I must say, I'm quite excited about the latest press release I read a day or two ago. I've known about this for a few months now, but I was sworn to secrecy until the formal announcement was made. Well, it's official... the latest addition that was just announced to the lineup at The Village at Allen (190 and Stacy Rd.) will be: Uncle Julio's (opening October 6th). Besides serving GREAT Mexican food (some the best fajitas and most wonderful ceviche around), you simply have to try one of their stupendous swirls. The Uncle Julio's Swirl is a frozen feast of margarita and sangria that is sure to make even the hardest working area residents forget their troubles... even if just until happy hour is over. I'm serious though, I can't wait! The nearest Uncle Julio's at present is in the North Dallas/Addison area or the one in downtown Dallas. Allen is really coming into our own with great shopping, dining, and more and Uncle Julio's is further proof of just that. Check out the press release: 

UNCLE JULIO'S TO OPEN IN ALLEN OCTOBER 6

Restaurant is company’s first location in Collin County

ALLEN, Texas -- Let the aroma of smoky grilled fajitas or sizzling shrimp brochettes lure you. Savor the full flavor that only freshly picked ingredients can produce in the roasted vegetables and spicy salsa. Taste the authentic border flavor in the marinated beef skirt steak, or the uniquely grilled quail. A custom margarita, created from your choice of more than 15 different tequilas, awaits your first sip. Festive surroundings, attentive wait staff and lively music make Uncle Julio’s an engaging experience.

The fiesta begins October 6, when Uncle Julio's opens its newest restaurant in Allen, Texas. Located in the Village at Allen at 190 E. Stacy Rd., this location is the company’s 13th restaurant and its first in Collin County.

In addition to serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the Allen location will also cater home and office parties -- serving fresh, mesquite grilled favorites cooked on the spot.

The newest Uncle Julio's will feature the same combination of Mexican cooking expertise with Texas ingredients that coined a style of food based on America's oldest regional cuisine. Uncle Julio's stays loyal to its heritage by offering high-quality food that mirrors the original fare cooked by cowboys on the plains more than a century ago.

Specialties at Uncle Julio's include Fajitas al Carbon; Camarones Brochette (bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp stuffed with Monterrey Jack cheese and jalapenos); Quail a la Parilla, mesquite grilled to perfection; and the Swirl margarita, a frozen margarita layered with homemade frozen sangria.

Modeled after a 100-year-old hacienda, the new restaurant features a spacious outdoor patio, a sports room/bar area for appetizers featuring a 60-inch TV, and cozy interior and exterior fireplaces. The interior consists of several rooms decorated with a mixture of wood, plaster, polished concrete and cantera stone. Large windows, authentic large hand hewn beams, hand-painted murals and a variety of fresh colors blend to create a perfect setting for fun and great food.

"This new restaurant illustrates our commitment at Uncle Julio's to making the finest food and the best dining experience available for our guests. First and foremost we want to run the best restaurants, and only then do we turn our attention to growth, and opening more restaurants," said Todd Conger, president and chief operating officer. "With Collin County’s growth, we’ve selected a thriving area for our newest location."

"Uncle Julio’s will add to the diverse mix of restaurants at The Village at Allen and The Village at Fairview, providing a festive environment for our guests to enjoy outstanding Mexican cuisine," said Gar Herring, president of The MGHerring Group.

The Village at Allen is one component of The MGHerring Group’s three-million-square-foot, regional, mixed-use lifestyle development located in both Allen and Fairview, Texas, at the intersection of U.S. 75 and Stacy Road. The Village at Allen and The Village at Fairview will be separated by Stacy Road but are designed and being developed as one project.

The first Uncle Julio’s (www.unclejulios.com) opened in Dallas in 1986 and with the opening in Allen, Uncle Julio’s Corporation will operate 13 restaurants in four major metropolitan areas: Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Atlanta and the Washington, DC, area. Uncle Julio's provides the freshest and highest quality "border style" Mexican food in large, reasonably priced portions. The company’s mission, creating hospitality, fun and value, shows in everything from the food to the atmosphere.

