Crystal Springs Village History

The Land's Journey: Before Crystal Springs Village

The land now occupied by Crystal Springs Village has undergone significant transformations. This section details its decades as the Razorback Park Golf Course, to the recent changes that led to the creation of both Underwood Park and the Crystal Springs Village residential area. This historical context is crucial for understanding the character and development of the neighborhood.

The Razorback Golf Course Era (1958-2017)

Razorback Park Golf Course Source: Razorback Park official website

In 1958, the Razorback Park Golf Course opened, becoming a significant recreational feature in west Fayetteville. It operated as a public course for nearly six decades, with a listed address of 2514 W Lori Dr. The course was known for its layout winding around trees, lakes, and streams. It also had a dedicated driving range. At the time of its closing on October 5 2015, it was the oldest public golf course in Fayetteville.

A pivotal moment came in 2017 when local residents Laura and Craig Underwood purchased the entire golf course property. This acquisition set the stage for the land's next chapter.

Transition: Underwood Park and Third Time’s a Charm

Following their purchase, the Underwoods donated a significant portion of the former golf course (initially 58 acres, planned to expand to 65.54 acres) to the City of Fayetteville. This donation led to the creation of Underwood Park, a community park located on the northern part of the former golf course, preserving green space and utilizing old cart paths as trails.

The remaining southern portion of the golf course land was then designated for residential development. The Underwoods would enter into contract with Lindsey, who proposed to build 668 apartment units and 233 single-family houses on the 125-acre tract. Those plans fell through, but ultimately Rausch Coleman would purchase the property, planning an addition to the Crystal Springs subdivision to the North of the current Crystal Springs Village Subdivision. The plans, which were scrubbed after public feedback included a bridge across Clabber Creek that would have connected the two neighborhoods.

After pushback from the residents of the older and more established Crystal Springs subdivision, Rausch Coleman updated their plans, nixing the bridge and making Crystal Springs Village its own subdivision to be rolled out in two phases: Crystal Springs Village Phase 1 and 2.

How our neighborhood came about! In five two phases.

Shaping the Neighborhood: Development of Crystal Springs Village

The development of Crystal Springs Village involved several key players and a multi-year process of planning, approvals, and construction. This section explores the developers behind the project, the crucial planning and zoning steps, and the timeline of construction that brought the subdivision to life. Understanding this process provides insight into how the community was physically formed and regulated.

The Developers and Key Players

Rausch Coleman Homes: The primary developer responsible for constructing Crystal Springs Village Phases 1 and 2. Known for "starter homes," they have a significant presence in Northwest Arkansas. In late 2024, Rausch Coleman Homes was acquired by Lennar Corporation, a major national homebuilder.
Crafton Tull: This regional engineering and architectural firm handled the engineering and surveying work, including preparing and submitting plat documents to the City of Fayetteville.
Laura and Craig Underwood: As owners of the former Razorback Golf Course land after 2017, they are the sellers of the parcels used for Crystal Springs Village to Rausch Coleman Homes.

Planning, Zoning, and Platting

Preliminary Plat - 2019

A preliminary plat for the "Crystal Springs" development (on former golf course land) was reviewed by the Fayetteville Planning Commission. It generated public comment regarding traffic, drainage, and other concerns. The Planning Commission eventually recommended approval to the City Council with conditions.

Final Plat - Phase 2 - 2023

Crafton Tull submitted the final plat for "Crystal Springs Village Ph 2 SD." This covered 25.23 acres (zoned RSF-4) and formally created 97 single-family residential lots, a major legal step for Phase 2.

Crystal Springs Cluster Phase 1 (2023)

A plat for "Crystal Springs Cluster Phase 1" (22 lots on 4.11 acres, N Raven Ln) was also submitted by Crafton Tull, indicating another section of the overall development.

Development Phase Sizes

Lot counts for Crystal Springs Village Phase 2 and Crystal Springs Cluster Phase 1.

Construction Timeline and Home Models

Construction in Crystal Springs Village began around 2020-2021 and continued actively through 2024. The development was phased:

Phase 1: Primarily associated with streets like W Emil Drive.
Phase 2: Associated with streets like W McLaren Drive and W Azurite Street.

Rausch Coleman Homes offered various floor plans. Click on a model to see details:

Community Governance: The Crystal Springs HOA

Crystal Springs Village is governed by a mandatory homeowners association, the Crystal Springs Property Owners Association. This section provides an overview of the HOA's existence, its purpose in maintaining community standards and common areas, and information about its governing documents. HOAs play a vital role in the long-term management and appeal of a subdivision.

Existence and Purpose

The Crystal Springs Property Owners Association is responsible for maintaining common areas, enforcing covenants, and managing other community aspects.

Governing Documents

The HOA operates under Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCRs) and Bylaws. The Bylaws and CCRs were established in 2022. These documents outline owner obligations, architectural controls, use restrictions, and HOA fees.

A Journey Through Time: Key Historical Events

This timeline synthesizes the major milestones in the history of the land that now constitutes Crystal Springs Village. From its earliest likely uses to the development of the modern subdivision, each event marks a significant step in its transformation.

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