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MARLON BLACKWELL ARCHITECTS

FAYETTEVILLE

The prestigious American Academy of Arts and Letters has announced Fayetteville architect Marlon Blackwell

among its newest inductees. As principal of Marlon Blackwell Architects, the honoree is known for his awardwinning designs across Northwest Arkansas as well as out of state; you might recognize his work from the Crystal Bridges Museum Store and Coop Ramen in Bentonville, the Harvey Pediatric Clinic in Rogers, or the Steven L. Anderson Design Center at the University of Arkansas, among many other local projects.

Founded in 1898, the American Academy of Arts and Letters comprises an exclusive group of the country’s

leading architects, visual artists, composers, and writers,

including such well-known past members as Mark Twain, Georgia O’Keefe, Duke Ellington, and fellow architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Blackwell is one of this year’s 29 new members, along with writer Ta-Nehisi Coates and film director Spike Lee, who will be officially inducted May 19 during the American Academy of Arts and Letters’ virtual ceremony. “You are welcomed into a fellowship of esteemed American artists who are making a real impact, and your work is acknowledged by these folks who are operating at the highest level of excellence in the discipline. It’s amazing, and it’s amazing to be part

Marlon Blackwell, FAIA

of this accomplished group—I’m very humbled,” Blackwell says of the honor. “This also provides a platform for me to advocate for the good work and the many talented individuals in the arts here in Arkansas and in the middle of the country.”

Blackwell is also a professor at the University of Arkansas’s Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. He was named 2020 Southeastern Conference Professor of the Year and received the 2020 Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architects. For more information about Marlon Blackwell Architects, visit marlonblackwell.com. Tune in to the American Academy of Arts and Letters 2021 Ceremonial on May 19 at artsandletters.org.

THE DUKE

LITTLE ROCK Hillcrest residents as well as locals who frequent the Little Rock shopping and dining district have likely wondered about recent

work to the Saul Harris Building, which sits at the corner

of Kavanaugh Boulevard and North Spruce Street behind Leo’s Greek Castle. While River City Coffee has operated uninterrupted on the east end of the building for months, four recently vacated suites (three previously home to now-closed boutique Haus Werk and one formerly home to Engel & Völkers, which has relocated down the street) have undergone extensive renovations to prepare for new tenants. In revitalizing the historic building, owner Daniel Bryant has dubbed it “The Duke” after William Marmaduke Kavanaugh, eponym of the boulevard that runs through the neighborhood.

The Duke’s four new occupants include O’Dea Studios, an office and design studio for interior designer Marianna O’Dea; Bloom Salon, a chic hair salon operated by Maygie Stallings; Dandelion, a store that bills itself as a “contemporary garden and home shop;” and Woof Happy Tails, a dog grooming service with another location in west Little Rock.

“In addition to wanting to return the building to its original look, I wanted to break it back up into smaller spaces so they would be appropriate for smaller businesses. They are

all very different, women-owned businesses that I’m confident will help keep Hillcrest vibrant and interesting,”

Bryant says, noting Wes Martin with The Hathaway Group was instrumental in helping secure tenants he felt embodied the spirit of Hillcrest while architect Tim Heiple, whose office is located in The Duke’s downstairs, has been vital to the renovation process. Bryant has invested in other Hillcrest properties, such as the building that’s home to Rhea Drug, the Fountain, and Cañon Grill, as well as the restaurant Hill Station—a new build with a historic look that opened in 2020. “I’ve lived in Hillcrest for almost 20 years. We have three boys, Harry, George, and Tim, and I plan to leave the neighborhood better than I found it for them, if I can,” he says.

Front elevation of The Duke in Hillcrest created by architect Tim Heiple.