Connection Quarterly - Spring 2022

Connection

QUARTERLY SPRING 2022

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION MEET THE TEAM LEADING THE WAY AT SOUTH YARD

BUILDING FOR HEALTH

INTRODUCING THE FIRST FITWEL CERTIFIED PROPERTY IN ARKANSAS

COMING IN HOT!

WOODFIRED PIZZA & SELF-SERVE TAP WALL COMING TO UPTOWN FAYETTEVILLE

A NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS OF SPECIALIZED REAL ESTATE GROUP COMMUNITIES

WOMEN AT THE TABLE HEALTHY COMMUNITIES ARE EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES

Featured on the cover is the leadership team for South Yard, our new mixed-use development currently under construction at MLK and South School in Fayetteville.

The Architect, Construction Manager, and Operations Manager of this challenging project are all women, a rare combination even today. Back in 1950, women represented less than 1% of registered architects. The original buildings at South Yard were designed by one of them. The feed mill and supply buildings, grain elevator, hatchery, and seed house were designed by Fayetteville-born architect Belle Dinwiddie, who we imagine was often the only woman at the table.

Today, South Yard Lofts design, construction, and operations leadership are all women. While we celebrate these team members and their leadership, we know that we have a long way to go to ensure that our company and our industry truly represents the diversity of our community. We were among the first to sign the Northwest Arkansas Leadership Pledge. In the words of the pledge, we aim to “advance the hiring, development, retention and promotion of diverse talent and invest in initiatives designed to reduce the effects of prejudices in our communities”.

As we pursue these ideals, we celebrate this talented team and the progress that women have made since Belle Dinwiddie’s day.

Speaking of always aiming to be a community leader, South Yard is excited to attain Arkansas’ first Fitwel certification! Fitwel distills decades of research into a building standard designed to measure a project’s impact on occupant and community health.

We’re pleased to share the nuts and bolts of this ambitious and prestigious distinction.

Be well!

— Specialized Real Estate Group

On the cover: SREG Construction Manager Kaitlyn Fondano, Operations Manager Paige Sauerwein, and Modus Studio Project Architect Kiara Luers are the team leading design, construction, and operations of South Yard. Photo by Meredith Mashburn

2 • SPECIALIZED REAL ESTATE GROUP

On this page: Belle Dinwiddie’s original drawing of Farm Services Cooperative Buildings which will soon hold restaurants and community gathering space. From University of Arkansas at Fayetteville Libraries’ James and Belle Dinwiddie Architectural Drawings, Special Collections

DID YOU KNOW? The original architect of the Farm Services Cooperative buildings at South Yard was one of a tiny number of women in the profession in 1950. Today, the lead architect, construction manager, and operations manager on that site are all women. We salute them during Women in Construction Month and always!

2012 Specialized Real Estate Group Construction Manager Kaitlyn Fondano and Modus Studio Project Architect Kiara Luers of Modus Studio discuss progress with the general contractor’s team at a recent site walk. Photo by Meredith Mashburn.

Photo Courtesy of Shiloh Museum of Ozark History/ Rogers Historical Museum Collection (S-2008-72-2)

Architect Belle Dinwiddie in 1915

CONNECTION QUARTERLY • SPRING 2022 • 3

ANOTHER FIRST! Fitwel Healthy Building Certification

Fitwel is the world’s leading certification system committed to building health for all. Generated by expert analysis of over 5,600 academic research studies, Fitwel is implementing a vision for a healthier future where all buildings and communities are enhanced to strengthen health and well-being. Fitwel was created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. General Services Administration. South Yard, our mixeduse development in South Fayetteville, is not only the first Fitwel certified property in Arkansas, but is one of few projects in the nation to attain three stars, the highest rating possible. South Yard’s Fitwel certification demonstrates our commitment to advancing the community’s well-being by implementing health-promoting design and operational strategies.

NOW LEASING

South Yard Lofts are Arkansas’ only Fitwelcertified apartments, and you can call them home this summer! southyard.com

4 • SPECIALIZED REAL ESTATE GROUP

The Razorback Greenway wraps around South Yard, with two access points for residents and restaurant guests. According to Fitwel, “Multi-use trails and greenways provide occupants with increased exposure to the outdoors, encourage physical activity, and promote social interaction, contributing to enhanced physical and mental health.” Photo by Meredith Mashburn

FROM GOOD TO GREAT

Many Fitwel strategies were already part of our DNA at Specialized.

