Press Releases
The Colony named as "Playful City USA"
The City of The Colony has been recognized for the third consecutive year by nonprofit KaBOOM! as a "Playful City USA" for providing ample opportunities for children to play in their own hometown. In addition to numerous city-owned parks, playgrounds and athletic fields, The Colony is also home to Hawaiian Falls water park and will soon boast TopGolf, opening in the Fall. Read more:
http://www.ci.the-colony.tx.us/Documents/20130507PlayfulCity2013.pdf
The Colony's Nebraska Furniture Mart and Jack Matthews
Named the Best of 2012 by D CEO Magazine
The Colony was in the spotlight at D CEO Magazine’s Commercial Real Estate Awards program on March 20 recognizing the top real estate projects and professionals in North Texas for 2012.
The Colony’s Nebraska Furniture Mart was named the Best Retail Project, and Jack Matthews of Matthews Southwest was honored as the Real Estate Executive of the Year. Matthews is the developer of The Tribute, a premier lakeside golf and resort community on Lake Lewisville in The Colony.
“We are very fortunate to be associated with such high quality real estate projects and professionals,” said The Colony Mayor Joe McCourry. “The talent of leaders like Jack Matthews and our partnership with Nebraska Furniture Mart are making a huge impact on the positive direction of our community and strength of the local economy.”
“D CEO editors evaluated more than 250 nominations and selected finalists in 12 categories,” added Keri Samford, director of The Colony's Economic Development Corporation. “The number and caliber of the submissions are a testament to the strength of the North Texas commercial real estate market.”
According to D CEO, North Texas saw a number of big retail deals in 2012; but the groundbreaking of Nebraska Furniture Mart “dwarfed them all”.
The 560,000-square-foot retail showroom and 1.3 million-square-foot distribution center will anchor Grandscape, a mixed-use development off State Highway 121 in The Colony. At full build-out, the 400-acre project will feature 3.9 million square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space.
The project is being developed by Nebraska Furniture Mart, a Berkshire Hathaway company, and affiliates. The store alone is expected to attract between 8 million and 10 million visitors a year and employ 2,000 people.
“It’s important as an out-of-state company to become entrenched in the local community," said Bob Batt to D CEO. Batt is executive vice president and grandson of Nebraska Furniture Mart’s founder, Rose Blumkin.
Along with the economic benefits, it was that kind of spirit and shared family values that attracted The Colony to the Nebraska Furniture Mart project, said Samford. “This will have a huge impact on our community—and on all of North Texas.”
As CEO of Matthews Southwest, Jack Matthews has had a similarly profound effect in the communities in which he has worked. In addition to developing upscale master planned projects like The Tribute, he has been a positive force in the redevelopment of Southern Downtown Dallas.
His projects include South Side Studios, where TNT’s Dallas is filmed, and the Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel, where Matthews is now working on bringing in four new restaurants.
In 2012, Matthews opened the NYLO Dallas South Side and acquired 157 acres for a new $1 billion mixed-use development in Prosper.
“Dallas is a better place because of Jack and all he embodies —the talent of a gifted developer, the heart and soul of a trailblazing Texan, and a humanness that makes you want to know him better," said Linda McMahon, president of The Real Estate Council, in the D CEO article.
TopGolf to open late summer, plans to bring in jobs, economic impact
(Originally Published By The Colony Leader)
Images Courtesy of Jeremy Brown
By Marthe Stinton, mstinton@starlocalnews.com
Published: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 5:30 PM CST
The time has come - get your golf gear ready, because TopGolf is breaking ground next week and is scheduled to be complete by late summer.
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Friday at 3760 Blair Oaks.
According to its website, TopGolf will feature more than 60,000 square feet of golfing space with 102 bays on three floors as well as a rooftop terrace.
Keri Samford, director of economic development for The Colony, said TopGolf will further establish the city's segment of S.H. 121 corridor as a premier destination for entertainment, retail and dining.
"We are thrilled to welcome TopGolf and the tremendous opportunities it brings to The Colony for entertainment, job growth and tourism," she said.
TopGolf mixes an old-fashioned golf game with technology and food. Each TopGolf ball has a small microchip inside that tells the golfer how far and how accurate his or her shot was. In addition to the obvious golfing features, the facility will boast more than 230 flat-screen TVs, an extensive menu and a fully-stocked bar.
"Things are moving quickly following the announcement in December on the groundbreaking of the 65,000-square-foot facility this month," Samford said. "We understand that residents and visitors from all over North Texas will be swinging the clubs and enjoying great food and drinks by the fall of 2013."
TopGolf's economic impact in North Texas alone is expected to exceed $150 million over a 10-year-period, according to an audit by the company.
