2015 ANNUAL REPORT
introducing: studioMAIN who we are
what we do
studioMAIN is a non-profit organization that mobilizes the design community and engages the local community to encourage innovative design for everyday life. As designers we create solutions and interventions for the urban fabric: solutions that challenge us to participate in areas of the city ranging from the basic to the most engaging of spaces. studioMAIN first opened its doors to the public in February of 2012. During that first year, studioMAIN focused on educating the public about design and the built environment. This effort focused largely on holding public exhibitions, which ranged from showing student work to exhibiting professional design awards. studioMAIN also created several in-house design exhibits and hosted the opening of a locallymade architectural film as part of the Little Rock Film Festival. Perhaps most importantly, studioMAIN and Create Little Rock teamed together for the inaugural Pop Up in the Rock event in 2012. In 2013, studioMAIN continued holding monthly design exhibitions and partnered with the Arkansas Arts Center to host an academic symposium on the Bauhaus in Arkansas. The second annual Pop Up in the Rock event was held on 7th Street. In partnership with Keep Little Rock Beautiful and the City of Little Rock, studioMAIN rolled out a new local design competition, Envision Little Rock. To close out the year, studioMAIN held the first annual Arkansas Design Awards show exhibiting awardwinning work from the local chapters of the AIA, ASLA and ASID. studioMAIN has continued to impact the local community and region, with 2014 and 2015 being our most impactful years yet! Envision Little Rock held its second competition which focused on the Otter Creek neighborhood in southwest Little Rock. The third and fourth annual Pop Up in the Rock events attracted thousands of visitors. Our work with local governments and other non-profits to provide visioning and advocacy for a better future for the region has allowed us to achieve many of our goals. Our role as a design advocate has been pushed to the forefront through the continued success of our projects throughout Central Arkansas.
CONTENTS testimonials 2015 ACTIVITIES 2015 FINANCIALS a look ahead
EDUCATE community ADVOCATE better design COLLABORATE allied fields CHALLENGE convention
testimonials
“Bringing StudioMAIN into the process early has been key for our Financial Quarter Committee. Their carefully crafted guidance and hard work has helped us go from an idea to a cohesive plan. The time, energy, talent and commitment of this all volunteer group is most impressive and greatly appreciated.” Maggie Hogan, CPM, Partner Senior Property Manager Flake & Kelley Commercial
“There is no way to adequately express our combined gratitude to the entire studioMAIN team for the extraordinary work you did on the site plan for Wildwood Park. The insight and thoughtfulness, clarity of interpretation, and true realism presented will be immensely helpful moving forward. We are forever indebted to you all” Mary Bea Gross, Development Officer Wildwood Park for the Arts
“I could not be more pleased that studioMAIN chose to assist us with the University Avenue Redesign Project. The University Avenue Corridor design team has been an integral part of the work to revitalize the University District by redesigning South University Avenue. Without them, the project would not have advanced as quickly as it did, nor would it have been as wellreceived across the community. Their expertise has allowed us to create a design that makes sense for both the university and the community. They are helping us move this project from dream to reality.” Dr. Joel E. Anderson, Chancellor University of Arkansas at Little Rock
“What fun to work with the visionaries of studioMAIN on the 2015 Pop Up on Ninth Street in downtown Little Rock. So often a large project with so many moving parts and volunteers can become unwieldy and unorganized, creating frustration and ending in poor results. Not these guys! I was impressed to find how concise and organized the monthly meetings which became weekly meetings were. And to see their vision unfold in a timely manner. I would work again with the young people of StudioMain, who seem mature beyond their years and know how to get thing done. Good Job!” Kerry McCoy, President Arkansas’ Flag and Banner
2015 ACTIVITIES
envIs on
elevated
L TTLEanROCK 2014walk through the woods S1001
OTTER CREEK
This project seeks to address and explore underutilized parts of the woodland by
elevating the pathways creating new views. These elevated pathways also act to protect ecologically sensitive areas throughout the woodlands and bird blinds to allow people to see wildlife without disturbing them.
The design of these multi-functional pathways was derived from otters and their nesting patterns. An abstraction of the weaving branches creates a baffled view onto parts of the woodlands to allow for undisturbed views onto the landscape and its inhabitants. These screens also create barriers to keep people on the elevated pathway safe. Connections were made by bridging over Stagecoach Road/ Highway 5. The abstractions of the nests create the walls, protecting the pedestrian, while creating a gateway for visitors and drivers. Trail connections extend to the neighborhood as well as the Oley E. Rooker Library. These connections were very important in order raise
28TH ST.
awareness of the beautiful landscape located in the neighborhood’s backyard.
