Catalpa Cottages Additional Details for Bentonville Project
Bentonville’s treasured residential area is set to welcome a new housing development that blends nature preservation with diverse living options. The Catalpa Cottages, located at 515 NW D Street, will offer a mix of townhomes with 1-3 bedroom options, ranging from one-car to two-car garages. The development, which is designed around the natural landscape, aims to preserve the unique features of the site, including the headwaters of Black Apple Creek and the existing tree canopy within the valley.
The proposed development spans 4 acres and will feature 36 homes, achieving a housing density of 9 homes per acre, which is slightly less than the suggested 10-12 homes per acre for the area. The homes are designed to maximize views of the valley, which will serve as a shared neighborhood amenity. The valley, along with walking trails and terraced landscaping, will create a "park-like" community feel. With a focus on fostering a sense of place and connection, the development’s layout encourages interaction among residents while also promoting sustainability.
Open Space and Community Features
Approximately 1.3 acres (33%) of the land will be dedicated to common open space, managed by a Property Owners Association (POA). The open space will include walking paths, a central gathering area with enhanced landscaping, and a potential recreational area featuring a basketball hoop. This area will serve as a multi-functional space for picnics, play, and relaxation, and it will be accessible not only to residents but also to the general public.
Housing and Design Variety
The development will include a mix of townhomes, with 21 homes having two-car garages and 15 homes equipped with one-car garages. The smaller homes will include one-bedroom units, contributing to a variety of housing options that cater to different family sizes and price points. The homes will feature brick veneer and Hardi-board trim accents, designed to blend with the natural landscape and the architectural character of the surrounding neighborhood.
One notable feature is the diversity of housing types, including single-family townhomes and condos. Buildings “E” and “F” will be established as Horizontal Property Regime condos, offering efficient utility design while maintaining the overall residential character of the neighborhood. This mix of housing types introduces new living options to an area traditionally dominated by single-family detached homes, which will increase the variety of price points available to potential buyers or renters.
Environmental and Natural Features
The Catalpa Cottages are planned with careful consideration of the natural environment. The development prioritizes preserving the valley and headwaters of Black Apple Creek, which are key natural assets. The valley itself, designated as the primary open space, will remain largely intact, with improvements to enhance its accessibility and usability for residents. The homes are connected via public alleys to preserve the views of the valley and optimize the use of the site’s topography.
Parking and Accessibility
The development has been designed with off-street parking for all homes, offering two parking spaces for homes with two-car garages and one parking space for homes with one-car garages. In total, the parking ratio stands at 1.58 spaces per home, ensuring adequate parking for residents while maintaining efficient land use.
Future Phases and Community Impact
The Southwest corner of the site, which includes townhomes “G” and “H,” along with the associated streets and utilities, may be developed as a second phase, depending on the overall feasibility of the project. This phased approach will allow the developers to assess the market demand and make necessary adjustments before proceeding with the final build-out.
Catalpa Cottages represents a thoughtful and sustainable approach to residential development in Bentonville, combining diverse housing options with the preservation of the site’s natural beauty. With no waivers or conditional use permits required at this stage, the project adheres to the city’s zoning regulations and is aligned with Bentonville's vision for medium-density residential areas. This development could serve as a model for future residential projects that prioritize both community-building and environmental stewardship.
Key Development Features:
Location: 515 NW D Street, Bentonville
Housing Units: 36 homes, including 1-3 bedroom townhomes
Open Space: 1.3 acres of shared common space
Parking: 1.58 spaces per home, with a mix of one and two-car garages
Preservation: Focus on protecting Black Apple Creek’s headwaters and the existing tree canopy
Future Development: Potential for a second phase, including additional townhomes and infrastructure(082624 City Council Reg…)(Packet 9-3-24).
This project highlights Bentonville’s ongoing commitment to blending growth with nature preservation, creating spaces where residents can enjoy modern living without sacrificing the city's natural beauty.
