Category Archives: Architecture

September Preservation Conversations

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The Quapaw Quarter Association’s monthly Preservation Conversation continues tonight.

This month’s topic is a discussion of sculptor Dionicio Rodriguez. His work is found throughout Arkansas. Rachel Silva of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program will lead the discussion.

The program takes place this evening at Curran Hall, 615 East Capitol Avenue. From 5 to 5:30 a reception will take place. The program will run from 5:30 to 6:30.

The Quapaw Quarter Association’s mission is to promote the preservation of Little Rock’s architectural heritage through advocacy, marketing and education. Incorporated in 1968, the QQA grew out of an effort to identify and protect significant historic structures in Little Rock during the urban renewal projects of the early 1960s. Throughout its existence, the QQA has been a driving force behind historic preservation in Greater Little Rock.

Learn about local preservation efforts tonight

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This evening at Curran Hall, the Quapaw Quarter Association and Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas will be hosting Preservation Libations.  It will take place from 5pm to 6:30pm.

The purpose of this evening is to learn more about the organizations and to celebrate their work saving places.   The evening is free and open to the public.

While enjoying liquid refreshments, guests can learn about upcoming programs of both the QQA and HPAA and buy tickets to their upcoming events.  Special joint memberships of the two organizations will also be available.

QQA: The Quapaw Quarter Association is a non-profit historic preservation advocacy organization whose mission is to promote the preservation of the historic buildings and neighborhoods of Greater Little Rock. The QQA grew out of an effort to identify and protect significant historic structures in Little Rock during the “urban renewal” days of the early 1960s, making it one of the oldest preservation organizations in the nation.

Throughout its existence, the QQA has been a driving force behind historic preservation in Greater Little Rock, which now boasts over 250 individually-listed National Register properties as well as 15 National Register Historic Districts. In addition to advocacy on local preservation issues, the QQA’s programs include its online newsletter, the Chronicle; an annual Spring Tour of Historic Homes; public workshops; and an historic house marker program.

HPAA: The Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas is the only statewide nonprofit organization focused on preserving Arkansas’s architectural and cultural resources. Founded in 1981, the Alliance’s mission is to educate, advocate and assist preservation efforts across the state. Through educational programs centered on architectural heritage, advocating for preservation legislation in the halls of the State Capitol and at the local level, and assisting owners of historic properties with the means and expertise to preserve and restore historic structures, the Alliance has been a statewide voice for preservation in Arkansas for three decades.

Sculpture Vulture: Interdependence

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The Sculpture Vulture returns today with a visit to the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport.  Mark Leichliter’s Interdependence: Encircling the Future was installed near the entrance to the airport in 2004.

This sculpture greets visitors to the airport whether they are departing or arriving.  It was commissioned by the Airport Commission to be a focal point with the existing airport as well as play a pivotal role in any future expansion.

Leichliter is a member of the National Sculptors’ Guild.  He has several other installations in Little Rock.

The three rings represent the world, the nation, and the individual; the complex intersections between the rings symbolize the vital and undeniable interconnections between these three elements, as well as underscoring the strength that exists when these facets all work together cooperatively.

The sculpture is fabricated from cold-rolled A36 steel with the base and first ring being 12 gauge (.105 inch) and the remainder 14 gauge (.075 inch). It is finished with a baked-on powder coat by Cardinal Industrial Finishes, product RD03. The sculpture is 16 feet tall, 11 feet 8 inches wide, and 2 feet 10 inches deep.

 

Culture Vulture tending the nest

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The Little Rock Culture Vulture is on vacation until Labor Day.

QQA Preservation Conversation in July

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The Quapaw Quarter Association’s monthly Preservation Conversation continues tonight.

This month’s topic is “How to Find the History of your House or Building.” The discussion will offer participants the opportunity to learn about what the QQA Research Files have to offer and other ways to find the history of a house.

The program takes place this evening at Curran Hall, 615 East Capitol Avenue. From 5 to 5:30 a reception will take place. The program will run from 5:30 to 6:30. At 6:30 participants are encouraged to keep the conversation going at Lulav Eatery, which will offer a 25% discount to those who attend Preservation Conversations.

The Quapaw Quarter Association’s mission is to promote the preservation of Little Rock’s architectural heritage through advocacy, marketing and education. Incorporated in 1968, the QQA grew out of an effort to identify and protect significant historic structures in Little Rock during the urban renewal projects of the early 1960s. Throughout its existence, the QQA has been a driving force behind historic preservation in Greater Little Rock.

Architeaser – June 29

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Yesterday’s Architeaser was the awning and balcony of the Capital Hotel. Though not unique at the time it was constructed, it is now one of only two balconies which extend out over the sidewalk in Little Rock. When the building was constructed there was no balcony; it was added, however, during the early years as the building was modified and expanded.

Here is today’s Architeaser, which is the newest awning this week.

Architeaser June 28

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Yesterday’s Architeaser was the awning on the 1911 George Mann designed Centre Place Building.  The building is Beaux Arts meets Chicago in style. The awning is simpler – cast iron painted brown with few decorations – when contrasted with other awnings of the time period which are still extant in Little Rock.  One of the unique features of this awning is that it is affixed to the building by chains instead of cables or rods.

Here is today’s double decker Architeaser.