Situated at a historically important crossroads, the Department of Arkansas Heritage Headquarters project strove to recognize the many different facets of our state’s history. The 34,000 square feet facility is composed of three main parts: a full renovation of the existing Muswick warehouse building, a two-story office bar providing views of the historic Baring Cross Bridge over the Arkansas River, and the traditionally styled entry building that celebrates Arkansas’ architectural past.

The primary workspaces in the new headquarters are located in the two-story office wing; every employee has a view of the Arkansas River and Baring Cross Bridge through the expansive north-facing windows. A large shared conference room on the second level has a balcony that provides cover for an exterior patio outside the first-floor break room. This portion of the building also contains a large 50-100 person meeting room that will be used by both the department and the public for community functions.

The department felt it was critical for the front door of the agency to recall the state’s proud architectural history. The well-proportioned entry building has a classically designed porch and stylings that harken back to the many wonderful civic buildings that have dotted our state throughout history. The first floor serves both as the department’s front door as well as a rotating display area for the five museums it manages. The second floor is home to more open offices with views to the Arkansas State Capitol.

These three components surround a landscaped internal courtyard, which allows every working space to receive natural light and provide exterior views, while also providing an opportunity for both physical and visual interaction between each of the department’s four agencies. The headquarters’ finishes were selected to highlight Arkansas’ many natural resources, including quartz and cypress wood.