Old Industrial Site in Rogers Rezoned for Highway Commercial Use

ROGERS, Ark. — A 17-acre portion of the former Bekaert Corporation property is one step closer to redevelopment after the Rogers Planning Commission voted to rezone the site from heavy industrial to highway commercial.

Located at the southeast corner of North Water Tower Road and West Hudson Road, the property has long been associated with large-scale industrial uses. But city planners now see an opportunity to transform the area into a more accessible commercial corridor.

The commission’s March 18 vote follows a request from Bekaert Corporation and project representatives from Crafton Tull to rezone the land to HC (Highway Commercial) within the Industry and Technology placetype.

According to city staff, HC zoning allows a broader mix of uses—including retail and services—that better align with the city’s long-term goals for the area. Planners emphasized that surrounding properties, including nearby land in Bentonville, already feature similar commercial development.

Why it matters:
The rezone supports the city’s economic development efforts while avoiding the infrastructure demands of heavy industrial use.

“There’s a clear benefit in allowing more flexible, lighter commercial uses here,” said Planner Zachery Birdsong. “It aligns with what’s happening just across the border in Bentonville and helps diversify the local economy.”

The rezone recommendation now heads to the City Council for final approval.