Adaptive Reuse of Farmers Co-op Property in Fayetteville Ahead
We’re pleased to announce plans to redevelop the property currently occupied by Farmers Cooperative near the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and South School Avenue in Fayetteville following the Co-op’s decision to relocate.
The four existing main buildings will be reused as part of a development that will contain food and beverage establishments, entertainment, small office and retail space. Around 220 new apartments will be added to the approximately 8 acre site. The existing buildings are situated along an arc running from north to southwest — the trace of a long-gone rail line that once served the local timber and produce industries. A new boardwalk will follow the route of the old rail line. New apartments along South School will create an inviting streetscape that will welcome pedestrians. Modus Studio of Fayetteville are the project architects, and construction is planned to begin in early 2020.
“This property has been a meeting place for a long time, and we know that it is significant to the neighborhood and to folks around the region.” said Specialized Real Estate Group CEO, Jeremy Hudson. “We are thankful for this opportunity to bring new life to such an important place. We intend to honor the agricultural and industrial heritage of the site as we add new housing and small businesses.”
SREG and Modus Studio have partnered on several other successful adaptive reuse projects including Eco Modern Flats, 15 North Church Avenue, and 200 West Center Street, the home of Arsaga’s Church and Center.
This property links the emerging Cultural Arts District and the University of Arkansas Art and Design District, along with the thriving South Fayetteville neighborhood. The Razorback Greenway runs along the west side of the property, linking to the westward Tsa-La-Gi Trail. Tanglewood Branch, a tributary of the West Fork of the White River, runs along the edge of the property, and SREG plans streambank restoration, addressing erosion and establishing Ozark native plantings.
Specialized Real Estate Group is Arkansas’ leading developer of LEED-certified multifamily properties, with over 1.2 million square feet of LEED certified buildings in Fayetteville. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. SREG leads the region in multifamily recycling, and diverted 30 tons of postconsumer materials from the landfill in 2018. Headquartered in Fayetteville, SREG was the 2018 Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Developer of the Year.
UPDATE: August 12, 2019
Community Open House
Saturday, September 7, 2019 – 10am to 1pm
In partnership with Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, we invite the community to visit the Farmers Co-op buildings – including the oldest buildings built in 1950 – for the last time before redevelopment. The co-op, operating as Farm Service Cooperative, Farm Bureau Cooperative, and most recently, Farmers Cooperative, has a long history in Washington County, and we invite former members, employees, and the public to share memories of the co-op’s early days. We will have an area for artifacts and memorabilia to be displayed during the event, and we invite you to bring photos, feed sacks, and any other items relating to the history of the co-op. Our development team will be on hand to discuss plans for the property, provide tours, and answer questions.