Yesterday’s Architeaser kicked off a week of architectural flowers in the City of Roses. Appropriately, yesterday’s feature was the old Rose Law Firm building on Main Street. It was built in 1908 and features architectural roses across the front facade.
On the date in 1959, the musical Gypsy opened in Broadway. It contains the song “Everything’s Coming up Roses.”. Appropriately, today’s Architeaser showcases another rose on a building in Little Rock.
Yesterday’s Architeaser was a crest on the Democrat Printing and Lithograph building. Built in 1924. It is now home to the Arkansas Business Publishing Group.
Here is today’s Architeaser. Since April showers bring May flowers, here is a flower on a building in the City of Roses.
The Pulitzer Prizes are announced tomorrow. Two previous Pulitzer Prize winners are buried in Mt. Holly – poet John Gould Fletcher and publisher J. N. Heiskell. With an eye toward the Pulitzers as well as some of the sculpture in Mt. Holly, today the Sculpture Vulture focuses on a statue which honors the memory of Little Rock firefighter Henry C. Brookin.
The sculpture depicts a firefighter in a helmet holding a hose. On the base is the inscription “Erected by the Volunteer Firemen of Little Rock to the memory of Henry C. Brookin. Born Mar. 23, 1852, Died Mar. 11, 1891. He Was Killed Responding.”
The statue, forged in metal, is only a couple of feet tall but stands on a stone pedestal of approximately four feet tall. It marks Mr. Brookin’s grave. It is the only metal statue in the cemetery and the only one which does not depict an angel, child or religious figure.
As runners in the Little Rock Marathon raced downtown today, they went past this sculpture of St. Andrew which sits in front of the Cathedral of St. Andrew near the race course.
The sculpture, St. Andrew – Ave Crux (Behold the Cross) was installed in 1979 under the leadership of Bishop Andrew J. McDonald of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock and Monsignor B. F. McDevitt, Rector of the Cathedral of St. Andrew.
In 1981, the statue was dedicated as a memorial to Monsignor McDevitt.
The statue, by the sculptor Pedrini, is just under 10 feet tall and is carved out of Carrara marble. It depicts St. Andrew holding a scroll with the words “Go Teach All Nations” as well as a string bag of fish.
These items pay homage to his background as a fisherman and his work as a disciple who taught and traveled as far as Russia, Turkey and Italy — far journeys from the Holy Land in ancient times.
The saltire, or X shaped cross, stands behind him. Also known as St. Andrews cross, legend has it that he was crucified on a cross of this shape as opposed to the traditional “T” shape.
dwell believes that designing for the modern world begins with honoring the precedents of the past. So it joined forces with Sub-Zero to conceive a contest dedicated to rethinking preservation! Little Rock was nominated and now it is time to vote! A panel of judges selects the winner from the top ten that receive the most votes. dwell donates $10,000 to a worthy preservation organization. To get in the preservation spirit read the special digital issue Rethinking Preservation presented by Sub-Zero.
This is what they say about Little Rock:
Main Street Little Rock, Arkansas represents a well-known story. In its heyday, it was filled with department stores, restaurants and offices. It was the center of commerce, close to government, and had architecturally renowned buildings. Arkansas’s history can be connected to Main Street for generations. Today, there are a handful of businesses along the street supported by loyal locals, but most former department store and office buildings are now vacant or have been demolished for surface parking. Main Street has struggled for the past few decades, but is now poised to be a leader in downtown redevelopment in the South.
Little Rock has seen significant success with the development of areas surrounding Main Street, and there are new tax incentives in place for historic rehabilitation projects. Sadly, several historic buildings have been lost unnecessarily, but many significant buildings remain. Main Street is worthy of preservation because it represents the heart of Arkansas and it presents a rare opportunity to make Little Rock a leader in sustainable development.
Imagine: well designed, environmentally sensitive infill buildings working in conjunction with LEED certified rehabilitated historic buildings.
Like many people, the Little Rock Culture Vulture has an iPhone and takes many iPhotos. Yesterday, today and tomorrow, the entries highlight some of his favorite personal iPhotos taken in Little Rock during 2011. The are divided into the Good, the Odd and the Arty.
Today focuses on The Odd. These 11 from ’11 are presented chronologically. None of these are staged or altered photos. They are just things witnessed.
Hillcrest Kroger before a snow - January 2011
Blessings of medicines cancelled due to illness. Oops. - January 2011
Theater or Theatre? (pre-renovation Arkansas Rep signage) - April 2011
Cinderella in the River Market? - Downtown Little Rock - May 2011
New take on liquidity of deposits -- downtown Little Rock - May 2011
A new downtown eatery? Alley between 2nd and Markham in downtown Little Rock - June 2011
Sunday morning - The party's over - July 2011
Unique take on outdoor lighting along Kavanaugh - October 2011
Perhaps enough coffee for the Culture Vulture - November 2011
The wind disobeys signs - Heights 2011
In case anyone feels like repairing the steps -- supplies will be provided -- Pulaski County Courthouse - December 2011
The Quapaw Quarter Association launched a new monthly education series this year entitled “Preservation Conversations.” They take place the third Monday of each month at historic Curran Hall, which serves as the QQA headquarters in addition to being the Mayor’s Official Reception Hall.
Tonight is the October conversation – “Weatherization Tips for Your Old House.” It will be presented by energy expert Andrea Ingalsbe.
Beginning at 5:00, Curran Hall will be open for patrons to enjoy a glass of wine, programs start at 5:30 p.m. and last for one hour. After the official program concludes, all are invited to keep the conversation going and enjoy a discounted dinner at nearby Copper Grill, 300 East Third Street.
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. Rhea Roberts is the Executive Director.
Little Rock Culture Vulture 