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Downtown Feedback

Click anywhere on the document to comment and share your ideas, concerns, and suggestions.

Your input is important because you live the reality that this project is trying to shape. You know the rhythms of Downtown Fayetteville; the places that bring people together, the areas that need attention, and the hidden gems that outsiders might miss. Your voice ensures that the Downtown Plan reflects not just abstract ideas, but the lived experiences, hopes, and needs of the people it’s meant to serve.

Click anywhere on the document to answer all 6 of the second round feedback questions below!

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Welcome to the first round of feedback to help REIMAGINE FAYETTEVILLE!

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Josh 1 Dec 6 2025 at 10:22AM on page 3

Suggestion

I would like to see good quality, dense housing (townhomes, condos, small-lot single family) and reduction of Airbnbs.

Smart quality density outside of the immediate downtown area can also help relieve pressure. The bike paths make it really easy to feel like you’re still close.

Meredith 2 Dec 5 2025 at 1:23PM on page 3

Suggestion

Walkable!

Meredith 2 Dec 5 2025 at 1:23PM on page 2

Suggestion

STREET ART! Please find a way to make Sprayetteville an annual event! I know Sprayetteville was a private event done by the kava bar (American Shaman) back in the day, but it would be SO wonderful if the city could take over and commission murals on local businesses' walls each year!

Meredith 2 Dec 5 2025 at 1:14PM on page 1

Suggestion

A walking tour of downtown would be fun, as we could look at spaces as a group and discuss ideas that arise during the walking tour...

Liam 2 Dec 4 2025 at 2:38PM on page 2

Suggestion

The students and college more broadly. While there seems to be a general antagonistic attitude towards students, their housing, ECT the fact that Fay is a college town is the key to its identity & economy.

Liam 2 Dec 4 2025 at 2:36PM on page 3

Suggestion

I would pay high $/SF for something that is compact (e.g. low top line). We could strongly benefit from rowhomes, business lofts, ECT.

Liam 2 Dec 4 2025 at 2:34PM on page 4

Suggestion

As an outsider: the level of vacant commercial and SFH converted to offices means there are no real contiguous trip opportunities. This lowers my propensity to visit as I instead can drive elsewhere if I'm going to have to drive. Also business mix skews tourist, which is fine but not something I personally engage.

Liam 1 Dec 4 2025 at 2:29PM on page 6

Suggestion

Parking is overemphasized and takes up way to much airtime. It can be important to vitality but some of the most vital places in the country have the worst parking. Mandatory parking minimums force un-urban design and we are going to forever be a worse suburban environment than surrounding communities. We have literal empty fields of car parking near downtown. These effectively cause Islands between other uses.

anonymous 5 Dec 4 2025 at 2:27PM on page 6

Suggestion

I've never had issues with parking in Fayetteville, and I do own a car. I mostly walk and bike, but when I do drive to downtown there is always a free spot open within a few blocks of where I want to be.

We need to work towards eliminating all parking mandates if we want our downtown to reach its full potential. As with many other things in our lives how much parking is needed for new development is best left to the free market to decide. At the end of the day, the individual is responsible for where they store their personal property (vehicle) and not the public's problem to figure out. If illegal parking is a concern, the answer is enforcement.

anonymous 5 Dec 4 2025 at 1:34PM on page 3

Suggestion

I'm mostly happy with my single-family home roughly two miles from the city center. I would love to have a smaller house and yard or even townhome further in (especially as I get older), but am unfortunately priced out of the walkable downtown area due to lack of supply.

In regards to providing attainable housing I feel the city just needs to get out of its own way. Since we've declared a housing affordability crisis we've seemingly done nothing but make it harder to develop much needed housing. Examples of this being when we made student-focused apartments a conditional use, denied or scaled back several proposed housing developments downtown, as well as rolling back the progress we were making on eliminating all parking mandates. These feel like very regressive actions to take as a city, especially considering we're a college town.

