Where will the new Home Office be located?
The new Walmart Home Office will be in Bentonville on roughly 350 acres of land on the east side of J Street, between Central Avenue and 14th Street (Highway 102). For years, the company has operated warehouse spaces and office buildings on this site. By demolishing and recycling those existing buildings and offices, we are revitalizing the existing tract of land, contributing to the economic growth in the area and integrating with the broader Bentonville community development efforts. The plans include 12 office buildings, along with amenity buildings, parking decks and surface lots. The development will be constructed in phases.
What will be the design of the new campus?
Our campus will be integrated into the community, designed to be an inclusive and seamless part of the natural beauty of our Northwest Arkansas region. We’ve worked hard to develop a well-designed, exciting, and cohesive campus master plan our associates, their families and the community will be proud of, specifically by:
- Integrating the biking and walking trails from the greater Bentonville community into and through the campus, while preserving and embracing the beauty of the “Natural State” that is unique to our region.
- Reflecting our commitment to, and leadership of, environmental sustainability by being good stewards of our natural resources and minimizing our impact on the environment.
- Encouraging associates to enjoy and connect with nature – both indoors and outdoors – through natural lighting, warm interior finishes, mass timber construction and views of trees, courtyards, landscapes and lakes.
What is the use or purpose of the lakes on campus?
Bentonville boasts excellent nearby lakes that offer recreational activities such as fishing and kayaking. However, on our Walmart campus, the lakes have been primarily designed to prioritize water management and maintain Big Nature. While the over 13 acres of lakes will be visually appealing with nearby paths and viewpoints, their operational function is not ideal for recreation. Instead, these lakes will play a crucial role in our regenerative campus design, ensuring sustainable water management and safeguarding against flooding and erosion.
The lakes on our campus will serve as essential components of our stormwater management system, benefiting not only the campus but also the surrounding community. As part of our regenerative approach, these reservoirs encompass over 13 acres and are specifically designed to efficiently capture and purify rain and ground water. This initiative allows us to provide a significant supply of over 52 million gallons of water annually for campus irrigation and cleaning purposes. Additionally, it replenishes two vital Northwest Arkansas creeks with clean water.
Equipped with advanced weather technology, the reservoirs enable us to effectively manage and mitigate flooding during the rainy season. Furthermore, during periods of drought, we can release additional water to the community. Our commitment to creating a sustainable and environmentally conscious campus extends to our water management practices, ensuring that our lakes play a vital role in supporting both our campus and the local ecosystem.
Why did Walmart decide to use mass timber for the new campus?
Mass timber construction methods were selected because it is sustainable and efficient. Mass timber construction is designed with precision specifications and engineered to strict performance tolerances, allowing us to prefabricate complete structural building systems, which enhances the efficiency of our project and saves both time and money.
Why are we moving and why now?
This is part of Walmart’s strategy to win and has been contemplated for several years. The new facilities will help accelerate change, accommodate a more digitally native workforce, and encourage more collaboration and speed. The combined changes will help us create a more connected campus for our existing teams and help us attract the next generation of talent we need to compete.
What is the cost?
The new Home Office will be true to the company’s Every Day Low Cost (EDLC) roots. Through each step in this project, we are leading the journey to empower associates and get the most out of our existing teams, while helping us attract high-quality talent in the future. And we will do all of this by adhering to our EDLC culture – not by cutting corners but through smart design.
A strong emphasis of the project will be on supporting a culture of servant leadership, which puts our customers and associates first, and maintaining our commitment to fiscal and environmental responsibility. This project will be done in phases, and the cost will be part of our annual budgeting process.
How long will the project take and are you on schedule?
Our goal is to open in phases through 2025. As with any major construction project, timing may change, and we will continue to provide updates.
In 2019, demolition, infrastructure and utility construction began, along with initial construction of the new Layout Center and we continued design of the amenity and office buildings. The new Layout Center construction was completed in late 2020 and became the first building on the campus to welcome associates.