UALR UALR CAMPUS CAMPUS
The canopy
The canopy
The Understory The Groundcover
The Understory The Groundcover
HIGHWAY 5
UNIVERSITY AVE.
32ND ST.
32ND ST.
UNIVERSITY AVE.
Plan Diagram
Detail plan of Proposed nature education center
EXHIBITIONS PROJECTS EDUCATION
PROJECT CATA Bus Shelter studioMAIN worked with the Central Arkansas Transit Authority (now Rock Region Metro) to develop a bus shelter design to be implemented in 30 locations across the Rock Region Metro service area.
EXHIBITION Arkansas Design Award Winners AIA / ASID / ASLA (exhibit continued from Dec 2014)
EAT & EDUCATE Neenah Enterprises AIA Arkansas Central Section
PLANNING UALR
Creating University Village
UALR
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has long struggled with the barrier that University Avenue has become for students and adjacent neighborhoods that are integral to the university’s success. The 6-lane arterial separates the institution from retail and parking on the western and most frequented side of campus. studioMAIN developed schematic concept plans to address concerns of pedestrian safety, traffic flow, aesthetics and urban infill to revitalize the corridor. It is hoped that the project will become a candidate for a 2016 TIGER Grant.
University Ave.
UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
28TH ST.
UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
UALR UALR CAMPUS CAMPUS
UNIVERSITY AVE.
HIGHWAY 5
32ND ST.
32ND ST.
UNIVERSITY AVE.
ANNOUNCEMENT Winners: Envision Otter Creek The existing development around Otter Creek caters to car-centric lifestyles, consists largely of low-density, single-use land development and fragmented green space. The winning designs propose innovative design and planning concepts to retrofit the area to create a more diverse, cohesive urban & suburban fabric within walkable and identifiable public spaces.
Student Winner:
Student Runner Up:
Hannah Moll and Katie Dunn
Robin Massingil
Professional Winner:
Professional Runner Up:
WER Architects / Planners
Aaron Wildschuetz, WD&D
Landscape Architecture, University of Arkansas
envIs on
Landscape Architecture, University of Arkansas
L TTLE ROCK 2014
OTTER CREEK
COMPETITION dRAIN smART studioMAIN board members participated in the 2015 DrainSmart stormwater education public mural competition. This exciting project gives artists the opportunity to express themselves via semi-permanent public art in a series of a small-scale outdoor storm drain murals. The art continues to educate the public on local water quality protection. when it enters the gutter.
EAT & EDUCATE Carlise Roofing Systems AIA Arkansas Central Section
OUTREACH 9th Street Juneteenth PopUp in the Rock volunteers stationed a booth at 9th Street’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration, spreading the word of the upcoming PopUp event and asking members of the community what they envision for 9th Street.
COMPETITION Napkin Sketch Competition studioMAIN hosted the AIA Arkansas Emerging Professionals 1st Annual Cocktail Napkin Sketch Contest on June 18th.
EAT & EDUCATE Hughes & Assoc Wood Plastic Composite AIA Arkansas Central Section
CHARRETTE Pop Up in the Rock - West 9th @ Mosaic Templars Cultural Center Over 50 community members and PopUp volunteers gathered at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center to brainstorm ideas for Pop Up West 9th. Participants divided into small groups to discuss ideas in more detail, sketching on a site map. Each small group then presented their ideas to the full audience to see how they could be implemented.
COMPETITION Creative Corridor signDESIGN Competition studioMAIN and the City of Little Rock’s Creative Corridor, with other partners, invited artists and designers to submit concept proposals for permanent and original signs to be installed along the 500 block of Main Street in Little Rock. The signs will be displayed on the building frontage of three arts organizations new and old to Main Street: the Arkansas Repertory Theatre; the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra; and Ballet Arkansas. Winning artist Christin Byrd of Little Rock was selected as the winner and funding for the fabrication and installation of the signs was provided by an ArtPlace America Grant. Christin is a Graphics and Web Designer for the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau.
EXHIBITION Wood Etc. Annual exhibition of works by UALR Applied Design students and faculty, led by professor Mia Hall.
