First Western Bank Springdale is a 3,500-square-foot bank branch located in a retail center to serve the fast-growing West Springdale area. The bank includes eight offices for retail banking, personal lending, and bank operations, as well as a conference room and employee break space. It was designed to incorporate needed security measures while also projecting an open and inviting space for customers.
Offices all have glass fronts, and banking transactions are conducted at kiosks in the open lobby rather than behind a traditional tellers counter. Finishes are contemporary and clean, in keeping with the informal nature of modern banking.

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on First Western Bank.

Crafton Tull | First Western Bank

[X] First Western Bank Springdale

Education

AIA, LEED AP

Mark is a Senior Vice President and leads the Architecture Division at Crafton Tull, as well as serving on the Board of Directors. He received his bachelor's degree from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.
Mark is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and is a LEED&reg; AP professional specializing in building design and construction.
Mark has worked for Crafton Tull for over 28 years, and he leads outstanding design teams in developing successful projects in major market sectors, including: primary and secondary education, postsecondary education, corporate, spiritual, municipal, sports, and industrial facilities.
FUN FACT: Mark started working at Crafton Tull on Valentine's Day in '94 and has loved working here ever since!

Learn more about Mark Owings and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Mark Owings

Mark is a Senior Vice President who leads the&nbsp;Architecture Division&nbsp;at Crafton Tull. Mark serves on the Board of Directors for Crafton Tull, bringing his passion for architecture, sustainability, and technology to the entire firm. He has a passion for visiting new places and encountering their varied art and architecture but is equally comfortable camping with friends and relatives. Mark leads outstanding design teams in developing successful projects in major market sectors, including primary and secondary education, postsecondary education, corporate, spiritual, municipal, sports, and industrial facilities.
Mark is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and is also a LEED AP&reg;&nbsp;professional.&nbsp;

It's no secret that farmers markets have become <a href="https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/NationalCountofFMDirectory17.JPG" title="Farmers market popularity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increasingly popular in recent years</a>. As demand for fresh, local produce rises, cities across the country are investing in the development of versatile, strategically located venues with farmers markets in mind. When thoughtfully designed, public spaces that host farmers markets can also serve as festival backdrops, outdoor concert venues, demonstration kitchens, and more. From an urban planning and building design perspective, there are several factors to consider when determining an ideal farmers market location and whether or not a structure is feasible.
<h2>Visibility + Access</h2>
A farmers market can have a wide selection of the freshest local produce in town, but it cannot realize its full potential without a proper location. Central commercial districts, such as downtowns, often make for ideal locations because they offer built-in foot traffic along with easy access and high visibility.

Ensuring connectivity to parks and trail systems is a great way to boost traffic without requiring additional parking. Farmers markets located next to an open green space create opportunities for events that can attract new shoppers. Yoga classes, dog days of summer events where everyone brings their pup, and pop-up art shows can all draw people to a market.
<h2>Structure type</h2>
Many thriving farmers markets take place in the open by using a parking lot or a town square. At these events, vendors provide tents for shade. However, many cities choose to invest in large canopy structures, which provide protection from the elements and make it easy for vendors to set up and tear down. The positive economic impact that farmers markets offer can help offset the short-term construction costs associated with a shade structure. In fact, a 2008 study conducted by staff at Oklahoma State University found that every dollar in total farmers market gross sales generates $2.36 for the local economy.
&nbsp;
<img class="img-responsive" src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/farmers_markets_public_spaces/farmers-markets-2.jpeg" alt="Farmers Market Pavillion" width="800" height="600" />
If the site allows for new construction of a covered pavilion, public restrooms and shaded seating are amenities that can elevate a farmers market's success. During the planning and design process, it's crucial to consider all of the potential uses a shade structure might provide on a particular site. For example, some communities use pavilions to host farmers markets during growing seasons, but during winter months the pavilion transforms into an outdoor ice skating rink.
An indoor farmers market allows for year-round use and can double as a versatile community event space. If a commercial kitchen is feasible as part of the building design, it can be used for cooking demonstrations, food-prep during festivals, or as an incubator for small business.
<img class="img-responsive" src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/farmers_markets_public_spaces/farmers-markets-3-depot.jpeg" alt="Depot Park" width="800" height="775" />
<h6>DEPOT PARK LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN RUSSELLVILLE, ARKANSAS HOSTS THE POPE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET.</h6>

<h2>Success story</h2>
Providing areas with multiple uses is part of what has spelled success for <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestreptalks/2017/08/28/after-his-own-business-stalled-dan-carmody-took-over-detroits-eastern-market-to-help-others/#1247381b1df8">Detroit's Eastern Market</a>. The <a href="https://www.pps.org/places/detroit-eastern-market">farmers market</a> there dates back to 1891, but in 2006 it reorganized as a public/private venture. Today it has a wholesale market, a retail market, and a street market in a five-building complex. Peak foot traffic can hit 50,000 people on a Saturday. While few communities have the potential to reach that scale, more cities are taking advantage of the increasing demand for locally-grown produce.
Many communities are investing in strategically located, thoughtfully designed community spaces that serve as destination farmers markets. This investment is a way for cities to enhance quality of life and strengthen the local economy. When realizing their full potential, farmers markets provide more than access to local fruits and vegetables. The sights, sounds, and activities surrounding them become part of the fabric of a community and create a sense of place.
&nbsp;

Mark's Work

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Headquarters.