Contacts: Suzanne Flodin, suzanne@hopkinspr.com; (214) 500-4289

Deena Killlingsworth, deena@hopkinspr.com, (972) 202-3497

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Again, though they have LOTS of great food, let me recommend the ceviche to start, beef and chicken combo fajitas for your meal, and a superb swirl (or two) to wash it all down. See you at the grand opening fiesta... save me una silla!

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

Just saw this press release from the developer (The MGHerring Group) about a Whole Foods Market® coming to The Village:

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The MGHerring Group has announced that Whole Foods Market® will join the retail line-up at The Village at Fairview, one component of the 3,000,000 square-foot, regional, mixed-use lifestyle development located in both Fairview and Allen, Texas.

Whole Foods Market®, the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket, will occupy 45,000 square feet at The Village at Fairview. It joins the project's 1,000,000 square-foot retail component, which includes anchors Dillard's, Macy's, JCPenney, The Container Store and Barnes & Noble.

The Village at Fairview includes 500,000 square feet of specialty shops and restaurants; a 200,000 square-foot, class-A office building; approximately 675 multi-family residential units; a 280-room hotel with an adjoining 80,000 square-foot conference center; and an eight-screen Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinema.

"Adding the country's preeminent specialty grocer to The Village at Fairview fulfills one of the final pieces of making this development a true mixed-use project," said Gar Herring, president of The MGHerring Group. "Executing a lease with Whole Foods Market is another thrilling achievement for The Village at Fairview as we continue to exceed people's expectations for our project."

The Village at Fairview will open August 5, 2009. Construction will begin on Whole Foods Market® later this year. Falcon Realty Advisors, a division of Falcon Companies, negotiated the deal on behalf of Whole Foods Market®.

The Village at Fairview is being developed in conjunction with The Village at Allen. The site for the mixed-use development is located on 400 acres at the northeast and southeast corners of Stacy Road and US 75 in Collin County. The Village at Fairview and The Village at Allen will be separated by Stacy Road but are being designed and developed as one project.

Together, The Village at Fairview and The Village at Allen comprise the largest mixed-use development in Texas and also one of the largest in the United States. Upon completion, the project will include 2,000,000 square feet of retail and 1,000,000 square feet of office, residential and hotel space.

About Whole Foods Market®
Whole Foods Market® (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) is the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2007, the company had sales of $6.6 billion and currently has more than 270 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market® employs more than 53,000 Team Members and has been ranked for 11 consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine.

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Between Market Street, Whole Foods, and Super Target, there will be a whole new world of grocery shopping for local residents.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

I just heard the news: Bennigan's and Steak & Ale have closed their doors (possibly for good)! I quickly called our local Bennigan's and... yikes... no answer! My heart goes out to those who lost their jobs... and to Monte Cristo lovers everywhere. I often joked that they should offer a "free angioplasty" with every 10 purchased. Now, I'll no longer be able to enjoy their version of the incredibly great-tasting, though unbelievably unhealthy, fried sandwich of ham and cheese. Read all about the closures as I did here:

Bennigan's, Steak &Ale Close Doors, File for Bankruptcy Protection

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While one friend attributed this to a bad economy (higher food costs, fewer people eating out, etc.), another said this wouldn't affect the chains quickly, that the chains had been getting away from their roots for years (Bennigan's is hardly serving just pub food anymore). So, is this due to a sagging economy, or mismanagement that has been running the company into the ground for years? Post your comments below...

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

In case you've been wondering, the developers and partners of the new Allen Arena (A.K.A. Events Center) are planning to celebrate its ground breaking in just a few days, on July 24th. The entire timeline for its construction is still tentative at this point, but thought to look like this:

• Ground Breaking - July 24, 2008
• Sales Expo - September 17-19, 2008
• Central Hockey League Franchise Announcement (?) - November 1, 2008
• Temporary Office Opens - December 2008
• Second Anchor Tenant Announcement (?) - February 2009
• Sales Expo - Spring 2009
• Topping Off - April 23, 2009
• Grand Opening - October 15, 2009

I can't be certain, but since the timeline is tentative anyway, I'm guessing that the (?) items are VERY tentative and/or might not happen at all. However, press releases indicate that we should be getting a minor league hockey team:

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS108841+05-Jun-2008+BW20080605

