{"id":199228,"date":"2026-03-11T02:19:06","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T02:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/199228\/"},"modified":"2026-03-11T02:19:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T02:19:06","slug":"17m-mixed-use-development-to-bring-restaurants-more-in-phase-1-of-downtown-allen-revitalization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/199228\/","title":{"rendered":"$17M mixed-use development to bring restaurants, more in Phase 1 of downtown Allen revitalization"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAfter years of planning, Allen<\/a> officials are moving forward with plans for a revitalized downtown.<\/a><\/p>\n

In a 6-0 vote with council member Ken Cook absent, Allen City Council approved the first phase of the city\u2019s Downtown Catalyst Project at a March 10 meeting<\/a>. The approval included greenlighting agreements between the city and multiple partners in the project, including the Allen Economic Development Corporation<\/a>, the Allen Community Development Corporation and Rough Creek Capital Services.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn collaboration with Blender Brands<\/a>, we are thrilled to partner with the city of Allen on a project that will energize the heart of downtown,\u201d said John Hardaway, partner at Rough Creek Capital, in a news release. \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

The specifics<\/p>\n

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<\/a> state.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis park was created as a free location where anyone can come at any time,\u201d Cox said. \u201cYou’ve got something that’s an amenity to incentivize people to come, as opposed to just run-of-the-mill restaurants.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s EDC, CDC and downtown tax increment financing district will each contribute approximately $2.8 million, per city documents.<\/p>\n

The other half of the funding will come from the project\u2019s developer Rough Creek Capital Services.<\/p>\n

\"\"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. <\/p>\n

How we got here<\/p>\n

Allen has been taking steps towards revitalizing its downtown since June 2021 with the formation of a steering committee, according to the city\u2019s website.<\/p>\n

In 2023, city officials updated the Allen Development Land Code to reclassify the area as the \u201cDowntown District\u201d and then in 2025, Allen EDC and city officials purchased seven acres<\/a> of downtown land.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s website states.<\/p>\n

Quote of note<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an exciting chapter for Allen,\u201d Bowman said in the news release. \u201cOur community has always valued connection, excellence and a sense of belonging. With this landmark project, we\u2019re laying the groundwork for a downtown that truly brings people together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"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<\/p>\n

The project is expected to break ground this fall and be open to the community in 2028, the release states.<\/p>\n

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