2021 was a year of paving, parking and power. Our amenity buildings finished design work and we went vertical with two parking decks as well as two Central Utility Plants on campus.
2022 was a year filled with exciting announcements, each one giving a glimpse of innovative amenities on the new campus including vertical construction of Walton Family Whole Health & Fitness, Sam Walton Hall, the food hall and the child care center. Roadwork and vertical construction on additional parking decks was also a major focus last year.
2023 was a major year of vertical growth, with various developments such as office buildings, a hotel, and ongoing progress on amenities initiated in 2022. After extensive preparation, Walton Family Whole Health and Fitness, spanning over 360,000 square feet, opened on January 12. This facility now offers affordable health and wellness to 31,000 individuals in Northwest Arkansas.
2024 will be a year of continued construction progress across the New Home office campus, as well as several exciting grand openings. Building upon the momentum of previous years, we are committed to enhancing our facilities and creating a vibrant environment for our associates. With each new development, we aim to foster collaboration, innovation and productivity. Stay tuned for updates on the latest additions to our campus, as we strive to provide an exceptional workplace experience for everyone.
Will construction require road closures?
Yes, construction of our new campus is now underway, and will result in some road closures, but we are committed to keeping an east to west route around the campus open to the public throughout every phase of the project.
Here’s what to expect:
- 8thSt. (Moberly-MLK) and MLK (8th-5th) is projected to opento the public in September 2024.
- 8th St. (MLK-J St) is projected openin January 2025
Will there be a childcare facility on campus?
Yes! Little Squiggles Children’s Enrichment Center demonstrates our commitment to building a culture and environment that allows our associates’ families to grow and thrive. Offering a discovery-driven approach to learning with a research-based curriculum, the 73,000 square-foot amenity will support over 500 children, ranging from six-weeks to pre-K, of campus-based associates in Northwest Arkansas.
Will there be a fitness facility on campus?
Walton Family Whole Health & Fitness, the newest addition to our facilities, is now open to members. Spanning over 360,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings and fosters a strong sense of community. With a wide array of programming and resources, we aim to support the holistic well-being of each individual, encompassing the mind and body.
Walmart associates can visit OneWalmart to learn more about Walton Family Whole Health & Fitness membership options.
Are you planning to build a hotel on the new Home Office campus?
Yes. From recruiting visits and company gatherings to visiting associates coming to share and learn, having an on-campus hotel will enhance each visit.
With plans to open in Winter 2024, AC Hotel Bentonville by Marriott will be located in the Northwest neighborhood of campus, on the Razorback Greenway, with convenient access to office buildings, campus amenities, retail environment and a network of walking and biking paths.
More information about the hotel can be found here.
What types of food and amenities will be available on campus?
A centrally located food hall, 8th & Plate, in the heart of campus, will provide convenience for associates from all neighborhoods on campus. Situated on top an underground kitchen, 8th & Plate will cater to all campus business meetings and events. The food hall will offer a flexible space for associates to connect with colleagues, while enjoying a wide variety of creative, fresh, healthy food options. With 12 unique outlets, including local favorite Ozark Mountain Bagel and a selection of brands brought by our campus operator, LifeWorks.
In addition, each neighborhood will have convenient food and beverage offerings, including:
- Food truck plazas in various locations across campus that can rotate to meet changing needs.
- Coffee collabs in each neighborhood, where associates can enjoy artisanal coffee and tea drinks, as well as a delightful selection of pastries, breakfast, snack, and lunch options. Our seven coffee collabs bring together local roasters such as Onyx, Airship and Heroes Coffee to create a unique and vibrant coffee experience that caters to every taste bud.
- In-office community kitchens on each floor, equipped with coffee machines, filtered water stations, self-serve coffee and soda stream machines, refrigerators for associate food storage, and seating with tables. These kitchens will provide a convenient space for associates to prepare their drinks and meals fostering a sense of community within the office.
What will parking look like around the campus?