"We couldn't be happier to welcome Top Golf into our community and corporate family," said Troy Powell, city manager for The Colony. "Top Golf is a state of the art sports and entertainment facility that provide value to our residents for years to come."
See original story at The Colony Leader.
TopGolf will Tee Off in The Colony
Official Groundbreaking Signifies Start of New Project
JANUARY 2013
Friday, January 25 - 4:00-4:30pm
TopGolf The Colony
3760 Blair Oaks,
The Colony, TX 75056
TopGolf is celebrating its latest groundbreaking by inviting The Colony city officials to take the first-ever golf swings on the site. The ceremeny signifies TopGolf beginning construction on its third DFW facility.
TopGolf, the premier golf-entertainment-complex-meets-neighborhood-hangout, officially unveiled The Colony as its third Dallas/Ft. Worth location in December. TopGolf will begin construction on the 61,400-square-foot facility, located at 3760 Blair Oaks. The site is expected to open to the public in late summer 2013.
TopGolf modernizes the traditional driving range experience with competitive games for all ages and skill levels and advanced technology to track every player’s shot. Those who just want to kick back and relax can enjoy the upscale, laidback ambience that boasts more than 230 high-definition flat-screen TVs and an extensive food and beverage menu crafted by celebrity chef Mark Boyton.
“We couldn’t be more excited about TopGolf’s expansion in Texas,” said TopGolf Chief Development Officer Randy Starr. “DFW is renowned as a leading center of entertainment, culture and sports, and our existing locations in Dallas and Allen continue to be great performers. We’re extremely confident that TopGolf in The Colony will become another integral attraction in this vibrant and growing community.”
The new three-level location – which will be TopGolf’s 10th globally – will include up to 4,000 square feet of private event space and 102 bays that can host up to six people at one time. Starr estimates that TopGolf in The Colony will serve approximately 350,000 visitors in its first year of operation. Nearly half of all TopGolf guests describe themselves as “non-golfers.”
“We are thrilled to welcome TopGolf and the tremendous opportunities it brings to The Colony,” said Keri Samford, director of The Colony Economic Development Corporation. “This incredible entertainment complex compliments the amenities and quality of life in our community, expands job growth and tourism, and further establishes our segment of the State Highway 121 corridor as a premier destination for entertainment, retail and dining.”
Founded in 2000, TopGolf’s popularity has been soaring in the U.S. More than 1.2 million people played the game in 2011. In November, TopGolf relocated its corporate headquarters to Dallas to better accommodate the growing demand in the southern U.S.
TopGolf’s economic impact in the community is also remarkable, creating hundreds of jobs at each location and serving as an anchor tenant that tends to attract other popular franchises to the area. In fact, its economic impact in DFW alone is expected to exceed $150 million over a 10-year-period, according to a TopGolf audit.
Residents can track TopGolf’s site progress in The Colony at www.topgolf.com/thecolony.
Nebraska Furniture Mart Breaks Ground
on America's Largest Home Furnishings Store
Retailer Flagship for $1.5 billion, 433-acre Development along State Highway 121 in The Colony Texas
DALLAS (September 25, 2012) – Omaha-based Nebraska Furniture Mart broke ground today on the largest home furnishings store in North America and its only Texas location: a 1.86 millionsquare-foot retail store and distribution center along State Highway 121 in The Colony. The footprint for Nebraska Furniture Mart of Texas will be equivalent to 40 football fields and will sit on approximately 90 acres. It will be part of the largest retail and entertainment destination of its kind in North America when the store opens in 2015. Nebraska Furniture Mart is expected to attract over 8 million visitors and generate $600 million in sales annually.
The move into the Lone Star State marks the third and largest store for Nebraska Furniture Mart in the United States. The retailer is known for its enormous selection and legendary low prices from the basics to the best.
Download the full press release in PDF format.
The Colony Economic Development Corporation Receives State Award
April 2012
The Colony Economic Development Corporation received the 2011 Economic Excellence Award from the Texas Economic Development Council. The Colony is one of only 22 cities statewide to earn this honor.
The award was presented during the TEDC Spring Conference held April 18-20 in Rockwall, Texas and attended by Economic Development Director Keri Samford and Specialist Cindi Lane.
The award is presented to organizations that demonstrate a high level of achievement in their economic development efforts and a commitment to professional development. Factors cited include The Colony's involvement with economic, real estate and industry professional organizations; the expertise and training of staff; and the well organized and coordinated economic development strategies.
"Receipt of this award is testament to the professionalism and expertise of our staff and volunteers serving on the Economic Development Board," said The Colony Mayor Joe McCourry. "Working with our City manager and council, this team has been extremely successful in bringing new businesses to The Colony.
