Northwest Arkansas Times from Fayetteville, Arkansas • Page 13

FAYETTEVILIE, ARKANSAS, TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1972 I I. I I 1 I I I I I I usines VIEW DA Centennial Year Sees Campus Skyline Altered New Communications Building new Communications Building on the University of Arkansas campus reaches skyward as workmen labor toward a goal of completion In December. The building will include a seven-floor office lower and a four-floor classroom wing. It will house the departments of English, Journalism, foreign Langu- ages, Speech and Drumalic Arls and the University Printing Plant. Cost of the building, the first to he constructed on land purchased a few years ago with help of Hie Fayclleviile Chamber of Commerce, is estimated at 500,000.

(TliUESpholo by Ken Good) City Sees Improvements In'71 By HAY WHITE TIMES Sfaft Writer For Fayetteville, 1371 was a year of planning and approving, construction and building, lending and weeding the public crops sown in 1970 for a bumper harvest in 1972. Northwest Arkansas' urban center experienced a number of public and private improvements. The Drake Field airport received a fresh layer of blacktop for ils landing slrip; Ihe city was halfway encircled by a new bypass, ant! a second stage of construction was started to improve traffic flow from Fayetteville to Springdale. Sears began construction and opened for business at a $10 million shopping plaza between the two cities, the lights in its large parking lot lighting up the sky and visible at night miles around, and Fayelleville got its first taste of waler from giant Beaver Lake. UR.

APPROVAL The city received final approval to continue wilh its Center Square Project, a Housing and Urban Development program administered by the Fayetteville Housing Authority. Cost: more than $3 million. But if it was a year of growing and building, it was also a year of questioning and uncertainty. Public officials voiced concern over the number of accidents on the new Hwy, 71 bypass, for instance, and citizens grumbled or showed their apathy for new city taxes recently authorized by the Arkansas General Assembly. The city had tried lo whip up enthusiasm for the taxes i a series of public meetings.

City Manager Wesley tendered hia resignation at the beginning of the new year. On the private side of Fay- growth story, the Campbell's Soup Co. moved op erations in 1971 to a new a bigger plant at 1100 W. 15th abandoning the familiar while buildings close to downtown. Up Ihe street from Ihe abandoned plant, a 120-unit apartment project for Ihe elderly reached for the December skies, awaiting the first arrivals of scplugenarians for a life of Ozark retirement near city's center.

Two other housing projects opened in recent limes were filled wilh persons needing low-cost housing. And the city received final approval to begin work on the Center Square Urban Renewal Project, designed lo improve Ihe quality of life in 41 downtown when Paul D. i Ihree-sided mall where the old Federal Building is located. FEDERAL BUILDING The new Federal Building was assured a plot near downtown when Paul D. Lewis president of Downtown Fayelte- vile Unimilcd, announced that his group had traded property at the center of the square property at Mountain Street and College Avenue, where Ihe new Federal Building will be built.

Fayelteville economic barometers showed that progress continued in the city despilo un- cerlainty and retrenchment Ihroughout Ihe stale and nation. Total employment in November was 35,125 for Ihe county, up more than 1,050 from October 1970. Arid total unemploy ment decreased 175 'persons to 975 in the same period, Non manufacturing employment was up to 20,225, a 325 increase from the' October 1970 level and active retail sales sparked an increase of 475 in Ihe retail trade business, according to a report issued on employment trends by the "Em- oldest structure. The drive is ploymenl Security Division at Fayetteville. The Chamber of Commerce began an Agriculture Committee project aimed to increase dialogue between the urban community leaders and a 1 leaders throughout the county.

As the' scries of meetings progressed, the Chamber learned of a problems and put on ils Ihinking cap to try a figure out some solutions. So far, the Chamber a pushed for adoption of an ordinance that would prohibit moving substandard buildings inlo rural areas and creating rural blight. The ordinance passed. Meanwhile, Chamber executive vice president Wesley J. Gordon retired after 25 years on the job.

Gordon handed over the reins to R. Dale Christy, executive vice prcsidenl of Chamber at Muskogce, Okla. The city's cultural life received a mild shock in Oclobc when a road-show version of Ihe rock'musical "Hair" was performed at Ihe University of Arkansas. HISTORICAL SITE Downtown, citizens pleased to see a deed lo Stone-Walker House on Center Street be given lo Ihe State of Arkansas to develop as a state park. New York Architect Edward Durrell Stone, a native of Kayellevillc, presented deed lo Gov.

