Last October, the Fayetteville City Council approved a huge zoning change for College Ave (71B) from a C-2 commercial to an Urban Corridor.
This change will allow developers to build mixed-use properties with walkable commercial and housing options, significantly changing the future character and appearance of Fayetteville’s central access point.
Let’s take a look into what this means for the city and its residents.
First, what is C-2 zoning, and why did they eliminate it?
C-2 zoning is a commercial thoroughfare meant to accommodate highway travelers. As such, drive-thru restaurants, vehicle services, gasoline stations, and adult entertainment services are permitted, among other uses. Buildings are usually set back from the road to accommodate front parking.
For several reasons, the City Council voted to eliminate it on College Ave in favor of the new Urban Corridor zoning. Most importantly, C-2 zoning does not allow housing, and as identified by the 2023 Housing Assessment, this is a critical need for the growing city.
What is allowed with the new Urban Corridor zoning?
The new zoning does not mandate existing buildings that have been grandfathered in. Rather, it is a blueprint for future development, offering more flexibility for construction, including 3-4 family dwellings, apartments, sidewalk cafes, recreational facilities, shopping, hotels, and short-term rentals.
The maximum height for buildings will be eight stories. According to Fayetteville long-range planner Britin Bostick, in this type of zoning, “buildings are meant to sit up at the street instead of being set back from it. With the front of a building within 30’ of the front property line. At least half of the lot width across the street frontage is filled with buildings rather than parking spaces or driveways.” While there certainly can be exceptions, especially for very narrow lots, the goal, she says, is to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
How quickly will things change?
Of course, no one has a crystal ball, but the Highway 71B Corridor Master Plan indicates which infrastructure improvements are being prioritized to facilitate construction capacity. Currently, the city is working on the section between North and Sycamore to make “drainage improvements, water and sewer line upgrades, intersection improvements, enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, landscaping, and more.” This section should be complete by January 2026.
“We have not seen an investment like this [on College Ave] since 2018,” says Bostic, who emphasized the goal is to work northward toward Rolling Hills as funds become available.
The water line replacement will “provide additional water capacity as well as consistent water service along N. College – essential to supporting both existing businesses and new residential structures,” she said. The street improvements will “pave the way” for multi-modal transport on College Ave, providing pedestrians with “complete and wide sidewalks, better sidewalk grades, street trees, and lighting, a landscape buffer between the curb and the sidewalk for added safety and pedestrian comfort, and a reduction in the total number of driveways to improve safety…[which] will reduce the number turning movements,” to further enhance safety for all.
How quickly developers seize this opportunity to build on College Ave remains to be seen. Still, the city’s commitment through zoning and infrastructure changes may be the confidence boost needed for significant investment along this main road in NWA’s most populated city.
— Claudia Vilato, Realtor | Collier & Associates
Sources: Groundwork NWA, & Jessica Lewallen with Gemstone
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Leadership in Action
🧠 CEO Mode: Master Your Week Before It Starts
Running a business means your time is your most valuable asset. Here are smart scheduling habits to help you stay sharp, focused, and in control:
- Time Block Like a Boss
Protect your deep work hours. Set fixed times for strategy, meetings, emails, and breaks. - Begin with a Weekly Reset
Every Sunday or Monday, review priorities, set 3 key goals, and map your schedule around them. - Batch Your Workflows
Group similar tasks—content, calls, admin—to boost momentum and minimize context switching. - Build in Buffers
Don’t stack meetings back-to-back. Leave space to breathe, pivot, or prep between sessions. - Non-Negotiable “CEO Hour”
One hour a week for big-picture thinking: review your metrics, set direction, and plan growth moves. - Color Code for Clarity
Visual balance matters. Use colors to track what’s driving ROI vs. what’s draining your energy. - Close with a Friday Wrap-Up
Follow up, finish strong, and set up next week while everything’s still fresh.
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Featured Listing
1314 Bella Vista Road, Bentonville, AR 72712
Listing Price: $1,304,474
4 bedrooms |3.5 bathrooms |Sqft 2795 |Built 2025 |0.17 Acres
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Listed By:
Collier & Associates
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Direct: 479-721-8599
Office: 479-633-7411
Bentonville New Business
The couple behind Greenhouse Aleworks has launched a new concept in Bentonville called Terracotta — a boutique taproom blending craft beer with curated retail. Located at 3406 SE J Street #4, the space offers a softer, more welcoming alternative to the typical brewery vibe, with a focus on community, connection, and a design-forward atmosphere. Alongside Greenhouse brews, guests will find candles, lotions, and unique gifts — a nod to co-founder Lauren Banks' background in retail. With seating for about 25, terracotta is intentionally cozy and conversation-friendly.
Learn More
Featured Weekend Events
Razorback Football Red-White Game
Kyle Parkinson February 28, 2025
Rivercrest Orchard Easter Festival
Bentonville Farmers Market Returns
Upcoming Events
🔹 Home Sweet Home Festival - April 24-26th - NWA
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