Advanced indoor air quality practices, community gardens, smoke free policies, trail connections, and infill development have been incorporated into our projects for many years. Here are three areas in which Fitwel encouraged us to go even further to create a healthier environment.

STRATEGY 2.7: PROVIDE ENHANCED TRANSIT STOPS Enhanced transit stops like the bus shelter planned for MLK Boulevard increase comfort and safety while using public transit, encouraging active transportation and enhancing mental health.

STRATEGY 8.5: PROVIDE A DESIGNATED DISPLAY TO POST COMMUNITY EVENTS & INFORMATION Public information displays, like the digital displays to be included in the residential lobby and the common space near restaurants, increase awareness of community events and support social engagement, contributing to enhanced social health.

STRATEGY 12.3 TRAIN LOCAL VOLUNTEERS IN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PROCEDURES Training local volunteers in emergency preparedness can reduce the negative impact of an emergency situation and increase safety for occupants, helping to limit casualties and enhance social equity. We’ve included training for our staff in our policy manual, and will offer it to residents and commercial tenants, too.

CONNECTION QUARTERLY • SPRING 2022 • 5

ESCAPE INTO NATURE IN THE CENTER OF TOWN THE NATURAL AREAS ON MARKHAM HILL HAVE SEEN LOTS OF ACTIVITY IN THE COLD WEATHER SEASON!

• More than 1400 people have registered as users of the Markham Hill Nature Trails and many of you are kids under 12 or adults over 65.

• For the third year, a graduate researcher has surveyed wildlife populations on the hill with game cameras.

• Volunteers and our team have removed invasive bush honeysuckle from several acres along the Markham Hill Nature Trail.

University of Arkansas Wildlife Ecologist Dr. J.D. Willson introduced visitors to a King Snake. Dr. Willson talked about animals’ habitat requirements, how it is possible for creatures to live near humans, and what we can do to help

• Several scout groups have held hiking and camping trips.

• An undergraduate researcher is monitoring populations of three-toed box turtles.

• Visitors have learned about local wildlife and habitats from ecologists and herpetologists.

Register as a trail user at markhamhill.com and you’ll be the first to know about outdoor programs in the Markham Hill Natural Area!

6 • SPECIALIZED REAL ESTATE GROUP

Christine Haller saws the trunk of a bush honeysuckle shrub on the north side of Markham Hill. Restoration horticulturalist Cody George led two public programs including invasive plant removal and hands-on construction of two wildlife shelters east of Evangeline’s cottage.

COMING IN HOT!

SMOKIN’ OAK WOOD-FIRED PIZZA & TAPROOM

Local entrepreneurs Ben and Monica Roberts are bringing a unique new restaurant to Uptown Fayetteville Shops at Steele Boulevard and Uptown Way. In addition to hand-tossed woodfired pizza, Smokin’ Oak will offer the largest self-pour tap wall in Arkansas. With 40 options including wines, mixed drinks, beers, seltzers, and ciders (including lots of local brews) you’ll be sure to find the perfect pairing for your made-to-order pizza The restaurant, easily accessible by bike or foot via Mud Creek Trail, will be a fresh, modern space where you can get a bite and be in and out in 15 minutes – or stick around to hang out on the patio or lounge.

Watch for a grand opening this summer with free pizza all day!

Building healthy places and connecting neighbors means that we consider not just the qualities of buildings, but the connectedness of the neighborhood surrounding them. A walkable neighborhood with a unique sense of place just feels better. It’s this feeling that we aim to capture in each of our projects.

BUILDING BETTER

EMBRACING NATURE

MOVING TOGETHER

SHARING FOOD

We consider efficiency, beauty and health in every decision we make.

We build and conserve places that connect people with nature.

We create opportunities to move—through design, events and service.

We see growing and sharing food as a vital part of every community we build.

A publication of Specialized Real Estate Group, Inc.

CONNECTION QUARTERLY • SPRING 2022 • 7

200 WEST CENTER STREET, SUITE B1 FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72701

UPTOWN FAYETTEVILLE @smokinoakfayetteville

SOUTHYARD @missnewburgie

BRICK AVENUE LOFTS @hannahmcmurray9

HEALTHY PLACES, SMILING FACES. We love being part of your story.

UPTOWN SHOPS @edensflowertruck

BRICK AVE LOFTS @caraelvira