The Jonesboro City Council has given final approval to Ridgeview Commons, a new $85 million mixed-use development project. The decision, made during a public meeting on Tuesday, paves the way for construction to begin on what will be one of the largest commercial and residential projects in Craighead County in recent years.
The project, located on a 45-acre tract near Highway 49, is expected to include retail stores, residential apartments, office spaces, and public green areas. Officials anticipate the development will create hundreds of new jobs and significantly boost local tax revenue.
Key Takeaways
- The Jonesboro City Council approved the zoning and initial plans for the $85 million Ridgeview Commons project.
- The development will feature 200,000 square feet of retail and office space, alongside 250 residential apartment units.
- Economic forecasts project the creation of over 300 permanent jobs and an annual tax revenue increase of approximately $1.2 million for the city.
- Construction is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with the first phase expected to open by late 2027.
Project Details and Scope
The Ridgeview Commons development is a significant undertaking for Jonesboro. The project's master plan outlines a multi-faceted community hub designed to integrate living, working, and shopping environments.
Commercial and Residential Components
The development plan allocates approximately 200,000 square feet for commercial use. This space is intended for a mix of national retail chains, local boutiques, restaurants, and professional offices. According to the developer, Apex Real Estate Group, negotiations are already underway with several potential anchor tenants.
On the residential side, the project includes plans for 250 modern apartment units. These will range from one-bedroom to three-bedroom layouts, targeting young professionals and families. A representative for Apex stated that the design emphasizes community living, with amenities such as a fitness center, a swimming pool, and shared workspaces for residents.
Background on the Development Site
The 45-acre property was previously zoned for agricultural use. The City Council's decision rezones the land to a Planned Unit Development (PUD), which allows for more flexibility in combining residential, commercial, and recreational uses within a single project. This change was a key step in allowing Ridgeview Commons to move forward.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
A central point of discussion during the council meeting was the projected economic benefit for Jonesboro and the wider Craighead County area. An independent economic impact study was presented to the council, providing detailed forecasts.
The study estimates that the construction phase alone will generate around 500 temporary jobs over a 24-month period. Once operational, Ridgeview Commons is expected to create more than 300 permanent full-time and part-time positions across retail, property management, and other services.
"This isn't just about building new storefronts; it's about creating sustainable careers for our residents and strengthening our local economy for years to come," said Mayor Harold Copenhaver during the meeting.
The financial projections also point to a substantial increase in city revenue. The development is forecast to contribute an estimated $1.2 million annually in property and sales taxes once fully operational. These funds are expected to support public services, including schools, infrastructure, and public safety.
Infrastructure and Community Feedback
The approval process included extensive reviews of the project's impact on local infrastructure, particularly traffic and public utilities. The developer has committed to funding significant road improvements to manage the anticipated increase in traffic.
Addressing Traffic Concerns
A major part of the approved plan involves infrastructure upgrades funded by the developer. These include:
- Adding a new traffic light at the main entrance on Highway 49.
- Widening adjacent access roads to include new turning lanes.
- Constructing a new internal road network to distribute traffic flow efficiently throughout the site.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, several residents raised concerns about traffic congestion. In response, a city traffic engineer explained that the required upgrades are designed to handle peak capacity and should mitigate major disruptions.
Public Green Space Commitment
The Ridgeview Commons plan dedicates over 15% of the total land area, approximately 7 acres, to public green spaces. This includes walking trails, a small park with a playground, and landscaped plazas, which will be open to the public.
Community feedback was mixed but generally positive. While some expressed concerns about traffic, others spoke in favor of the new shopping options and job opportunities the project would bring. The council acknowledged these points before casting a final 6-1 vote in favor of the development.
Timeline for Construction
With the city's approval secured, Apex Real Estate Group is set to move forward with the next steps. The developer plans to finalize architectural designs and secure necessary permits over the coming months.
The projected timeline is as follows:
- Site Preparation: Expected to begin in early 2026.
- Phase One Construction: The first phase, including the main retail center and the first block of apartments, is scheduled to start by Spring 2026.
- Phase One Opening: The developer aims to have the initial retail stores and residential units open to the public by late 2027.
- Full Project Completion: The entire development, including all office spaces and remaining residential units, is targeted for completion by mid-2028.
The phased approach is intended to allow businesses to open and residents to move in while construction continues on other parts of the site. This strategy aims to begin generating economic activity as early as possible in the project's lifecycle.
