NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — The city of North Little Rock, Arkansas, is moving forward with plans to build its own conference center. The North Little Rock City Council recently voted to allocate $3 million for the initial phase of a 30,000-square-foot conference center that will be located at the former city services center in the Argenta Arts District. The facility will cost an estimated $12 million, Arkansas Money & Politics reported.
The city has engaged Taggart Architects for the project, with plans to open construction bids in September and break ground in October. The conference center is expected to open in early 2026. City officials plan to begin accepting reservations once the groundbreaking date is confirmed.
The project faced delays due to a tornado that hit the city last year. However, with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, North Little Rock is ready to move forward with the conference center.
For years, North Little Rock has had to redirect large events across the river to the city of Little Rock because it didn’t have a suitable venue. The new conference center will feature a ballroom, a large pre-function area and a kitchen and will be able to accommodate various events, including those hosted by the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce at other venues.
The conference center is scheduled to open in conjunction with a new boutique hotel across the street that’s being developed by Makan Hospitality Management. The facility will be located near attractions such as Dickey-Stephens Park, Simmons Bank Arena, Argenta Contemporary Theatre and nearby local bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.