EXHIBITION PopUp in the Rock: The Exhibit @ Historic Arkansas Museum
Developed by Create Little Rock and studioMAIN, PopUp in the Rock is a community development organization that illustrates underdeveloped potential in local city areas.
Founded in 2010 as the Little Rock Regional Chamber’s young professionals initiative, Create Little Rock’s purpose is to keep, attract and grow young talent to enhance the economic development of Little Rock and the region. Create Little Rock is led by an elected steering committee of young professionals and driven by the work of ongoing committees.
StudioMAIN is a collective of design professionals, developers, and contractors who advocate for the improvement of community design and promote awareness of the impact that the physical environment can have on neighborhoods.
EXHIBITION UofA 4th Year Comprehensive Studio studioMAIN co-hosted a reception with Architecture and Design Network and the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design for the 4th Year Comprehensive Design Studio Competition. The eight finalists from both semesters of “comp� studio were on hand, along with several faculty members to talk about the designs and experiences of the studio.
OUTREACH Destination Downtown Conference Chris East and Chris Hancock shared the success of PopUp in the Rock with attendees of Destination Downtown in September. Destination Downtown is a regional conference sponsored by Main Street Arkansas, and co-sponsored by Mississippi Main Street Association and Louisiana Main Street, attracting more than 200 professionals in preservation-based commercial district revitalization.
EDUCATION UofA Summer Design Camp studioMAIN was happy to partner with the Fay Jones School of Architecture’s Design Camp summer program by provided local architects to serve as mentors, and hosting an public exhibition of the student’s models. Design Camp offers high school students the chance to learn about the design professions through hands-on projects, tours, presentation and discussions led by architecture, landscape architecture and interior design faculty of the Fay Jones School. Students were able to work closely with faculty and local professionals, and collaborate with peers in a fun and creative studio environment while learning about the design process.
EAT & EDUCATE Prosoco & Barrier Bac Vapor Barriers AIA Arkansas Central Section
EVENT South Main Public Art Block Party On September 24, 2015, studioMAIN along with approximately 300 people celebrated the winning artists and their works; Robin and Harry Loucks with “Celebrating Up”, Michael Warrick with “Serenity” and Alex Cogbill with “Soul of a Woman, Soul of a Man”. It was a celebratory evening which included music provided by the band Cons of Formant, and food provided by The Clean Eatery, Hot Rod Weiners, Loblolly, Katmandu Momo, and Stone’s Throw Brewery. studioMAIN opened its space to display the models and drawings by the artists. Public art is an opportunity and means for the community to express its identity. “Celebrating Up”, “Serenity” and “Soul of a Woman, Soul of a Man”, further enhance the experience of South Main Street and the quality of life of its residents and visitors. These sculptures engender a sense of pride, place, and community identity for South Main Street. studioMAIN is grateful for the grant awarded by the Horn Foundation as well as the generous support from Anita Davis and Quapaw Central Business Improvement District.
Michael Warrick’s, “Serenity” marries a profound appreciation of nature and organic forms with the desire to contemplate and find peace in an urban environment.
Robin and Harry Louck’s, “Celebrating Up” is meant to inspire curiosity, distract and sooth, and bring smiles to faces in need.
Alex Cogbill’s, “Soul of a Woman, Soul of a Man” is inspired by the universally accessible concepts of geometry, movement, and the turmoil and triumphs of relationships.
POP UP IN THE ROCK
for more info, visit:
facebook.com/PopUpintheRock Beginning in 2012, studioMAIN and Create Little Rock have come together each year and adopted a few blocks to transform for a weekend with Pop Up in the Rock. Pop Up in the Rock is part of a national movement called the “Better Block Project.” Our goal is to enhance a forgotten, desolate or car dominated street into a more community-oriented area for a weekend with the goal of inspiring permanent change. This year, Pop Up took on West 9th Street from Broadway to State Street. The group of young professionals engaged the 9th Street community to bring the street to life with live music, a beer garden, food trucks, and a barber shop, Pop Up restaurants, historic markers, and temporary streetscaping served to share the rich history of the area. The event was a huge success, especially in the collaborative efforts and community connections fostered through the planning process. We are optimistic that continued effort and attention will be devoted to revitalizing this historic street in Little Rock.
