Blue Crane, Riverside announce mixed-use development on Bentonville Square
by April 25, 2025 12:07 pm 3,052 views
Conceptual image of Bentonville Square project.
Blue Crane and development partner Riverside of Austin, Texas, announced Friday (April 25) a mixed-use project located on Second Street between N.E. A and North Main streets in downtown Bentonville.
The development will include new residential units, commercial spaces and underground parking, while preserving key elements of the Bentonville square.
A dollar figure for the project was not disclosed. Developers said plans were still being finalized and investment details could not be provided at this time.
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, who are grandsons of Walmart founders Helen and Sam Walton.
Utility relocation associated with the project started earlier this month, and construction is expected to begin in early 2026.
“We really tried to create a space that honors the square’s importance while carefully introducing new architecture and amenities to serve our growing community,” said Brian Shaw, a member of the development team at Blue Crane. “This project represents an exciting vision for Bentonville’s future — a thoughtful blend of contemporary design that respects the city’s heritage.”
The design of the building blends historic elements — with storefronts that reflect the designs of the original brick commercial buildings built in the 1880s — with more modern architecture off the square. The project will also restore and preserve the historic Benton County Jail, which is recognized on the National Historic Registry.
A key component of the project is the “reimagining of the Arvest Bank branch on the square.” During redevelopment, the Arvest Bank branch will remain downtown, temporarily relocating to 215 N.W. A St. to ensure service continuity.
“Arvest is part of the downtown Bentonville fabric and remains committed to serving the community,” said Chad Evans, Arvest Benton County president. “We look forward to welcoming our customers to a next-generation bank and community room on the square.”
The development will add new residential units to downtown Bentonville and there will be retail and dining spaces as well as business and shopping spaces. An underground parking structure will provide parking access while preserving the pedestrian-friendly, walkable character of downtown Bentonville.
“The North Main project is an investment in Bentonville’s future,” said Barrett Lepore, partner at Riverside. “We’re creating a place that will bring full time residents and new amenities downtown while contributing to Bentonville’s thriving, local economy.”
The north side of the square was last renovated in the 1980s when the majority of the original buildings were rebuilt.