Gowanus Canal Sponge Park™ Pilot
Brooklyn, NY
A vacant lot is transformed into a city's front porch and a new center of commerce
Argenta Plaza
Argenta Plaza is a new urban park space located on the historic Main Street of North Little Rock, Arkansas. Formerly a vacant lot, the 34,320-square-foot plaza emerged from the dust to become a vibrant hive of activity downtown.
The park design is inspired by regional geography, cultural history, and local business interest. Since its opening in the fall of 2020, the plaza has attracted significant new economic development for the city including a new corporate headquarters, a mixed-use office building, and the North Little Rock Welcome Center, which uses the space as a true city center for activities and events.
A large water wall and a stage provide space for performance and public spectacle, gatherings, live performances, and the viewing of movies and sporting events
Before: The site was formerly a vacant lot
The design team drew inspiration from land and development patterns in the Little Rock region for the pixelated paving and biomorphic planting beds in the plaza
“In my nearly 30 years of working for our city this is going to be the biggest economic development generator we have ever done.”
—North Little Rock Mayor Joe Smith
A pixelated camouflage paving pattern meets bermed grass landscapes formed to mimic the surrounding riparian landscape. Shaded swings attract visitors and create a uniquely playful and elegant street edge. Structures inspired by local barns and manufacturing buildings reflect the activity of the plaza through mirrored surfaces while a 50-foot long water wall anchors the back of the site.
A front porch pergola inspired by local barns is animated by large swings that hang over a bed of knockout roses along Main Street
A new stage and video wall enables community gatherings, live performances, and the viewing of movies and sporting events.
For more information contact Susannah Drake.
