Cultural Arts Corridor

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Consultation has concluded

Designers rendering of the interactive feature at Town Branch Creek in Fay Jones Woods


The City of Fayetteville seeks to improve publicly owned land and create a dynamic Cultural Arts Corridor at the heart of the community. This corridor will link cultural institutions—including the Walton Arts Center, TheatreSquared’s new performing arts venue, Nadine Baum Studios, Fayetteville Public Library, and the University of Arkansas’ Art and Design District—and will activate the outdoor environment, the Fay Jones Woods, between Dickson and Prairie Streets with amenities that will enhance the experience for city residents and visitors alike.

Phase One of development of the Corridor is now underway. This includes improvements to Fay Jones Woods, streetscaping along West Avenue, replacement parking, and improvements to the Razorback Greenway.

To follow the progress ofthe Cultural Arts Corridor, view the project's page on the City of Fayetteville's website.


Timeline

Click image to enlarge.

Plan Overview

The plan incorporates playful recreational elements, public art, streetscaping, enhanced pedestrian paths, and open-air gathering spaces while integrating the natural landscape within the urban fabric. The project is designed to sustain and strengthen local ecologies and watersheds and demonstrate Fayetteville’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The creation of this corridor will improve access and walkability between natural and urban public spaces, cultural attractions, the University of Arkansas, the Razorback Greenway, the Downtown Square, and the wider city. The City is also committed to replacing any displaced parking prior to construction so that access to downtown businesses and institutions can continue to thrive.

As is demonstrated in communities across the world, this type of public investment also spurs private development on private land. The project will be a catalyst for additional development and density in the downtown area, increasing bike trails and connections, and improving streets and walkability.

Funding

The plan for this transformative project is made possible by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation’s Design Excellence Program. Award-winning landscape architects Nelson Byrd Woltz (NBW) were selected to design the corridor. When complete, the 50-acre corridor will serve as a vibrant and memorable civic space for entertainment, community, and expression that showcases the unique character and creative culture of Fayetteville.

The Cultural Arts Corridor is a public investment on public land for public use. Construction is funded through a Bond issue, passed by voters in April, 2019.


Designers' rendering of the proposed West Avenue Civic Space

Visit this City of Fayetteville webpage for additional information about the Cultural Arts Corridor: www.fayetteville-ar.gov/culturalartscorridor




The City of Fayetteville seeks to improve publicly owned land and create a dynamic Cultural Arts Corridor at the heart of the community. This corridor will link cultural institutions—including the Walton Arts Center, TheatreSquared’s new performing arts venue, Nadine Baum Studios, Fayetteville Public Library, and the University of Arkansas’ Art and Design District—and will activate the outdoor environment, the Fay Jones Woods, between Dickson and Prairie Streets with amenities that will enhance the experience for city residents and visitors alike.

Phase One of development of the Corridor is now underway. This includes improvements to Fay Jones Woods, streetscaping along West Avenue, replacement parking, and improvements to the Razorback Greenway.

To follow the progress ofthe Cultural Arts Corridor, view the project's page on the City of Fayetteville's website.


Timeline

Click image to enlarge.

Plan Overview

The plan incorporates playful recreational elements, public art, streetscaping, enhanced pedestrian paths, and open-air gathering spaces while integrating the natural landscape within the urban fabric. The project is designed to sustain and strengthen local ecologies and watersheds and demonstrate Fayetteville’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The creation of this corridor will improve access and walkability between natural and urban public spaces, cultural attractions, the University of Arkansas, the Razorback Greenway, the Downtown Square, and the wider city. The City is also committed to replacing any displaced parking prior to construction so that access to downtown businesses and institutions can continue to thrive.

As is demonstrated in communities across the world, this type of public investment also spurs private development on private land. The project will be a catalyst for additional development and density in the downtown area, increasing bike trails and connections, and improving streets and walkability.

Funding

The plan for this transformative project is made possible by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation’s Design Excellence Program. Award-winning landscape architects Nelson Byrd Woltz (NBW) were selected to design the corridor. When complete, the 50-acre corridor will serve as a vibrant and memorable civic space for entertainment, community, and expression that showcases the unique character and creative culture of Fayetteville.

