Pine Bluff, Arkansas – The City of Pine Bluff has embarked on the construction of affordable houses and introduced a new apartment complex along 6th Avenue. The much-anticipated Flats on Sixth project has been under consideration since 2017 and is now set to change the landscape of the city.
The CEO of Go Forward Pine Bluff, Ryan Watley, highlighted the project as a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders. Partners for this venture include Go Forward Pine Bluff, the Urban Renewal Agency, the City of Pine Bluff, Kee Concrete Construction, and Cedar Crest Development from Texas.
Commencing preparation for the 24-loft apartment project, the city plans to see it completed within a year. But these lofts represent more than just housing. As Kelley Eubanks of Kee Concrete and Construction puts it, the aim is to foster a “live work, play lifestyle,” enriching the life experiences of the city’s residents.
Pine Bluff’s Mayor, Shirley Washington, emphasized the importance of expanding housing options, especially with the city’s ongoing growth. She remarked on the significance of reintroducing housing downtown after many years, envisioning it as a catalyst to boost business and increase foot traffic.
According to Watley, the project’s realization owes much to the taxpayers. The collaboration has managed to attract private investment, resulting in an impressive 1600% return on investment for Pine Bluff’s citizens. But the vision doesn’t stop here. Go Forward Pine Bluff has its sights set on even more ambitious projects for the city. To fuel these aspirations, Watley expresses hope that voters will green-light a new sales tax in the upcoming November ballot. He passionately stated, “If Pine Bluff is going to reach unprecedented levels of prosperity, we need the sales tax.”
