BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

With such a high concentration of businesses, museums and other organizations downtown, there are plenty of opportunities to collaborate. Ellen Korenblat, director of community engagement at the Historic Arkansas Museum, said her job is all about building relationships.

“HAM is a little green oasis amid tall buildings and paved roads. It provides that visual rest for the eyes and a little bit of joy in the middle of quick-paced work,” she said. “It is part of what makes our cityscape unique, and for decades, the museum has been a trusted partner in downtown events, tourism, arts, preservation and education.”

The museum, which highlights the early history of Arkansas, is known for helping to establish a number of downtown events, including the 2nd Friday Art Night, the Arkansas Cornbread Festival and the Six Bridges Book Festival. The museum is also known for its yearly eggnog competition, the Nog-Off.

Korenblat said the museum is in a constant state of flux, whether it is adding new events and programs or enhancing the structures on its historic grounds, home to some of the oldest buildings in Little Rock.

She added that although she lives just outside downtown, she feels like she belongs to the area.

“All of my jobs have been downtown. I really can’t imagine working anywhere else,” she said. “Downtown has a community feel. You see some of the same people at lunch or walking. Businesses are close to each other. All of that makes it easier to collaborate.”

Ellen Korenblat