WWW.SPRINGDALEAR.GOV SPRINGDALE ARKANSAS THE CITY OF LEGACY AND ECONOMIC VISION
SPRINGDALE, AR AT A GLANCE THE CITY OF SPRINGDALE WHAT: A thriving city known for its dynamic growth, diverse community, and thriving economy. WHERE: Located in the heart of Northwest Arkansas WEBSITE: www.springdalear.gov THE CITY OF LEG ECONOMIC VIS EXPLORING RAPID CITY DEVELOPMENT SUPP POWERFUL PUBLIC SERVICES IN ARKANSAS 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
Nestled in the heart of Northwest Arkansas, the city of Springdale stands as a testament to strategic growth, community engagement, and robust local partnerships. Known for its diverse economy, Springdale has long been a driving force in the region. The city’s leadership consistently prioritizes GACY AND SION PORTED BY 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
initiatives that support economic development, infrastructure improvements, and community wellbeing. Springdale also focuses on infrastructure improvements, ensuring that its roads, utilities, and public services can accommodate both current demands and future expansions. Leadership has made efforts to enhance transportation networks and capitalize on Opportunity Zones to draw investment into underutilized areas. Collaboration with state and federal agencies, such as the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, has been especially critical for Springdale’s continued economic expansion. The city also fosters strong community relationships and frequently engages with local businesses, from corporate giants to local startups to ensure that the local economy remains diverse and resilient. Citizen involvement is a cornerstone of Springdale’s success. Continued community support for bond initiatives and public projects has enabled the city to meet the needs of its growing population while maintaining the small-town charm that residents cherish. The alignment of city leadership, business partnerships, and community participation drives Springdale toward a future of sustainable growth. For Springdale, that means continued success with its thriving, diverse economy, world-class healthcare, and infrastructure that supports long-term prosperity while preserving the city’s unique character. A CITY EMBRACING ITS COMMUNITY Over the years, Springdale has evolved into a regional hub, combining the charm of a tight-knit community with the economic prowess of a city that draws businesses, both large and small. “Springdale is a city with a reputation for being working class. We have a strong entrepreneurial community and, historically, have strong support 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 SPRINGDALE, AR
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REVITALIZATION – CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE When the city of Springdale embarked on a bold plan to revitalize the downtown district of the city, a vision was hatched for Emma Avenue and the downtown corridor to create a vibrant and welcoming community to celebrate both the heritage and the diverse growth of the city. Revitalization in Downtown Springdale was catalyzed by municipal investment in infrastructure, adoption of a form-based development code, and incentives to invest through opportunity zones. Several projects were completed by the city to create a sense of place that is meaningful to Springdale and Northwest Arkansas residents. Among those projects are Turnbow Park with Spring Creek running through the lower plaza and expansion of the local bike and pedestrian trails to create greater connectivity to the Razorback Greenway. Green space around downtown was further enhanced with the expansion of Luther George Park. Buffalo Builders has been active in this revitalization process, by working with the city, developers, and local business owners. Buffalo’s process is one of collaboration, by which the common goal of improving Downtown Springdale is achieved. Buffalo has and is working with our partners on numerous projects in Downtown Springdale, including Farmers Insurance Greg Collier Agency, Community Pharmacy, 317 W. Emma, Shiloh Capital’s 100 W Emma, Gaskin’s on Emma, Phat Tire Bike Shop, the Big Emma Apartments, the Sugar Cube on Holcomb, and the new Springdale Senior Center. Buffalo Builders has experience in Industrial, Municipal, Multi-Family, Office, Retail, and Restaurant construction. The leadership team at Buffalo Builders has a collective 150+ years of hands-on experience leading construction projects. Our process is one of transparency and collaboration. We approach each project by first understanding the client’s needs. When we understand the client’s needs, we can put together the correct team, establish an honest budget, create a sensible timeline, and provide expert guidance to all project stakeholders in order to maintain both budget and schedule. In partnership with the City of Springdale, Buffalo Builders is proud to contribute to revitalizing downtown and realizing a shared vision for a thriving community. Through our collaborative approach, commitment to excellence, and extensive expertise, we continue to support projects that shape the future of Springdale. Our dedication to truth and value ensures that we remain a trusted partner, helping to create a downtown district that celebrates both the rich heritage and promising growth of the city. As we look to the future, Buffalo Builders is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and delivering projects that leave a lasting impact.
