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Bentonville, Arkansas: Small Town With International Appeal

By January 9, 2019No Comments

Architectural Digest Recognizes Bentonville Restaurant // Bentonville School Becomes Second in the World with a Pump Track // A $1 Million Gift from Australia to Bentonville’s Next Arts Venue

“stylish…and the food is heavenly.” – AD

England, Belgium, Singapore, Belfast…and Bentonville, Arkansas! The International Design Authority, Architectural Digest, highlighted eight restaurants throughout the world occupying former churches and The Preacher’s Son in Bentonville earned its rightful spot amongst the esteemed group.

The Space:
“The first Christian Church of Bentonville was structurally restored by architect Chip Chambers and contractor Brian Soulé, who led the construction through completion. FÖDA was selected in 2015 to develop the concept for this restaurant. Using Ruskin’s Seven Lamps as a design manifesto, FÖDA created the concept around the Chef’s personal story, the soaring new art glass by George Dombek, and the unique structural features of the building itself.The sanctuary was fully re-conceived, custom banquettes designed by FÖDA and SAR in Denver, apse re-designed as the bar with champagne gold brick. The finishing touch is a grid of 288, 5” gold bells in the tower to give the church back its ring.”

This is truly an exceptional space to connect with your friends, family and co-workers over a delicious meal.

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“I almost don’t have the words in my vernacular to describe how unique it is. It’s literally the second school in the world that has one of these” – Rich Drew on KFSM

Thaden School, a new independent school in Bentonville, just became the first and only school in North America with a pump track! A pump track is designed for all things on wheels. From mountain bikes to bmx’s and skateboards, a pump track is a playground for all wheels. By combining rolling jumps with turns they are accessible for all, which is one reason they are being built in all corners of the world.

According to Dr. Clayton Marsh, founding head of Thaden School, the track will not be only for the students, but an amenity for the greater community of Northwest Arkansas. Learn more about the project from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette below.

A $1 million gift from Sydney, Australia

The Momentary, a contemporary arts satellite to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, announced that RØDE Microphones, the audio company based in Sydney, Australia, is among its founding funders with RØDE’s commitment of a $1 million gift. As part of this collaboration, the Momentary, slated to open in 2020, will name its indoor concert venue the RØDE House.

The collaboration was announced on the occasion of a visit from RØDE founder and president Peter Freedman AM to Northwest Arkansas earlier this week, in the company of the Australian Ambassador to the United States, the Hon. Joe Hockey, to discuss cultural exchange between Australia and Northwest Arkansas.

“I first visited this area of the US a little over a year ago, and was struck by the vibrancy and growth of the region,” said Freedman. “Meeting with the Walton family was a genuine highlight. I have always had a keen interest in supporting the arts, both in my business and philanthropic activities, a focus that aligned perfectly with the work of the Walton Family Foundation. The success of Crystal Bridges is a testament to their commitment, and the plans for the Momentary are an exciting next step that I am proud to support, bringing a little bit of Australia to Northwest Arkansas!”

Read the full press release from Crystal Bridges below.

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