LITTLE ROCK, AR - A national publication lists Little Rock as one of the top ten downtown areas in the country for cities with 100,000 – 300,000 residents.
Terry Elder opened up Stratton's Market on Memorial Day weekend at 3rd and Rock. His goal, give people living in downtown a place to shop.
"They just want an item that keeps them from getting in their car like roll of toilet paper, paper towels, one onion,” Elder says. “We've got that, we provide that for them."
That's part of why Little Rock has landed on a Top 10 list for downtowns, according to national publication livability.com. It’s named
Little Rock as the #5 downtown. The criteria includes downtown amenities and residential areas, as well as museums and theaters.
Sharon Priest with Little Rock Downtown Partnership says construction in downtown is another sign of progress.
"Now that things are starting to pop other people are taking notice," Priest says.
Clearly downtown Little Rock is making progress but those who keep track of this say there is still more to do to make the area more livable.
"Well, we need more retail,” Priest says. “I think that's something everyone would agree to."
And Elder adds he doesn't want Stratton's Market to stand alone as the only option for people living downtown.
"This is about the only little grocery store, deli in the neighborhood," Elder says.