are in the minority now,” Mayor Sprouse says. The city’s population was diversified over the years and with a large Hispanic and Marshallese residents. With this population diversity the City, hosts consistent celebrations on holidays that honored that heritage, like Cinco de Mayo and Day of the Dead and celebrates Constitution Day for its Marshallese population and the establishment of the Marshall Islands’ constitution in the 70s. for entrepreneurs,” says Mayor Doug Sprouse. The city has seen significant success in the business community particularly through startups.This success has brought significant change to Springdale’s population especially. “There are a lot more people who didn’t grow up here than those who did as residents of Springdale… many of us who were born and raised in Springdale 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 SPRINGDALE, AR
The Springdale Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Springdale Alliance, work to promote and sponsor many local events in the community. There is also the Razoback Greenway Alliance that works to market the Razorback Greenway, a 40-mile multi-use trail that connects four major cities in Northwest Arkansas. DEVELOPMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE LOCAL ECONOMY At the heart of Springdale’s success is a clear focus on infrastructure development. With the efforts in the past being focused on new roads and connections, as it grows outward, the city is focusing more on infill and its surplus of developable land. “We’ve got several projects this year in and around our downtown… not only for traffic and transportation but also with water infrastructure,” Mayor Sprouse says, highlighting the recent stormwater detention facility, located in the city’s airport, which is also located downtown. The goal is to increase density, providing a variety of housing choices, including multi-family units, creating more opportunities for residents to live, work, and play closer to the downtown area. In this regard, the city’s stormwater facility has been crucial for planning, as it allows the city to develop with more land out of the predicted storm floodplain, thus giving back more viable land to build on. 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 SPRINGDALE, AR
APAC-Central, a CRH Company, is The Preferred Source for aggregates, ready mix concrete, asphalt, paving and construction services. Our projects build, connect, and improve communities across Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. We succeed as a team by embracing safety, integrity, innovation, sustainability and financial strength. We are an essential partner to state and local municipalities, offering a comprehensive range of services for both commercial and private sectors, from major road and critical utility infrastructure projects to site preparation for playgrounds.APAC-Central’s unique offering of materials, products and value-added services helps to deliver a more resilient and sustainably built environment. Since 1946, APAC-Central has been a trusted leader in supply and production, earning the top sustainability awards and recognition for our dedication to safety. With a strong project portfolio, a commitment to our employees and communities, along with our partnership with the city to enhance its infrastructure, we are proud to be part of the forward-thinking community of Springdale. Visit our website to request a quote today or reach out to us for more information. We’re ready to provide the solutions you need!
“Workforce housing is something we’re very conscious about, so we’re making sure we have that available and providing incentives to developers in the future to guarantee workforce housing downtown,” says Director of Planning & Development Patsy Christie. Springdale’s economic landscape is anchored by several key industries, most notably in poultry and manufacturing. At the top of this list is Tyson Foods, the city’s largest employer and a globally recognized brand in protein production. Another significant player is George’s Inc., a poultry company that also ranks as one of the city’s largest employers. Springdale’s economic engine also benefits from a host of other companies across sectors such as manufacturing and engineering. Companies like Multi-Craft Contractors and JV Manufacturing have not only created jobs locally but also established Springdale as a competitive Proudly investing in Springdale. Member FDIC FIRST SECURITY BANK EMMA BRANCH SPRINGDALE, ARKANSAS First Security Bank Complex, Downtown Springdale Opening Fall 2024 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 SPRINGDALE, AR
player in national and global markets. The city is also home to some of the region’s largest employers in education, with the Springdale School District playing a central role in the community. This wide-ranging employer base has helped Springdale cultivate a resilient economy, better positioning the city to weather economic fluctuations and downturns. As it develops its infrastructure, supporting and attracting more of the same kind of business in its economy remains the goal. CITIZEN SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITYDRIVEN BUSINESS INITIATIVES Through the implementation of bond initiatives, partnerships with key stakeholders, and capitalizing on opportunities provided by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), the city has built a strong foundation for sustained growth. ©2024 George’s, Inc. Quality food. Family values. georgesinc.com Deli Retail Food Service Industrial Export George’s is a leader in crafting high-quality chicken products through innovative, customer-focused solutions that enhance menus and streamline operations. 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
The AEDC has been vital in helping Springdale take advantage of federal and state funding to bolster its position in the regional economy. One such initiative is the city’s participation in Opportunity Zones, which has unlocked a range of funding mechanisms for projects that may not have otherwise been feasible. Thanks to strong local leadership and partnerships, Springdale’s downtown area is now largely situated within an Opportunity Zone, allowing local developers to access deferred tax benefits through investment in underutilized areas. As a result, local developers have worked with Opportunity Zone funds, provided funding capabilities that were not available to them in the past. The success of these programs speaks to the city’s careful planning and the trust that its citizens have in the leadership. 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 SPRINGDALE, AR