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

I've already mentioned how the Allen Events Center will have events like minor league hockey and Disney on Ice. These will be on the "main ice," but there will be a second sheet of ice nearby that you might enjoy as well. Potential programs for the second sheet of ice include:

• Public Skating
• Freestyle Skating
• Figure Skating
• Learn-to-skate programs
• Private lessons
• Adult open hockey
• Youth open hockey
• Youth "Stick and puck" programs
• Learn-to-play hocky programs
• Learn-to-figure skate programs
• Short track speed skating
• Special events like birthday parties, corporate team building, etc.
• Curling
• Youth and adult tournaments
• Women's hockey
• High school hockey teams and tournaments
• Club events
• Summer camps
• City leagues
• Broom-ball and more!

Personally, after hearing all that will be offered , I can't wait for the new Events Center to open... but of course, I'll have to. It's not scheduled to open for until late 2009. I'll publish the tentative timeline for groundbreaking, construction and completion later this week.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

Good news for those who love to curl-up with a good book: Bookstore chain Borders Group Inc. plans to debut a huge new "concept store" in Allen this August. The store will be located at the giant new development called Watters Creek at Montgomery Farms, which is on the SW corner of Highway 75 and Bethany Drive. Specifically, Boarders will be located right next to the Market Street supermarket with an entrance facing their shared parking lot and another around back from the walking paths and streets in the Watters Creek development. Borders is said to be opening an additional 13 similar stores this year nationwide. They said the new Allen store will create 65 jobs and, I'm guessing, immense joy for book worms all over Allen and surrounding cities. They also said the concept store "represents a significant enhancement over existing Borders stores" and that it will feature a new interior look along with Internet-based services in the store. It sounds to me like they're trying to create the book store of the future. Obviously, Boarders doesn't think the Internet and the latest, portable, "digital books" (that let you download new books without ever visiting a store) will be the end of the traditional book store. We tend to agree, so my wife Sarah and I are looking forward to the new store.

"With its many avid book, music and movie lovers - together with its vibrant culture and rich history - Allen is a wonderful community for a concept store, and we are anxious for customers to start enjoying all that the store will offer this summer," said Vince Vizza, vice president of real estate for Borders Group.

Within the new store, Allen (and surrounding community) residents should get to enjoy:

• A digital center where customers can make their own CDs and download books and music to publish their own books, explore their family history and create photo books.
• Special areas for cooking, wellness, travel, graphic novels and children's sections that feature books, DVDs and related merchandise as well as programming shown on 32-inch LCD screens and computer kiosks.
• A Seattle's Best Coffee cafe that will serve beverages and fresh food.
• A Paperchase shop selling notebooks, journals, wrapping paper, greeting cards and other gifts and stationery items from U.K.-based Paperchase Products Ltd.
• Internet access available storewide through an alliance with T-Mobile.
• Self-serve search stations so that customers can check the availability of a title and its location in the store. Bonus: After Borders launches its Web site this year, customers will be able to order items at the kiosk and have their order shipped to their home or to the store. I'm asuming, perhaps, items that are not in stock or maybe even gifts wrapped and sent directly to someone special.

Click Here for Border's Press Release.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

While it is looking like their biggest, this will hardly be the first "Events Center" (the modern term for "Arena") by Global Entertainment Corporation (GEC). With six already in operation, and two more opening soon (in addition to the one in Allen, TX), we should certainly benefit from GEC's years of experiance, and the multiple arena projects, that have come before ours. Here's a list of those in operation and those opening soon:

• Budweiser Center - Loveland, CO (Opened in 2003)
• Dodge Arena - Hidalgo, TX (2003)
• Chevrolet Centre - Youngstown, OH (2005)
• Santa Ana Star Center - Rio Rancho, NM (2006)
• Broomfield Events Center - Broomfield, CO (2006)
• Tim's Toyota Center - Prescott Valley, AZ (2006)
• Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center - Wenatchee, WA (Opening Fall 2008)
• Independence Events Center - Independence, MI (Opening Fall 2009)
• Allen, TX Events Center (opening Fall 2009) (naming rights yet to be sold)

Based on those already in operation, the Events Center will be very nice, impressive even. So, what type of entertainers and events can we expect at our fancy new Events Center? Lets take a look at some of the acts already performing at some of these arenas (above) to get an idea:

