Construction on the Arena District, a $25 million mixed-use project that will serve as a gateway to Argenta and includes an Aloft Hotel and the relocation of Willy D's Rock & Roll Piano Bar, officially began Wednesday in downtown North Little Rock.
Nabholz Properties Inc., a Conway-based commercial real estate investment and development firm, is behind the new project at West Broadway and Poplar streets.
Downtown North Little Rock saw $100 million in economic development last year with Aloft and its events center; Willy D's; the Hilton Tempo Hotel and other developments in the neighborhood east of Main Street, said Chris Kent, executive director of the Argenta Downtown Council.
Kent also said the Resort at Rockwater, a high-end apartment complex on the edge of Argenta, contributed about $70 million to the development.
“These projects don’t happen without vision, persistence and teamwork,” Kent said at the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday. “And they certainly don’t happen without strong leadership.”
Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde highlighted the development, saying the new development brings progress to the city.
“This is what progress looks like,” Hyde said. “Energy, entertainment, economic growth, all in one.”
The Aloft Hotel, part of the Marriott properties, is being developed by Conway Management and Span Hospitality.
Umang Patel, president of Conway Management, said the hotel will be five floors and have 96 rooms. He said the hotel's brand is “focused on tech-savvy travelers who appreciate social gatherings, music and modern design.”
The hotel will also feature a 7,000-square-foot events venue.
Willy D's Rock & Roll Piano Bar is moving from the River Market District to downtown North Little Rock. Danny Brown, the owner, said the new location will include a two-story building with a mezzanine overlooking the piano stage. There will also be outdoor balconies and terraces.
“When the opportunity arose to be part of this new arena district … right next to the (Simmons Bank) Arena and surrounded by new hotel projects and the energy that exists here, we knew this was the next chapter for Willie D's,” Brown said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity and we’re not just building on what we had, we’re improving it.”
Brown said Willy D's will remain open in the River Market District until construction on the new space is complete.
In 2024, North Little Rock announced construction of a 31,000 square foot conference center in Argenta County. The facility can accommodate 1,000 people for dinner and 1,500 for an event or show. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2026.
In August, the city also announced a $2 million pavilion featuring 21 large bronze sculptures by artist Kevin Kresse honoring Arkansas musicians. The Americana Music Pavilion in Argenta Plaza is scheduled to be completed by 2029.
“We are the best, most business-friendly city in this state, and we've proven that over the last three or four years,” said Derrell Hartwick, president and chief executive officer of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce.