hogman

Though it may not seem exciting, it's great to know we have flights being added and not subtracted. This may open up an opportunity to get more airlines that are low cost to other destinations that are more exciting. Something is always better than nothing. Plus this flight was going to happen with Delta, but Katrina hit so they never added it.

I was in Conway the other day and noticed they have been moving a lot of dirt at the Lewis Crossing site. The Baptist Hospital is coming along very well. About a mile down the freeway, they have started working on the roundabout and overpass to connect Conway Commons with the future shopping center Central Landing. It's amazing to see things like this happening in Conway.

I love hearing all this great news!!! It looks like Little Rock is well on it's way to becoming a destination city, wouldn't you agree?

IMO the River Market will be fine. It's another destination people have the option to go to. Also, it's the biggest nightlife area in Little Rock. The Gateway Town Center is really more of retail scene vs an entertainment scene. It actually may help the River Market with more tourists that want to explore Little Rock.

Something interesting. Yesterday, I talked to a manager at the Nike Factory Store at the Promenade. She verified they will have a new store at the Outlets and still have the Promenade location. Has our market grown to handle all of this that's coming? I do know we are behind on having things other metros this size already had.

I have a friend in the construction industry and she told me it was a part of the original plans since it fell through at S.C. I hope she was not pulling my leg, but she seemed very confident.

I heard a rumor that Cheesecake Factory was looking our way. I hope it's not just a rumor.

Has anyone ever eaten at Johnny Rockets? Well, it'll be at the Outlet Mall.

Not sure if this fits here, but according to the plumbing permits, it looks like there will be a new hotel coming to 1100 S.University. It's the location of the old Brandon Warehouse Furniture. It will be a Staybridge Inn & Suites which is a part of the IHG (Holiday Inn) family of brands. Another hotel, in my opinion, is needed in that area.

That is Malvern National Bank.

Add Rack Room Shoes to the list.

Well,it looks like the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown/Airport is a go according to plumbing permits being submitted by Pinnacle Hotel Group. It will be located at 322 E 4th Street. It will be less than a block to the west of the new Homewood Suites. I don't know if I'd agree to bunch all those hotels together like that, but if the rooms are needed, be my guest. According to PHG's website, they also plan a Holiday Inn Express Downtown as well.

Well, it looks like they have moved the Grand Opening from Summer to Fall for the Outlets at Little Rock. The date to open is set for Oct 16, 2015. I wonder what may have happend to push the date back. Maybe a fall through or slow process of closing tenants? Hmm. Here's the article below. http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/103619/outlets-at-little-rock-to-open-oct-16

New to the market is what you wanted and that's what you'll get... The Promenade at Chenal is getting a Del Frisco's Grille. Here is a link to their website: http://delfriscosgrille.com/. If you pay attention to the locations, Little Rock is one of the smallest cities to get one.

It's not a gas station or a new office building. But, it will be a Home 2 Suites by Hilton. The fourth hotel in Shackleford Crossings.

Taziki's is opening a location in McCain Mall.

I've heard that Home Goods is coming to the Promenade. Not sure where it will go. I believe one of the out parcels or maybe it will fit into the center.

The other half of the new building on McCain and Springhill is a Mattress Firm next to the Vitamin Shop. I saw them putting up the sign yesterday afternoon. Also, a Mexican grill is opening next to Shoe Carnival (the former Taste of India place). Ulta and Dressbarn in Lakewood (in the old USA Drug) are almost complete.

Drove out to The Gateway Town Center today and decided to take the frontage road from Baseline to Otter Creek. They have cleared almost all of the trees east of where the outlets are to be placed. The land area looks HUGE!!! This project, I believe, is going to be bigger than originally expected. The land area looks to be big enough to hold The Promenade, Shackleford, Park Plaza and maybe half of McCain. This is including Love's, FSB and Bass Pro area of course. Mr. Tommy Hodges has a vision for this area. This will be like nothing we've seen here in Arkansas. It will most likely become our premier destination and help Little Rock move forward in becoming a destination city.

I'm guessing either by mid or near completion. Also, I looked at the Outlets of Mississippi website and I think our outlet mall may be closer to that. It just opened last Thanksgiving. I'm hoping for something a little better. We'll just have to wait and see.

There is a Little Rock Planning Commission meeting tomorrow (Jan 9) that will take place to allow the outlet mall to be built or not. I'm sure it will pass with no problems. When approved, construction is to begin early spring and be completed by summer 2015.

Oh wow. That's a shock. NOT! That would only have given us another choice for nightlife. What about all the bars and restaurants already down there? How many different places are there? Why would you not want something like this to come here. People already complain about not having many choices on places to go. Geez. See, this is one reason people will not have Little Rock host big events. Not enough for the city folks to do.

Yes Rock Street Shops, not lofts. There was an article at www.arkansasbusiness.com saying they are considering putting an Aloft in one of the old buildings on Main St.

New hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, coming to downtown at 4th and Cumberland. It will be located where the Rock Street Loft are now. The parking lot will become the hotel and the current building will become the parking lot for the hotel. It will be seven stories and have 135 rooms, a bar and restaurant. Scheduled to be completed by March 2016. Hilton and Marriott are taking over downtown. Hilton Homewood Suites will be about a block over where the MacArthur Commons will be. Here's a link below. http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/95877/pinnacle-group-bringing-hilton-garden-to-downtown-little-rock

There is a fenced lot to the east of the movie theater and north of Corky's and U.S.Bank. Kind of a tight spot. The NLRAC might have to lower the rates.