the area, and with consideration of Design
Overlay District regulations.
Location:
600 North Tyler Street.
Start Construction: Approximately January 2026
Vehicle Parking: Street parking on Woodlawn Street. 140 ft. along the property line
Site Access: Non-Resticted
Community Amenities:
- Bike racks in front to encourage alternate means of transportation to our establishment.
- ADA accessibility for all clients and guests.
- Planters and light landscaping to the front of the "Yellow House".
- Solar panels in an inconspicuous position on the "Yellow House" roof.
We look forward to working with the City throughout the approval process to transform
this key site on the corner of Tyler and Woodlawn Streets into something that the neighborhood
can appreciate.
Sincerely,
- r
Sydn sicke