Las Colinas/North Irving Development

[Kelley USA]

Another tenant signed for the Music Factory... The Green Gator- a Cajun themed Sports Bar from Frisco.

https://dallas.eater.com/2018/10/25/180 ... ory-irving

[ignition]

Another tenant signed for the Music Factory... The Green Gator- a Cajun themed Sports Bar from Frisco.

https://dallas.eater.com/2018/10/25/180 ... ory-irving

I like this move... at least it's not another Yardhouse/Thirst Lion copycat. Haven't seen any other Cajun restaurants announced for either Music Factory or Water Street.

[TXGunLover]

Another tenant signed for the Music Factory... The Green Gator- a Cajun themed Sports Bar from Frisco.

https://dallas.eater.com/2018/10/25/180 ... ory-irving

I like this move... at least it's not another Yardhouse/Thirst Lion copycat. Haven't seen any other Cajun restaurants announced for either Music Factory or Water Street.

Walk Ons Cajun is opening next to Whiskey Cake and Mexican Sugar but that's not in downtown Las Colinas.

[Kelley USA]

Looks like the Shops of Las Colinas is finally underway. This is the big retail development going in at 161 and Las Colinas Blvd. The only confirmed tenant is the anchor, Market Street, but others have appeared on the site plan for quite some time. Hopdoddy, Lazy Dog, Chuy's, Luna Grill, MidiCi Pizza, Frost Bank, Yogurtland and a few others... There is quite a bit of heavy machinery on the property and they started clearing the land about 4 or 5 days ago.

[TXGunLover]

I think there was a PF Changs listed as well... could be wrong.

[Kelley USA]

I think there was a PF Changs listed as well... could be wrong.

Yes, PF Changs tends to hop on and off the site plan. The others have been pretty steady stalwarts. I'd love to see a Changs though! Still waiting to see any sort of rendering as to what this development might look like. Assuming it'll be your generic big box style development (nothing fancy with sparse landscaping). The City of Irving has pretty poor landscaping requirements and the Las Colinas Assoc allows developers to get away with pretty much anything landscape-wise. The Whole Foods Development is a disaster from design, to landscaping to parking.

[Kelley USA]

Posted this in City Issues but I'll post it in the LC thread too... Article in the San Fran Business Journal about McKesson maybe quietly preparing to move HQ to Las Colinas. The future CEO has moved and bought a house in Las Colinas (also other factors mentioned in the article too). McKesson is #6 on the Fortune 500 list.

https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisc ... texas.html

[tamtagon]

Live by the airport for quick access to the rest of the world, work in Downtown Dallas because it's where people want to work...? j/k

[muncien]

Posted this in City Issues but I'll post it in the LC thread too... Article in the San Fran Business Journal about McKesson maybe quietly preparing to move HQ to Las Colinas. The future CEO has moved and bought a house in Las Colinas (also other factors mentioned in the article too). McKesson is #6 on the Fortune 500 list.

https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisc ... texas.html

Even if the mover were to become 'official', it doesn't sound like a while lot of workers would be involved. Probably something more similar to when ATT moved here from San Antonio.

I worked for Mckesson many years back. They already have a sizable operation here, which has only expanded since then. It wouldn't surprise me one bit to hear that we (DFW area) have far more employees here than the SF HQ does.

I suppose there is some bragging rights for having the 'HQ' in your city, but from an economical standpoint, it's really the people that you want. Plus, I would assume an 'official' HQ move would have to come with more handouts than a simple 'regional office'.

[Kelley USA]

To further speculate, there is an item in the current City Council Work Session agenda. It's an Executive Session item for "Project Rock". Now I'm no detective and this could be anything, but a San Francisco based company which is also where Alcatraz is. Of course Alcatraz is also known as "The Rock". Hmmmm…….

[muncien]

To further speculate, there is an item in the current City Council Work Session agenda. It's an Executive Session item for "Project Rock". Now I'm no detective and this could be anything, but a San Francisco based company which is also where Alcatraz is. Of course Alcatraz is also known as "The Rock". Hmmmm…….

LOL... totally. Good lookin' out!

On another note... I went by the other half of Carpenter Ranch site (opposite of Pioneer), and there is a zoning change sign on the corner (Hidden Ridge/114). Perhaps it has been there, but it was the first time I noticed it. I don't recall anything currently pending for that lot.

