Geyer & Adams Building

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The Geyer & Adams Co. building is one of a couple of old industrial company buildings rescued by CALS in the early 2000s. It, and the one next to it, now hold the Arkansas Studies Institute. 

Going up? Maybe in 1906...

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Another artifact of the Cox Building, its original elevator machinery sits outside on its own little dais, like an altar to a dead god. The plaque nearby says the "drum type traction hoisting machine" was an early example of its kind and was installed in 1906. When it was removed in 2001, it was still functional. Almost like the building's heart was surgically removed while still beating - but that's a bit morose. The Cox building currently hosts a used book store and cafe, which is one of my favorite places to visit on my lunch break.

More photos after the jump.

DO NOT PARK ON TRACKS

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There are no tracks near this sign. Nor do I think the modern Little Rock police would hand-paint a sign like this. This is the Cox Building - part of the Central Arkansas Library System. All of the buildings around this one are ancient, re-purposed. This week we'll explore them.

My City: Then and Now

A while ago I showed you a photo of Little Rock in 1905, a view from across the river. This is that same view, in 2012. Shall we compare?

Stone and Glass

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The late 19th century Pulaski County Courthouse faces down the 1986 Stephens Inc. building - a monster of glass and steel representative of the faceless skyscrapers present in every American city. Even though the courthouse has the illusion of size here, the Stephens building is actually one of the tallest in town.

Here's a historical shot of the courthouse from 1905 - before the neoclassical addition (seen here at left) was built around 1915.

To Dome, or not to Dome?

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Here's Little Rock City Hall in 2012, appearing much as it did 100 years ago. Except there's something missing.

Bye-bye, Broadway Bridge

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Here is a 1920s bridge that is slated, in the next few years, to be demolished. The bridge is apparently in fine condition, but officials would rather pay for a new one than upkeep. There has been chatter of an "iconic" replacement, but I would not be surprised if what we end up getting is just another strip of concrete.

Hall of Justice

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If it weren't for the tacky "NO SMOKING" signs, you'd think this were a fortress somewhere in Europe. But nope, courthouse, Arkansas.

Houses in Hillcrest V

I see this one every time I drive home along Markham. It's a good example of all the larger craftsman houses in this part of Hillcrest.