Jim 1 Dec 4 2025 at 1:18PM on page 6

Suggestion

We need to build our public transportation system so that it reduces the need for parking. Why can't I catch a bus from the northwest side of Fayetteville on a Saturday morning to get to the farmers market? Bus to the Theater District to see a play? Bus to the movies? Bus to see sports? Park and Ride is not a new concept either... and why can't we have a rail system that gets folks to work (or play) in Bentonville and back (with bus/bike/lyft as needed).

anonymous 5 Dec 4 2025 at 1:14PM on page 2

Suggestion

For me it's the fact that we do it different than the rest of the NWA cities with a variety of what you see in the built environment as well as focusing on walkability of the community as we develop. I also enjoy all the random art I see everywhere, especially when walking or biking.

Jim 1 Dec 4 2025 at 1:10PM on page 3

Suggestion

Apartments and Condos with green space/walk-bike path access that accompany small business and gathering hubs (grocery, books, coffee, restaurant) with public transportation to other business and arts centers. NWA needs to figure out affordable Condo ownership.

anonymous 5 Dec 4 2025 at 1:08PM on page 1

Suggestion

I really like the idea of a more laid back engagement session.. I also would much appreciate the continued option of online engagement as a convenient way to provide input.

Casey 1 Dec 4 2025 at 11:54AM on page 6

Suggestion

I echo the sentiment of just MORE AFFORDABLE (non-student) HOUSING options downtown and adjacent so public transport can be a legitimate option, as well as being a truly accessible walkable community.

Casey 1 Dec 4 2025 at 11:51AM on page 5

Suggestion

Our city lacks the foundational infrastructure to support a thriving creative ecosystem. There are no designated arts districts, creative hubs, or affordable studio spaces, and zoning restrictions make live-work options nearly impossible. We have minimal municipal investment in creative placemaking, no co-share or maker spaces, and limited nonprofit partnerships to foster art and creative professionals. Without adaptive reuse of vacant buildings, city-backed grants for public art, and programs that encourage cultural entrepreneurship, creatives face high barriers to affordability, visibility, and sustainability. To build a vibrant identity, we need intentional planning: affordable creative spaces, community-driven art initiatives, and municipal support that prioritizes culture as an economic and social driver.
To build a truly vibrant creative community, our city should invest in intentional infrastructure and policy. Designating an official arts district with zoning flexibility and tax incentives would create a cultural anchor. Adaptive reuse of vacant municipal buildings or warehouses into multi-use creative hubs can provide affordable studios, co-working spaces, and maker labs. City-backed grants for public art and creative placemaking would activate underused spaces and foster community pride. Partnerships with nonprofits can manage affordable creative spaces and offer business training for artists, while micro-grant programs and mentorship initiatives can support cultural entrepreneurship. Incentivizing local businesses to host art pop-ups and art installations in the design/build phase, and piloting live-work housing options could be effective. These steps position creativity as an economic driver and make our city a destination for innovation and culture.

Casey 1 Dec 4 2025 at 11:34AM on page 3

Suggestion

Modular Homes (high quality)
Prefabricated (Panel) Homes
3D-Printed Homes
Micro-Housing / Tiny Home Villages
Shipping Container Villages and Homes
Adaptive Reuse Building Conversions
Community Land Trusts
Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) Preservation
Pocket Neighborhoods / Cottage Courts
Courtyard Apartments (non student)
Co-Housing Communities
Stacked Flats (non student)
Live-Work Units
Rowhouses (non student)
Multi-Generational Homes
Small-Scale Family Apartment Buildings (6–12 units)

David Dec 4 2025 at 11:14AM on page 6

Suggestion

There's plenty of parking. The only issue with parking is not knowing where it's at. Once you learn the parking decks, the lots that are 2 blocks away from the square, and the church parking lots for the busiest nights, you'll never have an issue. Let's continuously promote and share parking maps with the public.

anonymous 4 Dec 4 2025 at 11:14AM on page 6

Suggestion

There's too much of it downtown! Existing parking lots could be converted to housing, venues, space for creatives, etc.

