Bentonville mixed-use project receives rezoning approval

Bentonville land targeted by a Fayetteville developer for a multimillion-dollar mixed-use development received the necessary rezoning approval Feb. 28 from the Bentonville City Council.

In an 8-0 vote, the council approved the rezone of 11.22 acres east of the downtown square to a planned unit development (PUD). The property, south of Casey’s General Store at 100 S.E. J St., is bordered to the north by East Central Avenue, to the east by Southeast J Street and to the south by Southeast Third Street. The land is owned by 10 separate property owners and includes nine single-family homes and three undeveloped lots.

All of the land is under contract to be purchased by Specialized Real Estate Group of Fayetteville, with plans to develop the site. About 60% of the PUD will consist of mostly three-story apartment buildings, with 263 one- and two-bedroom units. The remainder will consist of four-story buildings used by a mixture of office, retail or commercial tenants. A phasing plan will be developed as part of the large-scale development submission.

“Though this new community will have its own unique look and feel, we will be applying the best practices from our other successful developments,” SREG spokeswoman Sarah King said in a statement. “Like our Uptown Fayetteville Apartments, the site design for this new community features a private trail spur. We will commission public art which will appeal to residents and neighbors alike. We also plan a community vegetable garden, which will be our fifth in Northwest Arkansas.”

Construction is expected to begin this summer. Modus Studio of Fayetteville and Morrison-Shipley Engineers of Bentonville are partnering with SREG on the project. A lender and general contractor have yet to be selected.