"Their work expands our tax base and improves the quality of life with new retail, service and employment choices for our residents," said Mayor McCourry.
The Colony has received national attention for numerous accomplishments during the last year, including Nebraska Furniture Mart's announcement of plans to develop a 433-acre complex in the city. The Omaha-based furniture retailer is owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
The project, named Best New Development Deal of 2012 by the Dallas Business Journal, will be anchored by a 1.8 million-square-foot Nebraska Furniture Mart building. The complex is located south of State Highway 121 between Plano Parkway and West Spring Creek Parkway.
In addition to being honored during the TEDC Conference, Ms. Samford and Ms. Lane attended educational programs on workforce development; innovation in economic development tools; the impact of shale on the Texas economy; public and private partnerships/Senate Bill 1048; and the state of higher education and outlook for college graduates.
THE COLONY ANNOUNCES
DETAILS FOR NEW ENTERTAINMEMT AND RETAIL DESTINATION
New project to create new jobs, add tourism and benefit all of North Texas
November 2011
The Colony today proposed a 433-acre public/private partnership — along the south side of State Highway 121 between W. Spring Creek Parkway and Plano Parkway, including a tract of land at the southwest corner of State Highway 121 and Plano Parkway — that will become a significant destination for the region. It will bring new jobs, tourism and regional and national recognition to our community and the entire North Texas region. The private investment consists of joint ventures still under negotiations and is not yet final.
Involved in the development is Nebraska Furniture Mart, a Berkshire Hathaway company and the largest single-volume shopping destination for furniture, flooring, appliances and electronics in the United States. Nebraska Furniture Mart will be working with additional development partners and retailers, but those details are still being finalized.
The new development will be funded using private equity and revenues generated by the project itself with no financial risk to the city. The final numbers are not confirmed, but the projected total value is expected to fall between $1.3 and $1.8 billion. Property, sales and other tax rates will not increase as a result of this project.
In addition, local businesses will have an opportunity to attract new customers and support growth as we continue to add new jobs and visitors and see increased tax revenues reinvested from the emergence of a national tourism destination. The project will drive additional traffic and dollars to the area and ultimately help everyone within the region share the overall benefits.
The timeline for the project has not been confirmed and further details will be released as other decisions are made.
CNNMoney lists The Colony among Top 100 places to live in the United States.
August 2011
See the article on CNN's website (opens a new browser window).
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Brings Texas Call Center to The Colony
April 2011
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is locating its Texas Call Center to The Colony, The Colony Economic Development Corporation announced today.
The national retailer has signed a five-year lease for space in The Cascades at The Colony, a 100-acre master-planned, multi-use development located along State Highway 121.
"We are very pleased to welcome Williams-Sonoma, Inc. to The Colony," said Tom Tvardzik, president of the Board of The Economic Development Corporation. "We have been working with the Community Development Corporation and City Council on this project, and it is very exciting to see that as a result of our collective efforts, a retailer of this stature has made a long-term commitment to our community."
Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is a premier specialty retailer of home furnishings and gourmet cookware in the United States and Canada and markets high-quality brands through retail stores, catalogs and the Internet.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.'s location to The Cascades lengthens the list of the many businesses that have recently moved to the Jackson-Shaw development.
For more information, contact The Colony Economic Development Corporation at 972-624-3127 or edc@thecolonytx.org.
The Colony Ranked among Wealthiest Zip Codes in Dallas Area
April 2011
The Colony's menu of attributes to entice restaurants and retailers just got longer as the lakeside community was ranked among the wealthiest zip codes in the Dallas area.
According to a recent ranking by The Dallas Business Journal, The Colony is included among the Top 25 wealthiest areas in Greater Dallas with a projected median household income of $92,104 in 2010.
"Statistics count when it comes to attracting new businesses to The Colony," said Keri Samford, director of The Colony Economic Development Corporation. "Retailers and restaurants are looking for opportunity, and our community's high income and spending power are very compelling."
The Colony also boasts a high quality of life, which is inviting to both residents and businesses. In D Magazine's 2010 Best Suburbs study, The Colony was ranked #15 out of 62 North Texas towns. The ranking is based on four factors: safety, education, housing values and ambiance.
"The Colony's projected growth and fast access to all points of the Metroplex including Downtown Dallas and D/FW International Airport are additional factors that we emphasize in our marketing efforts," said Ms. Samford. "As the economy continues to rebound, we are well positioned to capture new shopping, dining and business choices that will further enhance the quality of life residents enjoy and expand our tax base."
