After years of planning, Allen officials are moving forward with plans for a revitalized downtown.

In a 6-0 vote with council member Ken Cook absent, Allen City Council approved the first phase of the city’s Downtown Catalyst Project at a March 10 meeting. The approval included greenlighting agreements between the city and multiple partners in the project, including the Allen Economic Development Corporation, the Allen Community Development Corporation and Rough Creek Capital Services.

“In collaboration with Blender Brands, we are thrilled to partner with the city of Allen on a project that will energize the heart of downtown,” said John Hardaway, partner at Rough Creek Capital, in a news release. “This first phase sets the stage for an exciting future in Allen, bringing new energy, great dining, and a fresh sense of place for residents and visitors alike.”

The specifics

The first phase of the project involves a 2-acre development at the northwest corner of Allen Drive and McDermott Drive, which includes the original Allen fire station building, city documents state.

When completed, the site will feature 18,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, a public pocket park, a stage and temporary parking, per city documents. The site will include approximately five food and beverage concepts, each with a patio facing the stage where guests can enjoy live music, Blender Brands partner Jacob Cox said.

“This park was created as a free location where anyone can come at any time,” Cox said. “You’ve got something that’s an amenity to incentivize people to come, as opposed to just run-of-the-mill restaurants.”

The budget for this phase of the project is $17 million, half of which will come from the city through an economic incentive agreement. Allen’s EDC, CDC and downtown tax increment financing district will each contribute approximately $2.8 million, per city documents.

The other half of the funding will come from the project’s developer Rough Creek Capital Services.

Phase 1-A and 1-B are part of the Downtown Catalyst Project. (Courtesy city of Allen)The area allocated for Phase 1-B will be used as temporary parking until it is developed, Allen EDC President Dan Bowman said. The developer will have exclusive rights to develop Phase 1-B of the project for three years, per city documents.

How we got here

Allen has been taking steps towards revitalizing its downtown since June 2021 with the formation of a steering committee, according to the city’s website.

In 2023, city officials updated the Allen Development Land Code to reclassify the area as the “Downtown District” and then in 2025, Allen EDC and city officials purchased seven acres of downtown land.

In June, council members adjusted the public right-of-way along McDermott Drive following plans to transform the site of the former Central Fire Station, the city’s website states.

Quote of note

“This is an exciting chapter for Allen,” Bowman said in the news release. “Our community has always valued connection, excellence and a sense of belonging. With this landmark project, we’re laying the groundwork for a downtown that truly brings people together.”

The first phase of the project involves a 2-acre development at the northwest corner of Allen Drive and McDermott Drive, which includes the original Allen fire station building, city documents state. (Courtesy city of Allen)Looking ahead

The project is expected to break ground this fall and be open to the community in 2028, the release states.

“>