planning meeting @ studioMAIN
volunteers
football game in beer garden
trees & historic markers help to create an active street edge
children’s library
October 24
11 am - 5 pm
October 24
11 am - 5 pm
barber shop
building street fixtures
ADVOCACY I-30 Corridor studioMAIN has been continuously involved with the strategic planning of the I-30 corridor improvements through downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock. As part of the planning process, studioMAIN raised concerns to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, and other decision making organizations, to widen their focus from strictly mobility to have the I-30 corridor consider the following: 1. Need for long term comprehensive planning for our community. 2. East –West Connectivity across I-30 corridor. 3. Spaces Adjacent to the Highway meet their highest and best use 4. Including Multi-Modal Transportation 5. Scale of the project relative to the cost to make it community responsive.
studioMAIN Chairman Chris East addressing the City Board of Directors at the November 3rd, 2015 Public Meeting at the Clinton Library.
c. Concern 2 – Issue 3, Noise
Executive Director
Beckett Brothers Sports Flooring and Roofing Systems Solutions AIA Arkansas Central Section
Chief Executive Officer
Jennifer Herron, AIA Herron Horton Architects
Mason Ellis, AIA, LEED AP WER Architects/Planners
Jonathan Opitz, AIA, LEED AP AMR Architects
Lawrence Finn Dakota Development
Sharon Priest MacAurthur Park Group
images 7-9). This will keep people in the anddesign will give pride in theirtraffic neighborhood. If Thearea, current of them splitting highway through downtown Little Rock is an improvement, Concern 1 – corridor Issue 2, (enclosure: Involvement of Participating We respectfully request that you revisit the stated b. goals for the I-30 Image 1). These are Agencies Rock Region Metro eStem Public Charter School b.atofConcern 2 –proposed Issuewith 2, Lighting and Visibility people arethe more likely to take carewill of it.create A community gathering distribution of traffic less congestion. We are concerned the treatment of 2nd There appears a divide, lack communication, the governmental andfeel connected to a place, theyas noble goals that will benefit our community for generations. We needtotobetake a hardorlook our current area, a place athletics, or a place for people to learn more the community, likeless visitor’s and 4ththere expanded highway design is wide Arkansas enough, that for unless it is carefully addressed, streets will will be become a about mobility focused and concerned with integrating with the existing the long term planning of our central solution and determine if we are meeting those goals. nongovernmental agencies related to The Russell, AIA, NCARB Robin Loucks Keith Canfield welcome all ideal improved usesThere of theof space. ‘dark hole’ between the river the President Clinton Library and Park. conditions are the street grid which are utilized by pedestrians Jeremiah and vehicles alike. communities. An example of this is the apparent surprise about themarket currentand design tocenter those are Principal Architect Downtown Neighborhood Association Principal, Creative Instinct Chris East, AIA, LEED AP Joe Stanley, AIA Keeping these goals in mind, there are several concernsagencies, we have,specifically each with their specific issuesduring as to how numerous reasons crossing underneath a long (SAG) dark bridge will be bad for the community. Rock related Region Metro. Also, ourwhy Stakeholder’s Advisory Group Rogue Architecture Commissioner LR Parks and Rec. Cromwell Architects & studioMAIN President Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects & studioMAIN Secretary/Treasurer the current design will affect the community, and how meetings, it will meetand thethe goals. Listed Workshop, below, andwe enclosed Suggested Resolution, Concern 4 – Issue 3 3 –agencies Issue 2, Developable land Historic District Commissioner Visioning do notwith havethis representatives b. fromConcern the related 501.372.2900 | ceast@cromwell.com 501.378.0878 | jstanley@polkstanleywilcox.com letter, you will find our stated concerns and referencesthere to planning images and the Cityto of maintain Little Rockthe integrity of the Suggested Resolution, Concern – Issue 2areas where the existing circular ramps Work are withlocated the Cityhave of Little Rock’s agencies and property owners an opportunity to become an to participate. Weinformation understand provided they haveduring been invited, but their2lack ofThe involvement PEL study sessions. through the bridge asdepartments, much as possible, and include artificial street lighting grid system under the and its multitude traffic options. ofTraffic the city. These areas make sense to grow relative to theirofadjacent uses. ToBe themindful of the treatment of the lane indicates a flaw. The city, county and Allow regionnatural need tolight have their Public Worksenhancement Enclosure: (1) PEL reference images and concept examples. bridge designed by an accredited lighting designer. widths, timing of the stop lights and treatment of the street edges to accommodate for future west, River Market side, the area can become developable land and can improve the connectivity Engineering, Planning, Zoning and Transit Authorities participate so we can have a comprehensive If the lanes are wide, timingcan of develop the lightsasallow speeding, and the sidewalks are narrow, east and west. I-30, adjacent to existing parkland, Cc: Arkansas State Highway Commission, Mayor Mark Stodola, Mayor Joe Smith, Judge Barry Hyde, Metroplan, solution to our community’s long term growth that outlasts the impact of one individual in The area to the east ofgrowth. accidents willcommunity. occur. Garver Engineers, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) improved parkland and become an amenity to the elected office, or a staff position. 1
