While North Little Rock’s Argenta District has long been known for its eclectic mix of art galleries, music venues, and theaters, the neighborhood’s wide range of bars and restaurants have sometimes been a second thought. These businesses became top of mind, however, when the pandemic restrictions made it almost impossible for them to operate.

The spark of a solution came from a meeting with Flyway Brewing Company, which approached ADC for help when indoor dining was prohibited. The nonprofit loaned Flyway 12 tents, 12 tables, and 72 chairs to set up outdoor seating in the brewery’s parking lot. Known as ​“Tent City,” the new dining area was a hit, and soon the number of tables jumped to 18.

Other restaurants wanted to replicate the concept – but without a parking lot like Flyway’s, they were at a disadvantage. ADC stepped in to help, crafting a plan for a shared outdoor seating area, based on Arkansas legislation that allows a municipality to create an ​“entertainment district.” In these districts, alcohol can be purchased in a permitted establishment, carried outside, and consumed within certain boundaries.

While the city had previously been uninterested in creating such a district, the ADC worked with the city attorney to propose legislation that would be more appealing. The new plan limited hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and positioned the district as a fun, safe place for friends and families to share a meal – not simply to drink outside. That pitch was enough to win over the city council, and ADC worked with the mayor to create an executive order closing two blocks of Main Street to vehicles from 6 p.m. Friday until midnight Saturday.