The Cultural Arts Corridor is a public investment on public land for public use. Construction is funded through a Bond issue, passed by voters in April, 2019.


Designers' rendering of the proposed West Avenue Civic Space

Visit this City of Fayetteville webpage for additional information about the Cultural Arts Corridor: www.fayetteville-ar.gov/culturalartscorridor



Consultation has concluded

Please use this tool to ask questions to City staff. Please see the FAQ widget to the right for our responses to frequently asked questions.

  • Share Why will the West Avenue streetscapes abruptly end at South St.? It seems like it would logically make sense for the streetscapes, or at least, a continuous sidewalk would continue to Prairie St. This would avoid pedestrians walking in the road the last block to reach the Prairie St. businesses. Currently, no parking is allowed on the southern most stretch of West Ave. (between South St. and Prairie), however, I have noticed cars parking on each side of the street from time to time to create a traffic hazard. Since Parking will now be allowed on much of West, improved signage may be needed between South and Prairie to clarify that no parking is permitted along this block. on Facebook Share Why will the West Avenue streetscapes abruptly end at South St.? It seems like it would logically make sense for the streetscapes, or at least, a continuous sidewalk would continue to Prairie St. This would avoid pedestrians walking in the road the last block to reach the Prairie St. businesses. Currently, no parking is allowed on the southern most stretch of West Ave. (between South St. and Prairie), however, I have noticed cars parking on each side of the street from time to time to create a traffic hazard. Since Parking will now be allowed on much of West, improved signage may be needed between South and Prairie to clarify that no parking is permitted along this block. on Twitter Share Why will the West Avenue streetscapes abruptly end at South St.? It seems like it would logically make sense for the streetscapes, or at least, a continuous sidewalk would continue to Prairie St. This would avoid pedestrians walking in the road the last block to reach the Prairie St. businesses. Currently, no parking is allowed on the southern most stretch of West Ave. (between South St. and Prairie), however, I have noticed cars parking on each side of the street from time to time to create a traffic hazard. Since Parking will now be allowed on much of West, improved signage may be needed between South and Prairie to clarify that no parking is permitted along this block. on Linkedin Email Why will the West Avenue streetscapes abruptly end at South St.? It seems like it would logically make sense for the streetscapes, or at least, a continuous sidewalk would continue to Prairie St. This would avoid pedestrians walking in the road the last block to reach the Prairie St. businesses. Currently, no parking is allowed on the southern most stretch of West Ave. (between South St. and Prairie), however, I have noticed cars parking on each side of the street from time to time to create a traffic hazard. Since Parking will now be allowed on much of West, improved signage may be needed between South and Prairie to clarify that no parking is permitted along this block. link

    Why will the West Avenue streetscapes abruptly end at South St.? It seems like it would logically make sense for the streetscapes, or at least, a continuous sidewalk would continue to Prairie St. This would avoid pedestrians walking in the road the last block to reach the Prairie St. businesses. Currently, no parking is allowed on the southern most stretch of West Ave. (between South St. and Prairie), however, I have noticed cars parking on each side of the street from time to time to create a traffic hazard. Since Parking will now be allowed on much of West, improved signage may be needed between South and Prairie to clarify that no parking is permitted along this block.

    carlmike asked almost 5 years ago

    The current funding in the Cultural Arts Corridor Bond allows for streetscape improvements on West Ave only as far south as South St.  But the City also has $3 M earmarked in the Transportation Bond question for Downtown Walkability improvements.  The portion of West Ave south of South Street is one of several streets in the downtown being considered for use of that $3 M for walkability. 


