Bentonville Hotel named after conservationist Neil Compton

Independent lifestyle hotel The Compton is slated to open late this fall at the southeast corner of the square in downtown Bentonville. The hotel will have 69 employees, and the food and beverage outlets will have 82 staff.

The 116,000-square-foot hotel is named in honor of conservationist Neil Compton, who played a key role in preserving the Buffalo River by designating it as the first National River.

Real estate development firm Blue Crane of Bentonville is leading the six-story, 142-room project at 200 E. Central Ave. Blue Crane is Runway Group’s real estate acquisition and development arm. Runway Group is a diversified holding company based in Bentonville and led by Tom and Steuart Walton.

“The Compton stands as more than a building; it is a testament to the spirit of authentic adventure that Dr. Compton embodied,” said Brian Shaw, development partner at Blue Crane. “He was a visionary Bentonville resident, and his leadership provided a model for conservation that is still relevant. We aim to honor his legacy and share it with all future guests.”

The city of Bentonville issued a $23.23 million building permit for the project in March 2023. Flintco Construction is the general contractor, and Marvel Design and BRR Architecture are the architects. Créme Design is the interior designer. Dallas-based Practice Hospitality will operate the hotel.

It will include two retail spaces and amenities, such as a bike valet, wash station, and storage. It will also have 3,750 square feet of meeting and event space.

Bentonville hospitality company Ropeswing Hospitality Group will oversee the restaurants and bars, including cafe Field Notes, steakhouse Sestina, and a cocktail bar overlooking the square. Ropeswing also is a Runway Group company, and its other culinary brands include The Preacher’s Son, Lady Slipper and BlakeSt.