UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY DESIGN CENTER TO PRESENT EL DORADO NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - University of Arkansas Community Design Center (UACDC) will give two public presentations regarding long-range physical improvements to El Dorado, Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9.

University of Arkansas students David Ways and Christopher East will present the areas of study, which include gateways to the city and downtown, Washington Street infill, Hillsboro Street improvements and revitalization of the Fairview Neighborhood, formerly called the "Thunderzone".

The study will address the question of whether or not Hillsboro Street can and should be widened. The preferred solution proposed by UACDC provides alternate routes for travel.

The focus of the Hillsboro study will be on the beautification and accessibility of the street. Proposals include placing utilities underground, cleaning up and reducing the number of curb cuts, constructing attractive sidewalks, planting street trees and other landscaping elements, and implementing a sign ordinance.

Friday, at 7 p.m., at the South Arkansas Community College Library Auditorium, UA students will present Hillsboro study results to "Fifty for the Future" members. The second presentation, covering the same results, will be given to the Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, Saturday, at 10 a.m., at City Hall second floor conference room. The public is invited to both events.

The other primary focus of the study is revitalization of the Thunderzone, an area south of Hillsboro Street. One of the first subdivisions platted here was called Fairview-thus the proposed name for the redevelopment area is Fairview Neighborhood. By applying Traditional Neighborhood Development concepts, this area could become an economically viable, civic-oriented, mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly and attractive place to live. Its proximity to downtown and commercial businesses along Hillsboro Street is very appealing. However, the issue of affordable housing is critical.

UACDC will present different housing types and an early conceptual diagram of the neighborhood, and future work will focus on strategies and implementation of a realistic revitalization plan.

Other University of Arkansas students working on the project include Jason Gill and Justin Staley under the direction of Donna Hardcastle, assistant adjunct professor in the UA department of architecture. Jill Anthes, director of the office of campus planning, and Andrea Sturgis, project designer, will also be assisting on the project.

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Amy Marbury, University of Arkansas Community Design Center (479) 575-5772, marbury@uark.edu

Donna Hardcastle, University of Arkansas Community Design Center (479) 575-2036, donnah@uark.edu