Markham Hill starts phase 2 of development

After more than eight years of planning, Fayetteville-based Specialized Real Estate Group recently started phase two of Markham Hill, a conservation-focused neighborhood on more than 100 acres of Ozark forest.

This phase of the five-phase development comprises 48 homes, including townhomes, single-family residences and custom homesites. An investment cost was not disclosed, but the city of Fayetteville has issued building permits with a combined value of $3.29 million for seven residential lots. Permits are under review for nine additional lots.

According to a news release, construction started in January with the first townhomes, designed by Nequette Architecture. The homes are engineered to prioritize clean air, comfort, and energy performance and are on average 35% more efficient than typical new construction.

The release shows the second phase keeps development concentrated in a specific area, so most of the land can remain protected. Specialized Real Estate Group previously permanently preserved the forest to the southwest of the property via an easement with the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust.

“This phase reflects what Markham Hill has always been about,” said Hope Haynes, owner representative for Specialized Real Estate Group. “It’s about carrying forward what’s special about Markham and creating a place people genuinely want to live and care for.”

Home sales are underway. The development website shows the two-story townhomes and two-story single-family homes on West Markham Road and West Runners Ridge have two to four bedrooms and bathrooms, and range from 1,220 to 2,934 square feet. The custom lots range from 0.15 acres to 0.21 acres.

The second phase is expected to be completed in mid-2028. Timelines for the remaining phases have yet to be determined.

The previous phase was completed in early 2025 when the three-story, 78-room Stonebreaker Hotel opened at 163 N. Cabin Ridge Road. It was the final phase of the $40 million Stonebreaker hospitality development on Markham Hill, which also included a restaurant, members’ club and 7,000-square-foot event center The Barn. The restaurant and club opened in fall 2024 at The House, an 11,000-square-foot venue at 2231 W. Markham Road, adjacent to the hotel.