Casey 1 Dec 4 2025 at 11:12AM on page 2

Suggestion

What really sets our community apart is our dedication to true inclusivity and that art and creative culture are accessible and prolific. I truly think Fayetteville’s lasting charm comes from its genuine spirit, the authentic nature of its people, and the importance we place on our history. We appreciate interesting and unique individuals, experiences, and culture more than trying to project a certain image of wealth and success. Fayetteville doesn’t try to be funky- it just is. We embrace unconventional ideas over polished ones, porch gatherings over corporate meetings, environmental concerns over large lawns, and community over competing with the Joneses. This is a town built by the original folks, for the original folks.

in reply to Anonymous 3's comment

anonymous 4 Dec 4 2025 at 11:10AM on page 3

Suggestion

++++++++

anonymous 4 Dec 4 2025 at 11:08AM on page 2

Suggestion

affordable, mixed use housing that is NOT occupied by students and is well-maintained and affordable for the artists, creatives, local business owners, and folks at a variety of socio-economic statuses

anonymous 4 Dec 4 2025 at 11:06AM on page 2

Suggestion

Fayetteville Farmer's Market, including the musicians on all four corners!

in reply to Anonymous 3's comment

anonymous 4 Dec 4 2025 at 11:04AM on page 2

Suggestion

++++++

anonymous 4 Dec 4 2025 at 11:03AM on page 2

Suggestion

Dickson St. Bookstore!

anonymous 4 Dec 4 2025 at 11:03AM on page 2

Suggestion

Hot Vine wine!

anonymous 4 Dec 4 2025 at 11:02AM on page 2

Suggestion

events and showings that combine local art & nature, like the crocheted art in the lower Ramble and the silent disco events (more silent discos, please!)

anonymous 4 Dec 4 2025 at 11:01AM on page 2

Suggestion

coffee shops that are owned by long-time locals who support & highlight local artists, like Arsaga's

anonymous 4 Dec 4 2025 at 11:01AM on page 2

Suggestion

small to mid-size music and performance venues that highlight local and regional acts (we need more of these!)

anonymous 4 Dec 4 2025 at 11:00AM on page 2

Suggestion

locally-owned and operated small businesses that host community events, like Pearl's Bookstore

anonymous 4 Dec 4 2025 at 11:00AM on page 2

Suggestion

thrift & vintage stores like Cheap Thrills

anonymous 4 Dec 4 2025 at 10:59AM on page 1

Suggestion

++ to a laid back drink hour with staff and the opportunity to discuss in smaller groups
I also like the suggestion to target neighborhoods, particularly ones that are adjacent to downtown as the plan impacts us the most.

Casey 1 Dec 4 2025 at 10:58AM on page 1

Suggestion

Large scale event with break outs if there is enough engagement interest

Joel Freund 1 Dec 3 2025 at 1:02PM on page 4

Suggestion

affordable housing for the workers in the service industry and employees of the downtown businesses. It would be ideal if affordable housing was available in a walkable distance from the downtown or other place of employment.

Liv 1 Dec 3 2025 at 9:24AM on page 6

Suggestion

I have no issues with parking currently, but I also try to bike as much as I can. As we grow, I think we need to think a lot about transportation and parking. The best solutions to these issues are to offer safe, viable alternatives to driving, such as good public transportation and walking/biking infrastructure. That way, the people who need or want to drive can do so with less traffic on the road. And those who don't like driving have other options.
Also "Paved Paradise" by Henry Grabar is a good read to learn more about parking regulations and how they can affect a city.

Liv 1 Dec 3 2025 at 9:19AM on page 4

Suggestion

Gap between wages and housing prices. People can't afford to live near where they work.