• Sugarland
• Rage in the Cage
• Black Eagle Pow Wow
• Michael Buble
• Dierks Bently
• George Jones
• 2008 Home & Garden Show
• Disney on Ice (High School Musical, Nemo, etc.)
• Sesame Street Live
• Avril Lavigne
• George Lopez
• Fall Out Boy with Plain White Tees
• Kid Rock
• Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey Circus
• Cirque du Soleil

And here are a few possible future bookings they're working on for various arenas:

• Trans Siberian Orchestra
• Jonas Brothers
• My Chemical Romance
• Marilyn Manson
• Norah Jones
• Nelly Furtado
• Hary Conick Jr.
• Fergie
• Marc Antonia Solis

So, as you can see, they tend to book entertainment for young and old... and many different tastes. One thing is for sure, there's going to be a lot more excitement around here in the months and years to come... and that's not to mention all that will go on at the attached "second sheet of ice". Read more about this in a future post... Click on "RSS BlogFeed" on the right then "Learn more about feeds" or "Subscribe to this feed" to be kept in the loop.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

The other day I met with the Director of Sales for Global Entertainment Marketing Systems (GEMS), a subsidiary of Global Entertainment Corporation, and got some great information about the new arena they're building. If you're wondering what I'm talking about, you must not have heard about the new "Allen Events Center" in the works at The Village at Allen. That's right, the South-East corner of Stacy and 75/Central will be getting an 8,000+ seat arena along with the massive amounts of new shopping and such.

So what exactly will this "Events Center" be like, and what will it be used for? GEMS describes the Allen Events Center as a "state-of-the-art facility with first-class amenities, including luxury suites, premium seats, digital signage, audio systems, lounges, restaurants, and concessions." Examples of typical events includes something for just about every taste:

• Concerts, theatrical productions, symphonies
• Boxing, wrestling, basketball, hockey, arena football, soccer
• Family shows, circuses, "Disney on Ice," "Sesame Street Live"
• Motocross, monster trucks
• Trade shows, meetings, conferences
• Religious events, banquets, ceremonies, graduations, festivals
• Rodeo and equestrian events

While The Village at Allen and the Allen Events Center will be unique in several ways, this is hardly the first "Event Center" developed by Global Entertainment... and other such arenas have opened to great success. Check back as I'll be writing several more posts on the arena such as one giving a list of artists and events already booked into their arenas around the U.S. and a list of possible future bookings.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

I had heard rumors, but I couldn't believe it 'till I saw it with my own eyes. Could it be... an "adult" restaurant/bar in this kid-friendly city? Yes, the city I live in, the city I love, Allen, TX has developed as a predominantly "family oriented" city. We've got Chili's and Bennigan's, IHOP and Mimi's, a host of fast-food chains and even a Chuck E. Cheese... but there's not one place I know of that opens just for happy hour and dinner... a place for grown-ups, where you wouldn't really feel comfortable taking the kids. Not that there's anything wrong with family places... Allen is a fantastic city and, since I just got married, I'll probably love it even more in a couple of years when I have kids... there just aren't many places to go if you want to get away from all the kids. And I've heard that sometimes even parents need a night out, sans kiddos. I seem to recall hearing that from my parents, but I digress... Anyway, a new vibe has been beginning to emanate from the Watters Creek at Montgomery Farms development. I just couldn't be sure of it until Restaurant Works, Inc. decided to help break the "family" restaurant mold in Allen. They're helping further define the slightly hip, younger, urban-esque vibe of Watters Creek with their recent opening of Crú, A Wine Bar. You might recognize the name as there is a Crú down in the trendy West Village of Dallas, and one in the sheik Shops at Legacy in Plano (not to mention locations in Houston, Austin and even Denver, CO). This fits right in line with the "urban lofts" they are planning to sell for living in Watters Creek. Fear not though families of Allen, this city will always be a great place to raise a family... it's just nice to see a place for those without kids (even if they are just without for the evening). So, my wife and I can't wait to go grab a couple of glasses of wine at Crú with some of our friends... they just asked that I please advertise on my blog for a great babysitter.  :-)

Dallas-based shopping center developer The MGHerring Group has now announced lineup for the first two phases of The Village at Allen (SE corner of Stacy Rd. and 75-Central). Beginning in October you will start to see anchor stores like Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us. Other tenants are said to include Chase Bank, Cheddars, Cold Stone Creamery, Mattress Giant, Men's Wearhouse, Nate's Seafood, Olive Garden, Sleep Experts, Starbucks, Uncle Julio's, Vitamin Shoppe and Which Wich.

