Plans for manufacturing, research facility BMK Pharma move forward in Allen

BMK Pharma’s plans for a new Allen headquarters are moving forward.

The Allen Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a zoning change that would allow a manufacturing and research facility to operate near the intersection of Central Expressway and Exchange Parkway at a July 21 meeting.

The gist

The building is currently zoned for shopping center uses, meaning pharmaceutical manufacturing and research is not allowed, city documents state.

The change to a drug and pharmaceutical manufacturing zoning type would allow the building to be used for the research, design, development, production, storage and sales of pharmaceutical products, Senior Planner Matt Bechtlufft said. The applicant requested that electronic manufacturing and medical clinic uses be allowed at the facility as well, per Bechtlufft’s presentation.

The specifics

Bechtlufft said the site is much more comparable to other industrial areas.

“Staff is recommending approval of this item, and the reason for that is how the property itself developed throughout the years,” Bechtlufft said. “Even though it has a base zoning of shopping center, if you look at the property, it doesn’t look like your traditional shopping center.”

BMK Pharma produces sterile compounded medications to support healthcare providers, the company’s website states.

The company previously requested a similar zoning change for another property located directly to the south. At the time, BMK Pharma proposed a laboratory with a Level 2 biosafety rating, but decreased it to a Level 1 after city officials expressed safety concerns, Bechtlufft said. This current zoning change request also includes a laboratory with a Level 1 biosafety rating, per Bechtlufft’s presentation.

Looking ahead

Allen City Council will consider approval of this project at its Aug. 11 meeting, commission Chair Dan Metevier said. Individuals can find meeting agendas and details on the city’s website.