EAT & EDUCATE
studioMAIN 2014-2015 Board Members:
Suggested Resolution, Concern 1 – Issue 2 A barrier to walking beneath bridge includesMulti-Modal the noise level of the above. If the bridge is 4. aAddressing transportation 5.traffic Scale of the project relative to cost to make it community responsive Please speak with the elected officials constantly and staff ofwhirring each agency, and explain this is4the of tires and machinery, it will be aproject nuisance to local residents and/ visitors. a. that Concern – Issue 1, Public Transit a. /Priorities Bike Pedestrian of achieving the stated goals. I-30 Corridor Concerns will have the largest impact on the development of our community since the Interstate System Mr. Scott Bennett, Director A growing concern is the I-30 corridor improvement There have been focuses many more coston projections Mobility ofdiscussed the personal from the beginning of the project, by many first installed. The long term planning and scale of this project requires direct from Resolution, Concern 2 – Issue 3 attention Arkansas State Highway and Transportation1.Department vehicle than it does on the other stated different goals. This agencies, is exemplified butChris oneby item the has reasons remained statedconsistent, above, the cost make the improvements Need for long term comprehensive was planning for our community. Suggested Little Glen to Woodruff each agency, above and beyond their day to daynoise operation. 10324 Interstate 30 Consider attenuation measures to noise away from the community below. Have butkeep alsothe by the lack of integration of thelisted elements above related can betoaccomplished bike/ped/public with transit. 2-5% ofWe the overall construction cost. This expense will Related Product Sales WD&D Architects a. Concern 1 – Issue 1, Need for an Integrated transportation plan Little Rock, AR 72209 the noise attenuation solution designed by an acoustical engineer verifyonthe noise is no worse, understand there will be no to transit the either bridge, destroy but itthe cangrowth be more of our costcommunity, effectively planned or encourage for it to flourish. The AHTD and our local governing agencies need to work together to develop a comprehensive ideally improved, from the experience we have currently. 2. West Connectivity the future now, than it will be to add it later. Making one of the largest infrastructure multimodal thatEastcollects traffic where and it can move efficiently, and separates traffic RE: I-30 Corridor Planning and Environmental Linkages: Providetraffic a safe,system efficient, aesthetically pleasing, investments without the consideration of Suggested how transit Resolution, can be accommodated Concern 5 – Issue is a failed 1 lack of a. Concern 2 - Issue 1,masterplanning Expanded width affecting connectivity. environmentally sound intermodal transportation as itsystem. slows down. This needs to happen as a collaborative effort that takes the d. Concern 2 – Issue 4, Experience / Aesthetics planning. Consider all options related to how the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department can Theaccount new highway width more the growth patterns of our communities into and finds a way tothan workdoubles together toexisting achieveI-30 a corridor, and unless it very carefully Every design element from the selection of the structural system to the finish of the concrete and system into a community friendly, multi modal transportation system, and Dear Mr. Bennett, integrate the Highway long term solution for our great city. addresses all possible ways to travel east-west, this will further cut off growth of Little Rock to the James Meyer, AIA, LEED AP Jordan Thomas, ASLA fixtures will have aniseffect on thewith aesthetics. Many aesthetic are Suggested Resolution, 4 –design Issue not 1decisions only a highway system. Take the time to vet all possible project partners and funding options, East (see images 3 and 4 below for thelight Artist’s rendering). This in conflict one of the firstof theConcern WER Architects/Planners Arkansas State Parks We have a growing concern about the integration and impact that the current design of the I-30 corridor will have fashionable, and we by request all decisions remove the fashionable elements related to how the the Work with community transit authorities whether to accommodate it affects multimodal overall timeline transportation of the project options or not. It is better to consider all options and goals of the study (see image 1). This width isedge determined the anticipated traffic as calculated The current approach implies that the transportation system starts and ends at the of the on the future of our city and state as we plan the largest infrastructure project of this generation. This project will bridge