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What an interesting time it is to watch the continued development of Argenta in North Little Rock and the redevelopment of the River Market in downtown Little Rock.
In some ways, the two districts find themselves on contrasting arcs. The River Market is trying to reinvigorate itself as Argenta sees a flurry of new development.
North Little Rock is orchestrating nearly $80 million in projects through 2028, including the $25 million Arena District, a $14 million conference center and a $30 million hotel. Meanwhile, Little Rock is considering $20 million to $25 million for Ottenheimer Hall renovations and developing a downtown park — the wish list unveiled for it last week came in around $100 million spread out over 20 years and several phases.
That’s a lot of dollars reshaping the core of our metro area.
As this is happening, I still feel the often unspoken undercurrent that Argenta and the River Market are at odds. But both sides would be better off investing in connectivity and collaboration between the two commercial districts separated only by a river.
Greg Nabholz gets it: The success of one side of the Arkansas River spills into the other side. The Arena District developer noted to our Kyle Massey last week that “the downtown areas on both sides of the river are going to be a much bigger draw factor for tourists and visitors and even new residents.” He understands that a rising tide lifts all boats.
Simmons Bank Arena and Dickey-Stephens Park attract thousands of visitors who need to eat, drink and be entertained before and after games and concerts. The Clinton Library, Robinson Center and the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock do the same. No single downtown district can capture all that economic activity alone. So rather than making people pick one or the other to spend their time and their money in, we should make it easy and appealing to experience both.
Good infrastructure already exists, but there’s room for better collaboration, from marketing and event scheduling to moving people seamlessly between the two sides.
Even Willy D’s decision to leave the River Market for Argenta doesn’t have to be seen as inherently negative. Hazel’s Public House at the same time is preparing to move into the River Market District, illustrating what I think is a healthy market dynamic. Different venues serve different needs and audiences. The goal should be creating enough interest in the north and south banks that visitors see value in exploring the entire riverfront.
The investments on both sides will reach their full potential when they’re part of a larger, interconnected downtown experience.
Competition between municipalities is natural, and there’s a long history of it between Dogtown and Little Rock. But the more important competition isn’t Argenta versus the River Market. It’s central Arkansas versus Memphis, Nashville, Oklahoma City and other regional cities competing for tourism, conventions and young professionals.
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