FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) – As the city of Fayetteville continues to gain national attention for its quality of life, demand for housing continues to rise.
“Some people are trying to say [Martin Luther King Boulevard] is the gateway to Fayetteville. I guess, in some ways, it is,” said Mark Zweig, a developer in Fayetteville. “As long as you’re only going to games at the University of Arkansas.”
Zweig said his recent purchase of the Twin Arch Motel along College is just one step to creating new housing along the main road.
“I think it is a great location, fundamentally. Even though it looks terrible,” Zweig said.
Zweig received preliminary approval to move forward with plans to build an apartment complex over the old motel, capitalizing on prime land during a housing boom.
“It is surrounded by the most valuable real estate in town. It is really in a fundamentally convenient location,” Zweig said. “We are not aiming at the student market. We are aiming at people who live downtown, or who want to live close to there, where they can walk to everything.”
Also set to build downtown is the Block Avenue apartments, a new property which is set to open across the street from the big star lounge.
“Anything that can bring us extra business is nice. I feel like downtown is always growing. So, it is nice anytime we get something new,” said Grant Hockenbrough, a manager of the Big Star Lounge.
The lounge’s management is torn on the recent expansion of the downtown area, as they would welcome new customers.
“Honestly, I would rather have other local businesses put in, other than apartment,” said Nathan Gage, manager of Big Star Lounge. “Honestly, it is a win-win.”
Zweig said his proposed project would cost more than $1.4 million, if approved by the city.