Bob Farley

Photo by Sherelle Black

Grapevine economic development director

Robert "Bob" Farley was hired in September to serve as the first economic development director for the city of Grapevine. Among his duties, Farley will oversee the master plan and marketing for the 185-acre parcel of land acquired in December 2013 by the city near Grapevine Mills. The property is the single largest tract of undeveloped land remaining in Grapevine. He will also work on the development of a future TEX Rail station and raising Grapevine's profile with strategically identified end-user sectors, such as hospitality and entertainment. Meeting the community's development objectives is also a key priority for Farley and the city. Farley brings 25 years of experience in economic development and corporate advisory roles. He last worked for Greyhill Advisors in Austin helping clients with site selection and new markets.

As Grapevine's first-ever economic development director, what do you hope to accomplish?

First, Grapevine has a tremendous economic development history. Few communities can match our track record of multiple decades of success with our downtown and attractions such as the Mills, the Gaylord and the Great Wolf Lodge as well as our award-winning festivals. But every community can build on its successes. I hope to drive additional investment in areas such as high-end hospitality and entertainment, food and beverage [businesses], specialty retail and corporate office investment.

You are directly in charge of overseeing the creation of a master plan for the 185-acre parcel near Grapevine Mills that the city acquired in December 2013 and marketing the property to developers or users. How do you plan on marketing it?

We are currently completing the master plan work and expect to get that wrapped up by summer 2015. The marketing program for that acreage will be derived from the final plan and rolled out during the fall of 2015. I expect it will continue to focus on the attraction of the high-end entertainment and impact projects that Grapevine is known for.

What would you like to see be developed on that tract of land?

[I would like to see] several well-integrated and high-impact projects that reinforce the unique destination that Grapevine is and will continue to be.

What challenges and successes have you endured so far in your first months on the job?

Early on the challenges have been associated with building a proactive development program in a highly competitive market. Much of that work is coming together nicely. We have also planted early seeds of success with a wide spectrum of clients and expect announcements of new opportunities to roll out later in 2015 and 2016.

Where do you see Grapevine's economic development opportunities in the future?

Our best opportunities lie in helping new investors fully understand what our existing businesses and residents already know—Grapevine represents a unique blend of an authentic, high-quality hometown at the center of one of the most dynamic metro areas in the U.S.