Arkansas Studies Institute

Abstract

Arkansas Studies Institute, a unique collaboration between The Central Arkansas Library System, and The University of Arkansas, Little Rock, illustrates the fact that dedicated partnerships can greatly exceed the sum of their combined parts. Merging the resources of the Metropolitan Library with those of the State University enabled the inspired re-use and renewal of historic brownfield building stock in the rejuvenated Arkansas riverfront area. Existing buildings constructed in 1883 and 1914, were considered to be worthy of preservation. The renovated buildings were combined with a 21st century construction to create an architectural timeline for the state of Arkansas.