Construction fencing currently wraps around the weathered brick of the former Township Baptist Church at 2044 E. Township St. in east Fayetteville, marking a quiet but significant shift in the neighborhood’s landscape. Since posting a Thursday announcement, CJC Development confirmed that Springdale pasta institution Zelli Pasta will be the first commercial tenant to occupy the ground floor of the century-old building. The redevelopment, located just steps from the tree-lined paths of Gulley Park, involves renovating the church structure and adding eight attached townhomes, creating a compact, walkable patch of the city centered around recreation and dining. The presence of construction crews has already begun to alter the rhythm of the surrounding blocks on Old Mill Road. As of late September, the fencing stands tall around the property, indicating that the physical restoration of the building is already underway. While the exact opening date has not been finalized, the logistical groundwork is visible: a new storefront face is being prepared to connect the interior dining space directly to the exterior world overlooking Gulley Park. Zelli Pasta’s move into the space represents a 1,500-square-foot footprint of reclaimed sacred ground. The announcement indicated the shop will focus on lunch and dinner options, specifically sandwiches and pasta, alongside a selection of specialty grocery items. This mix suggests a dual-purpose model meant to serve both the workers and residents in the immediate vicinity and the families looking for a quick dinner after a walk in the park. In an era where restaurant footprints are often shrinking, converting the historical hallways of a church into a bustling service station for lunch offers a stark, functional use of the existing infrastructure. Founded in Springdale with a reputation for homemade sauces and house-made pastas, Zelli’s expansion into Fayetteville keeps the local brand firmly rooted in the wider region. The move signals a willingness by local culinary businesses to invest in established neighborhoods rather than brand-new development corridors. By choosing the former church on Township Street, the business nods to the historic character of east Fayetteville—a stretch of the county that contains some of the oldest homes in the area. The redevelopment is a partnership between CJC Development and the landowner, Township Rehabilitation, according to development records. While
Source: Fayetteville Flyer
