As Northwest Arkansas undergoes significant growth, this 230-acre, mixed-use project creates a new approach to density and development that prioritizes the health of both people and the environment. South Cato provides housing for residents of Northwest Arkansas, as well as for a neurodiverse community, so that they may thrive in harmony with nature and the broader community. The project includes much-needed workforce housing, a town square, a center for the University of Arkansas Medical School (UAMS), urban agriculture, and recreational spaces that tie into the region’s bike paths. The "outside-in" approach means the architecture, mobility, and landscape are rooted in the innate beauty of the Ozarks; nature informs the layout of buildings, streets, and recreational spaces, while providing local resources for mass timber construction. The design embraces principles of accessibility and inclusivity, supports the growth of fresh food, and prioritizes pedestrian and bicycle networks over cars.
OSD’s ‘outside-in’ approach for designing the architecture, mobility, and landscape is deeply rooted in the innate beauty of the Ozarkian environment; nature informs the layout of buildings, streets, and recreational spaces, while also providing a rich resource for local and sustainable building materials. The design embraces principles of accessibility and inclusivity, supports the growth of fresh food, and prioritizes pedestrian and bicycle networks over cars—the master plan for South Cato Springs unfolds as OSD’s testament to mindful urbanism. South Cato Springs broke ground in June 2023 to commence initial sewer and road infrastructure.