LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - A 35-unit, two-building complex is being built across the street from the Villa Marre. The multi-unit apartment community will feature French Second Empire-style architecture. It's the first new apartment complex to be built in the SoMa District of Little Rock.
While some are excited about the growth, others aren't sure. This empty lot at the corner of Scott Street and
Daisy Bates will soon look a lot different. Construction is about to begin on the Villa View at SOMA.
"More people living here and shopping," Sally Mengel, business owner and resident of SOMA, said.
She's also an avid dog walker.
"I love walking my dog and we always try to find nice patchy grass," Mengel said. "One of our favorite spots is across from the Villa Marre. I love this tree that grows horizontal and up and we like to climb on it. I'm going to be sad to see it go."
The development will face the historic Villa Marre and the design mirrors the historic home built in 1881.
Mengel said, it’s important to the neighborhood.
"I think it's like a double edged sword. It's good to have people move in and more people walking around, hopefully buying an ice cream cone," Mengel said, "[but] I like my little quiet area."
As a business owner, Mengel feels that the apartments will bring a new crowd to the SOMA neighborhood. She just hopes the new development don't hurt the historical value of the area.
"I've seen what the apartments are going to look like. I think they look really good," Mengel said.
The project should be complete by the end of 2018.