The Northwest Arkansas Council’s workforce housing center is proud to announce Groundwork, a new name and brand to promote more and better workforce housing for Northwest Arkansas.  

“In the earliest stages of building anything — whether its homes, awareness or consensus — we lay the groundwork,” said Duke McLarty, Groundwork’s executive director. “This rebrand reflects the true nature of the organization. What we are building today will shape the future of Northwest Arkansas and Groundwork is the foundation and voice for that work in the community.”

Groundwork’s “FutureIsNow” campaign will help educate NWA residents, elected leaders and business leaders on factors affecting housing prices and potential solutions that could help make housing more affordable in the region.

Announcing Big Emma

Groundwork today announced its first investment in an attainable housing development to be constructed in Springdale. The development is supported by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation.

“Big Emma” is a 77-unit mixed-income apartment development located on Emma Avenue in downtown Springdale. The investment from Groundwork ensures 30 of the units will be permanently reserved for households earning below the area median income in Northwest Arkansas.

“Big Emma” is centrally located on the corner Emma Avenue and Park Street.

The development is in close proximity and walkable to other important amenities like grocery stores, health clinics, pharmacies, and recreation opportunities like Luther George Park, the Razorback Regional Greenway and The Jones Center. Designed by BiLd Architects, the mixed-use development will include a ground-floor coffee shop.