A Century of Service


St. Joseph's story began in 1907 as a 720-acre tract of farmland, followed by the construction of a 56,000-square-foot building in 1910, designed by renowned architect Charles Thompson. For over a century, this historic property served as a beacon of hope and community under the devoted care of the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica.


Through the decades, St. Joseph's wore many faces: an orphanage that became home to hundreds of children, a school educating local students, a nursing home providing dignified care for the elderly, a daycare nurturing young minds, and a peaceful retreat center. During World War I, the building even served as the Belmont Hotel, offering respite to officers and their families. Throughout it all, the sisters maintained extensive gardens, orchards, and livestock, making St. Joseph's a thriving, self-sustaining farm.

The Start of SJCA

In 2008, when the Diocese of Little Rock announced that St. Joseph's Home would close and the property would be sold, a group of passionate community members stepped up and created of St. Joseph Center of Arkansas.  In 2010, SJCA (501c3) signed a 50-year lease with the diocese, assuming all fiscal and management responsibilities for the property.


What followed was a remarkable resurrection. Through the hard work and dedication the historic site was transformed into a dynamic urban farm and community hub.

  • Supporting over 50 local artists with subsidized studio space and markets where they could share and sell their work
  • Empowering local farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs through free classes, market access, and the space to grow their businesses
  • Operating the largest community gardens in North Little Rock, putting food and knowledge directly into the hands of our neighbors
  • Welcoming thousands of RV and overnight visitors to our historic property and building
  • Hosting AmeriCorps groups year after year, giving young people hands-on experience in public service
  • Creating Pollinator & Native Gardens, Walking Trails, and Educating Young Naturalists with the help of Arkansas Master Naturalists and Arkansas Master Gardeners
  • Growing food for the Hunger Relief Alliance and local food pantries, turning our soil into meals for families who needed them
  • Caring for farm animals with the help of an incredible team of dedicated volunteers
  • Building a farm store focused on local farmers and producers that grew to serve 22,000+ customers a year

Rising From The Ashes


March 19, 2025

Fire Consumes the building

A fire ignited in the attic of the historic building. Fueled by 50 mph winds, flames tore through the roof and chapel, reducing both to ashes. Remarkably, the remainder of the building stood virtually untouched. 


July, 2025

Catholic Church decides to demolish & terminate

Rather than restore the historic St. Joseph Home, a building that had stood since 1908, the Catholic Church chose to demolish it and terminate our lease, making way for a new seminary.


January 31, 2026

Last day on the property

After months of helping our artist community salvage their studios, finding new homes for our animals, and sorting through a century's worth of tools and equipment, we walked the grounds for the last time. We left carrying everything that truly mattered: our mission, our people, and a plan for what comes next.


NOW

Building Communities

Today, SJCA is planting new roots across central Arkansas. We're growing community through agriculture, arts, and innovation in ways we never could before. Cultivating spaces where people grow together, wherever that may be. Look for our new community spaces coming soon.