Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas
artworks and artspace on main
pine bluff, arkansas
“These two buildings represent what you can do with a little creative effort, imagination, and progressive support from the community and outside. ”
Beginning in early 2019, designLAB and AMR Architects of Little Rock, AR, collaborated on a project initiated by the Arts and Science Center (ASC) for Southeast Arkansas to renovate two existing 1920s buildings. The goal was to create a community-focused arts venue that will support the revitalization of downtown Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
The ARTSpace on Main features a community gallery for local artists, flexible workshop space to host art, yoga, dance, and culinary arts classes, a small makerspace, a wood shop, scene shop, and costume shop, as well as a small ceramics studio and an outdoor “Arts Yard” for large-scale projects an events. It also houses the offices for the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission, and will be the first stop for many visitors downtown. The adjacent building next door operates as a mixed-use building with a 70-seat blackbox theater for small community productions. The building also includes five apartments for resident artists with accompanying studios. The project contributes to the revitalization of downtown Pine Bluff, and serves as an established entry point for the planned development of an arts and entertainment corridor.
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2021 Merit Award, AIA Arkansas
2021 Bronze Award, ASID South Central Region
2021 Outstanding Achievement in Adaptive Reuse Award, Preserve Arkansas
impact
The biggest achievement of the ASC Arts project is the success of taking two underutilized historic buildings, carving into them, weaving them together, and turning them into mixed-use spaces that allow downtown to have a 24/7 community engagement. Authenticity and homage to the buildings’ original usage as a a firehouse, dairy creamery, and auto parts store combine with cutting edge design to create a space that inspires innovation, while remaining approachable and welcoming for the community. Together, the buildings help steer the ongoing revival of the 600 block of Main Street in downtown Pine Bluff.
Courtesy of the Arts and Science Center
Courtesy of the Arts and Science Center
Courtesy of the Arts and Science Center
Courtesy of the Arts and Science Center
Courtesy of the Arts and Science Center
Courtesy of the Arts and Science Center
Courtesy of the Arts and Science Center