Commercial Real Estate Awards Honors Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Stella Boyle Smith Music Center with the 2025 Impact Award

Commercial Real Estate Council of Metro Little Rock held the seventh annual Commercial Real Estate Awards on February 25, to recognize significant achievements and the largest real estate transactions in metro Little Rock. The Commercial Real Estate Impact Award recognize the positive effects of innovative ventures, support, experiences, or long-term projects that are key to the success of individuals or businesses who help make metro Little Rock a healthy commercial real estate market. CREC recognizes the design and construction of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Stella Boyle Smith Music Center’s contribution to the commercial real estate market and the performing arts community. 

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Stella Boyle Smith Music Center
In September 2024, 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 provides 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 WER Architects and built by Bailey Construction.
 
The center is a strong presence in the East Village, 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.