About Us and Our Goal
We are a Creative Partnership, a non-profit, developing a hostel in Little Rock in Old Fire Station Number Two, a 4,663 square foot 1917 craftsman style building in MacArthur Park. It is a contributing structure in the Quapaw Quarter to the MacArthur Park Historic District.
This building belongs to the Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department. Hostelling Arkansas, Inc. will coordinate the project in a Cooperative Agreement with the Parks Department and the City of Little Rock.
We propose to affiliate with Hostelling International - American Youth Hostels (HI-AYH), Founded in 1934, HI-AYH will act as consultants and supply support for start-up. The hostel will be known as HI - Little Rock, The Firehouse Hostel and Museum.
The Little Rock Fire Department has offered volunteer help, historic firefighters' memorabilia, and equipment (including a brass pole and 1933 and 1955 fire trucks!) for reviving the old fire station. HI-AYH hostels have been developed in castles, ships, coast guard stations, lighthouses, villas, haciendas and historic homes and hotels. Our Firehouse Hostel will stand proudly in this company.
We won't be the first to include a museum as many have "Historic Treasure" status. The engine bay will be designed to house the fire trucks as well as the indoor-outdoor dining area and kitchen.
We know from hostelling experience that once completed it will generate continued business by word-of-mouth.
The vast stairwells, walls and ceilings of our common rooms will be decorated with historic firefighting equipment, pictures, and records dating back to the 1870's. Old Station # Two will provide 30 beds. After opening, construction of an annex will provide additional space for beds, dining, events, groups, and museum items.