IMPACT AWARD
Paths in life often reveal experiences or outcomes that were key to the success of individuals or businesses. These experiences could be a course of study, a serendipitous partnership, or a planned project. CREC believes the impact these types of experiences or outcomes make are crucial to a healthy commercial real estate market and have created Commercial Real Estate Impact awards.
2026
Little Rock Central High School
Some spaces continue to make impacts over their many years. Little Rock Central High School, an iconic building, the only high school in the United States designated as a National Historic Site, completed its first major expansion and renovation in over 50 years in 2025. The $60 million upgrade included:
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58,000 square-foot, two-story field house with an indoor practice field, cheer and wrestling rooms, and a new weight room
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67,000 square-foot, three-story science wing that replaced portable buildings and the original laboratory spaces that were built in 1927 with a rooftop patio classroom and 200-seat lecture hall
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new common area that connects the science building to the school
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new parking lot
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new promenade connecting the buildings together called the Tiger Trail
This expansion and renovation will allow Little Rock Central High to continue its impact on the community to continue for generations to come.
2026
Rockwater Village
In the early 2000s, Lisa Ferrell and Jim Jackson believed in a possibility. Their idea was to create a unique, modern take on the traditional neighborhoods of the past on the bank of the Arkansas River. What started as the development of a residential neighborhood has had ripple effects on North Little Rock’s historic Argenta neighborhood and the city of North Little Rock. Besides the original Rockwater Village residential development, the area now boasts the Rockwater Marina, a 64-slip marina offering access to the Arkansas River and The Resort at Rockwater, an upscale multifamily community. TIF and property tax for the area has seen an increase from $58,874.25 in 2007 to $1,062,444 in 2024. Revenue for the NLR School District increased from $44,000 in 2006 to $663,232.28 in 2024. There has been over $300,000,000 in private investment, with more to come. This Impact award honored the vision of Lisa and Jim and Rockwater Village.
2025
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Stella Boyle Music Center
After nearly 60 years of renting space, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra opened what CEO Christina Littlejohn believes is the only facility that belongs entirely to the orchestra it serves. The 20,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art building seeks to provide a radically welcoming hub of musical activity for all Arkansans, serving youth and adults of all ages. The building will provide access to music education, music performances, and music making through new spaces and a broadcast and recording studio. The building is designed with two wings divided by a central lobby and lounge area. One side houses the administrative offices for the orchestra's 15 staff members, four practice rooms and two classrooms for the orchestra's educational arm, the E. Lee Ronnel Music Academy. This space allows orchestra members to give private and group lessons. The other side of the building features Morgan Hall with space for instrument storage (including the orchestra's 9-foot Steinway piano), a mother's/quiet room, a catering kitchen, and a fully operational recording studio. The center was designed by Witsell Evans Rasco Architects and built by Bailey Construction. The center is a strong presence in the East Village at 1101 E 3rd Street, and in keeping with Arkansas’ rich tradition of music creators, the Stella Boyle Smith Music Center aims to inspire appreciation for all kinds of music, be an accessible resource for those learning the craft, and help cultivate the next generation of music creators.
2024
Little Rock Police Station and Real Time Crime Center
Little Rock Police Department moved into their new headquarters in 2022 and was able to finish its Real Time Crime Center in 2023. The center has equipment that captures live video feeds from nearly 450 cameras throughout Little Rock. The new headquarters and state-of-the-art technology will allow the LRPD to provide response to safety as well as weather emergencies.
2024
Little Rock and North Little Rock Community Responders
First responders in Little Rock and North Little Rock jumped into action immediately to provide aid, security, and direction after the March 31, 2023 tornado. The tornado was devastating to the communities and the first responders were vital in the aftermath.
2023
UA Little Rock School of Business Real Estate Program
The UA Little Rock School of Business’ Real Estate Program began restructuring in 2017 under the leadership of Elizabeth Small. By 2020, the curriculum offered incoming freshmen a degree that integrated real estate classroom education with experiential learning and research in real estate issues and policy. The current students are involved in entrepreneurial activities and development projects and benefit from panels of executives with real life experience in the real estate industry and exposure to regulatory issues involving real choices and opportunities. The impact on workforce development is clear from the students and graduates who have interned or accepted full-time positions with local real estate companies.
2023
RAM Partners LLC Multi-Family
Property Management Acquisitions
While each year brings changes in ownership and management of multi-family properties, 2022 saw a level of acquisitions that were unprecedented in the metro Little Rock market. RAM Partners LLC entered the market after acquiring seven multi-family properties for management. Sarah Wigley, Area Vice President, with Marinee Ignacio will oversee management of Arlo, Brightwaters, Esplanade District, McKenzie Park, The Ridge at Chenal Valley, The Villas at River Pointe Dr., and The Waters at Chenal.