Thoughts?

[Kelley USA]

To further speculate, there is an item in the current City Council Work Session agenda. It's an Executive Session item for "Project Rock". Now I'm no detective and this could be anything, but a San Francisco based company which is also where Alcatraz is. Of course Alcatraz is also known as "The Rock". Hmmmm…….

LOL... totally. Good lookin' out!

On another note... I went by the other half of Carpenter Ranch site (opposite of Pioneer), and there is a zoning change sign on the corner (Hidden Ridge/114). Perhaps it has been there, but it was the first time I noticed it. I don't recall anything currently pending for that lot.

Thoughts?

Yes, there are a few zoning signs scattered around the property. Unfortunately they are old. It was for an office building component that came before P&Z and Council a few months ago. It passed zoning, but haven't heard anything since. I mean apart from the Pioneer HQ there has been absolutely ZERO movement on any other portions of the project. Nothing on the hotel, retail, apartments etc... Sort of curious as to what's going on!

[vman]

I had a chance to take a look at The Sound development in Cypress Waters two weekends ago. I had no idea the project was that far along. It's a great looking project. Hopefully this will rectify my main complaint about this development...with all the apartments and townhouses around, anytime I've driven through this area, it's been incredibly dead. On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, I saw all of two people walking around.

I also ate at Cork and Pig a week ago; my first time visiting Water Street. I was very impressed with how lovely this development has turned out as well. I wish the connection to the Music Factory was a little better. I really hope this area can support all of these developments. It's making me feel much better about buying my place in Irving now.

And speaking of the Music Factory, am I the only one who hates that office building perched on top of that parking garage? Why is the top of the garage larger than the office building, basically creating a parking lot next to the building. Why isn't the building the width of the parking garage?! It just looks odd to me.

[Kelley USA]

Here's a little blurb about Shake Shack in Las Colinas. Has a photo too in case you haven't been by the site recently.

https://escapehatchdallas.com/2018/11/l ... very-soon/

[TXGunLover]

Here's a little blurb about Shake Shack in Las Colinas. Has a photo too in case you haven't been by the site recently.

https://escapehatchdallas.com/2018/11/l ... very-soon/

Nice to have it, but the one in Plano was disappointing. Not as terrible as in-and-out, but no where near Twisted Root or Maple & Motor. It's roughly no better than McDonalds or Steak and Shake, sadly.

[Kelley USA]

Here's a little blurb about Shake Shack in Las Colinas. Has a photo too in case you haven't been by the site recently.

https://escapehatchdallas.com/2018/11/l ... very-soon/

Nice to have it, but the one in Plano was disappointing. Not as terrible as in-and-out, but no where near Twisted Root or Maple & Motor. It's roughly no better than McDonalds or Steak and Shake, sadly.

Haha, I guess to each his own... I've eaten at the one in Uptown a few times and absolutely loved it! I will agree though that it's not as good as Twisted Root. I was really disappointed when Twisted Root pulled out of Water Street. I think that would have been a really great spot for them. I think it's gotten to the point where you can find a good burger at a number of places. Cork & Pig has an amazing burger and the burger at Thirsty Lion is really solid too!

[muncien]

What's the deal with Gingerman at Water Street???? I went by on Friday and it's a completely empty shell. Are they even working on it? The liquor license on the window was dated July... lol
That is probably the one place in Water Street that I have really been waiting for (after Twisted Root and the Londoner pulled out).

[Waldozer]

Hard to compare fast food burgers to gourmet burgers that cost an extra two-plus dollars. In n out and Shake Shack are two of the top three fast food burger joints, IMO. And I’d prefer Shake Shack to Twisted Root (gasp, sacrilege) at Water Street (not that it’s an option.)

[Kelley USA]

Confirmed, McKesson moving Global HQ to Irving! McKesson is #6 on the Fortune 500 list. Big for Irving!

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/bus ... ers-irving

[tamtagon]

Amazing! For the win

[TXGunLover]

Been in the Music Factory several times lately for Saturday night movies... Both Alamo and surrounding area has been dead as a door knob...

[tamtagon]

So, now, theoretically, it'll be possible to paddle a canoe from Fortune 500 #2 to Fortune 500 #6?

