1. Grapevine plans TEX Rail station
What we reported
Last summer ground broke on TEX Rail, a 27-mile project that will extend commuter rail from downtown Fort Worth, through Colleyville and Grapevine, and into Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. When TEX Rail opens there will be nine stations, including one in Grapevine. The city purchased 4 acres of property at the northeast corner of Main Street and Dallas Road to build a rail station. City officials said they plan to make the station an “iconic destination” by including elements such as a boutique hotel, retail uses, an observation deck and an outdoor plaza.
The latest
In December, it was announced Coury Hospitality was selected as the developer of the hotel, which will feature between 110 and 125 rooms.
What’s next
The parking garage will be open for use when TEX Rail service begins in late 2018, with the hotel, plaza and train station building expected to be completed by early to mid-2019.
2. Hotels drawn to local area
What we reported
The hotel development business is booming in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake. In November, Grapevine City Council approved a 300-room Renaissance Hotel. Additionally, Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center reinvested in the area by announcing it would undergo a $120 million expansion and add 303 guest rooms. In Southlake, council members approved a revised site plan for a Westin and a Hotel Indigo and Delta Marriott hotel are also planned.
The latest
In December Colleyville’s first hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites, opened at 5300 SH 121. Also, in December, Southlake’s second hotel, Cambria Hotel & Suites Southlake DFW North, opened at 2104 E. SH 114.
What’s next
Ground is expected to break on the Westin by the summer, and on the Renaissance by the third quarter of this year.
3. Southlake attracts first Class A office buildings
What we reported
Southlake’s first Class A office building, Granite Place at Southlake Town Square, broke ground in January 2016. The six-story, 158,000-square-foot office tower will feature conference rooms, a parking garage, lounge area and courtyard. Southlake’s second Class A office building, The Offices at Kimball Park, broke ground in July. The four-story building’s tenants include Executive Medicine, Independence Title and Keller Williams Realty DFW Southlake so far.
The latest
Granite Place at Southlake Town Square will reach substantial completion in late January and is currently leasing.
What’s next
The Offices at Kimball Park are expected to finish in May.
4. GCISD bond and renovation projects underway
What we reported
GCISD voters approved a $249 million bond package in May—the largest bond package in the district’s history. Some of the biggest projects included the rebuilding of Cannon Elementary School and the construction of two multipurpose activity centers. Bond money along with funds from a Tax Increment Financing agreement will be used to do upgrades at Mustang-Panther Stadium.
The latest
A general contractor for the two multipurpose activity centers was selected in January. In late January all design elements for the stadium renovations will be finished.
What’s next
Construction on the multipurpose activity centers will begin in February. In early April bidding for Cannon Elementary will open. Renovations on the stadium are expected to begin in May and be completed by fall 2018.
5. New water park resort coming to Grapevine
What we reported
Grapevine approved a 10-year incentive package for a Stand Rock Hospitality project in August. The $330 million project will feature guest suites, indoor and outdoor water amenities, a 20,000-square-foot family entertainment center and vacation ownership hotel condominium units. The water park and resort will be located on the Palmeiro Tract, a 185-acre tract of land located north of Grapevine Mills. The project will be built in two phases.
The latest
Grapevine Economic Development Director Bob Farley said site plans and renderings for the development will be available in the spring.
What’s next
Officials expect construction on Phase one to take 12-15 months.
6. Colleyville policies shift with council turnover
What we reported
In the May election there were three Colleyville incumbents running for re-election. The incumbents, which held the mayor, Place 1 and Place 2 seats—lost to their opponents by more than 60 percent of the vote, causing about half of the council to be overturned.
The latest
Since the new council has been in place there have been several changes to the city’s policies, including the establishment of council term limits, new water and wastewater rates and the use of electronic voting.
What’s next
The new council plans to make changes to the city’s comprehensive plan this year. In May, Colleyville council members Place 3 and 4 will be up for election. In Grapevine, places 5 and 6 will be up for election, and places 1 and 6 in Southlake.
7. New retailers coming to Grapevine Mills
What we reported
Round 1 opened in May inside of Grapevine Mills. The 80,000-square-foot gaming complex features bowling, arcade games, billiards, darts and table tennis. Round 1 also offers more than 50,000 songs to choose from for karaoke. The songs are updated monthly and are available in English, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish.
The latest
Fieldhouse USA, a sports complex, opened Jan. 14 inside Grapevine Mills. The 106,000-square-foot indoor sports facility features nine basketball and nine volleyball courts. The facility will house numerous youth and adult sports leagues as well as tournaments including Grapevine Parks and Recreations Department’s basketball and volleyball leagues. Grapevine officials project the facility will host more than 1.6 million visitors annually and generate millions of dollars annually and have a major economic impact for the city.
What’s next
In mid-February, Cancun Market will open in the mall near Fieldhouse USA. The furniture store will sell mattresses, sofas, chairs, entertainment centers and more. With the closure of Bed, Bath and Beyond in 2016, the mall is looking for a replacement.