The second phase is slated to open in March of 2009. There you'll be able to shop at stores like Petsmart, Hemispheres, Anderson's Furniture, Chair King, Famous Footwear, GameStop and Ritz Camera. That's not to mention the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel with an adjoining 35,000 sq.ft. conference center.

Finally, in a coming blog post, I'll write about the new arena or "Allen Event Center" scheduled to open in The Village at Allen in October of 2009. It will bring all kinds of entertainment to the area including internationally famous acts, family shows, sporting events and more. Stay tuned and keep coming back to keep up with what's going on in Collin County.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

Collin County residents will soon have just what they need: more shopping!  Two retail centers being constructed on U.S. Highway 75 in Allen will add over 1 million square feet of stores. If two new shopping centers, with over a million square feet of new stores, don't prove we're in a recession, I don't know what does.  :-)

Ok, seriously... A large part of the Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm shopping center (located on the south-west corner of Bethany and 75) is said to be less than a month away from opening its doors. Two restaurants and a Market Street grocer have already opened to much success (I love P.F. Changs and I'll be trying out the Brio Tuscan Grille tomorrow). Just three miles north, on the east side of U.S. 75 at Stacy Road, the Village at Allen and the Village at Fairview will open this fall with their own strong lineup of major retailers.

Encouraged into Allen, at least in part, by the Allen Economic Development Corporation, these projects are expected to have a major impact on the community while each having their own unique mix of retail tenants. They should not only make Allen a shopping mecca, but also bring many additional jobs, and dollars, (not to mention shoppers) into the community.

The quarter of a billion dollar (yes billion, with a "B") Watters Creek project has been in the works for three years and is finally slated to open in May. It will be the kind of urban, mixed-use development that you may recognize from Uptown, Southlake or Plano's "Shops at Legacy." The first phase of the project has tons of retail space as well as some apartments and office space. Again, no signs of a recession as the retail is already 80% leased and will be home to over 25 restaurants and stores. While landscapers are busy planting and preparing the project's greenbelt and ponds for guests, tenants like The Cheesecake Factory, Borders, Banana Republic, Sephora, Chico's, Ann Taylor Loft and Eddie Bauer are scrambling to get their shops ready too.

A very QUICK drive up the road, Dallas-based MGHerring Group is building the Village at Allen shopping center and the Village at Fairview retail and mixed-use development. The first phase of the Village at Allen, which is scheduled to open on the south-east corner of Stacy and 75 in October, will add another 300,000 square feet of retail to the city. A second phase, set for next spring, will add another 400,000. The Village at Fairview, on the north side of Stacy Road, will add more than 2 million square feet of retail, residential and more... it should start opening around August 2009.

The pre-fab, tilt-wall construction is supposed to go up very quickly and should make the shopping center ready to open in under six months. Tenants at the Village at Allen are said to include Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods, TJ Maxx, Toys R Us, Chase Bank, Cheddars, Cold Stone Creamery, Mattress Giant, Men's Wearhouse, Nate's Seafood, Olive Garden, Sleep Experts and (what would life be without another) Starbucks. The second phase of retail development that's set for next March should include a Super Target, PetSmart, Hemispheres, Anderson's Furniture, Chair King, Famous Footwear, GameStop and Ritz Camera. (I can't tell you how excited my wife is that we're finally getting a Super Target.)

The Village at Allen will also include a Courtyard by Marriott Hotel with a conference center... and on a related note, have you seen the La Quinta they're building at Exchange and 75? I guess we have to have SOMEplace to put all the shoppers and conference-goers that will be visiting Allen. :-) Finally, the City of Allen will put an event center with over 6,000 seats in the Village at Allen for ice hockey and possibly concerts and a general entertainment venue.

