Main Street Getting Greener

One of Arkansas’ most iconic streets is hoping for a makeover.

Little Rock Main Street’s corridor, once the hub of the capitol city, is now peppered with vacant buildings and bleak, open lots.  But city officials are aiming to do something about it.

Main Street Little Rock was chosen as one of five cities for a grant from the EPA’s Greening of America program. The effort allowed for a landscape architect to work with city officials to produce a master plan for development.

After several strategy meetings, the group developed recommendations, such as green roofs with rain gardens, sustainable plantings, turning vacant lots into pocket parks, and launching an arts district anchored by the newly renovated Arkansas Repertory Theater.

City officials say that several of the initiatives won’t require much, if any money. Other projects could be funded as money becomes available. Watch the video below to learn more about the Greening of Main Street.