RDG in the Media: A New Vision for Conway’s Oak Street Corridor

A significant transformation is coming to the Oak Street Corridor in Conway, Arkansas. The City of Conway partnered with Gaver and RDG Planning & Design to conduct a comprehensive plan to address existing challenges and propose improvements to enhance the corridor’s functionality, aesthetics and economic vitality. Block, Street & Building, a special publication of The Arkansas Times, spoke with RDG Principal and Urban Planner Marty Shukert to learn more about the changes to come for the Oak Street Corridor. 

A key aspect of the plan is Corridor Urbanism, which is a concept developed to enhance urban corridors, like Oak Street, by respecting existing businesses and evolving the corridor into a more vibrant and sustainable environment. This approach integrates principles from New Urbanism and Landscape Urbanism, focusing on mixed-use, connectivity, street quality, density and civic life. Shukert shared that his principles for this concept emphasize a balanced and thoughtful approach to urban development along major corridors. 

RDG’s findings in the comprehensive study revealed several key issues affecting Oak Street’s functionality, safety and overall appeal. To address these issues, the plan proposed recommendations on transportation, land use, visual and placemaking enhancements and implementation strategies aimed at improving safety and reducing congestion.

Read more about Corridor Urbanism and how RDG’s urban planners are implementing these principles to create a sustainable urban environment for the community of Conway.