[lwtx]

Been in the Music Factory several times lately for Saturday night movies... Both Alamo and surrounding area has been dead as a door knob...

Was there last night - the restaurants were packed and sidewalks bustling. Didn’t go into Alamo but there was foot traffic in and around it.

The Texas Lottery Plaza really needs help, though. Even while the surrounding storefronts are still vacant, they should at least add some lighting, arrange the seating where folks can actually use it (instead of shoved haphazardly to the side), place some outdoor heaters for comfort (as well as a sign that the space isn’t off limits), bring in live music, even if it’s just the solo or small acts like they’re booking out at Music City Mall now... anything to inject some life into that area. Everything else seems to be doing great - just imagine when the hotel opens and the other nearby planned developments come online.

[Kelley USA]

More apartments for the Urban Center?? But of course... I think there are currently 1500 apartment units either being developed or about to break ground in the UC. There's also 2 townhouse projects under construction. Guessing that translates to about 2000+ new residents. That's good for Water Street and the Music Factory!

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/rea ... ban-center

[Kelley USA]

What's the deal with Gingerman at Water Street???? I went by on Friday and it's a completely empty shell. Are they even working on it? The liquor license on the window was dated July...

FYI, Water Street has made a few subtle changes to the site plan as they sort of shuffle some of the current leases. Pacific Table is expanding and Shawarma Bar is moving up next to the Poke place. As a result, took a little bit of time for Gingerman to come before P&Z for the liquor license. The hearing is actually tonight for Gingerman. Should sail through P&Z!

[muncien]

More apartments for the Urban Center?? But of course... I think there are currently 1500 apartment units either being developed or about to break ground in the UC. There's also 2 townhouse projects under construction. Guessing that translates to about 2000+ new residents. That's good for Water Street and the Music Factory!

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/rea ... ban-center

Maybe I'm blind, but I didn't see which spot on the lake this is... ? Also, Legacy Partners is new to the Urban Center, right? Good to see some new blood. It seemed like Amli had the place all to themselves for a while there...

*thx for the info on Gingerman. Can't wait for that one...

[lwtx]

From the Dallas morning news. Should be an interesting meeting:

IRVING Public meeting set about Williams Plaza Deborah Fleck ThecityofIrving, the LasColinas Association and the Dallas County Utility and Reclamation District will host a public meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Towers at Williams Square lobby, 5221 N. O’ConnorBlvd.

The meeting will be about the final preferred design alternative for Williams Plaza. To send questions in advance, email kbilbrey@kstrategies.com.

http://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/d ... appid=1125

[Kelley USA]

I am curious to see what they come up with... I have a feeling I'll be disappointed though. The thought was they were going to add retail / restaurant space to help complement the success of Water Street. Should be interesting indeed!

[foleymi1]

https://dallas.eater.com/2018/12/17/181 ... ember-2018

Looks like Shake Shack Las Colinas is opening this Sunday at 11 am

[Kelley USA]

^^ That is true... They actually did a nice job on the build-out. Makes the shopping center look better. It's front and center! I am surprised that with Water Street and the Music Factory that neither of them were able to attract a legit burger place.

I also learned over the weekend that several spots at Water Street are on very short-term leases. Both HomeWorks and the Pet Food store next door (Homeward Hounds) to be exact.

[Kelley USA]

Sort of old news but new news... Tom Gaglardi, owner of the Dallas Stars has bought 7.5 acres from Jerry Jones to build 2 hotels at 114 and 161. The hotel developments will also include a Moxie's Restaurant. No timeline on when construction might start or what the development will look like.

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/rea ... as-colinas

[Kelley USA]

Went to Shake Shack on Monday... Place is nice! Actually not too much seating on the inside which sort of surprised me. Staff was super friendly, food was tasty, although a tad bit pricey (I already knew this though as I had been to the one in Uptown several times). I paid $15 for burger, fries and small drink. FYI, when they ask if you want a small or large drink order the large. The small is like a shot glass and their large is what every other restaurant in the world would call a small. Also, for just opening it was not crowded in the slightest. Walked right in and up to the counter. All in all a very welcome addition to Las Colinas!

