Arlington officials moved forward on one of the city’s largest vacant parcels, approving a master‑development agreement that will let global firm Hines shape a mixed‑use project on roughly 27 acres of land at the northwest corner of Interstate 30 and North Collins Street.
Council vote and mayor’s endorsement
On Tuesday, the Arlington City Council voted unanimously to authorize the creation of a master plan for the site. Mayor Jim Ross praised the decision, noting that Hines is “the right deal” and that the firm’s reputation for quality aligns with the city’s long‑term vision for the area.
Scope of the development
The agreement calls for a master plan to be delivered by July 2027, with final platting expected by January 2028. The city will reimburse Hines up to about $1.3 million for planning costs. Under the terms, Hines will have an exclusive right to solicit a buyer for the land until July 2029, after which the city may seek another developer if no agreement is reached.
The master plan envisions a combination of office, retail, residential and hospitality uses. Specifically, the developer may build up to 350 multifamily units and 35,000 sq ft of retail space before constructing an office building. Once that phase is complete, at least 50,000 sq ft of office space must be built before additional multifamily or retail space can be added.
Grocery store anchor
Fourteen acres of the parcel are slated for a “large commercial anchor,” which city staff have identified as a grocery store. Ross said the city’s intent is to have a grocery store on the site, adding that the presence of a grocery anchor will support the surrounding mixed‑use development and provide convenient shopping for nearby residents.
Economic impact and job creation
Council member Mauricio Galante, whose district includes the site, highlighted the project’s potential to generate employment opportunities. “It’s very important for a piece of land like that, the entrance to the city and one of the most valuable pieces of real estate we have right now, to do the due diligence like this proposal offers,” Galante said.
City staff expect the development to create construction jobs in the short term and permanent positions in retail, office, hospitality and property management once the project is operational.
Next steps and due diligence
Hines will conduct a market analysis and feasibility study as part of the agreement’s due‑diligence period, with findings due by March 2027. The city will also work with Hines to determine required utility upgrades and improvements to Ryan Plaza Drive, which runs through the site.
If the exclusive negotiation period ends without a deal, Arlington can open the process to other developers, ensuring the land will eventually be put to productive use.
Background
Since 2014, Arlington and the Arlington Economic Development Corporation have acquired about 41 acres of vacant land at the I‑30 corridor. The city purchased roughly 18 acres in 2014 and about 20 acres earlier this year for $19 million, later transferring the latter to the economic development corporation for the same price. A prior attempt to develop the property with Trammell Crow Company in 2015 was unsuccessful.
The new master‑development agreement represents the city’s most recent effort to turn the strategically located parcel into a vibrant, mixed‑use hub that complements nearby projects such as the Lincoln Square redevelopment, now called Anthem.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