The Village at Allen and Village at Fairview should nicely compliment an already booming Allen Premium Outlets shopping center (perfect for those who just can't get enough shopping). While my wife LOVES to shop, my love for shopping extends about this far: if I can figure out where they're building the Kwik-E-Mart among all this maddness (to stop for a Squishee) I'll be all set... oh wait, I don't shop, I was just watching an episode of a favorite show.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

I just got a cool a cool announcement sent to me from a friend. Thought it might interest residents of Allen, and Collin County in-general.
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Baum's Woodlands opening in Allen January 25, 2008, Dallas Business Journal By Lauren D'Avolio, Staff Writer

After a splashy grand opening in Dallas Jan. 17, a second local location of Jack Baum's Woodlands will arrive in Allen this April. The restaurant will have 6,800 square feet in a prominent space inside Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, near North Central Expressway and Bethany Road. "We present ourselves as an independent restaurant. We never intended to open in the same city," Baum said. "The Allen location ... I felt it was a completely different market."  The 4,500-square-foot Dallas location, at 6073 Forest Lane, is creating 60 to 70 jobs; the Allen venue will employ 75.  Baum calls his latest endeavor an experience somewhere between Houston's and Jasper's. He says he knows "for a fact" that Woodlands will be in other cities, but has no plans to open additional locations in Texas. He declined to specify possible future sites, or the cost of opening each new location. Woodlands has dishes such as tuna tartar, butternut squash soup, mahogany chicken and bison burgers. It's food that Baum -- a Dallas restaurateur of more than 25 years -- called "not uncommon." But it's "up the fairway of what people want to eat." The first location of Woodlands opened in November in Chicago. Allen will make it's third. Baum is chairman and CEO of Food, Friends and Co. -- a Dallas-based restaurant management firm that operates 13 restaurants in eight states. He also started Dallas-based Hampton's and Newport's. In 1989, he and a team reinvigorated Sam's Cafe, which spawned Canyon Cafe. Watters Creek is a 1.15 million-square-foot, mixed-use development that will open by late spring. In July, P.F. Chang's China Bistro became the first of the project's tenants to open.  "I think Woodlands is going to do well (in Allen)," Baum said. "Because of the quality, we weren't going to be inexpensive. But we want people to feel comfortable with the concept that they can come in once a week and get their favorite item." All of the proceeds from the restaurant's Dallas opening will go to Vogel Alcove, a Dallas child care center for the homeless.

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Allen, TX sure is growing up. Lowes & Home Depot, Chilis and P.F. Changs, and in one week we will have our own gourmet grocer... Market Street will officially open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. on Friday, February 29.

Among Market Street's listed features are:
- A full-service meat-seafood counter
- An extensive array of fresh produce (including a large organic complement)
- A whole-health center stocked with natural, organic and bulk foods, as well as the leading supplement brands
- Full-service floral department
- An extensive array of wine and beer selections from around the world
- Dish Kitchen Store
- Fresh sushi bar
- Peet's Coffee and Tea shop
- Frozen drink/smoothie bar
- A large bakery emphasizing made-from-scratch pastries, desserts and artisan breads
- Drive-thru pharmacy
- A wide variety of great foods from several in-store restaurants available for dine-in or take-out, with seating to accommodate more than 125 people for in-store dining

There are all kinds of restaurants and retailers that will be opening in Watters Creek this year. Several are scheduled to open in April, making Watters Creek the commercial center of the Montgomery Farm development.

What else will Allen, Texas have in common with the neighboring cities of Frisco and Dallas? 2008 is now slated to bring another major restaurant chain to Allen, The Cheesecake Factory! The famous restaurant chain is one of 15 new tenants announced for Montgomery Farm; the "52-acre urban retail resort which is scheduled to open phase 1 in April." The complete list of newly announce tenants includes:

• Cheesecake Factory
• Bath & Body Works
• DSW
• Le Creuset
• Gymboree
• New York & Company
• Sample House
• Victoria’s Secret
• Strasburg Children
• The Boardroom Salon for Men
• Celebrity Bakery and Café
• Paciugo
• Woodlands Grill and Gathering Place
• Potbelly
• Patsy Grimaldi’s Pizza

