Five things to know about the project transforming Fort Chaffee's barracks

One Fort Smith developer has a sweeping plan to remodel the Fort Chaffee barracks, turning abandoned buildings into an entertainment hub. Here is what you need to know about the project. 

How big is the project? 

By the beginning of October, Lloyd Sumpter, of Rival CRE, should own 25 buildings that were a part of Fort Chaffee when it was an active military base — buildings that date back to World War II.

Sumpter has preliminary ideas to transform 13 of the barracks into an area where Fort Smith residents can live, eat and play — which Sumpter plans to call The Barracks at Chaffee. 

Eventually, the space could have as many as 90 apartments and 28 spaces for restaurants or retail businesses.

IN-DEPTH: What are the plans for The Barracks at Chaffee?

How much money does it cost? 

Sumpter, who paid $663,000 for 21 of the buildings, will invest $20 million into the project, said Daniel Mann, executive director of the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority.

What will go in the barracks? 

The renovation will create mixed-use buildings that will have retail space on the bottom floor and apartments on the second floor.

“It’ll be a community for all the people who live around this area," Sumpter said. "We’ll have eight to 10 restaurants, retail, shopping. This will be where people will want to come after work to have a drink or meet their friends for dinner."

Who is making this happen? 

Sumpter is working with Rdc Architects to make his dream a reality. This will be the firm's first project in Fort Smith. The firm has locations all over the world but its closest location is in Rogers.

What else is going on in Chaffee Crossing? 

In terms of other developments that are taking place in Chaffee Crossing, Mann said that Mars Petcare is in the process of expanding its business in a $262 million project. On Tuesday, NAI Harmon Group bought 30 acres that will hold two 300,000-square-foot warehouses.

Alex Gladden is a University of Arkansas graduate. She previously reported for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and The Jonesboro Sun before joining the Times Record. She can be contacted at agladden@swtimes.com.