TJ Johnston, executive vice president of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and the Conway Development Corporation, is taking a new job at the University of Central Arkansas that will oversee UCA’s Donaghey Corridor project, according to The Log Cabin Democrat.
University President Tom Courtway unveiled plans in November for the mixed-use development, which would feature retail and student housing, along Donaghey Avenue:
UCA is undertaking the planning and design process to create a mixed-use development along Donaghey Avenue between South Boulevard and Bruce Street. It is envisioned that the block will include ground-level retail and commercial ventures, and innovative student housing on upper floors. Among the aesthetic improvements would be medians and landscaping, in addition to traffic flow enhancements to Donaghey Avenue. Conversations with the City of Conway have begun.
UCA says Johnston will oversee all phases of planning and development of the project.
Preliminary steps toward architectural and engineering work are set to begin this summer, with a groundbreaking taking place in the fall. UCA is aiming for occupancy of the new center to begin in fall 2016.