On June 27, 2023, the City of Fayetteville celebrated the groundbreaking of the South Cato Springs project, a transformative 235-acre mixed-use development near Kessler Mountain Regional Park. Spearheaded by the nonprofit SLS Community, the initiative aims to create an inclusive environment that integrates neurodiverse adults into a broader live/work/play community. The project received a significant boost with a $3 million federal grant secured by Congressman Steve Womack, complemented by a $3.48 million matching grant from the city, earmarked for initial infrastructure and sewer services. Executive Director Ashton McCombs IV emphasized that the development is designed not as an isolated institution but as a fully integrated community fostering inclusion and understanding between neurodivergent individuals and the wider population. The endeavor reflects a commitment to reimagining community spaces that support lifelong success for all residents.
NWA Business Journal: Groundbreaking kicks off transformative mixed-use project in Fayetteville