Robinson Center Topped Out As $70 Million Renovation Continues
by July 2, 2015 10:17 am 130 views
The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB), members of the Little Rock Advertising and Promotion Commission (LRA&P), local officials, and members of the design and construction teams hosted a ceremonial beam signing to “top out” the Robinson Center’s new conference facility on Wednesday, July 1.
“As we celebrate this exciting milestone today at the Robinson Center, we also look to the highly anticipated renovations of our neighboring DoubleTree Hotel with great enthusiasm,” said Gretchen Hall, LRCVB President & CEO. “Combined we will offer 45,000 gross square feet of contiguous conference center space, allowing for the successful execution of meetings and events of all sizes.”
Robinson Center is one year into a projected 28-month, $70 million renovation and expansion project.
The new conference center provides views of the Arkansas River and the city’s illuminated bridges. Along with additional meeting and pre-function space situated above its ballroom, the center will also provide a new connection to the DoubleTree Hotel, with an adjoining lobby and additional pre-function space. The DoubleTree Hotel is also beginning a multi-million dollar renovation of its own.
The historic Robinson Auditorium has long been a landmark in Central Arkansas since 1939. The structure was a WPA (Works Progress Administration) project, and is an example of the Art Deco style architecture of the time.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. The facility is owned by the City of Little Rock and managed by the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau.
In 2013, voters approved financing for the project to dedicate the existing 2% Advertising & Promotion (A&P) tax to pay for the renovations.
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