The ongoing revitalization of downtown has drawn investment from both local and regional developers, helping to address long-standing challenges in some of the city’s more economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. “We try to apply for and use as many grant funds as we can to help address those issues. We’re applying for a Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program – Community Planning Grant to look at creative ways to lessen barriers,” Christie says, emphasizing the importance of securing grant funds to tackle persistent areas of poverty in the downtown area. Over the last few decades, the city has seen the successful passage of three bond issues, allowing for significant community enhancements. These funds have enabled the city to build muchneeded public infrastructure, including a brand-new senior center, fire stations, and a $40 million city hall. Mayor Sprouse attributes this support to the city’s THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE DETAILS. DESIGN - BUILD LEED SERVICES INTERIOR DESIGN BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT GENERAL CONTRACTING | | | 2002 S. 48th Street | Springdale, Arkansas | 479.751.3560 | mstonecc.com 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
commitment to transparency and results. Residents trust Springdale leaders simply because they do what they say will do with their money. The success of these bond initiatives is particularly impressive given the scale of the projects, with some passing with more than 75% voter approval. This level of support underscores the community’s faith in the city’s leadership and their shared vision for Springdale’s future. Looking ahead, the city’s leadership is focused on future growth through targeted initiatives such as the “Care Corridor,” a healthcare-focused area along Highway 49. This corridor is home to Arkansas Children’s Northwest, Highlands Oncology Group, and a new orthopedic clinic from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), all contributing to Springdale’s growing reputation as a healthcare destination. 15 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 SPRINGDALE, AR
The development of the Care Corridor is expected to serve not only Springdale residents but also the broader Northwest Arkansas region. As the area’s population grows, so does the need for specialized healthcare services, and the Care Corridor is set to meet this demand.The expectation is for that area around the Springdale ballpark and Children’s Hospital to be a major healthcare destination. The region’s projected population growth—expected to hit one million by 2040—will continue to drive the need for more healthcare services. This growth will also create opportunities for further development in the region, including the extension of the 612 bypass, which will increase access and improve the flow of goods and services through the city. As Springdale continues to grow, its leadership is acutely aware of the need for strategic planning to ensure the city’s infrastructure and services can Arkansas Children’s Northwest Arvest Ballpark | Double-A A liate www.springdale.com 16 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
keep pace. The future looks bright as Springdale positions itself as a key player in both the economic and healthcare landscapes of Northwest Arkansas. Mayor Sprouse and his team are committed to preserving the city’s legacy while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow. With a focus on infrastructure, healthcare, and continued business partnerships, Springdale’s future is firmly rooted in both its history and its vision for a thriving, dynamic community. 17 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 SPRINGDALE, AR
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Buffalo Builders, LLC www.buffalo.builders Buffalo Builders is proud to be a full-service construction firm that provides a high-level of expertise in general contracting, design-build, construction management, & consulting services for project owners across the United States. n APAC-Central www.apaccentralinc.com APAC-Central is an industry leader in high quality asphalt, aggregates, and concrete pavement construction, materials, and services. Just as we build highways and roads, we’ve built our company’s success upon dependability and results, serving Northwest Arkansas, Southern Missouri, the River Valley, and Northeast Oklahoma for over 75 years. n First Security Bank www.fsbank.com As Arkansas’ community bank, First Security is actively involved in attracting new businesses, residents and tourists to Springdale. Our team is invested – both personally and professionally – in seeing Springdale thrive through economic development, infrastructure development and rehabilitation, community development projects, tourism and more. Bank Better with us! n George’s Inc www.georgesinc.com For over 100 years, George’s Inc. has grown to feed a world of possibilities for our people and communities through consistent innovation and acquiring new capabilities to meet evolving customer and consumer needs. George’s has over 7,000 team members and 350 farmers throughout Arkansas, Missouri, and Virginia. Whether fresh, frozen, value-added, or for retail or food service markets, George’s Inc. is ready and able to deliver its premium chicken products n Legacy National Bank www.legacyar.com The Legacy name honors the visionaries of Northwest Arkansas who transformed our region into a bustling hub of economic growth. The spirit of these innovators lives on at Legacy National Bank as we support current community businesses and economic opportunities to help our region thrive. n Milestone Construction Company, LLC www.mstonecc.com Milestone Construction Company LLC is a fullservice construction management firm and general contractor. We are equipped to complete projects of all types and sizes, ranging from commercial to industrial and institutional. With a diverse portfolio, we provide clients with access to a broad network of trusted subcontractors and specialists. n Northwest Arkansas Naturals www.nwanaturals.com The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Arkansas. The Naturals season stretches from April to September each year. For more information, including tickets, groups, promotions, stats, and more, visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us @ NWANaturals (X/Instagram) and Facebook.com/ Naturals. n Springdale Chamber of Commerce www.springdale.com The Springdale Chamber, one of just 146 fivestar accredited chambers, serves as the economic engine of Northwest Arkansas. Through advocacy, networking, and essential resources, we drive growth and innovation. The Springdale Chamber works to make its members more profitable and our city a great place to live. 18 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
WWW.SPRINGDALEAR.GOV WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN Springdale AR
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