While many North Texas Cities have faced drastic budget reductions and service cuts, The City of The Colony reduced the ad valorem tax for the fifth consecutive year in 2010. The City's financial stability also enables the Economic Development Corporation to offer generous incentives that stand out as cities throughout North Texas compete for business relocations.
The spending power of The Colony's residents is one of the factors that attracted The Texas Roadhouse, which has enjoyed a strong pace of business since opening in 2007.
The Colony Economic Development Corp. & The City of The Colony
Help Businesses Prepare for Main Street/FM 423 Construction
March 2011
The Main Street/FM 423 Street Widening project is expected to begin between September 2011 and February 2012, but The Colony Economic Development Corporation and The City of The Colony are acting now to help local businesses prepare for this important infrastructure improvement.
Read the full press release (PDF)
The Colony Economic Development Corp. & The City of The Colony
Host Main Street/FM 423 Pre-Construction Business Dinner
February 2011
A Main Street/FM 423 Pre-Construction Business Dinner was hosted February 23 to provide local business owners with information about the street widening project.
Presented by The Colony Economic Development Corporation in conjunction with The City of The Colony, the program featured representatives from TxDOT and the City who shared project details, tips on how to prepare for the construction phase, and answered questions from the many business owners in attendance.
Developer Partners for Nature Trail Project
November 2010
Matthews Southwest, the developer of The Tribute Resort Community on the shores of Lake Lewisville, is teaming with The Colony's award-winning Parks and Recreation Department, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the US Army Corps of Engineers to develop The Wynnewood Peninsula Nature Trails, which will be open to the public for walking, hiking and biking.
The 3--mile trail system will provide access to the southern tip of the Wynnewood Peninsula and is a key component of The Colony's "Trail Master Plan," a series of nature and hike/bike trails throughout the city and The Tribute Resort Community.
Read the PDF Press Release
Schneider Optical Machines Unveils New U.S. Headquarters
October, 2010
Schneider Optical Machines, Inc., the U.S. distributor of all Schneider lens processing technology, has unveiled a new 12,500 sq. ft. headquarters and training facility in the suburban town of The Colony, just west of Dallas.
In celebrating the grand opening of the new facility, Gunter Schneider, President and CEO of parent company, Schneider GmbH & Co. KG, noted that rapid growth of free-form lens processing, particularly in the U.S., as reason for the needed expansion.
"We have seen excellent growth and usage of free-form processing technology in recent years," he said, "particularly among the independent laboratories. We're very encouraged by these advances and see good opportunities for free-form in the future."
Noted Kurt Atchison, General Manager of Schneider Optical Machines, "One of the other reasons this move was necessary is to support our technical service and training development. We're obviously very committed to supporting our customers and the technology we install." The company now employs 12 technicians on staff.
The facility is equipped with extensive training and education space for "Schneider University" educational events. As well, the new headquarters will feature a complete Schneider lab, including a finishing operation featuring Schneider's newly introduced edger.
The Colony Ranks #15 on List of Best Suburbs
July 2010
Statistics count when it comes to attracting new businesses to The Colony, and officials have a new number to help illustrate why “The City by the Lake” is great place to do business. In an annual ranking by D Magazine of the best suburbs, The Colony was ranked #15 out of 62 North Texas towns. The ranking is based on four factors: safety, education, housing values and ambiance.
Read More.
Advantages of Doing Business in The Colony Promoted at International Conference
June 2010
With fast transportation routes, prime space, skilled labor and a growing population, The Colony has everything a business needs to succeed in today’s competitive economy. That’s the message the City’s economic development leadership took to thousands of the world’s leading developers, retailers, brokers and financial institutions attending the Global Retail Real Estate Convention last month in Las Vegas.
The Colony Economic Development Corporation Receives State Award
May 2010
The Colony Economic Development Corporation received the 2009 Economic Excellence Award from the Texas Economic Development Council. The Colony is one of only 13 communities in the D/FW Metroplex and 35 statewide to earn this honor.
"Old American Golf Club" recognized
as a best in Links Magazine
March 2010
The Old American Golf Club - designed by Tripp Davis and PGA TOUR/Ryder Cup star Justin Leonard - has been named to LINKS Magazine's "Best of Golf 2010", one of the game's leading lists of best new domestic and international golf courses.
Hailed as one of "the most significant courses to open in 2010," The Old American joins domestic heavy weights such as Old Macdonald (the fourth course at storied Bandon Dunes) and Prairie Club in Valentine, Nebraska, as well as international power hitters like Pete and Perry Dye's Black Pearl on Roatan, and Davis Love III's Diamante Cabo San Lucas.
