I note this morning an article in the Democrat-Gazette about an Airport Commission committee’s approval of the demolition of the Aerospace Education Center, a museum and theater closed for almost four years.

What if?

Advertisement

What if the political fight over its location had been won by those who favored a River Market neighborhood location and the “critical mass” argument of plunking as many attractions as possible there. The presidential library, a Game and Fish Commission Nature Center, the River Market, the Museum of Discovery, the library, the Ron Robinson Theater and more are there now. Would the location, rather than the isolated spot beneath the airport flight path, have brought more visitors and revenue?

Just a thought.

Advertisement

The facility’s parking lot has proved handy as a cell phone lot for people waiting for airplane arrivals at the nearby Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport.

The Arkansas Aviation Historical Society, in selling assets including the property and collections in 2011, took a $5.3 million loss. Its most recent tax statement, in 2012, shows assets of about $83,000, but the books are cleared of debt.

Advertisement

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article The Double Wide, Arkansas Fresh Bakery, and Jonathan Wilkins’ return to form Next article Tom Cotton waters Delta roots with Skype