These are in addition to 21 other tenants already committed to the development including the P.F. Chang's China Bistro that is already open and the Market Street supermarket that is scheduled to open on Feb. 29th. I can tell you that P.F Chang's is fantastic and I'm excited about Market Street as well. The supermarket is described as "a world-class food concept store, a unique market that combines the everyday groceries and great prices guests need, with all the specialty items, whole health and gourmet products they want." It is a United Supermarkets brand store, a "smaller" chain of grocery stores built around customer service. I'm reading "Built To Serve" presently, a book about United Supermarkets and how they have a culture of driving their bottom line with people-first practices. Check it out here: http://www.danjsanders.com/. Market Street  should be a great addition to a fantastic development (Montgomery Farm)  here in Allen, TX. See the development picture below...

Many thanks to my friend and neighbor Tracey who always helps keep me updated on the latest developments in Allen.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

Montgomery Farm Development

Have you ever wondered if it would be better to remodel your home office, give your bathroom a face-lift or add-on that extra room you've been contemplating? Every year there is a great report published about the cost of many home updates and remodeling projects versus the value those changes will return. The "Cost vs. Value" report by Remodeling Magazine is produced each year by compiling data from industry experts (I've participated, for example). Check out the 2007 version here:
http://costvalue.remodelingmagazine.com/index.html
It doesn't get into all of the details, nor every possibly home improvement project, but a good agent can help where this article leaves off. For example, spending money in the "wet areas" (i.e. kitchens and bathrooms) is generally considered one of the best uses of your remodeling dollars if you're looking for ROI (that's "return on investment" for the non-business types). Carpet and paint don't add much value, but they are critical in helping homes sell (and some of the most affordable updates you can make). Wood flooring can return value, but typically only if it is real hardwood. Laminate wood flooring, like Pergo, is similar to carpet. It can help a home sell, but it doesn't tend to return much value (though it generally holds up better than carpet). Of course, we don't just improve our homes for the ROI. Pools are a great example of a home improvement that have a poor ROI. Many homeowners are not aware, but a pool will generally only return around 50% of its cost. However, you and your family get to enjoy it... and that's a large part of a pool's value. For more tips, or if you have questions about a potential home improvement, feel free to post a comment or contact me directly.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

Many first-time Buyers don't know much about HOAs (Home Owners Associations). Repeat Buyers often have strong opinions based on their previous experience with a past HOA. Trouble is, every HOA is a little different. Some are stronger than others, some barely exist. Some police the neighborhood for anything that may be against their rules and/or harm property values (liked dilapidated fences or houses painted purple or blue), some just maintain common areas (like community fences, entrance signs/landscaping or a pool). Ultimately, an HOA is usually run by the Home Owners and for the Home Owners with operating funds provided by the Home Owners. Many communities have their HOA administered by a management company (like CMA manages Lost Creek Ranch: http://www.cmamanagement.com/) but the board is still generally run by Home Owners. The board doesn't usually make a lot of policy, they just follow the rules that were in place when they took office. It's up to the community's Home Owners as a whole to make/change the rules and regulations. The purpose of an HOA is generally to maintain a nice community. The real issue is the question: What is a nice community? Most HOAs tend to want uniformity if they are enforcing rules about property and home improvements. Many times, these rules can be traced back the the developer of the community (as is the case with Lost Creek Ranch in Allen, TX). Developers know that a bright blue house or dilapidated fence, in a neighborhood full of more traditional colored homes (shades of brown, beige, etc.) with nice fences, traditionally brings the property values down around it. Many people want uniformity, that's why they are looking in a neighborhood with similar homes and an HOA. Those looking for something more "exotic" or out of the ordinary (like a purple home with a huge collection of yard gnomes) can often find such a home in less traditional neighborhoods with no HOA (keeping in mind that there may be city codes/ordinances that even an area with no HOA must adhere to). Ultimately, even the most strict and authoritative HOAs are generally just trying to keep property values up for all residents. Seldom are they "out to get" anyone in particular. Remember, any changes to your home or property may have an impact on your neighbors. So, where do your rights end and theirs begin? Shouldn't you be able to do whatever you want on your property (you own it, after all)? Not if you're in a neighborhood with an HOA. When you purchased your home, you probably signed an HOA rider or document that said that you agreed to adhere to their rules and regulations. I know that there were a lot of documents at closing, but your real estate agent should have made you aware of this (well before closing actually). The street goes both ways though: when you are thinking about selling your home, your neighbor's yard/home will have a direct impact on how your home shows/sells. Wouldn't it be nice to have an HOA help encourage your neighbor that the Christmas lights need to come down now that it's February (and PLEASE mow that yard for goodness sake)! Personally, I'm a fan of HOAs... I've been out with Buyers when they've said "We love this home, we just don't love the next door neighbor's yard/fence/etc." I've seen unkempt yards/homes cost a nearby Seller thousands of dollars (and bring neighborhoods down as a whole). However, this is the U.S. of A. and, if you don't like HOAs, you have rights! If you feel oppressed by an HOA, you could see if their is neighborhood support for disbanding the HOA, changing the leadership, or even move out of said neighborhood. The best plan for these people though is to never to buy a home in a neighborhood with an HOA. There are plenty out there without HOAs and the associated rules and regulations... just watch out for your neighbors, there won't be anybody to help (unless it's against city code) when they bring out their new collection of pink flamingos.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