Walmart is investing in convenient and safe parking decks to serve our associates for decades to come. A key principle of the design and placement of these decks in each campus neighborhood is to enable associates to have a five-minute walk to adjacent office and amenity buildings. Each parking deck will have more than 1,000 parking spaces and will be equipped with bike and electric vehicle parking, as well as future flexibility for autonomous vehicles.
You’ve mentioned the campus and associates will connect with nature – what do you mean?
The new campus will complement the growth and evolution of Bentonville’s broader urban development plan. We describe the landscape plan as “Big Nature,” which reflects the Northwest Arkansas native ecologies and Walmart company values. Extensive tree canopies and understory planting will provide native habitat, manage stormwater and reconnect associates and visitors to nature. Planting selections will primarily be low maintenance, low irrigation and native, with a focus on pollinator-friendly species. WiFi-enabled outdoor spaces will support our flexible workplace, with each neighborhood containing a large quad, in addition to smaller open spaces and courtyards associated with individual buildings. A cohesive network of complete streets, shaded walkways and dedicated bikeways keep all areas of the campus well connected.
The Big Nature plan encourages interaction between Walmart associates, the Bentonville community and the physical environment to reinforce sustainable living and holistic well-being. In support of this vision, the landscape design will reflect the complex mosaic of native habitats found throughout the region and the distinct culture that has been an integral part of Walmart’s history. The result will be a unique work environment that attracts future associates with a direct connection to nature and the outdoors that can only be found in Northwest Arkansas.
What will happen to existing trees on the new campus site?
The site of our new campus originally boasted a variety of both young and mature healthy trees. Many of the young trees were harvested to be later planted on campus. However, a portion of these trees are a significant size, providing air quality, property value, energy savings and opportunities for associates to connect with nature, while contributing to sense of place. For that reason, select mature trees will remain on the site, and office buildings, parking decks and other structures have been situated around them, allowing them to remain onsite.
How will cycling integrate into the campus?
We are committed to facilitating transportation choices that promote the well-being of our associates and reduce traffic and parking strains. Our goal is to have 10% of Bentonville-based Home Office associates using alternative transportation, such as bicycles, to commute to work. To support this, each neighborhood will provide bike storage, showers, and changing rooms. Additionally, we will offer micro-mobility options such as bikes and scooters for associates to conveniently travel between buildings or to and from their vehicles. By prioritizing sustainable transportation, we aim to create a campus that fosters a healthier environment for our associates and the greater community.
Furnished with amenities and features to encourage a more active lifestyle, our new campus will be equipped with over 300 EV charging stations, a rentable bike fleet, and 1,000 bike parking spaces. We believe in making it easier for our associates to choose sustainable transportation options. The campus will be designed to support all types of cyclists, catering to recreational riders who prefer off-street bike trails, commuters who navigate efficient routes combining trails and streets, and associates who rely on bikes to move around the campus.
What happens to the existing buildings across the region?
Walmart entered into an agreement with ABN Holdings, LLC, for the sale of Walmart’s existing Home Office properties and nearby parcels of land. More information about the agreement can be found here.
Will all Home Office Bentonville based associates work in the new location?
We plan to bring most of the Home Office associates in Northwest Arkansas onto this central campus. Associates working at the Sam’s Club Support office will not reside on the new campus. They will continue to work in their current building.
What will happen to the other campuses across the country (Hoboken, San Bruno, etc.)?
The completion of this campus does not have a direct impact on these other campuses. We want our new Home Office to not only inspire those who work in Bentonville, but our other associates around that world who so frequently visit this place where it all started.
What are you doing with the fixtures, furniture and, office equipment from the buildings you tear down?
As we continue to run our business between now and "move-in day," we are remodeling existing spaces and frequently moving different departments around the offices. When it makes sense, we will repurpose existing fixtures, furniture, and office equipment. This will allow us to lessen the total amount of new equipment required in the new campus buildings, as well as spread out the replacement cycle of office furniture and fixtures for years to come.
