I just ran across this recent press release (below) about the grand opening of The Village at Allen (SE corner of Stacy Rd. and 75/Central). It made me think about an interesting point mentioned: this is one of the biggest mixed-use developments in the U.S. and it is THE biggest mixed-use development in Texas. So what is a mixed-use development? How does it differ from the typical, single-use development we're used to seeing? Well, it's not JUST a hotel, or JUST retail (i.e. a strip-mall), or JUST an entertainment venue (like an area, movie theater, etc.) but it is some combination of two or more of these (and/or other) land uses in one general area (read the wikipedia definition here). Once you've read the info. below, please post a comment/your thoughts about the development (i.e. "I love the additional shopping" or "I hate the urban sprawl") and give specifics about what you love/hate the most. I'm interested to hear some of the public's opinions (click on "Post a Comment" just below my contct info. at the bottom of this article):
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 15, 2008
Contact: Hillary Redwine, Sunwest Communications
(214) 373-1601 or hredwine@sunwestpr.com

THE MGHERRING GROUP ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING OF THE VILLAGE AT ALLEN

First phase of largest mixed-use development in Texas to include national retailers Best Buy, Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us “R” Superstore, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and more

Allen, Texas – The first phase of The Village at Allen, developed by The MGHerring Group, opened today at the southeast corner of US 75 and Stacy Road in Allen.
The grand opening of the first phase will continue through November as retail stores and restaurants open each week.  Best Buy and Uncle Julio’s were the first tenants to open at The Village at Allen, having celebrated their grand openings earlier in October.
Other retail stores and restaurants opening in October include: Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us “R” Superstore, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Men’s Wearhouse, Mattress Giant, Sleep Experts, Nate’s Seafood and Steakhouse, Coffee N Cream and Verizon Wireless.  In addition, The Vitamin Shoppe, Ooo La La, Which Wich?, Cold Stone Creamery, Smoothie Factory and Villa Nails are scheduled to open in November.
The Village at Allen is one component of The MGHerring Group’s  3-million-square-foot, regional, mixed-use lifestyle center located in both Allen and Fairview, which is currently the largest mixed-use development in Texas and also one of the largest in the United States.
“Our goal for The Village at Allen, in combination with The Village at Fairview, is to create a superior retail and entertainment destination for the residents of Collin County, offering everything from national retail stores, specialty shops, casual restaurants and fine dining to a variety of entertainment options,” said Gar Herring, president of The MGHerring Group.  “We are excited to open the first phase of The Village at Allen and look forward to continuing the momentum as additional phases open throughout 2009.”
 The second phase of The Village at Allen will open March 8, 2009 and include Super Target, PetSmart, GameStop, Red Robin, Cheddars and more. Upon its completion, the center will feature 1 million square feet of retail. Other components include a 220-room Courtyard® by Marriott® Hotel with an adjoining 35,000-square-foot conference center (opening fall 2009); the 6,275-seat Allen Events Center (opening November 2009); and 500,000 square feet of office space.
As development for The Village at Allen continues, several common area enhancements will be added including: Canine Commons Dog Park; The Grove, featuring an outdoor fireplace and pavilion; a children’s play area with playhouses and a Texas-shaped hedge maze; a one-acre park; two lakes; and a hike/bike trail.
The Village at Allen is being developed in conjunction with The Village at Fairview, opening Aug. 5, 2009. The two developments will be separated by Stacy Road but were designed and are being developed as one project. Upon completion, the project will span 400 acres and include 2 million square feet of retail and 1 million square feet of office, residential and hotel space.
The MGHerring Group recently completed another development in the Dallas area – Uptown Village at Cedar Hill, located at Highway 67 and F.M. 1382 in Cedar Hill, Texas. Uptown Village at Cedar Hill opened March 12, 2008.

About The MGHerring Group
With a reputation for design, quality and integrity, Dallas-based The MGHerring Group has developed more than 30 major shopping centers and regional malls in the United States and Mexico, totaling more than 24 million square feet of retail space.  The MGHerring Group has been recognized with numerous industry awards and is considered by many to be among the top shopping center developers in the nation.
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Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com