The historic UARK Ballroom

Originally built by W.F. Sonneman in 1947,The UARK Ballroom building housed Fayetteville's first bowling alley, which was owned by Jess Benton. The University of Arkansas often used the facility's 10 alleys with manual pin set to teach bowling classes, and the building's upper floor was a popular meeting place for various school and town organizations. In 1954, former U of A football coach Leroy Pearce purchased The UARK Ballroom.

Located on Dickson Street, the very center of Fayetteville's cultural and entertainment district, The UARK Ballroom is in walking distance to The University of Arkansas, the Walton Arts Center, The Square, fine restaurants and shops.

While the U of A football team members enjoyed banquets in the main space, such organizations as the Lion’s Club, Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce held meeting in the kitchen at the rear of the building.

Furthermore, the Coupler’s Club and numerous fraternities and sororities hosted dances and similar functions in half of the upstairs for more than 20 years.

Developers converted the Ballrooming alley into The Boardwalk in 1978, and a restaurant and various retail shops became the primary attractions.

It was purchased in 2000 and developed by R. Alexander, R. Merry-Ship and Ted Belden. The UARK Ballroom building is enriching history once again with yet another makeover. The freshly renovated structure now contains 14 luxury, urban-style condominiums on the upper levels and an ample, tasteful Events Facility in the former bowling alley space.