  • Share Who will maintain the arts corridor? Will it be an official city park maintained by the parks and recreation department? Or will it have its own management and crew? The arts corridor is a large area that will require a high level of maintenance (despite what the designers might tell you). The parks and recreation department seems to have a full plate already. on Facebook Share Who will maintain the arts corridor? Will it be an official city park maintained by the parks and recreation department? Or will it have its own management and crew? The arts corridor is a large area that will require a high level of maintenance (despite what the designers might tell you). The parks and recreation department seems to have a full plate already. on Twitter Share Who will maintain the arts corridor? Will it be an official city park maintained by the parks and recreation department? Or will it have its own management and crew? The arts corridor is a large area that will require a high level of maintenance (despite what the designers might tell you). The parks and recreation department seems to have a full plate already. on Linkedin Email Who will maintain the arts corridor? Will it be an official city park maintained by the parks and recreation department? Or will it have its own management and crew? The arts corridor is a large area that will require a high level of maintenance (despite what the designers might tell you). The parks and recreation department seems to have a full plate already. link

    Who will maintain the arts corridor? Will it be an official city park maintained by the parks and recreation department? Or will it have its own management and crew? The arts corridor is a large area that will require a high level of maintenance (despite what the designers might tell you). The parks and recreation department seems to have a full plate already.

    Acme asked over 5 years ago

    Discussions regarding the ongoing maintenance of the Corridor's features are underway and have not yet been determined.

  • Share Has there been a study done on the economic impact of the Cultural Arts Corridor? on Facebook Share Has there been a study done on the economic impact of the Cultural Arts Corridor? on Twitter Share Has there been a study done on the economic impact of the Cultural Arts Corridor? on Linkedin Email Has there been a study done on the economic impact of the Cultural Arts Corridor? link

    Has there been a study done on the economic impact of the Cultural Arts Corridor?

    9/16/18 Session Input asked over 5 years ago

    When assessing the estimated economic impact of projects, we turn to analyses conducted by trained economists that quantified the economic outputs of similar projects after they are completed. This is important because these studies are not estimates, they are looking at what actually happened in the communities where these projects were built. Our peer city research has shown an expected return-on-investment of anywhere between three and ten times the construction amount.

    For example, the Columbus Commons park development cost around $45M. It catalyzed over $200M in private investment, attracted 1.5M visitors annually, and is often credited with spurring downtown Columbus’s rebirth. We also analyzed Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville, SC, Hemisfair Park in San Antonio, Guthrie Green in Tulsa, City Garden in St. Louis, amongst others.

    Economic returns come from numerous sources. For instance, rather than a large scale event taking place in a parking lot, the West Avenue Civic Space is specifically designed to host many events over the course of a year without disruption to our downtown parking resources. This increased activity drives tourism and helps to further activate downtown through its design and programing. This project will diversify and increase the audience that typically visits the Dickson Street area by offering an vast array of programming that may be targeted to a wider range of audiences that currently frequent the entertainment district. Future programming and events may be as varied as an art fair, a kid-friendly concert or movie night, bicycle or running events and the City’s more traditional events such as Spring Fest or Bikes, Blues and BBQ. The project even provides more parking in the core of our downtown, which increases the number of people who can park in close proximity. The corridor in and of itself is designed to move more people into it through walking, running, or biking. By increasing the number of people in the area, this provides an expanded customer base for current and future businesses. In other communities that we assessed -the areas around these spaces are some of the most economically vibrant and desirous places for businesses to locate, especially for shopping and dining. Why? Because these civic spaces, draw residents and visitors and private investment has followed. Peer City analysis illustrates that these downtown civic spaces serve as the anchors for economic vitality to thrive.




