The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau is set to re-open Robinson’s doors, after nearly two years shut down for renovations, on November 10. Though Robinson will still be the anchor name, nine Little Rock natives will join the list of names marked throughout the historic building. These nine have been supporters of the arts both in and out of Arkansas were honored on October 13th at the Double Tree Hotel next to the Robinson Theater.
List of honorees: Dr. William Grant Still, Florence Price, Stella Boyle Smith, Lawrence Hamilton, Gail Davis, Arthur Lee Porter Sr., Arthur lee Porter Jr., Ben Piazza, and Barry L. Travis.
Travis is the only surviving honoree. His namesake will be the Robinson Center’s Patron Lounge, which will feature the southern yellow pine floors from the original stage of the Robinson Center built in 1939. The original hardwood floors were discovered during renovations.