Tall oak trees, ample front porches and a congenial atmosphere are hallmarks of the Quapaw Quarter. Most homes in the area were built from the 1870s to the 1920s, and the historic district offers fine examples of exquisite architecture.

“You can’t build these homes today that are affordable because of all the woodwork and trim and all that has gone into them,” explained Roger Williams, executive director of the Quapaw Quarter Association. “The neighborhood is a kind of close-knit, old fashioned, friendly neighborhood with porches and backyards and people who visit.”

Nexus of History

Within the quarter are three areas: The MacArthur Park Historic District encompassing the parks, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History and Arkansas Arts Center; the Central High Neighborhood Historic District including Little Rock Central High School; and the Governor’s Mansion Historic District with the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion. Residents have put effort into restoring some of the city’s finest treasures, and some renovated beauties sell for as much as $500,000.

Neighborhood eateries such as Juanita’s, a popular Mexican restaurant and live music club and a pioneer in the resurgence of Main Street, attract fans from across town. The baked goods at Community Bakery attract residents and area employees alike. 

The Future

Ambitious plans continue to evolve for more development on the south side of Main Street with help from the Southside Main Street Project. The project doesn’t restore homes itself but promotes the preservation and revitalization of structures in this section of Quapaw Quarter.