  • Share I would ask the city to do a comprehensive review of tax receipts for businesses around Dickson Street (minus Blues Bike events) - has the city noticed how many business's have closed on Dickson Street? This must have an economic impact on our city. Something is seriously wrong when a taco bell goes out of business, or Qdoba, or common grounds, or hog haus, or stir, or even worse - waffle house. The cultural Arts Corridor project is a wonderful concept, but If business can not survive on Dickson or around it, then we have a big problem. Maybe the city needs to provide some economic incentives to promote more business around downtown or maybe reduce some of the city rules to encourage growth. It is very difficult to find commercial class A real estate for business in Fayetteville, trust me, we tried. If the city promotes entrepreneurship, ease of doing business first - then we can certainly afford projects like the Arts Corridor, parking decks, parks, and many more. on Facebook Share I would ask the city to do a comprehensive review of tax receipts for businesses around Dickson Street (minus Blues Bike events) - has the city noticed how many business's have closed on Dickson Street? This must have an economic impact on our city. Something is seriously wrong when a taco bell goes out of business, or Qdoba, or common grounds, or hog haus, or stir, or even worse - waffle house. The cultural Arts Corridor project is a wonderful concept, but If business can not survive on Dickson or around it, then we have a big problem. Maybe the city needs to provide some economic incentives to promote more business around downtown or maybe reduce some of the city rules to encourage growth. It is very difficult to find commercial class A real estate for business in Fayetteville, trust me, we tried. If the city promotes entrepreneurship, ease of doing business first - then we can certainly afford projects like the Arts Corridor, parking decks, parks, and many more. on Twitter Share I would ask the city to do a comprehensive review of tax receipts for businesses around Dickson Street (minus Blues Bike events) - has the city noticed how many business's have closed on Dickson Street? This must have an economic impact on our city. Something is seriously wrong when a taco bell goes out of business, or Qdoba, or common grounds, or hog haus, or stir, or even worse - waffle house. The cultural Arts Corridor project is a wonderful concept, but If business can not survive on Dickson or around it, then we have a big problem. Maybe the city needs to provide some economic incentives to promote more business around downtown or maybe reduce some of the city rules to encourage growth. It is very difficult to find commercial class A real estate for business in Fayetteville, trust me, we tried. If the city promotes entrepreneurship, ease of doing business first - then we can certainly afford projects like the Arts Corridor, parking decks, parks, and many more. on Linkedin Email I would ask the city to do a comprehensive review of tax receipts for businesses around Dickson Street (minus Blues Bike events) - has the city noticed how many business's have closed on Dickson Street? This must have an economic impact on our city. Something is seriously wrong when a taco bell goes out of business, or Qdoba, or common grounds, or hog haus, or stir, or even worse - waffle house. The cultural Arts Corridor project is a wonderful concept, but If business can not survive on Dickson or around it, then we have a big problem. Maybe the city needs to provide some economic incentives to promote more business around downtown or maybe reduce some of the city rules to encourage growth. It is very difficult to find commercial class A real estate for business in Fayetteville, trust me, we tried. If the city promotes entrepreneurship, ease of doing business first - then we can certainly afford projects like the Arts Corridor, parking decks, parks, and many more. link

    I would ask the city to do a comprehensive review of tax receipts for businesses around Dickson Street (minus Blues Bike events) - has the city noticed how many business's have closed on Dickson Street? This must have an economic impact on our city. Something is seriously wrong when a taco bell goes out of business, or Qdoba, or common grounds, or hog haus, or stir, or even worse - waffle house. The cultural Arts Corridor project is a wonderful concept, but If business can not survive on Dickson or around it, then we have a big problem. Maybe the city needs to provide some economic incentives to promote more business around downtown or maybe reduce some of the city rules to encourage growth. It is very difficult to find commercial class A real estate for business in Fayetteville, trust me, we tried. If the city promotes entrepreneurship, ease of doing business first - then we can certainly afford projects like the Arts Corridor, parking decks, parks, and many more.

    eatthefrog asked over 5 years ago

    There have been some recent news reports that seem to dramatize the closing of a few businesses on Dickson Street and question the area’s viability.  We believe businesses in the City and on Dickson Street respond to a variety of market forces and that our city’s continued growth is demonstrated by increasingly escalating, positive numbers.  Within Fayetteville, there are nearly 4,000 active businesses, over 200 of which operate within Downtown.  

    The City, through the Department of Economic Vitality and its economic development contractors, actively seeks to recruit new businesses to add value to the area. The Cultural Arts Corridor initiative will serve as a catalyst for new economic activity Downtown as well as benefit existing businesses in the area. For example, if approved by residents in the April Bond initiative, the Corridor will not only diversify the audience that visits our Downtown and the Dickson Street area—it will increase it. The project will also provide street enhancements to increase walkability and access to the commercial ventures downtown.

