Fayetteville residents will soon see new protections for a cluster of historic homes and streets after the City Council approved the South Fayetteville Historic District on Tuesday, according to Arkansas Online. The district encompasses properties along South College Avenue, East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, South Willow Avenue, South Washington Avenue, South Combs Avenue, South Mill Avenue and East Rock Street.
The council’s 5-2 vote came after an amendment removed the former Jefferson Elementary School – now owned by the nonprofit Potter’s House – from the proposed boundaries. Councilwoman Sarah Moore and Councilmember Monique Jones voted against the final measure, while Councilman D’Andre Jones was absent.
Potter’s House, which runs thrift stores and community programs, had expressed concern that historic‑district restrictions could limit its renovation plans for the school building. Founder and president Shawn Schwartzman told council members that the nonprofit is creating an independent deed restriction to safeguard the structure, even if the organization were to sell the property.
Earlier, on August 18, the council had voted 7-0 to table the historic‑district proposal so staff could work with the Historic District Commission on boundary changes. The commission subsequently removed the school and another home from the draft map, addressing the nonprofit’s and neighbors’ worries.
Supporters highlighted the district’s cultural significance. Historic preservation planner Kylee Cole noted that the area is more racially diverse than the existing Fayetteville Black Historic District and has long housed blue‑collar and working‑class families. Councilman Bob Stafford, after touring the school’s ongoing renovations, said he trusted Potter’s House to maintain the building’s historic character while continuing its community services.
Mayor Molly Rawn thanked Potter’s House for its cooperation and urged the nonprofit to honor its commitments, saying, “Please don’t make us regret that.” Councilman Mike Wiederkehr emphasized that the district protects more than just the school, acknowledging the staff and Historic District Commission for their work.
The establishment of the historic district gives the city an ordinance with “legal teeth” to preserve the identified structures, according to Cole. Residents can expect future oversight of alterations, demolition requests and new construction within the designated area.
What’s next: The historic‑district ordinance will be drafted and presented for a final council vote before the end of the year. Potter’s House plans to continue its renovations and will file the independent deed restriction in the coming weeks. Community members who wish to comment on the final ordinance are encouraged to attend the council’s public hearing scheduled for early December.
Sources: arkansasonline.com
