Plans Approved for Apartments Between University, High School

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

— Construction of a five-story, 175-unit apartment complex between Fayetteville High School and the University of Arkansas could begin this spring, a developer said.

The Fayetteville Planning Commission approved large-scale development plans Monday evening of the West Center Apartments to be built south of Center Street between Duncan Avenue and Harmon Avenue.

The complex comes with a seven-story parking deck fitting 408 vehicle spaces and at least 100 bicycles, according to planning documents. The complex will have 447 bedrooms in those 175 units and will target university student tenants.

Residents could use 10-foot-wide sidewalks leading to the intersections south of the university along Center Street, according to plans shown to commissioners at the meeting.

“The entire complex is wrapped in true urban sidewalks with tree wells and is going to really represent where we’re trying to go with the development of the city,” Seth Mims, a partner with the Specialized Real Estate Group, said to the commission.

The commission approved the plans by a 5-2 vote with Commissioners Sarah Bunch and Ryan Noble absent. Commissioners Porter Winston, Blake Pennington, William Chesser, Tracy Hoskins and Craig Honchell voted in favor. Commissioners Kyle Cook and Matthew Cabe voted against.

Sims said after the vote construction could begin in April or May and be completed by July 2014.