STYLE
Breaking news for this local biz: Red Beauty Lounge is moving. After nearly a decade, the salon nestled into the corner of University and Kavanaugh is relocating to 2410 Glover St., the former Window Works space just off of Cantrell. Below, owner Amy Hester gives us a taste of what’s to come.
The Space: “I am looking forward to a more open floor plan for retail and stylist workspace with no steps, better parking and more natural light.”
The Location: “We will be neighbors to amazing businesses like Barbara/Jean, Unveiled Bridal Collection and The Janet Jones Company.”
The Move: “Red has been in business for nine years in April. Leasing in The Heights has been the best decision, but I felt it was time to invest in a space I can now say I own.”
The Timeline: “I truly hope to be up and running by April or May. Fingers crossed!”
EVENTS
Fall doesn’t get all the fun. Here’s what’s on the area calendar in the coming weeks:
- March 10-12: Bella Rustina Modern Vintage Market at War Memorial Stadium
- April 1: Handmade in The Heights on Kavanaugh
- Mid-April: Little Rock Rangers season opener at War Memorial Stadium
- April 28-29: Wild Wines at the Little Rock Zoo
- May 6: Be a Part of the Cure Walk at War Memorial Stadium
- Saturdays: Hillcrest Farmers Market at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church
FOOD
Sadly, Stifft Station is losing some of its suds. Stone’s Throw Brewing Co. decided to close its taproom on Markham in order to focus on its original brewpub and biergarten in MacArthur Park and on expanding distribution statewide.
In better news, the long-wished-for, first central Arkansas location of Wright’s Barbecue is in the works at 1311 Rebsamen Park Road in Riverdale. The award-winning NWA restaurant is known for its Texas-style barbecue and plans to open by summer.
Over in The Heights, Bryant restaurant Copper Mule Table & Tap is bringing its popular Southern and Creole flair to Kavanaugh, opening a new location in the former L & L Beck Art Gallery this spring. George’s is also inching closer to opening in the former Cafe Prego space, promising “Italian excellence with local taste.”
HOME
Riverdale has long held the nickname of Little Rock’s “Design District,” though references to the moniker have dwindled in recent years. Capital Sotheby’s International Realty and J.Parkey (helmed by interior and event designer Jonathan Parkey) are combining forces to change that with plans to move from their separate Heights locations into one space on Rebsamen Park Road. We caught up with Capital Sotheby Owner and CEO Susan Desselle and Executive Broker and CMO Chris Marsh (who is also married to Parkey) on what they hope will reboot the Riverdale renaissance.
What motivated the decision to move, and why get into the revitalization business now?
CM: We are excited about the move and the continued opportunity to collaborate with the area’s luxury home service providers. With exceptional client service as the driver of all of our business decisions, we see this as an incredible opportunity to be able to serve our clients in a holistic manner. [With our background in community and economic development, we’re] always looking to find opportunities that strengthen community.
Defining a district in a city creates such momentum and collaboration within the area’s community, and we intend to be a catalyst in that movement, especially with the revered institutions of design such as Kevin Walsh with Bear Hill, Garry Mertins at Mertins Dyke Home, Chris Olsen at Botanica Gardens, Cynthia East Fabrics and Urban Pad.
Where will the new location be and what can guests expect?
CM: Our new location is at 1408 Rebsamen Park Road, the elegant midcentury modern building formerly owned and occupied by nationally renowned [interior designer] Kaki Hockersmith and [antique dealer] Kirby Whetstone. The atmosphere for Capital Sotheby’s International Realty and J.Parkey is inviting and creative while wrapped in distinctive design elements. Guests will be welcomed with coffee, bubbly water or other bubbles and invited to experience our spaces, whether that is through making a decision to sell their distinctive property or beginning the home design process.
What are your hopes for the future of the Design District?
SD: The future of the Home and Design District of Little Rock is limitless. There are so many wonderful creative forces in that area who we can’t wait to join! From art walks, food festivals and other yet-to-be-determined events, we want to shine a light on Little Rock’s premier home and design creatives. We look forward to growing in partnership and collaboration with our new and well-established neighbors, as well as those in the warehouses just down the road.
The neighborhood has had the unofficial title for years, but has never been fully embraced by the public as such. How are you planning to change that?
SD: We have begun a neighborhood-wide collaboration focused on further enhancing the area as a fully experiential destination. Creating and cementing public awareness of an area as a district is a process, of course. In 2023, we are planning an area-wide street fair involving all of the businesses in the Home and Design District.