Dale Bumpers of Arkansas in November. A drive In save another historic building on Ccnler Street a when a a nounced ils plan lo destroy Ihe Ridge House and construct a parking lot on Ihe site. Washington County Historical Society asked the church to reconsider and began collecting funds lo buy and restore home, Historians believe houss may be' Fayelleville's continuing this year. The city introduced walei from Beaver Lake into the regular city water system, which comes from Lake Sequoyah anc Lake Fayetteville. City Engineer Paul Mattke said the new supply 1 increase the capacity of city's water supply.

gives us some watei to grow with." he said. "We were at (he maximum growth point." The Centennial year has been an'eventful one for the University of Arkansas in many ways. On the main campus, the skyline was altered as two significant new buildings began to rise. Construction has proceeded rapidly since last summer on the-Arkansas Union building on Garland Avenue, and on the Communications Classroom building at. the corner of Ozark and Dickson.

The Union building, which is the largest construction project yet on the main campus, will cost a total of $6,500,000 when completed. Manhattan Construction Company of Fort Smith and Muskogee, is the contractor for the multi-level structure. The Union will straddle Garland Avenue and faces (he new University Library. A plaza will be built connecting the two buildings, which will give a park-like atmosphere to the area. The new Union building should be ready for occupancy by next January.

The Communications Class- rooni Building is (he firs! new facility to be located on ttic land purchased a few years ago with Ihe help of the Fayelte- ville Chamber of Commerce and area businesses and industries for campus expansion. This structure will be built at a cost of about Contractor is Hie Harmon Construction Company of Oklahoma City, Okla. The building will include a seven-floor office tower and a four-floor classroom wing. It will house the Departments of English, Journalism, Foreign Languages, Speech and Dramatic Arls, and Ihe University Printing Plant. Tentative target date for ils completion is this next December.

Expansion of Ihe University in another way was in Ihc news during Ihe past year. In July, the University system received another campus when the former Arkansas A and College at Monticello became Ihe University of Arkansas at Monti- celjo. The merger of this institution came about after Ihe Board of the former college approached Ihe Universily's Board of Trustees about being brought into Ihe system. The required legislation was passed during the last session of the General Assembly and Ihe merger was consummated in July. 7972 For seen As Good Year By Area Financial Authorities The year 1972 will be a especially those ncnring "Farmers may not he able year, economically speaking, in the opinion of financial authorities in this section.

A number of question marks regarding the nation's economy are recognized, a what occurs nationally will affect this region, but all in all optimism appears in statements from several whose -business it is to look ahead down the. financial road. Ellis Shelton, president, of the First National Bank of Fayetteville, said "We expect this year to be a good one for Uie whole area." Bunch, executive vice president of the Bank of Elkins, said "1 think 1972 will probably be a good year, but not a vintage one." Al Eason president of the First, Federal Savings and Loan ville, Association in Fayette- said he sees "another good year for the constructior. induslry and-entire economy of Northwest Arkansas." Others informally a with" this prognostication. A gradual relaxation of controls instigated by President Nixon is anticipated, said Mr.

Shelton. "These controls, lie said "which most will agree came none too soon to head off inflation, could have grown to such proportions as to endanger our economy. "However, from all reports, business has picked up i most areas of the country, and it is expected thai the slowdown in the economy will turn the other way. There are still a number of areas witli high unemployment, but they are mostly those who have furnished materials and equipment for the war. "In Northwest Arkansas, expect the economy to continue high, with real estate prices increasing, due to people from the urban areas moving here.

A surprising number of people. ment age, continue to move lo our corner of the state to escape the many problems of city life. "We expect this year to he? a good one for the whole area." Said Mr. Bunch: "Election year and we i have a lot of political, activity from both parlies. President Nixon will be doing his best to remain in office, and the Democrats will be trying to do their best to keep him out.

I have no idea which group will succeed. "Inflation and lack of confidence still appear to have some meaning for 1972. Prices are still high, and I think they will remain high. We 'are in Phase II, and everything seems to be even more muddy than before. I don't i we have ever had much success i trying completely to control wages and prices, and I don't really expect much with what is being tried now.

