180-unit apartment complex opens at Chaffee Crossing

A new 180-unit apartment complex is the newest development at Chaffee Crossing. Billed as “upscale” by the property managers, the Prairie at Chaffee Crossing located at 1800 Frontier Road in Barling officially opened Wednesday (April 9).

The complete project took about 28 months to complete with a total cost of around $24 million. Management for the property is with Ghan Cooper Multifamily.

Co-owners Rodney Ghan and Rick Griffin chose the location for the new apartment complex because of its proximity to Ebbing Air National Guard Base and the Arkansas College for Health Education (ACHE), said Jana Mundy with Fort Smith-based Griffin Properties.

“We think it’s ideal for members of the military and for (ACHE) students, but really for anyone. It’s a great location,” Mundy said.

The property is located near the Harps Food Store that is under construction, located at the corner of Highway 255 and Veteran’s Avenue in Chaffee Crossing. More food opportunities are coming to the area, Mundy said.

The ACHE is the parent organization of the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, which has more than 600 students.

Ebbing is home to the 188th Wing, which has around 1,000 active and Guard members involved in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions using remotely-piloted aircraft, also known as drones. Ebbing is also home to a foreign military pilot training center focused on supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland, and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

Along with 180 studio, one-bedroom and two bedroom apartments, the property includes a clubhouse; swimming pool with covered pavilion that includes grills, fire place, and lounge area; fitness center, EV charging station with Stage 2 and Stage 3 EV plugs, and dog park, called the Bark Park.

“This development represents more than just apartments. It’s a place where memories will be made, friendships will grow, and people build their lives. We’ve worked hard to create a modern, stylish and convenient living experience for all. We’re just minutes away from dining, shopping and beautiful parks and nature,” Mundy said.

Each apartment is equipped with a washer and dryer, ceiling fans, fully equipped kitchens and granite countertops. Apartments are smoke-free.

The property is a gated community for added security, Mundy said. Gates are open during the day and closed at nights and on weekends. There are three on-site staff workers – a community director, assistant community director and maintenance employee, she said.

And pets are welcome, but they will cost extra. All pets must have updated veterinary paperwork. There is a $30-65 per pet monthly “rent,” plus a $500-$600 one-time non-refundable pet fee per pet. The amount is determined by the pet size, Mundy said. There is a maximum of two pets per unit.

Studio apartments are 558 square feet and rent for $850 per month. One-bedroom, one-bath apartments, which are 730 square feet, are $995 per month. Rent for a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment is $1,185 per month. Those apartments are 952 square feet.