Little Rock Celebrates the Reopening of B. Finley Vinson Plaza Downtown
Reimagined plaza highlights the city’s continued investment in public spaces
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 11, 2026) — The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB), Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission Chair Nick Roye, Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., city leaders and community members gathered downtown this afternoon to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated B. Finley Vinson Plaza, marking a milestone in the city’s continued investment in public spaces and tourism.
Located in front of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at 424 W. Markham St. in Little Rock, the reimagined plaza features expanded green space, public seating and flexible areas designed to host live music and community events. The renovation transforms the site into a more open and inviting gathering place for residents and visitors, establishing a key connection that enhances downtown walkability and encourages exploration throughout Riverfront Park with a lighted pathway into the park.
“Today’s opening of B. Finley Vinson Plaza proves how smart, intentional investments in our public spaces can strengthen Little Rock’s appeal as a premier tourist destination,” said Gina Gemberling, president and CEO of the LRCVB. “This great new addition to downtown embodies our vision for creating vibrant, welcoming places where visitors and locals alike can connect, experience culture and contribute to the continued growth of our economy.”
Held just days after the conclusion of National Travel and Tourism Week May 3-9, the re-opening of the plaza underscored the vital role tourism plays in the economy of Central Arkansas. The LRCVB’s 2025 Annual Report found that visitors spent more than $2.19 billion in Pulaski County in 2024, directly supporting 12,213 jobs, generating $488 million in local wages and contributing more than $139 million in state and local tax revenue.
Named in honor of B. Finley Vinson, a former Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission chair who was instrumental in shaping several of the city’s landmark developments like the Statehouse Convention Center, today’s Little Rock Marriott, and more, the plaza continues Vinson's legacy of advancing Little Rock as a hub for tourism and community life. The project, which was started in December of 2024, was completed by WER Architects, general contractor Jones Development Company, and EDG Landscaping.
The renovation aligns with key priorities outlined in the LRCVB’s 10-year Tourism Master Plan, particularly in the areas of placemaking and community engagement. City leaders expect the plaza to serve as a central gathering place along the downtown corridor, supporting events, conventions, visitors and community use while contributing to Little Rock’s ongoing growth as a travel destination.
ABOUT B. FINLEY VINSON
B. Finley Vinson was a prominent Little Rock banker, businessman, and civic leader whose vision helped shape the city’s modern identity. A banker, he was deeply involved in downtown redevelopment and economic advancement throughout the mid-20th century. Vinson led the Little Rock Housing Authority during major urban renewal efforts and was a founding member of Fifty for the Future, a coalition of business leaders formed to attract industry and encourage business expansion across the capital city. His leadership extended to cultural, medical, and educational initiatives that contributed to projects such as the Statehouse Convention Center, Excelsior Hotel (now Little Rock Marriott), Arkansas Arts Center, today’s Regions Bank building that once housed the iconic Jacques and Suzanne restaurant, airport expansion, and more. A strong advocate for progress and inclusivity, Vinson also played a role in the Downtown Negotiating Committee, which helped end segregation in public facilities during the 1960s. Later, he served as chair of the Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission, continuing his legacy of civic engagement and support for tourism, the arts, and downtown revitalization.
ABOUT THE LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Little Rock, responsible for promoting the city for convention and leisure travel. The LRCVB also operates the Statehouse Convention Center, Robinson Center, Cromwell Building, and the River Market which includes Ottenheimer Hall, two open air pavilions, and the First Security Amphitheater, as well as multiple parking facilities. The LRCVB is primarily funded by the city’s lodging tax and prepared food tax. The organization has four primary divisions: Finance & Administration; Sales, Services, & Community Engagement; Marketing & Communications; and Facility Operations. For more information, visit here.