    As to the request for a comprehensive review of tax receipts for businesses around Dickson, the city does not have access to this data from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (ADFA) at such a granular level. The City of Fayetteville does monitor sales tax collections on a monthly basis for every industry sector in the City. However, the information currently available is limited to the taxable sales of industry sectors throughout the City as a whole. The information is calculated from reports generated by ADFA and can be found here: https://www.ark.org/dfa/localtaxes/index.php

    Direct Economic Development Incentives are governed by Act 685, which limits direct incentives to specific industry sectors.


  • Share I am appreciative of the potential for the Cultural Arts Corridor project in the upcoming bond election but am curious why this bond does not contain any housing for our homeless population? on Facebook Share I am appreciative of the potential for the Cultural Arts Corridor project in the upcoming bond election but am curious why this bond does not contain any housing for our homeless population? on Twitter Share I am appreciative of the potential for the Cultural Arts Corridor project in the upcoming bond election but am curious why this bond does not contain any housing for our homeless population? on Linkedin Email I am appreciative of the potential for the Cultural Arts Corridor project in the upcoming bond election but am curious why this bond does not contain any housing for our homeless population? link

    I am appreciative of the potential for the Cultural Arts Corridor project in the upcoming bond election but am curious why this bond does not contain any housing for our homeless population?

    over 5 years ago

    The City annually contributes operational funding and allocates federal funding toward helping the homeless and those organizations who support the homeless.  However, with respect to the question regarding the possible uses of this bond for housing, the City Council discussed this with staff and bond council.  The revenue from this bond must be used for city infrastructure.  The City does not currently have a role in the management of Public Housing and does not intend to take on such a role.  That role is currently managed by the Fayetteville Housing Authority and they are very active in seeking solutions for housing the homeless.





  • Share Will housing be included in the Cultural Arts Corridor? on Facebook Share Will housing be included in the Cultural Arts Corridor? on Twitter Share Will housing be included in the Cultural Arts Corridor? on Linkedin Email Will housing be included in the Cultural Arts Corridor? link

    Will housing be included in the Cultural Arts Corridor?

    almost 6 years ago

    The grant the City received for the Cultural Arts Corridor is for the design of outdoor public spaces but we expect that this world class facility will be a catalyst for development in the surrounding area that may include housing as well as shopping and restaurants.

  • Share The Cultural Arts Corridor presentations have pointed out ecological stewardship opportunities. How will this project help preserve the ecology of the area? on Facebook Share The Cultural Arts Corridor presentations have pointed out ecological stewardship opportunities. How will this project help preserve the ecology of the area? on Twitter Share The Cultural Arts Corridor presentations have pointed out ecological stewardship opportunities. How will this project help preserve the ecology of the area? on Linkedin Email The Cultural Arts Corridor presentations have pointed out ecological stewardship opportunities. How will this project help preserve the ecology of the area? link

    The Cultural Arts Corridor presentations have pointed out ecological stewardship opportunities. How will this project help preserve the ecology of the area?

    almost 6 years ago

    The landscape architects designing the project plan to preserve the environment, the urban forest, and the watershed.  Stormwater storage and conveyance and low impact development streetscapes will be features of the design.  To demonstrate its commitment to this ecological purpose, the City will have specific aspects of the project undergo the SITES sustainability rating system managed by the US Green Buidling Council (the same organization that oversees LEED for sustainable buildings).  The rating system encompasses design, construction and operational credits in: stormwater runoff, water use, native plants, soil protection, native ecosystems, urgan heat islands, energy use, light pollution, social connection, equity, and others.  You can read more about SITES here:  http://www.sustainablesites.org/about

    Certification for the Cultural Arts Corridor would be the first SITES project in the State of Arkansas.


  • Share Will there still be parking nearby for the Walton Arts Center and TheatreSquared? on Facebook Share Will there still be parking nearby for the Walton Arts Center and TheatreSquared? on Twitter Share Will there still be parking nearby for the Walton Arts Center and TheatreSquared? on Linkedin Email Will there still be parking nearby for the Walton Arts Center and TheatreSquared? link

    Will there still be parking nearby for the Walton Arts Center and TheatreSquared?

