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Downtown Poised for Growth, New projects and
Cornerstones Discussed
It's been a long time coming. Downtown Springdale has seen its better
years for sure, but if the recent investment of developers and
corporations are any indication, we may see a renaissance down on
Emma. A coupling of private dollars and taxpayer funded projects such
as the new Criminal Justice and Administration Building have
Downtown Springdale ready to reclaim its place as one of the
destinations of NWA.
The recent announcement of The Travelling Public, a Runway Group project, is just the latest in a series of news that leads many to believe Emma Avenues best days are ahead. The new mixed-use commercial will have multiple spaces for commercial and restaurant use as well as 55 residential apartments in the 4-story building. It will also offer a common gathering space and candlepin bowling downstairs in hopes of helping create a destination for those who don't reside downtown.
In addition to the 55 units in the Runway Project, on the East end of Emma Don Harris and Tom Lundstrom are working on a 24-unit development next to the Community Clinic. Further down the way just off the West side of Emma developer Philip Taldo is building 6 condos in the top of The Watson, a historical piece of Downtown Springdale. A quick drive through the downtown area will give you a snapshot of all the home restorations taking place in the area.
In just the last couple of years we have seen Tyson open a new downtown office and support building across the street housing nearly 400 employees. J.B. Hunt moved over 125 employees into the 2nd story of the First Security building in the heart of downtown and Multicraft began working on robotics right across the street. We have seen Whytespyder and Midtown Associates, now Engel and Volkers NWA, move in as well as Serc Physical therapy.
On the North end of downtown Milestone Construction, a Springdale based firm, is in full swing on the nearly $40 million Criminal Justice and Administration Complex. In the historic Watson building James Smith is bringing his carpenter skills and incredible artistry with James+James to the corner with a working woodshop in customer view. The Apollo on Emma was revived and brought back to life by Brian Moore and Tom and Robin Lundstrom and has become a first-class event center in the entrance of Downtown run by Heidi Faires.
Food and drink options have continued to expand. Spring Street Grill has long been a stalwart downtown as have the cakes and goodies at Shelby Lynn's and the tacos at Taqueria Don Guero. But now you can dine at the Brent Hale creations Big Sexy Food Truck and Sammich Love, Mothership, Sonora Café, Mr. Taco Loco, Jade China and coming soon The Pits Barbecue Food Truck. You can grab a drink with Jeffro at The Odd Soul or one from Leo at Black Apple Hard Cider. Stop by Emma Avenue Bar and Tap and say hello to Buck or hit Bike Rack Brewing in the evening for a cold beer or the morning for a cup of coffee. If you're a little closer to the Greenway stop in at Trailside Coffee.
Retail on Emma has even seen an uptick in a time where there is uncertainty in the market. Successful boutique Whimsy Whoo opened their second location in conjunction with the swanky Downtown Beauty Lounge. Fair Trade market The Avenue holds its place in downtown as does vintage dress shop Della DeVille's. Stephanie Robinson's Sire has seen their share of success and is currently remodeling across the street from The Apollo to make their move to the main drag through downtown as well. Lost and Found furniture as well as Cellar Door antiques still offer you the opportunity to look for great finds reclaimed.
Downtown Springdale may be far from complete, but the growth and expansion we have seen there in the last few years in addition to the infrastructure put in place by the city are a promising look at what the future of Emma holds for both businesses and citizens alike. Exciting times are coming. Continue to stay tuned for future development and opportunities to live Springdale to the fullest!
The recent announcement of The Travelling Public, a Runway Group project, is just the latest in a series of news that leads many to believe Emma Avenues best days are ahead. The new mixed-use commercial will have multiple spaces for commercial and restaurant use as well as 55 residential apartments in the 4-story building. It will also offer a common gathering space and candlepin bowling downstairs in hopes of helping create a destination for those who don't reside downtown.
In addition to the 55 units in the Runway Project, on the East end of Emma Don Harris and Tom Lundstrom are working on a 24-unit development next to the Community Clinic. Further down the way just off the West side of Emma developer Philip Taldo is building 6 condos in the top of The Watson, a historical piece of Downtown Springdale. A quick drive through the downtown area will give you a snapshot of all the home restorations taking place in the area.
In just the last couple of years we have seen Tyson open a new downtown office and support building across the street housing nearly 400 employees. J.B. Hunt moved over 125 employees into the 2nd story of the First Security building in the heart of downtown and Multicraft began working on robotics right across the street. We have seen Whytespyder and Midtown Associates, now Engel and Volkers NWA, move in as well as Serc Physical therapy.
On the North end of downtown Milestone Construction, a Springdale based firm, is in full swing on the nearly $40 million Criminal Justice and Administration Complex. In the historic Watson building James Smith is bringing his carpenter skills and incredible artistry with James+James to the corner with a working woodshop in customer view. The Apollo on Emma was revived and brought back to life by Brian Moore and Tom and Robin Lundstrom and has become a first-class event center in the entrance of Downtown run by Heidi Faires.
Food and drink options have continued to expand. Spring Street Grill has long been a stalwart downtown as have the cakes and goodies at Shelby Lynn's and the tacos at Taqueria Don Guero. But now you can dine at the Brent Hale creations Big Sexy Food Truck and Sammich Love, Mothership, Sonora Café, Mr. Taco Loco, Jade China and coming soon The Pits Barbecue Food Truck. You can grab a drink with Jeffro at The Odd Soul or one from Leo at Black Apple Hard Cider. Stop by Emma Avenue Bar and Tap and say hello to Buck or hit Bike Rack Brewing in the evening for a cold beer or the morning for a cup of coffee. If you're a little closer to the Greenway stop in at Trailside Coffee.
Retail on Emma has even seen an uptick in a time where there is uncertainty in the market. Successful boutique Whimsy Whoo opened their second location in conjunction with the swanky Downtown Beauty Lounge. Fair Trade market The Avenue holds its place in downtown as does vintage dress shop Della DeVille's. Stephanie Robinson's Sire has seen their share of success and is currently remodeling across the street from The Apollo to make their move to the main drag through downtown as well. Lost and Found furniture as well as Cellar Door antiques still offer you the opportunity to look for great finds reclaimed.
Downtown Springdale may be far from complete, but the growth and expansion we have seen there in the last few years in addition to the infrastructure put in place by the city are a promising look at what the future of Emma holds for both businesses and citizens alike. Exciting times are coming. Continue to stay tuned for future development and opportunities to live Springdale to the fullest!