Applejack II Townhomes Proposal Seeks Approval for Medium-Density Residential Growth in Bentonville

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – A new medium-density townhome development, Applejack II Townhomes, is under review as part of a Planned Residential Development (PRD) proposal. The 43-unit project, located near E. Central Avenue and SE H Street, aims to integrate modern urban design, sustainability, and walkability into Bentonville’s evolving Urban Neighborhood landscape.

The project, submitted by Ecological Design Group, will include a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom townhomes with tuck-under garages, roof decks, and open communal spaces. The design follows Smart Growth principles, encouraging walkability, reduced car dependency, and high-quality architectural design.

Project Overview & Design Features

• Housing Units:

  • Total: 43 townhomes

  • 2-bedroom units: 28

  • 3-bedroom units: 10

  • 4-bedroom units: 5

• Density: 17.7 units per acre

• Parking:

  • Tuck-under garages: 35 units

  • Surface parking spaces: 18 (private) + 5 (public)

  • Total spaces: 86 (2 per unit)

• Sustainability Features:

  • Energy-efficient building envelopes to reduce air and moisture infiltration

  • Efficient HVAC systems and large operable windows for natural ventilation

  • Stormwater management system with biofiltration ponds

Urban Integration & Walkability

The Applejack II development is positioned to bridge the gap between existing single-family homes to the north and higher-density multifamily housing (Brick Avenue Lofts) to the south.

• Primary Resident Access: A shared-use public alley, designed to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle movement, similar to nearby Brick Avenue Lofts.

• Traffic Flow & Street Design:

  • Auto-courts allow most units to front E. Central Avenue, reducing the visibility of garages.

  • Communal green spaces and pedestrian paths encourage interaction between neighbors.

  • Dutch-style shared streets aim to minimize vehicle dependency and enhance community engagement.

Compliance & City Considerations

The Planned Residential Development proposal follows Bentonville’s Comprehensive Plan by:
✔ Providing diverse housing options for different price points and family sizes.
✔ Offering 17.4% common open space, exceeding the required 15%.
✔ Reducing infrastructure impact through a compact street network and efficient utility placement.
✔ Blending into the neighborhood with landscape buffers along commercial and residential transitions.

Next Steps & Potential Challenges

• City staff will review the proposal to ensure alignment with Bentonville’s Urban Neighborhood vision.

• Public engagement may determine community support, especially regarding traffic impact and density concerns.

• If approved, Applejack II Townhomes could set a new standard for medium-density, pedestrian-oriented housing in Bentonville’s rapidly expanding downtown area.