State to rehab historic Mosaic Templars State Temple building

State officials said Monday (April 23) that they would make a new push to preserve, rehabilitate and occupy the historic Mosaic Templars State Temple building, the last remaining building built by the Mosaic Templars of America.

The building is located at 906 S. Broadway in downtown Little Rock.

Years ago, it served as state headquarters for the Mosaic Templars of America. It stands next door to the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, where the Mosaic Templars of America National Grand Temple once stood.

On Monday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Department of Arkansas Heritage director Stacy Hurst announced plans to renovate and repurpose the historic structure.

“This building itself is worthy of being preserved because its construction in 1921 represented the triumph of African-American people, whose business enterprise served their community,” Hutchinson said.

“The Department of Arkansas Heritage works to preserve and protect unique aspects of our history such as this special cultural icon,” said Hurst. “Many people and groups worked together to see this building saved, and today marks the beginning of its rehabilitation.”

DAH purchased the building in March 2017 for $950,000. Jameson Architects will be responsible for the renovation design. Bids for construction are being accepted through May 8.

Subsequently, the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and the Arkansas Health Services Permit Agency will occupy the building after renovations, which are expected to be completed by October of this year.