New Multifamily Development Breaks Ground in Downtown Rogers

What happened: Specialized Real Estate Group broke ground in February on Downtown Rogers’ first ground-up, large-scale, multifamily development: First Street Flats. Designed by Modus Studio, the $28 million development will include four three-story buildings and include studio, onebedroom, and two-bedroom units.

By the numbers: This development will include 121 units and increase the number of apartments in Downtown Rogers by more than 140%.

Why it matters: The City of Rogers and Rogers Lowell Chamber have identified additional residential housing as a high priority for Downtown Rogers. When a greater number of people live in downtown Rogers, they have the potential to sustain existing and future businesses as both customers and workers.

Dig deeper: Downtowns were first established as the economic centers of their communities. After generations of urban sprawl and annexation, communities are recognizing the economic efficiencies, quality of life and appeal of living and working in an urban center. Public investment in Downtown Rogers’ parks, trails, infrastructure and other amenities, and private investment in commercial and residential property, is propelling the historic urban core to re-emerge as a vibrant community to work, live and play. As more people live and work in downtown Rogers, the surrounding businesses prosper.

More coming soon: In addition to this multifamily development, Downtown Rogers has seen at least five recent developments resulting in the construction of 23 single family, two-story townhomes. The city has approved requests for lot splits, allowing for a more efficient use of land and higher density for those who are seeking a singlefamily home but without the responsibility for a large yard. The Chamber and City of Rogers are supportive of additional residential developments in Downtown Rogers as we work to make the historic center of our community attractive to both businesses and residents.