On another note, it has been confirmed but the Dick's Sporting Goods on 635 next to Best Buy is closing. Last day is January 5th. Store is pretty much picked over but you can still find a few things. I always thought this was an odd location for both the Dick's and the Best Buy. I remember about a year ago both Dick's and Best Buy appeared on a site plan for The Shops of Las Colinas. Sad to see it go!

[TXGunLover]

Went to Shake Shack on Monday... Place is nice! Actually not too much seating on the inside which sort of surprised me. Staff was super friendly, food was tasty, although a tad bit pricey (I already knew this though as I had been to the one in Uptown several times). I paid $15 for burger, fries and small drink. FYI, when they ask if you want a small or large drink order the large. The small is like a shot glass and their large is what every other restaurant in the world would call a small. Also, for just opening it was not crowded in the slightest. Walked right in and up to the counter. All in all a very welcome addition to Las Colinas!

On another note, it has been confirmed but the Dick's Sporting Goods on 635 next to Best Buy is closing. Last day is January 5th. Store is pretty much picked over but you can still find a few things. I always thought this was an odd location for both the Dick's and the Best Buy. I remember about a year ago both Dick's and Best Buy appeared on a site plan for The Shops of Las Colinas. Sad to see it go!

Yeah, steak shack won't last with a 5 guys and McDonald's so close. I've been surprised In and Out has survived given how terrible it is. Dick's is closing many stores, as they stopped selling firearms according to their latest earning's release.

https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/12/ ... again.aspx

[vman]

Went to Shake Shack on Monday... Place is nice! Actually not too much seating on the inside which sort of surprised me. Staff was super friendly, food was tasty, although a tad bit pricey (I already knew this though as I had been to the one in Uptown several times). I paid $15 for burger, fries and small drink. FYI, when they ask if you want a small or large drink order the large. The small is like a shot glass and their large is what every other restaurant in the world would call a small. Also, for just opening it was not crowded in the slightest. Walked right in and up to the counter. All in all a very welcome addition to Las Colinas!

On another note, it has been confirmed but the Dick's Sporting Goods on 635 next to Best Buy is closing. Last day is January 5th. Store is pretty much picked over but you can still find a few things. I always thought this was an odd location for both the Dick's and the Best Buy. I remember about a year ago both Dick's and Best Buy appeared on a site plan for The Shops of Las Colinas. Sad to see it go!

I find Shake Shack extremely overrated, but I'll give this location a try. That's a shame about Dick's. I went there often. It is a lousy location though. That said, I tend to travel all over Irving and Dick's is another big retail closure for the city. The Sears is closing in Irving Mall, the Lowe's is closing off 183, and the Tom Thumb is closing on Beltline.

[muncien]

That Dick's has always been a bit of a ghost town. But they are the source of their own demise... as a company in general.
Even the Best Buy and Fry's right there are typically pretty empty. I'd love to see a master plan for redevelopment for that entire area. But it doesn't seem like anything 'grand' will come to fruition. Pretty much anytime something closes over there, another tenant gladly fills the space. But with Cypress Waters cruising along, it seems like there is much more potential.

[Waldozer]

Yeah, steak shack won't last with a 5 guys and McDonald's so close. I've been surprised In and Out has survived given how terrible it is. Dick's is closing many stores, as they stopped selling firearms according to their latest earning's release.

https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/12/ ... again.aspx

Hard to compare fast food burgers to gourmet burgers that cost an extra two-plus dollars. In n out and Shake Shack are two of the top three fast food burger joints, IMO. Only Whataburger is better and only sometimes. In n out and shake shack are more consistent across locations and states, in my experience.

[TXGunLover]

Yeah, steak shack won't last with a 5 guys and McDonald's so close. I've been surprised In and Out has survived given how terrible it is. Dick's is closing many stores, as they stopped selling firearms according to their latest earning's release.

https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/12/ ... again.aspx

Hard to compare fast food burgers to gourmet burgers that cost an extra two-plus dollars. In n out and Shake Shack are two of the top three fast food burger joints, IMO. Only Whataburger is better and only sometimes. In n out and shake shack are more consistent across locations and states, in my experience.

It's all a matter of opinion, but Shake Shack and In and Out, are hardly gourmet.

Went to see Mary Poppins last night around 7 at the Alamo with the family. As always, the entire area was deserted both before and after the movie. Movie was about 25% full.

