The resort development is being considered as a potential use for a 123-acre site at the southwest corner of SH 121 and Stacy Road in Allen, according to a news release from the city of Allen.
The details
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is the creator of America’s largest indoor waterparks, the release states.
The company operates full-service resort properties in four states, with each offering vacation amenities as well as meeting and convention spaces. The company has one existing Texas location in Round Rock, as well as locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The company is also developing a location in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, according to its website.
The proposed Allen resort would span 1.2 million square feet, and include:
- At least 900 guest rooms
- An indoor and outdoor waterpark
- A convention center
- A family entertainment center
Diving in deeper
The land being targeted for the development is currently under contract with the Allen Economic Development Corporation. Allen EDC Director Daniel Bowman is expected to present details on lease agreements and an economic incentive package for the project to members of the Allen City Council at a Feb. 25 meeting.
The economic incentive package is expected to include future tax rebates dependent on the resort reaching specific performance goals. The agreement would enable the project to remain eligible to state grants, while also allowing the city of Allen to pursue other uses for the property in the case that the Kalahari development doesn’t move forward, the release states.
A similar lease agreement was executed by the city of Round Rock as part of the development of Kalahari’s first Texas location in 2020, according to the release.
“As stewards of community funding, accountability is a key component of every incentive we consider,” Bowman said in the release. “We want to ensure developers are committed to Allen and demonstrate a significant motivation to deliver on promises.”
The project would join a number of entertainment-focused attractions under development along the SH 121 corridor, including the Cannon Beach Surf Park, the Sunset Amphitheater and The Farm in Allen, featuring entertainment venues Chicken N’ Pickle and High 5.
The impact
The project could generate more than $5 billion in direct and indirect spending within the first 10 years of operation, according to a feasibility study from Hotel and Leisure Advisors.
The hospitality firm also projects that other hotels in Allen could see higher occupancy, revenue and visitors if Kalahari opens, citing similar instances from Kalahari’s existing locations, the release states.
“A project of this magnitude would provide a tremendous economic boost to the Allen community, generating new tax revenue to help offset the cost of vital city services for both current and future residents,” Allen City Manager Eric Ellwanger said in the release.
The resort would also offer day passes and season passes for local residents, allowing access to the resort’s waterpark amenities, and dining and entertainment options at the resort would be open to the public.
Quote of note
“This project is a game-changing opportunity for Allen, providing community benefits that would last for decades” Allen Mayor Baine Brooks said in the release. “Allen’s ease of access and thriving local amenities make it an ideal spot for Kalahari’s expansion to the Dallas-Fort Worth market.”
Looking ahead
City officials are expected to propose actions to the Allen City Council in late February that would support the development of the resort.
Despite potential action by Allen City Council on the project, the development process would require land acquisition, finalizing project incentives, project design, and more. Architectural and site planning for the project is estimated to take a year, and be followed by development review and zoning approvals at public meetings.
Additional opportunities for public engagement in the development process are expected, the release states.
"With its welcoming spirit, family-focused values and vibrant growth, Allen is a community that truly embodies what we stand for,” said Todd Nelson, CEO, owner and founder of Kalahari Resorts, in the release. “While we do not have finalized plans at this time, we are encouraged by the positive discussions with the city and state representatives we’ve had up to this point.”
Additional updates on the project are expected to be shared via the city of Allen’s website and other official communication channels.