Crafton Tull | Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Headquarters

Awards

P.E., LEED AP

Learn more about Matt Crafton and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Matt Crafton

Matt Crafton is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Crafton Tull.&nbsp; After graduating from the United States Air Force Academy, Matt started his career as a civil engineer in the U.S. Air Force, where he managed the design and construction of many projects for Air Force missions around the world, serving in both Operation DESERT STORM and Operation RESTORE HOPE (Somalia).&nbsp;
In 1998, he transitioned to the Air Force Reserve and came to the company his father, Bob Crafton, co-founded. In his early years with Crafton Tull, Matt managed several large highway design projects and rose to the position of Chief Operating Officer before the Crafton Tull Board of Directors appointed him to the position of CEO in 2009. Today Matt oversees the operations of Crafton Tull&rsquo;s nine offices and provides quality control on a variety of engineering projects.
He holds Professional Engineer licenses in seven states, is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional, the past president of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas, past chapter president of the Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers, and past chairman of the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce. He is a deacon at First Baptist Church of Rogers, serves on several local nonprofit boards, and retired from the Air Force Reserve at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He and his wife, Kristi, have four children.

One of my interests outside of work is coaching my son&rsquo;s travel baseball team. He and his teammates are passionate about the sport, so the other coaches and I really enjoy the time helping the boys improve their skills and learn the game. We try to keep the actual travel to a reasonable amount, but we do get to see different ballparks in our region.&nbsp; It has been interesting to see communities make investments that replace ordinary ballparks with attractions that draw visitors from outside of their town. From firsthand experience, the quality of the park itself is a leading factor when teams consider where to play tournaments.

In September of 2017, a Time Magazine cover article quoted statistics from WinterGreen Research, a private firm tracking the economics of youth sports over a ten-year period. The report showed a 15 billion dollar market with a rate of growth averaging 7 percent per year. A different report published in 2013 by the National Center for Charitable Statistics estimated out of town tournaments accounted for 27 percent of family travel.
Both studies found the industry to be remarkably resistant to recession. In fact, revenue from sports tourism is a proven boon to the economies that host athletes and their families.
Brad Lacy, president of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce in Arkansas, has seen the positive impact youth sports can have on a city&rsquo;s economy. &ldquo;In trying to be realistic and deliberate about our opportunities for economic development, youth sports became the mechanism through which we built a destination spot,&rdquo; he said. The City of Conway constructed a five-field softball park called City of Colleges Park in 2009 and a nine-field baseball park called Conway Station Park in 2011. Both of these parks are among the best of their kind in the central United States. Both are exceptionally maintained and feature covered bleachers, air-conditioned restroom and concession facilities, and fields built to appropriate dimensions for youth sports.
Large-scale tournaments pump money into a city&rsquo;s local economy through the hotel and restaurant industries, but also in less apparent sectors. For example, anyone who has traveled to an out of town tournament can attest to the amount of downtime involved. During their free time, families go to the movies, shop, or attend a local event. It is not uncommon to see groups decked out in uniforms and team colors around town throughout the year.
<img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/sports_parks_as_economic_drivers/sports_parks_economic_drivers_crafton_tull_arkansas.webp" alt="Tourism dollars" width="800" height="551" />

<h2>Factors to consider before a community should invest in a major sports park project</h2>
<div class="row customLists">
<ol>
<li>Before investing in a major park project, consider conducting an economic feasibility study to include conservative estimates for expected revenue and realistic cost estimates for construction and maintenance.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Next, be sure to hire qualified, experienced, licensed professionals to design and construct the park. Brad Lacy addressed the importance of this, saying &ldquo;We build for quality. From the facility&rsquo;s architecture, lighting, seating, etc. This leads to positive experiences and helps us stand out as a destination.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Once your park is constructed, dedicate a qualified staff and a sufficient budget to adequately maintain the park. Immaculately maintained parks improve the experience for the user and leave a lasting impression on visitors, which may lead to repeat tournaments.</li>
<li>Repeat bookings are essential to maximizing the return on your investment. Before allowing a third party to run tournaments at your park, be sure to have a written agreement with them that outlines all the terms of use and ensures they are a good representative of your city. When people feel welcome, safe, and fairly treated, they remember it.</li>
<li>Youth sports have become not only a source of enjoyment for families, but a significant economic benefit for some cities. If your city is considering such an investment, the steps outlined above provide a good starting point in the planning process. The next step is to evaluate the non-sports activities your community offers that cater to families.</li>
</ol>
</div>
&nbsp;

Youth sports have become not only a source of enjoyment for families, but a significant economic benefit for some cities.

