Vaishno Groups Plans Multi-Family and Townhome Development on Southwest 14th Street
On September 17, 2024, the Bentonville Planning Commission reviewed a proposal from Vaishno Groups, LLC to develop a Planned Residential Development (PRD) on Southwest 14th Street. The project will transform the currently vacant 25.27-acre site into a mixed-use residential community, providing much-needed housing to accommodate Bentonville’s growing population.
Project Overview
The property, located along Southwest 14th Street, is currently zoned C-2 (General Commercial) and C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial). Vaishno Groups is requesting a rezoning to Planned Residential Development (PRD) to support the construction of townhomes and multi-family units. The proposed project will also amend the property’s Future Land Use Map designation to Medium Density Residential (MDR) to align with the new residential focus of the development.
Development Details
The proposed development will include a total of 308 units, featuring:
16 townhomes (all three-bedroom units) across four buildings.
292 multi-family units spread across four buildings:
158 one-bedroom units
114 two-bedroom units
20 three-bedroom units
In addition to the residential buildings, the development will include several amenities such as a leasing office, a maintenance structure, a trash enclosure, and a connection to the Razorback Greenway, enhancing walkability and access to nearby destinations.
Parking is ample, with each townhome having two garage spaces, and a total of 614 parking spaces provided for the multi-family units—well above the required 1.5 spaces per unit. Additionally, 72 bicycle parking spaces will be available to encourage alternative transportation methods.
The site will be accessible through a new curb cut along Southwest 14th Street, with cross-connections to neighboring developments, including the adjacent U-Haul project and Caliber Collision. The project also maintains connectivity with Southwest Mossy Stone Road and Southwest 16th Street.
Design and Architecture
The proposed architectural design incorporates high-quality materials and thoughtful layout:
The townhomes will be two stories high with a maximum height of 33 feet 11 inches, featuring 15% brick and 85% cementitious siding.
The multi-family buildings will range from three to four stories, with heights of up to 51 feet 6 inches. These buildings will use a mix of 10% brick and 90% cementitious siding for a modern yet compatible look.
The development will also preserve significant open space, providing more than the required 15%, and offering amenities such as a pet park and access to the Razorback Greenway Connector.
Impact on Traffic and Neighborhood Character
While the site is currently undeveloped, the development will increase traffic along Southwest 14th Street. However, the project’s design provides easy access to the street, with limited traffic expected through the surrounding neighborhood stubs. The addition of a right-turn lane on eastbound Southwest 14th Street is recommended to accommodate the anticipated traffic increase.
This project is identified in Bentonville's Community Plan as part of New Growth and Edge Growth, which positions it to accommodate the city’s population growth while maintaining the character of surrounding neighborhoods. The lower-density townhomes on the perimeter of the site will blend well with the nearby single-family homes, serving as a buffer between the existing residences and the higher-density apartments.
Meeting Bentonville’s Growth Goals
The Planned Residential Development will support several of Bentonville’s strategic goals:
Provide housing diversity: The mix of townhomes and multi-family units will meet the demands of a wide range of residents.
Maintain neighborhood character: The development’s design incorporates traditional architecture that aligns with nearby residential areas.
Support local commerce and transportation: The site’s access to the Razorback Greenway and 14th Street will enable residents to easily reach local amenities and services.
Conclusion
With the Planning Commission’s review and favorable recommendations, Vaishno Groups, LLC is set to move forward with its vision for a Planned Residential Development on Southwest 14th Street. The project will bring much-needed housing to Bentonville while supporting the city’s long-term growth and infrastructure goals. The development’s strategic location and design will create a harmonious blend of housing options, green spaces, and access to transportation, enhancing the quality of life for future residents.
