Architects tapped for Tech Park phase
Little Rock architect firm Wittenberg Delony and Davidson has been chosen to design the first phase of the future downtown Technology Park.
The Tech Park Authority Board chose the firm from several that submitted qualification packets in reply to a public solicitation for applicants at a meeting.
Wittenberg Delony and Davidson will partner with Gaudreau Inc. in Baltimore on the project. That firm's president, Bill Gaudreau, "has extensive experience in developing science and research parks" across the nation, according to a Tech Park news release.
Phase 1 primarily includes renovating the annex to the Exchange Bank building at Capitol Avenue and Main Street. The goal is to have the first permanent tenants to occupy that space when completed. Wittenberg Delony and Davidson has past experience with the renovation of that building, the news release said.
Tech Park Executive Director Brent Birch said construction of Phase 1 is expected to begin by the fall.
"Phase 2 would likely include laboratory space due to demand and will begin as soon as we obtain the funds to handle that project," Birch said. "We are actively evaluating and examining funding options and opportunities."
In addition to Gaudreau, the Little Rock firm will partner with Batson Inc. Engineering Solutions for mechanical, plumbing and electrical work; Engineering Consultants Inc. for structural work; and McClelland Consulting Engineers Inc. for civil and environmental work.
Entrepreneur class set to graduate 19
Nineteen people will graduate Monday from the Entrepreneurial Training Course put on by the city in partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
The course is 11 weeks and trains established or aspiring entrepreneurs in business skills, including management and systems development. The instructor also helps participants develop business plans.
The Kauffman FastTrac curriculum includes such topics as business concepts, market analysis and feasibility.
"Another goal of the [course] is to inform participants of the other small business resources within the city [that] offer funding and additional training," a city news release said.
A graduation ceremony is planned for 7 p.m. at the Willie Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center at 3805 W. 12th St.
Science guy to hang with Fallon again
On Friday, the Museum of Discovery's director of visitor experience will make his third appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
The director, Kevin Delaney, has been serving as the show's "science expert" by demonstrating experiments with Fallon as an assistant in a fun and humorous way.
Delaney said in a news release that it has been exciting to participate in the show and continue the museum's mission of "igniting a passion for science, technology and math."
Tonight Show producers chose Delaney from more than 50 candidates across the nation. He first appeared as the science expert in May of last year and returned in November. Both appearances can be seen on YouTube.
Wine, cheese lined up for book party
The Butler Center will host a wine and cheese party Thursday to advertise new Arkansas-themed book releases.
The event is at 6 p.m. at the Main Library's Darragh Center at 100 Rock St. in the River Market District.
Authors will speak about their work and sign copies of their books.
The books are: They'll Do to Tie To! The Story of Hood's Arkansas Toothpicks by Maj. Calvin Collier; Arky: The Saga of the USS Arkansas by Ray Hanley and Steven Hanley; and To Can the Kaiser: Arkansas and the Great War, edited by Guy Lancaster and Michael Polston.
Each title will be available at Butler Center Books -- the publishing division of the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies -- and at the River Market Books and Gifts store at 120 River Market Ave. The Butler Center is part of the Central Arkansas Library System.
Metro on 05/17/2015