Expanding a landmark : District concept figures to turn Pinnacle Hills area into an even bigger commercial draw
Posted on Wednesday, March 19, 2008
ROGERS — Property owner / developer Bill Schwyhart is teaming up with Butler, Rosenbury and Partners of Springfield, Mo., in hopes of turning the Pinnacle Hills area into an even bigger landmark in northwest Arkansas.
And while residents from the nearby residential neighborhoods are making it clear they’d like their concerns addressed, even they are excited about the possibilities the plans being drawn up could bring.
The Rogers Planning Commission approved a plannedunit-development concept plan for The District, a project that would cover approximately 63 acres just south of the existing Pinnacle Hills Parkway commercial development on the west side of Interstate 540.
The concept plan includes a pair of parking decks, a conference center, office buildings, restaurants, a retail center, a Neighborhood Market and, possibly, a performing arts center.
The concept has been drawn up for the area south of the paved portion of Pinnacle Hills Parkway and near Pauline Whittaker Parkway.
Jeffrey Butler of Butler, Rosenbury and Partners reminded the commission that the buildings shown are simply concepts, with the only confirmed tenant at this time being a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market at the far west corner of the property.
While the location for the development may appear to make perfect sense, as it’s located next to one of the fastest-growing commercial areas in the region and along I-540, the residents of The Manors and other subdivisions near the proposed project want to make sure all of the necessary steps are taken to ensure their quality of life and property values.
Scott Lamers, property owners association president of The Manors, said that of the 80-plus homes in his subdivision, more than 12 now stand in what is being defined as a floodway.
It was not that way when the subdivision was created, but nearby commercial and office development has caused a significant increase in water runoff, according to Lamers, and he said residents want that taken into account if and when this project becomes a reality.
Lamers also asked that lighting glare from the commercial and office spaces not negatively impact nearby neighborhoods and that a substantial privacy buffer be planned.
“ To be honest, we couldn’t ask for a better developer and architect to be handling this project, ” Lamers said. “ They have been very good about listening to our concerns, and we’re frankly very excited about what this development could bring. But water runoff issues do exist, and we’re just making sure our concerns are heard on the front end. ”
“ In response to the runoff concerns, Butler told commissioners, “ I’m not a big fan of concrete culverts, and we can’t leave it the way it is today. It’s possible we could go underground, but we’re definitely going to do what’s right. ”
Schwyhart said his team is taking every step to ensure that water runoff will be handled properly and that nearby residents and northwest Arkansas residents in general will be pleased with the project.
Schwyhart said he has family and friends living in neighborhoods close to the site outlined in the PUD, and residents have already been contacted and met with on several occasions to collect input and hear concerns.
“ I applaud your group on going out on the front end and working with the neighbors, ” Commissioner Jim White said.
White also told Schwyhart and the architect team that they will be responsible for bringing any changes to the concept plan presented Tuesday back before the Planning Commission for approval, such as setbacks, building heights and more.
Butler, Rosenbury and Partners have met with residents to work through a buffering plan, which includes a 40-foot landscape buffer, complete with trees and other plantings, as well as a 6-foot-tall privacy fence. He said every significant tree on and around the property will be mapped, and steps will be taken to preserve them.
Since tenants and property owners beyond the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market have not been identified at this time, Commissioner Mike Shupe urged Butler to keep parking requirements in mind as the plan develops.
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