Argenta

[skirby]

Work is moving right along on the Vue on Riverfront.

From MT facebook page:

[skirby]

Last night the NLR City Council passed an ordinance establishing the "Argenta Outdoor Dining District". The purpose is to allow restaurants, bars and breweries to sell alcoholic beverages which can be carried out for consumption within the district. The district will run mostly on Main between 8th and Broadway.

[skirby]

What should be a  busy Saturday afternoon a very empty Argenta Plaza. Thanks a lot covid. 

[skirby]

The Vue on Riverfront from the parking lot at Dickey Stephens Park.

 

[skirby]

Construction update from the Vue on Riverfront's website:

[skirby]

Simmons Arena has new cladding around the top to cover up the white part that always appeared to be dirty.

Starbucks is being built between the Arena and I-30 at the old gas station location.

 

Edited July 25, 2020 by skirby

[Architect]

skirby- nice photos. Argenta is REALLY becoming a nice “district” in the metro. River Rail service is a nice amenity as well for those who opt to live in the neighborhood and ride to work.

p.s. By the way, that isn’t a new “cover” on the upper arena wall, they simply painted the original white paneling a warm grey. I’ll admit, it looks better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[skirby]

9 minutes ago, Architect said:

skirby- nice photos. Argenta is REALLY becoming a nice “district” in the metro. River Rail service is a nice amenity as well for those who opt to live in the neighborhood and ride to work.

p.s. By the way, that isn’t a new “cover” on the upper arena wall, they simply painted the original white paneling a warm grey. I’ll admit, it looks better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Maybe it is a paint job but I agree that it looks much better.

[adman0468]

On 7/25/2020 at 12:34 PM, Architect said:

skirby- nice photos. Argenta is REALLY becoming a nice “district” in the metro. River Rail service is a nice amenity as well for those who opt to live in the neighborhood and ride to work.

p.s. By the way, that isn’t a new “cover” on the upper arena wall, they simply painted the original white paneling a warm grey. I’ll admit, it looks better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Unfortunately, the River Rail doesn't start running until close to lunchtime so it's useless for morning commuters. 

[Architect]

Unfortunately, the River Rail doesn't start running until close to lunchtime so it's useless for morning commuters. 

Seriously? That’s pretty ridiculous.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[skirby]

10 hours ago, adman0468 said:

Unfortunately, the River Rail doesn't start running until close to lunchtime so it's useless for morning commuters. 

The schedule  shows they start service at 8:20 AM everyday except Sunday. But right now, according to Rock Region's website, service is suspended due to covid-19.

[adman0468]

On 7/27/2020 at 6:31 AM, skirby said:

The schedule  shows they start service at 8:20 AM everyday except Sunday. But right now, according to Rock Region's website, service is suspended due to covid-19.

You're right. When I searched yesterday, I found 11:00 but now don't know where that was.

 

8:20 still doesn't help with an 8 to 5 job. 

[Architect]

8:20 still doesn't help with an 8 to 5 job. 

Agreed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Arkanzin]

On 7/26/2020 at 10:15 PM, adman0468 said:

Unfortunately, the River Rail doesn't start running until close to lunchtime so it's useless for morning commuters. 

It's not useful for residents of Little Rock or North Little Rock.  But it's damn cute for the tourists!  #whatcoudldhavebeen

[Architect]

4 hours ago, Arkanzin said:

It's not useful for residents of Little Rock or North Little Rock.  But it's damn cute for the tourists!  #whatcoudldhavebeen

I had an opportunity to submit a question to the "big 3" leaders in a public forum last year (Mayor Patrick Hays, Judge Buddy Villines, and Mayor Jim Daily) about River Rail.  I asked them specifically if they regretted originally casting the system in a touristy "street car" fashion, rather than a more serious mode of transportation form factor (like OKC's new system), particularly in light of the fact that the system has pervasively taken criticism as being a gimmick for tourists rather than a viable transportation option; in fact, I postulated that it's hurt the system's chances of expansion, which it desperately needs.  They sort of evaded my questions about the criticism, and defended the decision as being largely based on cost.  Apparently the "historic cars" were significantly less expensive than the more modern options, which I found surprising.  I was disappointed they weren't more candid about the lack of traction and that they weren't more forthcoming about how the system has, in my opinion, underperformed.

