Designs revealed for 12th Street LRPD substation

LITTLE ROCK, AR - The new police substation on 12th Street in Little Rock is a few months away from breaking ground. And there are plans for a lot more at the building than just a police station

Moving is never easy, let alone in the heat with small children. Victoria Greenwood is moving her family into a home just off of 14th and Pine.

The location is just a couple blocks from the long sought after 12th Street LRPD substation.

"It's not too far so I could just walk up the street and with the police station, it will help out a whole lot more for the community," Greenwood says.

Ken Richardson, Little Rock city director for Ward 2 giving FOX16 the first look at the final design for the 40,000 square foot, $9 million building on Wednesday.

"We even have adequate green space or some kind of restaurant capability, people would be able to sit and have coffee and food," Richardson says.

Richardson says the building could include a credit union, health food store or clinic.  He adds it could even serve donuts.

He would also like to see some work in front of the police substation. Specifically on 12th Street, to reduce the amount of lanes, lower speeds and even add a bike path. All of it designed to reinvigorate the 12th Street corridor.

"I think some of it is a perception of public safety versus reality of public safety. This will deal with that, this will counter that," Richardson says.

Greenwood says she wants a safe place for her kids to live and feels the substation can only serve to improve the neighborhood.

"It’s very important. I want to see my kids grow up. Want to see their future, my grandkids and great grandkids and everything like that," Greenwood says.

Groundbreaking is expected later this year with an opening in late summer or fall 2013.

Richardson says he considers this substation the most important piece of revitalization along the 12th Street corridor because it can spur private investment and new businesses.