Liv 1 Dec 3 2025 at 9:18AM on page 3

Suggestion

We currently live in a detached home with a yard for our dog. I would love more biking and public transportation access, though. Outside of the downtown, a lot of neighborhoods are completely car dependent because the bike trail/busses don't reach them. I would love to keep seeing expansions of these services throughout all of Fayetteville (and Northwest Arkansas)!
I also think we need a variety of home options at reasonable price points. People deserve a safe roof over their heads.

Liv 1 Dec 3 2025 at 9:14AM on page 2

Suggestion

Our diversity and mix of cultures! Fayetteville is such a funky and eclectic mix of peoples- from the people who were born and raised here to those who immigrated here from other states and countries. We are so lucky to have such access to art, music, food, unique local businesses. I think we can always work to make Fayetteville more accessible, equitable, and inclusive as well.
I also really love getting rid of the mandatory parking minimums. I think that really helps preserve the look and walkability of our downtown, as well as helping out local businesses.

Liv 1 Dec 3 2025 at 9:09AM on page 1

Suggestion

I'd be interested in any of the following.

Heather 1 Dec 2 2025 at 7:31PM on page 6

Suggestion

We Never have parking issues. Even on big event nights because I go downtown often and know where everything is. I would prefer less parking on the square and Dickson. More room for walking and a permanent trolly.

Heather 1 Dec 2 2025 at 7:27PM on page 3

Suggestion

Apartments are the best use of our limited space. Particularly mixed use with a certain number of space for retail. Bonus if we could have the developers provide community rooms or art studios for occupants!

Heather 1 Dec 2 2025 at 7:23PM on page 5

Suggestion

Space is the greatest obstacle for creatives. There are almost no month to month rentals or mixed use studio space that artists can use for a few months. It would be great if we could help match artists with vacant space.

in reply to Ethan Z 1's comment

Heather 1 Dec 2 2025 at 7:15PM on page 3

Suggestion

Totally agree. Studies show that new construction particularly large complexes and apartments cause the surrounding markets to decrease.

Heather 1 Dec 2 2025 at 7:11PM on page 1

Suggestion

Small event is great max 50 people

Vance 1 Dec 2 2025 at 2:20PM on page 2

Suggestion

It is anything that is done in the city that is original. If you want chain stores and restaurants, that is what other cities in NWA have to generally offer. It is local restaurants, clothing stores, book stores, music stores and businesses that give the city a personality like no other.

Vance 1 Dec 2 2025 at 2:13PM on page 1

Suggestion

I'm interested in a large scale event or a laid back cocktail/coffee hour with planning staff.

Ethan Z 1 Dec 2 2025 at 12:21PM on page 6

Suggestion

I’ve not had any real issues with parking. I disagree with folks who complain about this. The multistory parking structures are amazing, and there’s lots of street parking within 10 minutes walk of downtown and Dickson.

Ethan Z 1 Dec 2 2025 at 12:18PM on page 3

Suggestion

You can decrease the rents and mortgages for everyone by increasing the housing supply. The law of supply and demand applies to the housing market. Austin, TX is a great recent example of this.

This will naturally be unpopular with the folks trying to increase the value of their investment home(s) by using the government to limit housing supply.

I strongly recommend reworking local regulations to be maximally friendly to new construction. YIMBYism is the only effective way to keep housing affordable.

Charles 2 Dec 2 2025 at 10:24AM on page 6

Suggestion

I've never had an issue with parking. There can be a bit of a crunch for big events but that's understandable. I think there are some opportunities to utilize existing blighted (and often empty) parking lots like the mall parking lot, the former Tyson office behind Waffle House on MLK, and Fiesta Square as park and bike locations. It would provide opportunities to allow people to park outside of the core of our city and then bike or walk in.

Dane 1 Dec 2 2025 at 10:18AM on page 1

Suggestion

An event that is family friendly that is accessible for elderly and disabled people.