looks. If there is a decision to make bridge better from a connectivity, both the East-West and North-South in the I-30 comprehensively corridor.lighting, In the plan East-West for the long direction, term growth make aof great state of Arkansas. to be at 2041. With the growth of our advancement of technologies, and perform agencies right of way. Thisdefine is detrimental toexpected the long term The fastcities, moving affect the function of our community for not just the immediate future, but will the growth patterns for planning of our city. visibility, or noise standpoint that CD is the direction request you pursue. a finish as east, to the redeveloping neighborhood connection from the existing starterIfstreet carsuch system repopulization ofbe ourmasterplanned downtowns, we great concern this 10 lane solution is we highway system and slow moving localof traffic needsthis to tohave directa positive central Arkansas for the next generation as well. We ask for a more thorough consideration the impact stainless steel is more long lasting anddo maintenance a finish likeapainted steel,about then how we a larger and the airport. Create masterplan transit system can reach the Kate Dimitrova Morgan Balmer, ASID overbuilding accommodatejoin people in our downtown but who noteventually live here,free arethan growth patterns our communities. If we doDepartment notto collaboratively thesewho twowork systems with all project will have on our collective concerns, and that the Arkansas Statefor Highway and Transportation As planners we haveofathe duty to protect the life, safetyneeds and welfare and the people that occupy ask youindifference. incorporateThe the commuters better long term solution. The who cleanliness and Architects/Planners Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects communities. Whether it issimplicity incorporated atdesign first orwill not,WER Public Transit to be of our community engaged, and treat our community with areouter not the people modes transportation the communities net effectless is neither system will operate as well desired. look more closely into resolving these issues to help build uponofone of the greatest in the south. spaces we design. The current design is focused overwhelmingly on the driver of the highway, who is not the only speak to the aesthetics. We want this bridge to look as good for the next generation as it will the addressedwithin as part of the larger transportation solution for our state. will be most affected by the expanded bridge, it is the people living in the community user of this space, since this space goes through the largest urban area within our state. AHTD has an daywho it opens. these expanded highways are built will be affected the most. StudioMAIN is a member of the Stakeholder Advisory Group, andtowe have following thewhich development of to thea circulation We need think ofbeen our transportation system relative system. We cannot opportunity to create an exemplar urban interstate connection that could become a model for other urban areas b. Concern 4 – Issue 2, La Harpe/ President Clinton Avenue I30 corridor very closely since the first meeting in July 2014. We appreciate hardarteries work the designaddressing team has how they affect the ancillary routes and enlarge the size of ourthe major without sufferingand frombest the same We need collaborate and advocate for the best Bill to Forbess Pageplanning Wilson possible in order to 3. The meetdesign theiralleviates highest use.issues. Suggested Resolution, Concern – spaces Issueissues 1 related Theto current the ongoing problem the city of Little Rock has at the La put into the project so far, and we know they are doingthoroughfares. the best they can to get theconsider community involved, butofwe If we do not the integration all systems, we2 create like the to onethe bridge need Forbess Contracting Corp. become the best community we can. This highway system is a reflection of thePaul/Page values ofDwellings each one of us as a Focus on on providing allow3– forIssue the ability to enhance driver, biker and Clinton Avenue interchange, which is the most dangerous intersection in the Harpe/President a. that Concern 1, Areas under the Bridges are concerned there is not enough long term masterplanning happening processClinton/La and the effect those multiple crossings we currently havein atthe President Harpe intersection. MacArthur person, as individually we create the community we live in. We request the AHTD revisit Park whatHDC goals are governing agencies toexperience provide theoffollowing: lighting the and state for beneath pedestrian and vehicular corridor, State Highway 10, who will be most directly impacted by the project are not being given enough consideration. pedestrian experiences. Work with local As expressed above, the passing bridge needsaccidents. to addressAs alltraffic modesfrom of the I-30 Signatories: important to the community, to solve aCocurrent problem of traffic congestion at our rush hours, and plan for the signage sharrows for bikers, 5’ sidewalk and and ourwith growing District in one location, there will be problems and we be wella minimum lit, relatively quiet well built.River ThisMarket also applies to concentrates the areas between Suggested Resolution, Concern 1 – Issue 1 for drivers, a separated lane ortransportation, diverse