The Boyle Building, Arkansas’ second skyscraper and one-time tallest building, is newly renovated, with new tenants and a new name.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has moved his offices into the space, and dedicated it as the Bob R. Brooks Justice Building, in honor of the former chief deputy attorney general, who died in February of last year.
Griffin said he and Brooks worked to secure the building as a way to reduce cost and develop downtown Little Rock.
"In September of 2023, [Brooks] wrote this, 'Bull Tower,' we were going to name it after 'Bull' Randleman, that's going to be the park behind you now. So let me just say, 'Brooks Tower is going to blow some people away, establishing a long term legacy for all future AG’s,’” Griffin said.
Griffin said he and Brooks worked closely on the effort for several years. He says he believes Brooks would approve of the final result.
"It is undoubtedly, by any standard, the most beautiful building on this strip, with all due respect to some of these other things. And we honor that. Inside, we kept everything that we could from the past: the exposed brick, the Art Deco elevators, the marble. But secondly, this building, it is focused, full speed ahead, on the future.”
In a media preview of the space Monday afternoon, Griffin noted the blend of past and present, with a focus on creating ergonomic interiors and natural light. The 1909 building was restored with financial assistance from historic rehabilitation tax credits. He also explained the driving factor behind the move.
"For me, the key is we are going from renting to owning," said Griffin. " We're going to pay for the maintenance every year, but the rent will be paid to another state agency. So you basically go from paying a-million-something rent per year, to here, where the rent, once we own it, there is no rent.”
Griffin said that in order to receive tax credits, the building must be rented for five years, with the state taking ownership on the sixth year. He expects costs to be reduced as future state attorneys general make use of the space.
The office space is outfitted with amenities such as a moot courtroom to simulate proceedings, a fully-stocked vending area for employees, as well as a public cafe, which will operate on the building's first floor.
Griffin announced in early May the cafe will be named Restaurant Fleur, and helmed by Chef Jennifer Maune, a Master Chef finalist and lifelong Arkansan.
The restaurant will serve French-American style cuisine, and is set to open in January 2026.