More
‘Old American Golf Club’
Makes North Texas Golf Expo Debut
January 2010
Located at The Tribute Resort Community north of Dallas, The Old American is slated for soft opening this spring. Preview foursomes will be hosted between February 1 to May 30, offering local golfers a sneak peak at a golf course that has already drawn acclaim from Golfweek, LINKS Magazine, USA Today, PGATOUR.com, the Dallas Morning News and Avid Golfer Magazine.
Cascades Hotel Opening Release
June 2009
Jackson-Shaw, a national, diversified commercial real estate development and investment company, and Marriott International, Inc., (NYSE: MAR; http://www.marriott.com) today announced the official opening of the Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites and The Residence Inn by Marriott in The Colony, Texas. The hotels, including the 6,400-square-foot Cascades Events Center, are located within The Cascades at The Colony, a 100-acre master-planned community located along the SH121 corridor.
The Tribute New Golf Course
April 2009
At The Tribute Golf Club, on the rolling dunes near Lake Lewisville, time is relative. Moving forward requires stepping backward.
The original layout’s new name is the Old Course, which pays homage to famous Scottish designs. The New Course, which is to open in the fall, is old-fashioned, too, harkening to the “Golden Age” of American architecture.
S.H. 121 Now Open Through The Colony
August 2008
North Texas motorists will receive some congestion relief on Sunday, Aug. 31, when the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) completes nine additional miles of State Highway (SH) 121 from Old Denton Road in Denton County to Hillcrest Road in Collin County. At that time, SH 121 will become part of the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) System.
Stacy Furniture Selects The Colony for Home Furnishings Center
April 28, 2008
Bob Lazenby, Principal and Owner of Legacy Realty Group, represented Rick Stacy in the property search and negotiations that resulted in the purchase of 8.6 acres of land on Memorial Drive, just east of Main Street. This location will be the future home of the third Stacy Home Furnishings Center. Stacy Furniture & Accessories and Stacy’s Kid Stuff will be two of the stores located in the Center.
Austin Ranch Infrastructure Agreement
April 8, 2008
The City of The Colony and Billingsley Corporation have reached an agreement concerning wastewater improvements which will facilitate the development of more than 1,000 acres in Austin Ranch. Total construction costs are expected to be more than $3 million with Billingsley Corporation contributing approximately $2 million.
Austin Ranch to Build Apartments, Retail
April 7, 2008
The next stage of Austin will soon materialize in The Colony, with new residences, retailers, restaurants, and a trail system. The $57M improvements are the fifth phase for the 1900-acre development.
Plans set for 2 Hotels in The Colony
March 29, 2008
The credit crunch has ruined some building plans here and nationwide, but developer Jackson-Shaw Co. has recently secured financing for two hotels in The Colony and a speculative industrial project in Irving.
Restaurant's Training Week Creates Hot Meals for Local Police and Firefighters
December 10, 2007
When Texas Roadhouse comes to a new town, the restaurant reaches out to local organizations from the get-go. This week, as the restaurant trains new cooks, meat cutters and other kitchen team members, local police and firefighters are the first to sample the fruits of their labor. In addition to donating meals, Friday and Saturday night the restaurant will host invitation-only pre-opening events and raise money for Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer.
Hawaiian Falls/The Colony Announces $600,000 Expanision
May 17, 2007
Hawaiian Falls/The Colony hosted a group of business and community leaders to celebrate a $600,000 expansion that will include the new Honolulu Lulu, a 44-foot slide complex featuring three thrilling flumes, the Tiki Island sprayground, and the Aloha Bowl concert stage.
Hawaiian Falls To Expand
February 07, 2007
The Colony city council approved zoning for an expansion to Hawaiian Falls water park despite several neighbors voicing opposition to the plan. The council, meeting alongside the planning and zoning board. voted 6-0 for expansion with Council Member Perry Schrag absent. The council added on seven conditions to their approval, and also arranged so that the park could stay open until 9 p.m., later than its present 8:30 p.m. close, to accommodate concerts at the park.
Pair of Hotels Proposed for SH 121 Development
February 07, 2007
Two new hotels are in the works for a new development along State Highway 121, according to the city's chief planning official. The city has received applications for erecting a Fairfield Inn and a Residence Inn in the Cascades at The Colony development, located on the north side of State Highway 121 at Morning Star Drive, said Donna Bateman, The Colony director of development services.
Highway 121 Underpass Opening Next Week
February 5, 2007
Texas Department of Transportation officials Monday announced the first major intersection of the State Highway 121 project in The Colony will be completed this month. Officials expect the 121 underpass at Main Street and Josey Lane will completely open to traffic next week.