growth of our community and state for the next generation. As an organization of design professionals we are empathetic to the incredibly difficult problem of integrating a such as trashcans, benches, bike racks, lamps and material pedestrian amenities improvements. agree with the recommendation of to divide the traffictheir and alleviate the concentration. This will the existing east-west connections at the streets. These areas need to be designed to meet Work with the local governing agencies to develop a comprehensive masterplan to improve high traffic corridor within an urban area where the culmination of private and commercial interests, river, rail, At President Ave. crossing, work with the city Little Rock to provide a pedestrian also allow the and downtown portion to reduce the size of Cantrell Road and create an highest and best use and become a place for people not parking. integrating with slower moving, multimodal street Clinton grid system. These improvements can beofmade Thank youof forLittle yourRock consideration. pedestrian, bike, and public transit come together. Each of these aspects plays an importantexperience role in a healthy and will draw River defending Market area to the Clinton Library thatconnection can improved with the Arkansas River. over time, but will need to be planned to developthat a system that people is not afrom singlethe agency functioning urban environment. To maintain the rapid growth and investment in this area, itinclude is critical to consider retail storefronts, space orSuggested tourist amenities. TheConcern intent of3the growth Resolution, – Issue 1 of the Clinton Sincerely, their mission and right of way, but for the community and state park as a whole. th the multiple layers of activity that contribute to its success. Jarod Varner John Bacon Presidential Library and Park was to connect togymnasium West (see images c. Concern 4 –promotes Issue 3, people 2nd andto4the street Place aEast park, or other5-6). installation that area (see example October 22, 2015
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EXHIBITION SILO AR+D Works from Arkansas 2015-2016 with Architecture + Design Network
PLANNING EXISTING
Financial Quarter
BANK LOBBIES reimaging and connecting
A group of community stakeholders asked studioMAIN for ideas about re-branding the once vibrant financial center of Little Rock. The data shows that a viable daytime population exists, but the street level amenities that might be common in most cities for a comparable population, have in this quarter, ceased to exist for various reasons. studioMAIN’s team developed a report proposing a three phase approach to revitalizing this still important and well populated financial center of our city: The Quarter.
SIMMONS PLAZA Simmons Plaza has the potential to set precedent for the entire district. As a gateway to the Financial Quarter, Simmons Plaza contains all of the essential components. A gateway, a major intersection and crossing, sidewalk, street furniture, location for art. The design of this plaza is key. Center Street Old State House
THE QUARTER 53
THE ORDER OF THINGS: Two important strees are key to ordering the Financial Quarter and connecting the Quarter to existing adjacent districts. Capitol Avenue connects the Quarter visually to the State Capitol Building to the West to the Creative Corridor / Main Street to the East. Developing Capitol Avenue and the three key interstions indicated in the diagram to the right will help to organize and brand the Quarter. Center Street connects the Old State Capitol to the North with the Quapaw Quarter and Govoners Mansion to the South. Center Street becomes an important pedestrian street that should be developed in a manner that encourages walking between the important neighborhood, the Quapaw Quarter, with future housing the Financial Quarter. It is important to connect this present and future housing to the activities of the River Market and Clinton Avenue.
Capitol Avenue Regional Financial Quarter
RETURN TO THE CENTER
FOCUS
FOCUS
Center Street Govenors Mansion / Quapaw Quarter Broadway Transportation Connnections
Center Street Main Street Local Residential Regional Pedistrian Connnections Creative Corridor 9 State House to Govenors Mansion / Quapaw Quarter
EXHIBITION Creative Corridor Grand Opening studioMAIN hosted visitors on a tour of the creative corridor during its grand opening event in September, 2015. Mayors and city directors from across the Midwest United States, along with representatives from the EPA, were offered a tour of the ongoing enhancements.
SITE ADJACENCIES
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PLANNING Wildwood Academy of Music & the Arts The Wildwood Park project envisioned a destination where the lives of Arkansans would be enriched by creating a sense of community where nature and the arts can be cultivated. The Wildwood Academy of Music & the Arts provides access to the highest standards in music and arts education in central Arkansas and throughout the region. studioMAIN worked with the board of Wildwood to expand their music and arts education program and provide on campus housing and dining. The vision and plan included accommodating growth of continuing executive education and public community events while maintaining the natural aesthetic of the beautiful Wildwood grounds.
