Springdale Shows Diverse Growth

Jesse Core pours a sample beer Friday at his microbrewery, Core Brewing Company, in Springdale. The opening of the microbrewery is one of the latest examples of growth and redevelopment in Springdale.
Jesse Core pours a sample beer Friday at his microbrewery, Core Brewing Company, in Springdale. The opening of the microbrewery is one of the latest examples of growth and redevelopment in Springdale.

— Recent private and public actions in Springdale are helping shape the city’s brand.

At A Glance

Springdale Downtown Master Plan Charrette And Open House

The second round of public input session for the Springdale Downtown Master Plan will be held Wednesday at the Jones Center. An open house will be held from noon to 7 p.m. Formal presentation will be given at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Source: Staff Report

The opening of a microbrewery, exterior enhancements of the city’s hospital, a $71 million bond issue and work on a downtown master plan are just a few examples of changes in the works in Springdale.

Bill Rogers, vice president of communications and special projects at the Springdale Chamber of Commerce, said when many building blocks are going at the same time it creates a steady progression of growth and development.

“When you look at all of them as a big picture, you realize big things are happening in Springdale,” he said. ‘It’s changing perceptions, and it’s contagious.”

Michael Harvey, chief operating officer of the Northwest Arkansas Council, said Springdale is moving forward rapidly because of the groundwork laid out through the recession.

“The city certainly seems like it is racking up a lot of wins,” he said. “It could be a jewel in the rough.”

Jesse Core has seen Springdale through the eyes of both a city leader and a business owner. Core served one four-year City Council term starting in 2006. He chose not to seek re-election and said he wants to support the town as a businessman.

“I worked hard for Springdale and now I’m putting my money where my mouth is,” he said.

Core opened Core Brewing Co. in 5,000 square feet of office/warehouse space at 2470 Lowell Road. He plans to expand by another 5,000 square feet by the end of March.

The microbrewery opened for business last week following 18 months of preparation and setup.

Springdale voters also invested in the community when they approved a $71 million bond issue last year that allows $45 million for street improvements, $17 million for parks and recreation and $9 million to update the city’s Fire Department.

About half of the street improvement money will be used for the Don Tyson Parkway interchange on Interstate 540. Additional funds will be used to widen and extend 56th Street from Don Tyson Parkway to Elm Springs Road, opening more area for business developments.

Walmart officials announced late last month a second Supercenter will be built in Springdale on Elm Springs Road west of Interstate 540.

Rogers called the new store the city’s next building block.

“Commerce will follow Walmart’s announcement,” he said. “We’re going to see more development along Elm Springs Road.”

Across town, the Downtown Springdale Alliance hopes a master plan will help shape and drive growth in an older part of the city.

A second round of public input meetings will be held Wednesday at the Jones Center. The alliance will pay up to $100,000 for a study being conducted by Alta/Greenways.

The first input session was held in November, and the master plan is slated to be completed in spring.

“The master plan itself is not going to open any businesses, but it will provide the groundwork and platform,” Rogers said. “There’s still passion for downtown.”

Wyman Morgan, Springdale director of finance and administration, hopes people take the opportunity to give input on the master plan.

“People should care about this plan because it is shaping their community,” he said. “Pride in their community goes a long way.”

Morgan said recent work at Northwest Medical Center-Springdale helps give people a look at how much revitalization can change and improve an area.

“The new look will have a huge impact on the visual perception of people driving down 71B,” Morgan said.

The $12 million project expanded the emergency room and created a new entrance off Thompson Street.

Most of the outside work is done, and the emergency room should be completed in June, said Pat Driscoll, hospital spokeswoman.

“The new entrance is more accessible and more visible from the street,” she said.

Rogers said it is important the city is growing across many areas with a lot of diversity.

“There’s a lot of passion in Springdale, but you can’t hang your hat on just one area,” he said. “Good ideas come from all different directions, and it is important to keep the community involved.”

Morgan said diversity makes an area more attractive.

“It helps bring in even more businesses,” he said. “Luckily, we have growth happening all across town.”

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