LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—City leaders, tourism officials, and community members gathered downtown May 11 to celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated B. Finley Vinson Plaza, highlighting Little Rock’s ongoing investment in public spaces and tourism infrastructure.
The plaza, located in front of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Little Rock, has been redesigned with expanded green space, public seating, and flexible areas intended for live music and community events. The project also includes a lighted pathway connecting the plaza to Riverfront Park to improve downtown walkability and encourage visitor exploration.
Officials from Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB), the Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission, and the city joined Mayor Frank Scott Jr. for the ceremony.
“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 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.”
The reopening came shortly after National Travel and Tourism Week, May 3-9, and underscored the economic impact of tourism in central Arkansas. According to LRCVB’s 2025 annual report, visitors spent more than $2.19 billion in Pulaski County in 2024, supporting 12,213 jobs, generating $488 million in local wages, and contributing more than $139 million in state and local tax revenue.
The plaza is named for B. Finley Vinson, a former chair of the Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission who played a role in the development of several downtown projects, including Statehouse Convention Center and the Little Rock Marriott.
Construction on the project began in December 2024 and was completed by WER Architects, Jones Development Co., and EDG Landscaping.
The renovation aligns with priorities outlined in the LRCVB’s 10-year Tourism Master Plan, particularly efforts focused on placemaking and community engagement. Officials expect the plaza to serve as a central gathering place for conventions, events, residents, and visitors along the downtown corridor.
