HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinute Record 051426May 14, 2026
ITEM NO.: 13
FILE NO.: Z-10152-A
NAME: Meechie's Private Club and Lounge - Conditional Use Permit
LOCATION: 617/619 Spring Street
DEVELOPER:
Demetrius Randle
20 Cottage Court
North Little Rock, AR 72118
OWNER/AUTHORIZED AGENT:
Square Deal Builders, LLC - owner
Demetrius Randle - agent
SURVEYOR/ENGINEER:
Brooks Surveying, Inc.
20820 Arch Street Pike
Hensley, AR 72065
AREA: 0.34 acre
WARD: 1
CURRENT ZONING
VARIANCE/WAIVERS:
None requested
NUMBER OF LOTS: 1
UU
A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST/APPLICANT'S STATEMENT:
FT. NEW STREET- 0 LF
The applicant requests a conditional use permit in order to operate a private club
and lounge in the existing building located at 617/619 Spring Street.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
The property is occupied by a one-story brick commercial building.
C. NEIGHBORHOOD NOTIFICATIONS:
May 14, 2026
ITEM NO.: 13 Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-10152-A
All owners of property located within 300 feet of the site and all neighborhood
associations registered with the City of Little Rock were notified of the public
hearing.
D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS PLANNING DIVISION):
1. All documents are to be submitted to Planning and Development for complete
plan check.
2. All documents shall be prepared, stamped and signed by an Arkansas
Licensed Professional Engineer.
3. Land Survey to be no older than five (5) years, prepared, stamped and signed
by an Arkansas professional Land Surveyor.
4. All documents shall be prepared in accordance with the current Arkansas Fire
Prevention Codes, City of Little Rock Municipal codes and ordinances, and
current Stormwater Management and Drainage Manual.
5. All streets must comply with the current City of Little Rock Master Street Plan.
6. Any new development shall be reviewed to confirm compliance with applicable
codes, specifications, and ordinances prior to issuing any related permits.
7. Prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy; the applicant shall provide as -
built plans and data entry template of newly installed or modified public and
private stormwater drainage system to Planning and Development Dept., Civil
Engineering Private Development by email to CEPermits littlerock-c ❑v
ENGINEERING COMMENTS (PUBLIC WORKS): No comment.
E. UTILITIES/FIRE DEPARTMENT/PARKS/COUNTY PLANNING:
Little Rock Water Reclamation Authorit : No comments.
Entergy: No comments received.
Summit Utilities: No comments.
AT & T: No comments received.
Central Arkansas Water:
NO OBJECTIONS; All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time
of request for water service must be met.
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May 14, 2026
ITEM NO.: 13
Fire Department:
Arldrpccpc
FILE NO.: Z-10152-A
Addresses shall be posted in a conspicuous place during construction and when
construction is complete as per Little Rock City Ordinance Section 30-346 and
Section 505 of the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Vol. 1
to facilitate emergency response. Numbers/Letters shall be Arabic numbers or
alphabetic letters to be minimum 6" in height, of a durable, reflective material on a
color contrasting background to promote enhanced visibility. The numbers hall be
in a conspicuously placed immediately above, on or at the side of the proper door
of each building so that the number can be seen plainly from the street on which
the number is based. Whenever any building is situated so that the number is not
clearly discernible from the street line or vision of the building from the street is
otherwise obscured, the number or numbers assigned shall be placed near the
walk, driveway or common entrance to such buildings, and affixed upon a gate
post, fence, mailbox, post, or other appropriate place so as to be easily discernible
(this is in addition to the numbers/letters on the building). Numbers painted or
stenciled on the curb shall not be a lawful substitute for the display of address
numbers prescribed by this article. Subject to change upon field
evaluation. Contact Capt. Tony Rhodes at (501) 918-3757, Fire Marshal Derek N
Ingram (501) 918-3756, or Fire Marshal Evan Johnson (501) 765-1646.
NEED TO MAKE SURE THE ADDRESS IS CORRECTED The business
is located on 617 & 619 S Spring Street
Must Comply with Arkansas Fire Prevention Code 2021 edition
All projects submitted for zoning approval must comply with the Arkansas
Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Edition, including any comments or
requirements provided by the Little Rock Fire Marshal's Office, prior to
acceptance.
Maintain Access:
Fire Hydrants.
Maintain fire apparatus access roads at fire hydrant locations as per Appendix D
of the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section D103.1 Access road
width with a hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on a fire apparatus access
road, the minimum road width shall be 26 feet, exclusive of shoulders.
Grade
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May 14, 2026
ITEM NO.: 1
FILE NO.: Z-10152
Maintain fire apparatus access roads as per Appendix D of the 2021 Arkansas Fire
Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section D103.2 Grade. Fire apparatus access roads
shall not exceed 10 percent in grade except as approved by the fire chief. If
the grade exceeds 10 percent, approval will be denied and the applicant must
submit request to be reviewed by Fire Chief for Approval.
Loading
Maintain fire apparatus access road design as per Appendix D of the 2021
Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section D102.1 Access and loading.
Facilities, buildings or portions of buildings hereafter constructed shall be
accessible to fire department apparatus by way of an approved fire apparatus
access road with asphalt, concrete or other approved driving surface capable of
supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at least 75,000 pounds.
F. BUILDING CODES/LANDSCAPE:
Building Codes: No comments received.
