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Bakery
District

Bakery District History

Welcome to The Bakery District. What once started as the Shipley Baking Company in 1921, is now a vibrant Downtown hub centered around community connection and wellness. The 35,000 square foot building was originally constructed in 1921 and produced a variety of wheat-based products for three generations before being acquired in 1998 by Flowers Foods. The production lines at the Bakery rolled off their last loafs in 2008 and the doors to the Shipley Bakery forever shut their doors.

The building sat vacant for nearly a decade until it was acquired by KMW Properties. After touring the rundown facility the vision became clear, and in 2019 the Shipley’s production facility re-opened its doors as the “Bakery District”, home to multiple tenants all geared around community connection and the re-vitalization of a once bustling downtown Fort Smith.

Bakery Culture

Technology has left many people feeling like virtual life is their only life. The Bakery District inspires people to cultivate real connections, allowing them to reach their full potential.

Exploration

Exploration is in all of us. Humankind strives for innovation and discovery. We are not afraid of change--we embrace it as an opportunity to grow.

Preservation

The world is not disposable. We value the past and try to incorporate used and recycled pieces into the foundation of our community. We believe in preserving the rich history of downtown Fort Smith, and being eco-friendly as often as possible.

Community

We believe that no man is an island. Everyone needs friendship and comradery, whether found in small intimate groups, or large parties. If we are successful in creating an inclusive meeting place, people and communities will flourish.

Inclusivity

We cannot move forward while leaving others behind. Everyone belongs at the table to share opinions, thoughts, and ideas.

Family Treatment

We aim to treat our employees with respect and dignity. We believe in creating an empowering work environment where our staff feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Their attitudes reflect the direction of our success.

Fun

We believe that having fun is an intricate part of life. Having fun fosters creativity and friendship. We are not a place for pretentious business or hollow experiences. We are down-to- earth, lighthearted, and full of potential.

Why We Exist

Inclusive gathering places enrich lives by letting people come as they are.