IN THE NEWS
See the story. Hear from the community.
Experience the project.
WHERE IT BEGAN
Before the storefronts opened, the murals were painted, or West 9th Street came alive with activity, Beyond the Divide began with an idea: What if we could use design to reconnect Little Rock with a place and history that had been divided for generations?
This early KARK 4 interview introduced that vision to the community as we began planning what Beyond the Divide could become.
What followed turned an idea into a real-world demonstration. The stories below document that journey—from development and anticipation to implementation, community impact, and what we learned along the way.
LITTLE ROCK'S W 9TH STREET IS NOT ALONE
There are other cities across the U.S. that share a similar story. This map highlights the Black neighborhoods and locations disrupted by interstate construction/urban renewal projects or are actively fighting against it, including Little Rock’s own West 9th Street and the communities south of I-630.
BEYOND THE DIVIDE PROJECT PLAN
This map highlights the initial scope area for the Beyond the Divide: Reconnecting W 9th Street to the Heart of Little Rock demonstration — spanning three blocks along West 9th Street, from Broadway Street, where the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center anchors the corner, to State Street, home of the historic Dreamland Ballroom. Over the coming months, our team will transform this corridor into a vibrant, people-focused street through tactical urbanism, public art, and community programming. The demonstration will reimagine 9th Street as a shared space that celebrates culture, creativity, and connection.
CONTACT
info@studio-main.org or ebanks@polkstanleywilcox.com