Directors in Little Rock approve the downtown master plan

Little Rock, Arkansas – Directors in Little Rock are continuing to create a downtown master plan.

The strategy is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives on how to improve downtown connectivity and livability.

Some of the folks we spoke with want improved parking alternatives and larger performance spaces.

“There’s crazy talent here,” One man said. “But you need a venue to play… you need room to bring the crowd in.”

As City of Little Rock directors approved a contract this week to hire a consulting firm to determine how downtown may be improved, these suggestions might be taken into account.

The cost of the $745,000 contract with Sasaki Associates, Inc.

It is being paid for with government money obtained by Little Rock’s participation in the American Rescue Plan during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“They’re going to spend time here walking the streets and then apply what they know as it comes to urban planning and master planning,” said Gabe Holstrom, executive director of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership. “Then provide the city with a plan for us to begin implementing in the coming years.”

It is anticipated that the planning phase will last a year. The city will then consider the suggestions before moving forward with implementation.