Fayetteville development earns state’s first Fitwel recognition

A new mixed-use project of Fayetteville developer Specialized Real Estate Group (SREG) recently received a three-star rating from Fitwel, a certification system embraced by developers and workplace strategists as part of the growing trend toward healthier workplaces.

A three-star rating is Fitwel’s highest certification. The $63 million South Yard Lofts is the first project in Arkansas to receive any certification under Fitwel.

“We are thrilled to have another first in Arkansas. As the leaders in cultivating healthy spaces, having a Fitwel-certified project and a 3-star rating is a milestone I am proud of our team for achieving,” Specialized CEO Jeremy Hudson said in a statement. “South Yard Lofts will be a cornerstone of Fayetteville, and what better way to join the neighborhood than a certification that exemplifies our dedication to our residents and community’s well-being.”

South Yard Lofts is a 9.1-acre development at the southwest corner of the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and South School Avenue. Construction started in August 2020. The development includes five multifamily buildings with 128 units and four commercial buildings with 27,000 square feet. Also included is a public park dedicated to the city of Fayetteville.

Modus Studio and Huffman Contractors led the residential design and construction. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, Modus Studio and Clark Contractors led the commercial work.

SREG has leased more than 40% of the commercial space and has remaining space for restaurant and retail tenants. A spokeswoman said the first commercial tenants are expected by the end of the year.

The first residents are scheduled to move in this summer.