    Linda DeBerry asked about 6 years ago

    One key design element of the Cultural Arts Corridor is the West Ave Parking Lot, used by some Walton Arts Center patrons and visitors to other established venues in that area.  The City is committed to providing parking to support the Walton Arts Center, TheatreSquared, and other downtown establishments while creating a walkable environment for today and into the future. To replace the loss of parking, new parking will need to be in place prior to any Cultural Arts Corridor related construction work on the West Avenue parking lot.

    Mayor Jordan has committed to the following: 1) The West Avenue lot spaces will be replaced with new parking within reasonable proximity of the West Avenue lot. 2) Replacement spaces will be implemented prior to removal of the West Avenue lot for new construction.

    Update 1/9/19! A contract with Garver Engineering LLC is underway to provide a parking site analysis that will evaluate possible parking configurations, feasible number of spaces, liner space capabilities, and other site details for up to five (5) locations within the Entertainment District. This site analysis is the first step in determining the most viable locations for new parking structure(s) and the number of parking spaces each location is likely to provide. 

    Results of this analysis along with a recommendation of the preferred site(s) is expected by the end of February and will be used to guide further decision-making on the location(s) for new parking.  Specifically, the scope of work authorizes Garver to review the available contour information for each site; determine the buildable area for each site based on boundaries, easements, and building setbacks; and provide a two-dimensional layout of the parking footprint with approximate number of spaces for a typical level.






  • Share We own an office on N. West Ave and we have handicap parking in front of our office on west Street. Will the parking be on the east or west side? It would make sense, the parking would be on the east side on N. West Street - it would be a straight path to the Walton Arts Center, TS, and the library - Consistent with the Grubs parking in front. Our business requires our handicapped and other parking spaces in front of our company. Please keep this in mind! Thank you. on Facebook Share We own an office on N. West Ave and we have handicap parking in front of our office on west Street. Will the parking be on the east or west side? It would make sense, the parking would be on the east side on N. West Street - it would be a straight path to the Walton Arts Center, TS, and the library - Consistent with the Grubs parking in front. Our business requires our handicapped and other parking spaces in front of our company. Please keep this in mind! Thank you. on Twitter Share We own an office on N. West Ave and we have handicap parking in front of our office on west Street. Will the parking be on the east or west side? It would make sense, the parking would be on the east side on N. West Street - it would be a straight path to the Walton Arts Center, TS, and the library - Consistent with the Grubs parking in front. Our business requires our handicapped and other parking spaces in front of our company. Please keep this in mind! Thank you. on Linkedin Email We own an office on N. West Ave and we have handicap parking in front of our office on west Street. Will the parking be on the east or west side? It would make sense, the parking would be on the east side on N. West Street - it would be a straight path to the Walton Arts Center, TS, and the library - Consistent with the Grubs parking in front. Our business requires our handicapped and other parking spaces in front of our company. Please keep this in mind! Thank you. link

    We own an office on N. West Ave and we have handicap parking in front of our office on west Street. Will the parking be on the east or west side? It would make sense, the parking would be on the east side on N. West Street - it would be a straight path to the Walton Arts Center, TS, and the library - Consistent with the Grubs parking in front. Our business requires our handicapped and other parking spaces in front of our company. Please keep this in mind! Thank you.

    eatthefrog asked almost 6 years ago

    We haven't completed the designs for those cross-sections.  They should be completed in January.  Thank you for your input and we will take it into consideration.

  • Share I would like to comment on some of the ideas offered in your brainstorm tab. How can I do this? on Facebook Share I would like to comment on some of the ideas offered in your brainstorm tab. How can I do this? on Twitter Share I would like to comment on some of the ideas offered in your brainstorm tab. How can I do this? on Linkedin Email I would like to comment on some of the ideas offered in your brainstorm tab. How can I do this? link

    I would like to comment on some of the ideas offered in your brainstorm tab. How can I do this?

    Ginnius asked almost 6 years ago

    Sorry if that was confusing!