The downtown master plan calls for doubling our downtown population over the next decade, and one strategy to spur investment includes redeveloping underutilized public land, like the state-owned parking lot at 9^th and Main St. Our friends at Cromwell have created a vision for what this space could be!

The 800 block of Main and 9th Street represents a pivotal nexus within the downtown master plan. Strategically situated at the convergence of various culturally significant landmarks, it serves as a vibrant intersection for art, gastronomy, and communal spaces. This location lies at the midpoint along the Main Street corridor, bridging the convention center, major hotels, and SOMA— a vibrant neighborhood full of restaurants and retail. Additionally, along the 9th Street corridor, it occupies the historic “Black Main Street,” which was once the epicenter of Little Rock’s Black commerce and entertainment.

This block is centrally located between the newly renovated, nationally acclaimed Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, both of which celebrate Little Rock’s rich Black heritage. Furthermore, 9th Street has been designated as part of the recently adopted “cultural loop” in the Little Rock Downtown master plan.

The significance of this site is multifaceted; it aims to cultivate a vibrant 24/7 atmosphere through the integration of residential, hospitality, and retail developments. This approach not only enhances walkability but also reduces distances between key downtown destinations, creating an environment that encourages further growth.