IN THE NEWS A selection of 2015 publications featuring studioMAIN
February 2015
January 2015
April 2015
January 2015
April 2015
July 2015
November 2015
July 2015
August 2015
November 2015
October 2015
December 2015
December 2015
2015 FINANCIALS INCOME
$36,720 INDIVIDUAL, PROFESSIONAL & INSTITUTIONAL
MISCELLANEOUS
PROJECTS
EXPENSE / ALLOCATION
$48,204 Includes 2014 Project/Program carry-over of $29,770
ADMINISTRATION & PERSONNEL
ADVERTISING / MARKETING
PROJECT / PROGRAM
501(c)(3) FEDERAL INCOME TAX EXEMPT
ANI-RRG MEMBER-INSURED
In our fourth year, studioMAIN received
VOLUNTEER + 4,200 HOURS
from design professionals & community members
curated and housed
6
EXHIBITIONS + completed COMMUNITY PROJECTS
3 DESIGN COMPETITIONS 3+ th POP UP 4 IN THE ROCK EAT & EDUCATES 5 NEWS PUBLICATIONS + 30 & BROADCASTS
sharing the importance of thoughtful design with the general public
organized and executed
pairing local artistic talent with community needs partnered with community members and organizations to successfully develop and execute the
organized and held
providing LU’s to design professionals
featured in
a look ahead
2016 EXHIBITIONS: • studioMAIN 2015 Year In Review • UALR Applied Design Program • Fay Jones School of Architecture student work • Annual Design Awards of AIA / ASLA / ASID
2016 PROJECTS: • Wildwood Park for the Arts - Masterplan • South Main Lighting Masterplan • South Main Public Art - Phase 2 • Little Rock Financial Quarter - Event • dRAIN smART 2016 • Pop Up in the Rock 2016 • AdventureSCAPES
2015 BOARD MEMBERS
2015 SUPPORTERS
Chris East, AIA - President | Cromwell Architects & Engineers Morgan Balmer, ASID | Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects Heather Davis | Polk Stanley WIlcox Architects Kate Dimitrova - PR Committee Chair | WER Architects / Planners Mason Ellis, AIA | WER Architects / Planners Lawrence Finn | Dakota Development and Community Liz Floyd | Executive Director Bill Forbess | Contractor Jennifer Herron, AIA | Herron Horton Architects Chris Little - Development Chair | Related Product Sales James Meyer, AIA | WER Architects / Planners Jonathan Opitz, AIA | AMR Architects, AIA Arkansas Central Section Chair Joe Stanley, AIA - Secretary / Treasurer | Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects Jordan Thomas, ASLA | Arkansas State Parks Page Wilson - Ex Officio | Paul Page Dwellings, General Contractors Glen Woodruff - Ex Officio | WD&D Architects
City of Little Rock AIA Arkansas Central Section of AIA Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture, University of Arkansas Anita Davis, The Bernice Garden of Little Rock Quapaw Central Business Improvement District Cromwell Architects & Engineers Ace Glass Allison Architects AMR Architects Clark Contractors Dr. Dean Kumpuris Ecological Design Group Evo Business Environments Kinco Constructors Moses Tucker Real Estate Nabholz Construction Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects WER Architects / Planners WD&D Architects Capitol Avenue Development Co. Flake & Kelley Commercial
2015 VOLUNTEERS Sarah Bennings | Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects Brandon Bibby, Assoc. AIA | WER Architects / Planners Chris Hancock | Historic Arkansas Museum Michael Hansberry | East Harding Jeff Hough, AIA | Williams Dean Architects Shawn Luther | DCI Construction Michael McGrew | Clark Contractors Adam Osweiler | McClelland Consulting Engineers Patty Opitz, AIA | Polk Stanley WIlcox Architects Kate Spitz | UALR Intern Paul Timko | Cromwell Architects Engineers Caleb Tyson | WD&D Architects Aaron Wildschuetz | WD&D Architects Devin Williams-Hancock | Esse Purse Museum / The Bernice Garden Lance Wright | Nabholz Contractors
2015 ALLIED ORGANIZATIONS Architecture & Design Network, June Freeman - Director UALR Applied Design Program ASID, South Central Chapter Metroplan of Central Arkansas Create Little Rock UALR University District Partnership Emerging Professionals of AIA Arkansas Wildwood Park for the Arts Rock Region Metro
how to get involved join us for a Project Meeting from 11:30-1:00pm on the first Tuesday of each month @ studioMAIN: 1423 South Main Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 email us @: info@studio-main.org visit our website @: www.studio-main.org
studio.main.ar @studiomainar @Studio_Main
1423 South Main Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 www.studio-main.org info@studio-main.org