Building Walkable Communities in Northwest Arkansas with High Street Real Estate & Development
In this episode, we sit down with Ward Davis and Jason Keathley, the partners behind High Street Real Estate & Development, to talk about how they’re reshaping Northwest Arkansas through walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods like Johnson Square, the 1907 Building in Rogers, and the ambitious Drake Farms project. Their story blends persistence, conviction, and care, three traits that every founder, investor, and entrepreneur can learn from.
Summary
Ward and Jason share their unique paths into development (one from finance, the other from construction) and how those backgrounds shaped their approach to creating vibrant communities. They explain why walkability, design, and food & beverage anchors are essential ingredients of their projects.
From battling zoning restrictions to investing in projects when downtown Rogers felt like a ghost town, High Street’s success has hinged on conviction. Jason candidly recalls thinking Johnson Square would never work, only to become one of its biggest believers. Together, the duo emphasize that creating lasting neighborhoods requires seeing beyond today’s obstacles to tomorrow’s potential.
Perhaps what sets High Street apart most is care. From helping local restaurants navigate PPP loans during COVID to rethinking how apartments interact with bike trails, their projects show that thoughtful details compound into neighborhoods people cherish.
Highlights
00:00 – The origins of High Street
20:00 – Johnson Square
50:00 – The 1907 Building
60:00 – Drake Farms
Key Takeaways
Follow us on LinkedIn NWA Founders
Follow us on Instagram @NWAFounders
Follow us on YouTube NWA Founders
For guest suggestions or inquiries nwafounders@gmail.com
NWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer.