Housing

McAuley Place

Educators deserve to live in the communities they serve. McAuley Place plans to make that a reality for the hardworking staff of Bentonville Schools.

LAST UPDATED • August 27th, 2026

THE PROBLEM

Bentonville Schools continues to be one of the most celebrated and successful districts in the state. But as Bentonville’s housing demand continues to grow at an astounding rate, it has become increasingly difficult for educators to find a place to live that is both affordable and meets their needs.

“We would offer jobs [at Bentonville Schools], and in the summertime, people would accept those jobs. And then they’d start looking in the housing market. I had three I’m aware of that had to turn around and resign those contracts, never moving here.”

- Dr. Debbie Jones, Superintendent

To continue recruiting and retaining these top notch educators for Bentonville, we must build them a path to home ownership, to get them on the “equity escalator” before the skyrocketing cost of homes leaves them behind. We must care for them and their own families so that they can continue to foster ours.

THE SOLUTION

McAuley Place is a 160-unit workforce housing development located directly east of the Bentonville Community Center. It comprises 40 single-family below-market rental cottages and 120 below-market rental apartments that will house teachers, staff, and other residents of the Bentonville school district.

Cottage residents will also be able to enroll in the HOMES Program, a homeownership preparation and down payment assistance initiative. After a maximum of five years residency, HOMES participants will leave McAuley Place with a better educational and financial foundation to purchase a house in Northwest Arkansas. They may also apply for a matching grant to help make the down payment on their new home.

THE DETAILS

Apartments
• 120 units
• 1 bedroom / 1 bath
• 2 bedroom / 2 bath
• 3 bedroom / 2 bath
• 650-1100 sq.ft. per unit
• Estimated rent: $400-900 per month
• Eligibility is determined by income level

Cottages
• 40 units
• 2 bedroom / 1.5 bath
• Approx 1,100 sq.ft.
• Estimated rent: $1,035 per month
• Available to current employees of Bentonville Schools
• Eligibility is determined by income level
• Maximum household of five people
• Maximum residency of five years

HOMES Down Payment Assistance Program
• Estimated rent: $1,535 per month
• Includes structured savings program
• Homeownership preparedness courses
• Possible matching grant for the purchase of a home

Amenities
• McAuley House
• On site infant/toddler care and Pre-K
• On site adult education classes
• Bentonville Community Center across the street
• Nearby health clinic, groceries, restaurants, and more
• Public transportation stop
• Easy access to the Razorback Greenway

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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FAQ: Where is McAuley Place?

McAuley Place is at 4203 SW Tullamore Rd in Bentonville, right next to the Bentonville Community Center.

FAQ: When will McAuley Place open?

Move-ins are anticipated between October 1, 2026 and January 1, 2027.

FAQ: Who can live at McAuley Place?

The apartments are available for all applicants who meet the income eligibility guidelines for this type of housing (maximum of 60% of the Area Median Income).

The cottages are available for employees of Bentonville Schools who meet the required income eligibility guidelines (maximum of 120% of the Area Median Income).

FAQ: What is included with each unit?

All units--both apartments and cottages--include all major appliances, including a refrigerator, microwave, stove/oven, dishwasher, washer, and dryer.

All residents are responsible for their own utilities, including water and electric service. Optional discounted high-speed internet service through AT&T will also be available.

FAQ: Is there a maximum residency period for the apartments?

No. Apartment residents may stay as long as they continue to meet the required guidelines.

FAQ: Why is there a maximum residency period for the cottages?

The cottages are meant to be a transition to affordable housing or home ownership for Bentonville Schools employees, and the intent is to serve as many eligible employees as possible.

FAQ: Do cottage residents own their cottages?

No. Bentonville Schools employees lease the home, even if they are participating in the HOMES Program.

FAQ: How are cottage residents selected for the HOMES program?

Eligible cottages residents will have the opportunity to enroll in the HOMES Program on a first-come, first-served basis until all 20 HOMES enrollment slots are filled.

FAQ: What services are available at McAuley House?

During the school day, Bentonville Schools runs infant/toddler care and Pre-K programming in McAuley House. There are 20 slots for infants/toddlers and 40 slots for Pre-K. Depending on income eligibility, these slots will range from free to sliding scale to full pay.

In the evening hours and on weekends, McAuley House will host programming to serve the adult residents of McAuley Place. The homeownership preparedness courses for the HOMES Program will take place at McAuley Place, with other programming to be selected later based on resident interest.

FAQ: How do I enroll my child at McAuley Place?

Once a residency application is approved, information will be sent to those that have children from ages 0 to 5 to see if they have interest in enrolling them for the infant/toddler or Pre-K programming at McAuley House. If they are eligible, residents will then be connected with Bentonville Schools to apply for these services at McAuley House.

FAQ: What is the origin of the name "McAuley Place"?

McAuley Place is named after Catherine Elizabeth McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy in 1831. The Sisters of Mercy, in turn, founded the Mercy healthcare system in 1871. Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas has been a key partner in this project, especially with the procurement of the land on which the development sits. The name “McAuley Place” was chosen to honor Mercy’s role in helping bring much needed workforce housing to the region.

Learn more about Catherine McAuley and her legacy here.

FAQ: How can I apply to live at McAuley Place?

Please contact mcauleyplace@thesrc.com.

Additional Resources

NWA Data via Hark at Excellerate Foundation

Project ARROW Findings and Guide

Experience McAuley Place Groundbreaking

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