Landscape: No Comments.
G. TRANSPORTATION/PLANNING:
Rock Region Metro: No comments received.
Planning Division:
Land Use Plan:
The request is in Planning District 8, the Central City Planning District. The
development principles of this district include strengthening the existing
development and better defining single-family and non-residential use areas by
neighborhood oriented commercial uses. The Land Use Plan shows Mixed Use
Urban (MXU) for the application area. The Mixed Use Urban (MXU) category
allows for uses ranging from high-rise office buildings to single-family homes. The
intent is to create a vital, diverse area which is street oriented and pedestrian -
friendly. The uses may be mixed (residential, office, and commercial in any
combination) within the building itself or within an area. The application
is for a CUP to allow a Private Club & Lounge.
Surrounding the application area is area designated for Mixed Use Urban
(MXU) uses and is characterized by a restaurant with a drive -through, one- and
two-part commercial block buildings, and two commercial parking decks.
This site is not located in an Overlay District.
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May 14, 2026
ITEM NO.: 13 (Cont.) _ FILE NO.: Z-10152-A
Master Street Plan:
West 7th Street is a Collector on the Master Street Plan. Collectors are designed
to connect traffic from Local Streets to Arterials or to activity centers, with the
secondary function of providing access to adjoining property. The standard Right
of way is 60'. Sidewalks are required on one side of Collectors. This street may
require dedication of right-of-way and may require street improvements.
Bicycle Plan:
West 7th Street is on the Master Bike Plan as a Proposed Class II Bike Lane. Class
II Bike Lanes provides a portion of the pavement for the sole use of bicycles.
Historic Preservation Plan:
The subject property is the site of Beard's Furniture Co. Built in 1921; Beard's
Furniture Co. is identified as having undetermined eligibility for listing on the
National Register of Historic Places. The subject property is adjacent to the site of
Horn's Men's Store, the Building at 612-614 Center Street, Hayes Grocery & Seed
Store, the L. S. Stahl Building, and the Rogoski Building, all of which have been
identified as having undetermined eligibility for the National Register of Historic
Places.
The Historic Preservation Plan advocates increased effectiveness and
coordination with the review of development plans. Staff advocates that the
proposed conversion of the site to accommodate a new use consider its potential
adverse impacts to the site and adjacent historic sites. The application, as shown,
should have no effect on identified historic resources.
H. ANALYSIS:
The applicant requests a conditional use permit to allow for the operation of a
private club and lounge in the existing building located at 617/619 S. Spring Street.
The property is occupied by a one-story brick commercial building. The proposed
private club and lounge will occupy approximately 5,000 square feet of the overall
14,925 square foot building.
The applicant provided the following description of the proposed use:
"Meechie's Private Club and Lounge is designed to operate as an
upscale private membership lounge that will serve as a welcoming
space for adults to enjoy music, social gatherings, and hospitality in a
safe and professionally managed environment. The venue will
provide a refined atmosphere for members and guests while
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May 14, 2026
ITEM NO.: 13 Cont. FILE NO.: Z-10152-A
contributing positively to the downtown entertainment and business
district.
Our establishment will include a lounge seating area, bar service, and
space for occasional live entertainment or private events. The
concept is intended to attract professionals and responsible patrons
seeking a sophisticated environment for networking, celebrations,
and community gatherings.
Security personnel will be present during operating hours and
additional security staff will be utilized for larger events. Surveillance
cameras and controlled entry procedures will be implemented to
ensure the safety of our guests and the surrounding community.
Proposed operating hours:
Monday - Thursday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday- Sunday: 4:00 PM- 12:00 AM
Meechie's Private Club and Lounge is committed to operating
responsibly and contributing positively to the economic and social
vitality of downtown Little Rock. We appreciate your time and
consideration of this request."
The applicant provided the following additional information during staffs review of
the application:
• An official maximum occupancy number has not yet been determined. The
applicant will comply with all Fire Marshal and building code requirements
once the occupancy load is established and will strictly enforce the
approved limit.
• Select events may be ticketed (e.g. live entertainment, private functions, or
themed events). All ticketed events will be managed in compliance with
local regulations, including capacity limits and security requirements.
• Noise control measures will be implemented for all events, including
keeping all entertainment indoors, us of sound -absorbing materials,
monitoring volume levels, keeping doors closed, and complying with local
noise ordinances.
• All events and entertainment activities will take place inside the building
only. No outdoor events, amplified music, or gatherings will be conducted
outside.
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May 14, 2026
ITEM NO.: 13 (Cont.
: Z-10152-A
The property is located in the UU zoning district. There are no off-street parking
requirements. On -street parking is allowed along both sides of Spring Street and
W. 7th Street, as well as other streets in the immediate area.
Staff is supportive of the requested conditional use permit. Staff feels that the
request is reasonable and an appropriate use for this location.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the requested conditional use permit, subject to
compliance with the comments and conditions outlined in paragraphs D and E,
and the staff analysis of the agenda staff report.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (May 14, 2026)
The applicant was present. There was 1 objector present. (Mr. Stark Legion). The
objector expressed concerns with parking in the area. There was a brief discussion
by the Commission. There was a brief discussion by the Commission. There was a
motion to approve the application as recommended by staff. The motion passed by
a vote of 10 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent and 1 open position. The application was
approved.
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