LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Sept. 25, 2014) – The City of Little Rock held a grand opening ceremony to commemorate the completion of the 12th Street Station.  The building was the largest project from the 2011 Little Rock Citizens Evaluations of New Tax (LR CENT) sales tax campaign.  The station symbolizes the City’s efforts to capitalize on 12th Street by creating a corridor of revitalization.

City Manager Bruce Moore addressed the attendees and explained the significance of the new station.

“The opening today is not just the fulfillment of a promise to the voters in 2011, but the fulfillment of that larger commitment to this community,” said Moore.  “It is not, however, the end.  It is only the next step as we continue to ensure more growth in the heart of our city.”

The event, which was open to the public, also symbolized the Little Rock Police Department’s continuing efforts to serve the citizens of Little Rock through community involvement.  Chief of Police Kenton Buckner shared his vision for the station and his department.

“People move the needle.  Our department and our officers will only achieve long-term success when the police and the community work in concert toward a common destination,” said Buckner.

Members of the City of Little Rock Board of Directors were in attendance to support the City and the Little Rock Police Department.  Ward 2 City Director Ken Richardson outlined the significance of locating the station in his ward.

“The 12th Street Station is part of the City’s master plan for Ward 2,” said Richardson.  “The greater sense of security that will be generated by the station will help us attract new businesses to the area.  This is another step forward toward a better future for the residents of the 12th Street corridor.”

The new station is the largest building the City has built in many decades at 44,000 square feet.  The construction budget was $12,495,642.  The project was funded partly through the 3/8-cent capital sales tax, the special projects fund, and a grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola explained why this investment is important to the City and the residents in this area.

“This is one of the most significant investments our city has made in recent years,” said Stodola.  Interstate 630 has long separated our city.  The presence of this station on 12th Street shows our commitment to ensure that the safety of our citizens is of utmost importance no matter where they live.”

Located at 3805 W. 12th St., the station will become the City of Little Rock’s first LEED Silver Certified building, continuing the City’s commitment to sustainability. 

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