Springdale plans to convert vacant office buildings into mixed-use residential complexes

The Springdale City Council convened on March 28, 2025, to discuss various developments and strategies aimed at revitalizing the local economy and addressing the impact of remote work on the city’s workforce and businesses. The meeting highlighted the ongoing recovery from the decline in office occupancy and the city's proactive measures to attract new residents and businesses.

The council began by addressing the significant drop in office occupancy over the past few years, which has resulted in a loss of approximately 1,000 workers who previously contributed to the local economy. Many businesses have shifted to remote or hybrid work models, leading to vacant office spaces that have not been filled. The council emphasized the need for creative redevelopment strategies to repurpose these buildings and attract new tenants.

One of the key strategies discussed was the promotion of dense multifamily mixed-use projects. The council noted that these developments could help bring new residents to the city, who would not only contribute to the local economy through direct earnings tax but also support local restaurants and retailers. Two successful projects were highlighted: the Row on Merchant, which converted vacant office buildings into apartments and townhomes, and the Array Apartments, built on the former Sheraton Hotel site. Both projects have maintained over 90% occupancy and attracted a younger demographic with higher-than-average household incomes.

The council also announced plans for a new 305-unit apartment community, referred to as the Cinema Apartments, which will be developed on excess parking land near Showcase Cinema. This project is expected to enhance the area with additional green space and amenities, including a clubhouse and dog parks.

In addition to residential developments, the council discussed new businesses entering the city, including Enable Injection, a medical device manufacturer that will employ 254 workers, and Slick City Action Parks, a family entertainment venue. These businesses are anticipated to contribute significantly to the local economy.

The meeting concluded with updates on the Tri County Mall redevelopment, which aims to transform the site into a vibrant mixed-use area. The council is pursuing a $2 million brownfield demolition grant to facilitate the removal of the existing mall structure, a crucial step in attracting new developers and businesses to the area.

Overall, the Springdale City Council is focused on revitalizing the local economy through strategic redevelopment, attracting new residents, and fostering a diverse business environment to ensure long-term growth and sustainability.