[LR501]

6 hours ago, Architect said:

I had an opportunity to submit a question to the "big 3" leaders in a public forum last year (Mayor Patrick Hays, Judge Buddy Villines, and Mayor Jim Daily) about River Rail.  I asked them specifically if they regretted originally casting the system in a touristy "street car" fashion, rather than a more serious mode of transportation form factor (like OKC's new system), particularly in light of the fact that the system has pervasively taken criticism as being a gimmick for tourists rather than a viable transportation option; in fact, I postulated that it's hurt the system's chances of expansion, which it desperately needs.  They sort of evaded my questions about the criticism, and defended the decision as being largely based on cost.  Apparently the "historic cars" were significantly less expensive than the more modern options, which I found surprising.  I was disappointed they weren't more candid about the lack of traction and that they weren't more forthcoming about how the system has, in my opinion, underperformed.

While I love the rail cars from a purely aesthetic perspective, do we really think an expansive rail system is necessary and/or sustainable in LR? I’m truly asking, because I really don’t know. I recently graduated from the University of Oregon, where I learned that their recently developed (relatively) MAX streetcar operates at a massive loss. I know profitability isn’t the only driving force, but is there a need here?

[Architect]

While I love the rail cars from a purely aesthetic perspective, do we really think an expansive rail system is necessary and/or sustainable in LR? I’m truly asking, because I really don’t know. I recently graduated from the University of Oregon, where I learned that their recently developed (relatively) MAX streetcar operates at a massive loss. I know profitability isn’t the only driving force, but is there a need here?

Generally, most public transportation systems operate as a loss. It’s a public service, like a library or other government services...they’re heavily subsidized. So sure, technically you’re right. But either way, my point is that if we’re going to have one, make it as relevant and practical as possible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LR501]

On 7/29/2020 at 10:06 PM, Architect said:

Generally, most public transportation systems operate as a loss. It’s a public service, like a library or other government services...they’re heavily subsidized. So sure, technically you’re right. But either way, my point is that if we’re going to have one, make it as relevant and practical as possible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah that makes sense, and I definitely agree. I guess I was just surprised at how big the deficit actually was, especially in a city like Portland. And with how quick some are to scrutinize the ways in which public money is appropriated, I was just curious how people generally felt about the rail in LR and what the reaction would be if the city were to invest in expanding it. Being downtown, I know I would love to have more practical uses for it.

[skirby]

From the  North Little Rock CVB facebook page showing the Argenta Entertainment District down Main St with Little Rock in the background.

[skirby]

East side of The Innovation Hub.

[skirby]

Across Broadway from the arena

East of Main Street

Argenta Christmas Tree

[Architect]

1 hour ago, skirby said:

Across Broadway from the arena

Cool photos...not sure I've ever seen a mural on a metal building before!  Only in Arkansas, ha!

[Arkanzin]

16 hours ago, Architect said:

Cool photos...not sure I've ever seen a mural on a metal building before!  Only in Arkansas, ha!

Arkansas means "Land of the Metal Buildings" in some unknown language.   I hate metal buildings, but that mural helps a lot! 

[skirby]

A new development for Argenta has been announced. It will consist of one building containing 13 apartments with space for a ground floor restaurant and another containing 3 townhouses. Construction is set to begin before the summer. This is the first of a number of  projects the developer has planned, which include  a mixed-use development on 1.9 acres of the 6 acres he owns in Argenta for the second phase.

Buildings designed by Taggart Architects.

 

[Architect]

4 hours ago, skirby said:

A new development for Argenta has been announced. It will consist of one building containing 13 apartments with space for a ground floor restaurant and another containing 3 townhouses. Construction is set to begin before the summer. This is the first of a number of  projects the developer has planned, which include  a mixed-use development on 1.9 acres of the 6 acres he owns in Argenta for the second phase.

Buildings designed by Taggart Architects.

 

Nice looking project and great infill development.