Cultural Arts Corridor
The Cultural Arts Corridor received a new name in June 2021 as a result of a public renaming campaign. Once the project is complete, it will be known as The Ramble. Additionally, assets within The Ramble that offer distinct experiences have received new names or have retained existing, historical names.
Video: watch the Cultural Arts Corridor Groundbreaking Ceremony.
What is This Project?
The Cultural Arts Corridor is a dynamic new 50-acre outdoor public space that will help to revitalize Fayetteville’s downtown area and create a destination for residents and visitors alike. Linking the City’s key cultural institutions—including the Walton Arts Center, TheatreSquared, Nadine Baum Studios, Fayetteville Public Library and the University of Arkansas’ Art and Design District—the corridor will showcase and celebrate local arts culture. It will also enhance civic space and serve as a catalyst for additional development and density in the downtown area, increasing bike trails and connections and improving streets and walkability. This project is part of a Bond package approved by Fayetteville voters in April 2019.
The plan for this transformative project is made possible by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation’s Design Excellence Program. Award-winning landscape architects Nelson Byrd Woltz (NBW) were selected to design the corridor.
Project Highlights
There are five primary elements included in plans for the Cultural Arts Corridor bond project: The West Avenue Civic Space, West Avenue streetscapes, The Fay Jones Woodland, The Razorback Greenway and a new parking deck at the corner of West and Dickson streets. The work will be conducted in two phases.
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Fay Jones Woodland: Improvements to Fay Jones Woods will celebrate the Ozarks ecosystem while ensuring preservation of the native forest. Key features include accessible trails, gathering spaces, native plantings, a boardwalk, improved access to West Avenue and restoration of Tanglewood Branch.
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Razorback Greenway: The section of the Greenway running through Fay Jones Woods will be repaved, with signalizations at key crossing areas. New trail connections will improve access to surrounding streets and the library, and energy-efficient lighting and signs will improve visibility and safety for all who use the trail.
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West Avenue Streetscapes: An enhanced West Avenue will improve walkability and tie together Fay Jones Woods, the West Avenue Civic Space and cultural institutions. The project will include road resurfacing, lighting, parallel parking, shade trees and rain-gardens between Dickson and South Streets. Raised crosswalks and signs at key intersections will be added for improved safety.
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West Avenue Civic Plaza: This will be a vibrant and active public space that fosters community gatherings and supports flexible programming. Features include a central lawn, promenade, art gardens, trails and more. Two buildings are proposed as anchors for the south and north ends of the Civic Plaza. These will be developed through public-private partnerships.
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Parking Deck: Located on the Depot lot and the northwest corner of West and Dickson Streets, this five-story deck will comprise parking spaces, a police substation, first-floor retail spaces and more, with the option to add additional floors if needed in the future while preserving the historic train depot and freight building currently housing Arsaga's.
What is the Current Status?
Updated 7/31/2023
- Fay Jones Woods: Complete
- West Avenue Streetscapes:
- South St. to Center St. is complete
- Center St. to Spring St. will be open by end of summer 2023
- Razorback Greenway Improvements (CAC):
- Greenway trail complete from West Prairie St. to West Meadow St.
- Meadow St. to Spring St. is ongoing with completion expected by end of August 2023.
When will it be completed?
Bond Phase One Projects and Timeline
Replacement Parking:
Location: Depot lot at the NW corner of Dickson St. and West Ave.
Phase One Bond funding: $10 million
- Design and Bidding: Summer 2020 - Summer 2021
- Construction: Begins January 2022 - September 2023
Fay Jones Woods, Streetscapes and Trails
Phase One Bond funding: $10.3 mil.
- Construction: Spring 2020 - May 2022
West Avenue Civic Plaza: Design only (Construction in Phase Two after completion of replacement parking)
Phase One Bond funding: $500,000; Phase II Bond Funding: $10 million
- Design and Bidding: Summer 2021 - Spring 2023
- Construction: Fall 2023 - Fall 2024