In case you haven't heard, the City of Allen recently announced a joint venture with Global Entertainment Corporation (AMEX:GEE) and The MGHerring Group to build a $50-million event center. This is exciting news as the event center will offer a venue for concerts, top touring shows, family entertainment and professional sports upon its opening (set for fall 2009). The Allen Event Center is set to include 7,500 fixed seats and 26 luxury suites. It will be part of The Village at Allen, a 181-acre mixed-use development of The MGHerring Group, located on the southeast corner of US 75 and Stacy Road. In addition to the event center and a full service hotel, the development features over 1.5 million square feet of retail, restaurant, and office space. The shopping center is scheduled to open October 2008. "A regional event center has been on the Allen City Council's strategic plan for many years," said Allen Mayor Stephen Terrell. "This multi-purpose facility will have a significant ripple effect through our local economy. The public-private partnership of the project will create a first-class entertainment and sports venue without creating an impact to local taxes. " Global Entertainment, an integrated events and entertainment company, has subsidiaries in sports management, arena and related real estate development, facility and venue management and marketing, venue ticketing and branded licensing. It operates the 17-team Central Hockey League from its headquarters in Phoenix. Global Entertainment anticipates approximately 150 revenue generating events in the center each year, with more than 600,000 visitors annually. The facility will also be used for trade shows, community ceremonies, festivals, open rink ice skating, and high school sporting events and activities. Each facility managed by Global Entertainment caters to specific interests of the regional market.

Read more here: http://villageatallen.com/

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com

The Village at Fairview has been selected as the location for the first Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinema in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The Village at Fairview will feature a 38,000-square-foot, eight-screen Gold Class Cinema located above the retail portion of the development. Targeting the sophisticated movie-goer, Gold Class Cinemas are a luxurious cinema destination, offering the ultimate cinema experience. The theater will feature an intimate setting with plush recliners, designed exclusively for Gold Class Cinemas and state-of-the-art, digital sound and projection technology. Each individual seat will be equipped with a call button for personal wait service, and patrons will be able to choose from a gourmet menu and premium wine selection. Additional amenities include valet parking, concierge service and a lounge area where patrons can relax with a cocktail before viewing their film.The Village at Fairview is scheduled to open in Fall 2008. Plans for The Village at Fairview include a 1 million-square-foot retail component anchored by Dillard's, Macy's, JCPenney, The Container Store and Barnes & Noble. Other plans include 500,000 square feet of specialty shops and restaurants; a 200,000-square-foot class-A office building; more than 1,000 multi-family residential units; and the 280-room Embassy Suites Hotel Fairview with an adjoining 80,000-square-foot conference center.The site for The Village at Fairview is located on 200 acres at the northeast corner of Stacy Road and U.S. 75 in Collin County. The Village at Fairview will be one component of a 400-acre, regional, mixed-use development located in both Fairview and Allen, Texas. The Village at Fairview and The Village at Allen will be separated by Stacy Road but designed and developed as one project. Once completed, the mixed-use development will include more than 2 million square feet of retail and 1 million square feet of office, residential and hotel space.

Read more here: http://villageatfairview.com/

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com