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Your browser does not support the audio element. Construction of the Arena District, a $25 million mixed-use development that will serve as the gateway to Argenta, including 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 commercial real estate investment and development company is behind the new development at West Broadway and Poplar streets. North Little Rock's downtown area has seen $100 million in economic development in the last year with Aloft and its event 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 located on the edge of Argenta contributed around $70 million in development. "These projects don't happen without vision, persistence and teamwork," Kent said at the ground breaking 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 into the city. "This is what progress looks like," Hyde said. "Energy, entertainment, economic growth, all rolled into one." The Aloft Hotel, which is part of the Marriott hotels, will be developed by Conway Management and Span Hospitality. Umang Patel, the president of Conway Management said the hotel will be five stories and will have 96 rooms. He said the hotel's brand is "geared towards tech-savvy travelers who appreciate social scenes, music and modern design." The hotel will also have a 7,000-square-foot event venue. Willy D's Rock & Roll Piano Bar is relocating from the River Market District to downtown North Little Rock. Danny Brown the owner said the new location will feature a two-story building that will have a mezzanine that overlooks the piano stage. It will also have outdoor balconies and patios. "When the chance came to be a part of this new Arena District ... right next to the (Simmons Bank) arena and surrounded by new hotel development, and the energy that's here, we knew that was the next chapter for Willie D's," Brown said. "It's a tremendous opportunity and we're not just building what we had, we're leveling it up." Brown said Willy D's will remain open in the River Market District until construction in the new space is complete. In 2024, North Little Rock announced it would be adding a 31,000-square-foot conference center in the Argenta district. The facility will accommodate 1,000 people for a sit-down dinner and 1,500 for an event or show. The project is expected to be completed by 2026. In August, the city also announced a $2 million pavilion that will have 21 large-scale bronze sculptures made by artist Kevin Kresse that honor Arkansas musicians. The Americana Music Pavilion located in Argenta Plaza is expected to be completed by 2029. "We are the best and most business-friendly city in this state, and it has shown the last three or four years," said Derrell Hartwick, president and chief executive officer of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce.
