Blue Crane and development partner Riverside, based in Austin, Texas, recently announced that a new mixed-use development is coming to downtown Bentonville. Situated on 2nd Street between NE A and North Main streets, the development will provide residential units, commercial spaces and underground parking while preserving key elements of Bentonville Square.
“We really tried to create a space that honors the square’s importance while carefully introducing new architecture and amenities to serve our growing community,” said Brian Shaw, a member of the development team at Blue Crane. “This project represents an exciting vision for Bentonville’s future — a thoughtful blend of contemporary design that respects the city’s heritage.”
The street-level vision for the north side of the square will reflect the city’s rich character and history. The design blends historic elements, such as storefronts that reflect the designs of the original brick commercial buildings built in the 1880s, with more modern architecture off the square. The project will also restore and preserve the historic Benton County Jail, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The reimagining of the Arvest Bank branch on the square is a key component of the project. During the redevelopment, the branch will temporarily relocate to 215 NW A St., remaining downtown to ensure service continuity.
“Arvest is part of the downtown Bentonville fabric and remains committed to serving the community,” said Chad Evans, president of Arvest Benton County. “We look forward to welcoming our customers to a next-generation bank and community room on the square.”
The development will also bring additional housing to downtown Bentonville, as well as street-level retail and dining spaces to complement existing businesses while providing new experiences.
The new businesses are geared toward creating a more comprehensive shopping district that appeals to both residents and visitors. The underground parking structure is set to provide convenient access while preserving the pedestrian-friendly, walkable qualities of downtown Bentonville.
The project will include public spaces that connect to community amenities such as the All-American Trail, the Razorback Greenway and the A Street Promenade to support Bentonville’s identity as the Mountain Biking Capital of the World.
“The North Main project is an investment in Bentonville’s future,” said Barrett Lepore, partner at Riverside. “We’re creating a place that will bring full-time residents and new amenities downtown while contributing to Bentonville’s thriving local economy.”
Blue Crane and Riverside have engaged Herzog & de Meuron for the design and Page as executive architects. The final plan continues to evolve but balances respect for the city’s past with the needs of the growing community.
Utility relocation associated with the project started earlier this month, and construction is expected to begin in early 2026. The development will proceed within Bentonville’s current zoning framework as the project team prepares to submit plans through the city’s large-scale development process this fall.
The north side of Bentonville Square was last renovated in the 1980s, when the majority of the original buildings were rebuilt.
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