Building to offer more retail and office space

Frames and beams are up in the newest building to downtown Grapevine that will provide two stories for retail and office space. The mixed-use development owned by Westwood Group Ltd. is expected to be substantially complete by Grapefest in September, said Westwood CEO Gary Hazlewood.

The 47,407-square-foot building, dubbed The Gallery on Main Street, is located at the northeast corner of Main Street and Wall Street. Chris Leighton, real estate broker with Westwood, said the company is still looking to lease tenants.

The building was approved by Grapevine City Council in April 2013 after going through several rounds of approvals by the Historic Preservation Commission to ensure that the building assimilated well with Main Street, Grapevine Development Services Director Scott Williams said.

"We were very particular and worked very closely with everyone in [the Historic Preservation Commission] to make sure that everyone had a hand in it, and it's something everyone can be proud of," he said.

Leighton said there is roughly 23,000 square feet on each floor, with each level able to accommodate eight to 10 suites. A sign facing Main Street announces Cotton Patch Caf is coming soon, but Leighton said the restaurant still must receive approval from City Council for a conditional-use permit.

Hazlewood, who Leighton said is the most active developer in Grapevine, said he has a vision for the development to be a nighttime and daytime venue for Grapevine visitors and residents. He said The Gallery on Main Street will offer good views in any direction and the flexibility to accommodate both smaller boutique shops and larger tenants. Hazlewood also said he chose the name of the development to fit another vision that would include wine-tasting rooms and an art gallery through which guests could walk.

"We're just trying to bring some new concepts to Main Street," Hazlewood said. "I think we'll have something for everyone."

Dawn Owens, owner of City Florist at 430 S. Main St., said she and other downtown merchants are excited about the new building.

"[The Gallery on Main Street] is going to open Main up to be more diverse," she said.

A city-owned parking lot is east of the development that Hazlewood said will provide 250 spaces within 100 yards of the building. While Hazlewood said he isn't concerned about parking availability, he said the development will feature a three-car drop-off area for valet services, which would be a first on Main Street.

Williams said there are design plans to include a second restaurant that would feature a rooftop terrace or patio, but no such plans have been brought before or approved by City Council.