Organizers Look to Future of Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

Although the cause of the fire that destroyed an historic Little Rock building is still undetermined, one thing is for sure: the Department of Arkansas Heritage says the 92-year old Mosaic Templars Cultural Center will be rebuilt. Two of the building`s most important parts are still intact: the cornerstone and the front entrance with the pediment over the doorway. Through that doorway, is a hallway made of two walls of heavy brickmasonry, still standing. Those hallways made history, but with the rest of the building gone, whatever replaces it will start a new beginning. "We had exhibit spaces to the east and west and a small theater," explained architect Tommy Jameson. "There are so many things tucked away ready to be put into a museum," said Cathie Mattews at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. The museum would have had a pharmacy exhibit, like the store that was once on the corner of 9th and Broadway, in the building; office space upstairs where the Mosaic Templars offices were, and there were plans to restore the upstairs ballroom to where greats like Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington once graced the floor. With documentation of almost every crack in the building, Jameson says it`s not impossible to start all over. "That entrance could be incorporated into a new structure," he said. "Whether it`s an exact duplicate or whether it physically apears as a duplicate but with modern technology," is up to the Department of Arkansas Heritage, he said. The building was insured for $1.1 million dollars, and $2.8 million of a restoration contract are still remaining. The fire`s cause is still under investigation. The fire department says it could be complete in a week or two, and they have ruled out gas and electricity as possibilities. Meanwhile, the Downtown Partnership has teamed up with Twin City Bank, a block from the building, to start up the Mosaic Templar Phoenix Fund, to help in the rebuilding process. Donations can be sent to the Mosaic Templar Phoenix Fund at P.O. Box 16270 Little Rock, 72231.