In 2025, Polk Stanley Wilcox completed the historic rehabilitation of the properties occupying the 300 block of West Dickson Street in Downtown Fayetteville, Arkansas. The completed building now serves as the Polk Stanley Wilcox Fayetteville office. This area of Dickson Street has been established as a Historic District and is listed on the National Register. The buildings located within this district are all identified as contributing factors to the district.
Our building was constructed in two distinct phases during the 1930s and is recognized as follows: 300 W. Dickson Street, Needham’s Food Market, and 306 W. Dickson Street, D-Lux Eat Shop. Named for the original tenants of each portion of the building, the property continued to serve as numerous food service establishments over the years until eventually being vacated around 2017. One former tenant of note was the Rathskeller. German for “underground” or “hidden bar,” the Rathskeller occupied the small basement below 300 W. Dickson and supplemented the food available above at the D-Lux.
The building was purchased in 2023 after being vacant for nearly six years. An extensive rehabilitation plan was established that closely follows the guidelines for historic buildings set forth by the National Park Service and regulated by the State Historic Preservation Office. The finished building maintains the exterior character of the original structure, including familiar details such as the wrap-around entry canopy with Spanish barrel tiles and replacement storefronts and windows that replicate the original fenestration and glazing of the 1930s.
The interior takes some liberty in order to provide an open studio environment between what were initially two separate spaces. Today, the Rathskeller maintains its location and namesake and now serves as our Interiors Library and an extension of our employee workspace and lounge areas.
