HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC1999-033 Staff Report And Recommendations 07/28/1999City of Little Rock
(=I HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PREPARED BY: V. Anne Guthrie DATE: 28 July 1999
APPLICANT: City Parks and Recreation Department
ADDRESS: 1201 Commerce
COA REQUEST: Rehabilitate the structure due to tornado damage
PROJECT BACKGROUND, DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS: The subject property is
located north of I-630, on the east side of Commerce. It is within the MacArthur Park and is
south of the parking lot for the Arkansas Arts Center. The structure is listed as contributing in
the district's architectural survey. The 1910-20s structure is in the Craftsman architectural style
and has been altered.
The structure was occupied for decades by the Museum of Science and History; it served as an
annex and was used for storage, etc. It is city owned. More recently, the structure served as
storage for the city's Arts and Humanities Promotion Commission. Prior to the January tornado,
the structure was in transition and was vacant. The Association of Building Contractors is
donating labor to rehabilitate the structure.
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT AND REACTION: This structure is of primary importance to
the neighborhood due to its location and proximity. To date, there has been no neighborhood
reaction (adverse or other) regarding the structure's rehabilitation. The letter from the President
of the MacArthur Park Neighborhood Association addresses this structure and its future use to
the neighborhood and community; the letter is enclosed.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: It is the recommendation of staff that the project be approved
with the following conditions:
♦ city staff shall supervise the rehab project on a daily basis and present LRHDC staff
with weekly progress reports.
♦ if alterations are made as to the materials, window or door locations, etc. during the
rehab work, staff will be notified.
♦ should the project scope change that requires additional approval or administrative
review, the applicant will notify LRHDC staff.