"Taxes will probably go up or remain the same most people. The Social Security tax base goes to $9,000 for a big increase from $7,000 last year. "Vietnam is still with us and it appears it will continue lo he for a years to come. troop strength is way down, but our dollar commitment i Southeast Asia will remain high for many years. "Our deficit gets larger each year, and it must be financed.

Also, some of the predictions or promises about the deficit always end up the same wrong and the deficit increases each year. "The rate of savings is still high, and it may he that peo pie do not have the confidence in the economy that some politicians and economists think they should have. "Housing i on bright side with increased housing starts in our region, and I think it will continue to be for 1972. lo increase their incomes us- less t'hcy receive higher prices for their products. They usually have little if anything to say about the prices they pay, or the prices they receive for i products, and sometimes it is not possible for them lo lower their cost production.

"1 i that 1S172 i probably he a good year, but not a vintage Mr. Eason noted that during the year just passed -the Sav ing Loan i throughout the i Stale: enjoyed its largest growth ii its history. "The same was the Savings and Loans in Northwest Arkansas." he noted. "Savings flow may decline in 1372." he said. "However, ample funds should be avail able for purchase and construction in our area.

This should result in another good year for the construction industry and entire economy of Northwest Arkansas." Bear Brand Sees Expansion In 72 Bear Brand Hosiery Company, in 1971, had a very encouraging year i a i maintained its position in the women's hosiery industry. The activity within this industry has remained quile competitive as to the price level. The sales forecast for nrosent year, 1372. indicate that will not only a i a i their position but will further enhance Because oF (he improved activity in 1971 over 1070. company was able lo call back the employees who were temporarily separated because of depressed conditions occurring in the year of 1970.

I Also during the last legisla- ive session, Hie way was prepared for Arkansas 'AM and College at Pine Bluff lo join University system. This coming July, it will become the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. This will bring lo six the number of campuses of (he system Ihc main one at Fay- eHcville, Hie Medical Center al Little Rock, (he Technology Campus at Little Rock, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the University of Arkanas at Monticello, and the Uni- vcrsily of Arkansas at Pina Bluff. The University's enrollment set another record during the past ear. At the main campus.

12,131 students enrolled' for the fall term of 1971, which began in August under a new semester arrangement whereby the Christmas vacation will also serve as the hctween-seinester break. In entire system, nore a 20,000 students were taking courses. Enrollment in oilier units of the system were UALR, (JAM, Medical Center, 821, anrt Technology Campus and oilier unils, 807. A OBSERVANCES Formal observances of (lie University Centennial occurred (he past year and ivill continue through Ihe commencement i this spring. In addition to the sp'e- Centcnnial celebrations; many outstanding seminars, lectures, and other events liave been sponsored as Centennial acfivities during the past several months.

Of special importance among Centennial activities were a program held at Little Rock in March commemorating Ihe 100th anniversary of (he legislation creating the University; a Centennial Convocation held in Ihe National Cathedral in Washington in June, and a banquet in November observing the anniversary of the decision to locate Ihe University in Fay- ellevillc, paying (ribule to Ihe co-operation of the community throughout the 100 years of the University's existence. RUSK TO SPEAK A program scheduled for Jan. 22 will commemorate the enrollment of the first students the University. A convoca. on that day will feature Dean Rusk, the former secre- ary of slate, as main speaker, and Ihe gala premiere of a Cen- lennial play about the Univer- written by Dr.

Robert Moris of the English Faculty will )e held that evening. A national honor came to (he University during the past year when its president, Dr. David W. Mullins, assumed tile presidency of the National Associa- of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, one of the nost prestigious organizations the field.of higher education, As a resujt of this position, Dr. HuIIins will serve this year as he principal spokesman for ligher education in the halls of Congress.

The Association is comprised of 113 of the largest niblic universities in the nation. Expansion' Of City Hospital Facilities Work processing on new addition (o Fayetfovllle which Is being huiU' In front ol Ifie main' building. Total cost of (he exp a i is estimated at $650,000. The building will contain 31 hods plus a complete physical llterapy i wilh hydrolherapy pool, The new building matches Ihe geriatrics ccnlcr and Hie i addition, lo the old hospital. Completion date Is set far Aug.

12. (TIMESphoto by Ken' Good).