Matt's Work

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on The Railyard Bike Park Renovations.

Crafton Tull | The Railyard Bike Park Renovations

P.E.

Learn more about Thomas Hennelly and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Thomas Hennelly

Thomas Hennelly, P.E., is the Vice President of Civil Engineering in the Fayetteville engineering office. In addition to being a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and United States Army, he is actively involved in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) as well as the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). Hennelly and his wife Carmen (Northwest Arkansas residents since 1991) currently reside in Goshen, where they are members of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville.

Wes holds a master&rsquo;s degree in architecture from the University of Texas at Austin, and has been a registered architect since 1995. Wes came to work at Crafton Tull in 1998 and is thankful to be able to pursue his passion for architecture in a wonderful place like Fayetteville.
He has filled the role of design architect and project manager on a wide range of project types including educational, healthcare, and commercial office buildings. Wes enjoys taking a project from initial idea all the way to owner occupancy, overseeing each step along the way. This broad experience has allowed him to develop relationships with both client and contractor, drawing on the expertise of both for the success of the project.
FUN FACT: Wes had a brief movie acting career before discovering his passion for architecture, but remains a member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Learn more about Wes Burgess and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Wes Burgess

Wes has been a registered architect since 1995, and he came to work at Crafton Tull in 1998. He is thankful to be able to pursue his passion for architecture in a wonderful place like Fayetteville.
He has filled the role of design architect and project manager on a wide range of project types, including educational, healthcare, and commercial office buildings. Wes enjoys taking a project from the initial idea to owner occupancy, overseeing each step along the way. This broad experience has allowed him to develop relationships with both client and contractor, drawing on the expertise of both for the success of the project.

We&rsquo;re all aware of the benefits of eating healthy and getting regular exercise. But what about getting enough sunlight? Many of us tend to spend most of our time indoors, frequently sitting at a desk in front of a computer for hours at a time, disconnected from the weather, and rarely getting an ounce of vitamin D (at least during the work week).
That's where the importance of designing to capture and utilize natural lighting comes into play. This is important for all architectural buildings, but particularly for spaces people spend extended time, such as the workplace and community buildings that are publicly funded.
The benefits of lighting within community buildings are not limited to the health of their occupants; there are economic benefits as well.

TEST

<h2>Natural lighting within the workplace</h2>
It&rsquo;s difficult to overstate the benefits of natural lighting and views in the workplace. Multiple studies have been undertaken by universities and corporations that point to the fact that natural light in the workplace contributes significantly to the health of building occupants. Employees in these environments sleep better at night, take less sick leave, and show significant reduction in headaches, eyestrain, and blurred vision. Additionally, productivity is increased by the availability of natural light, and workers tend to feel more engaged. Natural lighting elements can lead to significant positive impacts on employee happiness and satisfaction, something that employers and municipalities shouldn&rsquo;t overlo&shy;&shy;ok.
<img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/natural_light/ozarks-go-1654787274.webp" alt="Ozarks Electric Corporate Offices" width="800" height="533" />

<h2>Natural lighting within training spaces</h2>
Occupants can also reap the benefits of sunlight within educational and training spaces. Several studies have shown that students&rsquo; test scores increase and reading comprehension improves in classrooms with good natural light, and it stands to reason that similar improvements would occur in naturally lit training rooms. The ability for occupants to visually stay connected to the outdoor environment has been shown to improve concentration. The World Green Building Council also reported that natural lighting and full spectrum light within the classroom decreased absenteeism overall.
<img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/natural_light/butterfield-elementary-1654787490.webp" alt="Training Space" width="800" height="526" />

<h2>Implementation of natural light for economic benefit</h2>
Natural light can be introduced to buildings in several ways, including windows, skylights, and clerestories. These components not only contribute significantly to positively improving the overall environment of a space, but they also decrease the amount of energy needed to power a building. Lighting typically makes up approximately 33% of a building&rsquo;s energy cost, so well-designed daylighting with appropriate controls can lead to long-term cost savings, something that should not be overlooked. Additionally, with today&rsquo;s high performance glass options, there is no need to design for increased heating and cooling loads in buildings with large areas of glass, as historically has been the case.
<img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/natural_light/willard-walker-hospice-home-1654787637.webp" alt="Natural light in healthcare setting" width="800" height="354" />
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Related Projects

Natural lighting in community buildings is beneficial to their environment and energy savings.

Wes' Work

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on ATU Health Sciences and Wellness.

PROJECTS

First Western Bank