In recent news, the potential benefit of a research park to our neighborhood has been criticized. What is it, and how will it be good for Broadmoor? Here are some answers.
As you may be aware, volunteers from Broadmoor, other neighborhoods in the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) area, and interested citizens of Little Rock, have worked for the past decade on strategic plans to enhance the quality of life around the UALR campus. This has been done through the University District Partnership.
One of the highlights of the plan is the construction of a research park to bring high-technology activity and jobs to the area. Here is how a 2007 report describes one potential site for the project:
14 University Research and Office Park
Figure 4-5 depicts the future redevelopment of the Broadmoor Shopping Center as a University Research and Office Park. Ideally located directly across University Avenue from UALR science buildings, including the new Computer Information Sciences (CIS) facility, this is considered an ideal location for technology firms, research, and related office space. Depicted in the diagram in Fig. 4-5 are two, three-story office structures totaling approximately 200,000 square feet, along with a 5 level 900 space parking structure. To expand and improve the efficiency of this development site the Lakeshore Drive connection to University Avenue should be closed and diverted to W. 32nd Street, allowing a consolidation with the triangular property at the northwest corner of the W. 32nd Street / University Avenue intersection.
Bringing high-technology activity and jobs to the University District is a priority for our efforts.
The Arkansas General Assembly passed a law allowing for the creation of an entity to handle financing, construction, and operation of a research park. This legislation was a result of hard work of University District effort participants.
Since 2007, other potential sites for the park have been explored, so it probably will not be placed at the site outlined in that year’s strategic planning documents. The plan now is to place the park more central to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, UALR, and other institutions in and near the University District. However, the park would remain within the District’s boundaries and would greatly benefit our efforts to improve the area.
Other University District efforts take the park into account. Based on the revolutionary Harlem Children’s Zone, the University District has also initiated the Promise Neighborhood Program. The research park fits into this effort to encourage children and parents in the District to succeed in their educational efforts. See page 5 of this document on the Promise Neighborhood for information on how the research park will benefit Broadmoor and the surrounding University District.
When thinking about the potential to finance a Research Park in the University District, please consider the history and purpose of the park and the benefits to you as a resident of the District when you hear the arguments of those who are always against change and who are no-shows in the quiet, day-to-day volunteer work that leads to positive activity in our city.
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