[Waldozer]

To be fair, anything’s gourmet compared to McDs, lol. So weird, my wife and I went to the Elf Holiday Party at Alamo last week and it was sold out. We had to sit in the front. The parking at TMF has been completely full every time we go. We have to go up to the fifth floor to find any parking.

[TXGunLover]

We're there again tonight to see Aquaman. Like last night valet has given up business and the whole area is basically deserted, again. I will say there are 8 people in the Alamo bar which is a record for what we've seen.

Theater is about 20% full.

[Waldozer]

I’m out of town for the holidays. So are all my clients. We were gonna see a movie over here in California but decided to stay home with the family. When we checked online, the theater wasn’t full around here either, though it usually is. I wonder if the holidays have anything to do with it.

[muncien]

To be fair, anything’s gourmet compared to McDs, lol. So weird, my wife and I went to the Elf Holiday Party at Alamo last week and it was sold out. We had to sit in the front. The parking at TMF has been completely full every time we go. We have to go up to the fifth floor to find any parking.

Ha! I went to one of the 'Elf' parties at Alamo LC as well... Fantastic!

[Kelley USA]

Market Street finally pulled permits for their new store in The Shops of Las Colinas. I think all permits have now been received for the entire property. The land has been cleared so hopefully we see this one start to move along sooner rather than later.

I'm still a little amazed that not a single rendering has ever been made public for this project. I'm sure it'll be the standard bland big box strip center, but would still like to see some sort of design.

[itsjrd1964]

More about the Texican Court hotel, with pictures. Looks like something Motel 6 or Alamo Plaza would do in Santa Fe. A little surprised about the exterior-entrance rooms. In most new hotel construction these days, the rooms face inside.

https://www.guidelive.com/fun-places-an ... nas-photos

[vman]

More about the Texican Court hotel, with pictures. Looks like something Motel 6 or Alamo Plaza would do in Santa Fe. A little surprised about the exterior-entrance rooms. In most new hotel construction these days, the rooms face inside.

https://www.guidelive.com/fun-places-an ... nas-photos

I drove past the place a week and ago and wasn't aware this place was open. I think it's a pretty cool looking place...EXCEPT for that big orange refrigerator! It looks silly and unnecessary imo.

[TXGunLover]

The restaurant has been empty. Excited to try it soon though.

[Kelley USA]

The restaurant has been empty. Excited to try it soon though.

The hotel opened in November, but the restaurant actually just opened a few weeks ago. From what I can tell, it's a very small menu (maybe only like 10 items). They do live music every Friday & Saturday night in the restaurant / bar area. You can find a music calendar on their website... Cool place though!

[Kelley USA]

If you have about 30 minutes you can see the proposal for the updated Williams Square Plaza… Looks pretty good. I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting but this seems like a nice balance. I mean it's nothing grand- basically green space and more trees for shade. The intention was to really preserve the Mustang sculpture and continue to make it to focal point. There was also mention that retail could be added at the base of the towers which makes sense. I think a Del Frisco's Grill or something of that sort would be a good fit. Also lots of talk about activating the Plaza for year-round activities (concerts, Christmas tree lighting, food festivals etc...)

http://irvingtx.swagit.com/play/01162019-858

[TNWE]

More about the Texican Court hotel, with pictures. Looks like something Motel 6 or Alamo Plaza would do in Santa Fe. A little surprised about the exterior-entrance rooms. In most new hotel construction these days, the rooms face inside.

https://www.guidelive.com/fun-places-an ... nas-photos

They're exterior entrance, but facing a courtyard, no? Presumably access is controlled through the front lobby (and the price point is much higher) so it shouldn't have the issues associated with your typical motel 6.

[Kelley USA]

More about the Texican Court hotel, with pictures. Looks like something Motel 6 or Alamo Plaza would do in Santa Fe. A little surprised about the exterior-entrance rooms. In most new hotel construction these days, the rooms face inside.

https://www.guidelive.com/fun-places-an ... nas-photos

They're exterior entrance, but facing a courtyard, no? Presumably access is controlled through the front lobby (and the price point is much higher) so it shouldn't have the issues associated with your typical motel 6.

Yes, all the rooms face 1 of 3 courtyards... There are no room entrances that face outward. Some of my friends have confused it as another apartment complex.

[R1070]

I think the Texican is great. Very unique space.