What are CNU Legacy Projects?
Each year, in conjunction with its annual Congress, CNU invites municipalities and neighborhood organizations within the Congress's host region to apply for pro-bono technical assistance from leading urban design firms. Through public engagement and collaboration, CNU’s Legacy Projects strive to demonstrate the power of great urban design beyond the boundaries of each selected community, and targeted communities experience both short-term progress and long-lasting momentum.
Cave Springs Main Street Corridor and IRWP Sanctuary Revitalization
Cave Springs, AR
Overview: Cave Springs is under significant regional growth pressure. The Main Street corridor, anchored by Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP)’s two properties, presents an opportunity to revitalize downtown, expand housing options, and create better public access to the Sanctuary and open space. The project would build on the ULI Master Plan to integrate stormwater and riparian best management practices, support housing options and community needs, preserve the lake and stream system as a natural and recreational asset to the community, and shape sustainable growth patterns in Cave Springs.
Goals: The goal for the Cave Springs Main Street Corridor and IRWP Sanctuary Revitalization Legacy Project is to strengthen local identity through placemaking and stewardship of natural resources. The project will create smarter land use and transportation strategies in the downtown area and regionally, expand housing choices in the downtown areas that align with the Mission of IRWP on water quality and vision of the City and its residents. This project has the potential for downtown development, aiming to create a vibrant and cohesive atmosphere to make the area a destination rather than just another town to drive through.
Project Players: The community partners are led by Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP) with support from the City of Cave Springs, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, local residents, NWA Regional Planning Commission, local developers, and business owners. The national design team is Michael Watkins Architect with support from DPZ.
Charrette: The charrette will take place in Cave Springs, AR on March 17-19, 2026.
La Plaza District: A Multicultural, Transit-Oriented Urban Village for Rogers
Rogers, AR
Overview: The 8th Street corridor south of Walnut in Rogers presents a transformational opportunity: the chance to reimagine a declining commercial area into a walkable, transit-connected, mixed-use multicultural district. Anchored by the vitality of immigrant- and Latino-owned businesses, and situated at the key intersection where 8th Street becomes Walnut along the 71B corridor, the La Plaza District is envisioned as a vibrant urban village—welcoming to all and rooted in the cultural traditions of Northwest Arkansas’s diverse communities. This Legacy Project is a civic call to action—an effort to catalyze a new coalition of landowners, designers, developers, financiers, and institutional partners.
Goals: The goal for the La Plaza District: A Multicultural, Transit-Oriented Urban Village for Rogers Legacy Project is to design a cohesive, pedestrian-oriented district that blends commercial, cultural, and residential uses. The project calls for a community gathering space that reflects the region's identity while connecting to downtown Rogers. The project will focus on the importance of thoughtful design, incorporating "third places" for community activities, and potentially including a regional destination. Ultimately, this project will cultivate a coalition of developers, landowners, civic leaders, and design professionals to carry the project into implementation.
Project Players: Local community partners include Vasquez Results, LLC and the City of Rogers with additional support from Hight Jackson Associates and ISG. The national design team is Arup with support from DPZ.
Charrette: The charrette will take place in Rogers, AR during the week of March 2, 2026.
Revitalizing Downtown Elm Springs
Elm Springs, AR
Overview: Directly adjacent on three sides to larger cities (Springdale and Tontitown), Elm Springs is committed to strengthening its local identity. The city understands that revitalizing its downtown is key to securing a strong sense of community and staying economically resilient. Through this Legacy Project, the City of Elm Springs desires to engage in design and planning workshops to yield a downtown plan that strengthens its small-town character and sense of established community while adding context-appropriate amenities and local services in a walkable, connected, and vibrant environment.
Goals: The goal for the Revitalizing Downtown Elm Springs Legacy Project is to advance the shared vision of a revitalized downtown. The project will develop a conceptual downtown plan that strengthens Elm Springs’ small-town character and sense of established community while adding context-appropriate amenities and local services in a walkable, connected, and vibrant environment.
Project Players: The community partners are led by the City of Elm Springs with support from KMS ESTS CDC LLC and Elm Springs United Methodist Church. The national design team is TSW Design with support from ZVA and DPZ.
Charrette: The charrette will take place in Elm Springs, AR during the week of March 2, 2026.