William J. Clinton Presidential Center

Little Rock, AR, USA

Photo © Timothy Hursley

Drawing © Ennead Architects

Photo © Albert Vecerka/ESTO

Photo © Timothy Hursley

Photo © Albert Vecerka/ESTO

Photo © Timothy Hursley

Photo © Albert Vecerka/ESTO

Architects: ennead architects

Year: 2004

The architectural and site design of this Presidential complex maximizes public park acreage, responds to its riverfront location, connects downtown Little Rock with North Little Rock, and preserves a historic railroad station bridge. To achieve these objectives, the main body of the Center is turned perpendicular to the river and elevated off the ground plane, allowing the new 30-acre city park along the south bank of the Arkansas River to flow underneath. The refurbished Choctaw Station houses the Clinton Public Policy Institute and Clinton School of Public Service, and the Rock Island Railroad Bridge will be employed as a pedestrian crossing linking the site to North Little Rock. Sustainability goals for the project included surpassing the requirements of the prevailing energy efficiency standard and demonstrating the latest renewable energy generation technologies. The building’s curtainwall incorporates a solar screening interlayer, and the interior environment features demand-controlled ventilation and radiant-floor heating and cooling. Materials were selected for their regional availability, recycled content and low chemical emissions. The project achieved a LEED Silver certification upon completion, and was subsequently upgraded to LEED Platinum.