As time runs out for an aging central Arkansas landmark, another is poised to begin a new era of service.
On the same day the steel arches that distinguished the 93-year-old Broadway Bridge toppled into the Arkansas River (though not without a fight), an update on the re-imagining of Robinson Center revealed that the $70 million project is set to make its debut on Nov. 10.
A goal of said renovation is "to make the hall feel much more intimate." That according to David Porter of Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects at the Architecture and Design Network lecture at the Arkansas Arts Center.
Polk Stanley Wilcox (right here in Little Rock) and Ennead Architects (of New York) are responsible for designing an update for the aging complex that preserves the structure's integrity while throwing in some contemporary elements to the performance hall and meeting spaces.
That's been done by stripping down the Art Deco building, reinforcing crumbling infrastructure, and concentrating on improving acoustics, technology, interior finishes and what's called the "welcoming experience."
Joseph T. Robinson Memorial Auditorium has long been considered the creative arts outlet in Little Rock. The original building was designed by architect Eugene Stern of the Wittenberg Deloney firm and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Partially funded by the Public Works Administration (from whom local authorities requested the whopping sum of $1 million), the place was considered one of the finest buildings in Arkansas when it was erected.
Over the years Robinson has been home to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Arkansas, Celebrity Attractions, conventions, meetings, and plenty of personal connections. Kids graduated from high school there, played basketball there, and alternative music fans got to see a band called R.E.M. perform there in 1986. (Stand in the place where you work . . . .) And rockers of a certain age saw Elvis Presley performing "Hound Dog" 30 years before that.
"The new wraps around the old," said Mr. Porter to his audience while clicking through slides of artist renderings and photographs of progress during the renovation. But not too many.
"We can't show more," he said. "We want you to be surprised when you come in. It's going to be a wonderful experience."
The wait is almost over.
Editorial on 10/17/2016