Prairie Street Live / Staff photo
A new trailside venue is coming soon to Fayetteville.
The business, called Prairie Street Live, will be a mix of an entertainment venue, an event space, and a food truck court with a full bar and plenty of outdoor seating.
It is set to soon open on just under an acre of property located at 509 W. Prairie Street along Friso Trail in the Mill District.
“We’re trying to make an indoor/outdoor park-like facility,” said owner April Lee. “Think Wilson Park, but with drinks and food trucks.”
The initial plan is to utilize the existing structures, and bring in temporary seats and food trucks to create an outdoor hangout venue similar to those found in other cities around the country. It will be dog- and kid-friendly, Lee said, and will also be available to rent for private events.
Lee said she is currently working to secure a permit with the Arkansas ABC to allow for a full bar, as well as securing a conditional use permit to host occasional live music events.
The Planning Commission will consider the permit on July 8, but even if that doesn’t work out, Lee said she still plans to create a fun outdoor space for the neighborhood.
“There are still things we can do (if the permit is denied),” she said. “We can do low, ambient music that won’t disturb anyone.”
Jody Verser of local architecture firm Modus Studio, spoke on behalf of Lee in a presentation to the Fayetteville City Council last month. He said the group hopes to create “a destination for south Fayetteville,” as well as “a meaningful node for the cultural arts corridor.”
Verser showed images of venues like Truck Yard in Dallas, Texas, as an example of what the group is trying to create in Fayetteville.
Lee said she plans to develop the venue incrementally to add features over time. In the second phase, she hopes to add a row of shipping containers along the trail that could house additional restaurant or kitchen space. Additionally, areas for murals could showcase the talents of local artists.
A covered pavilion has already been constructed on the property.
The venue has one successful event under its belt. During the Open Streets event held on Prairie Street earlier this spring, the group hosted a Crawfish Boil and Beer Garden attended by more than 200 people.
Parking is somewhat of a concern, but in his presentation, Verser said the group has already reached out to neighbors for agreements on shared parking with businesses that would operate in different hours. He also identified more than 2,000 spaces nearby that could be utilized during peak hours. Proximity to the trail, which runs right next to the property, could help alleviate some of those concerns, making it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to access the venue.
Lee said she expects a decision on her alcohol permit on July 1. If all goes well, the venue will be up and running sometime in July.
