ALLEN (WBAP/KLIF)- Allen-based developer JaRyCo has started construction on The Farm in Allen, a 135-acre mixed use project at the southeast corner of Sam Rayburn Tollway and Alma Drive in Allen, Texas. Work will begin with the development’s infrastructure, including the roads and utilities, followed by construction of West Lake Park, the phase one trails and the public parking garage.
JaRyCo is partnering with Allen’s Johnson family to transform their family farmland into The Farm, which will include over 1.6 million square feet of office, 142,000 square feet of retail, a 150-key hotel, 60,000 square feet of restaurants, townhomes and 2,400 urban residential units. The Farm’s Central District will offer most of the development’s dining, retail and entertainment options, along with West Lake Park.
“We spent the last 18 months on all the behind the scenes work of planning, design and financing, now it’s time for the real fun to begin – the construction for The Farm in Allen,” said Bruce Heller, president of JaRyCo. “The Farm is going to be a great world-class mixed-use development and a wonderful addition to the Allen community. We are especially grateful to the Johnson family for their support and vision for The Farm.”
The Farm in Allen will also embrace the property’s natural beauty with a 1 1/2-acre lake, over 2 ½ miles of hike and bike trails, a 16-acre greenbelt along Watters Creek and four additional park areas. The development will tie into the extensive City of Allen hike and bike trail system and will also include several energy efficient and sustainable design features.
“High-caliber developments such as The Farm in Allen are a win-win for our community,” said Allen Mayor Ken Fulk. “Residents gain new places to shop, eat, play and stay active while enjoying the economic boost to Allen in the form of new jobs and additional tax revenue.”
Last month, JaRyCo announced it will develop 102,000 square feet of class A office space, called FarmWORK One. The three-story building will be located across from The Central District and will include several healthy building elements, such as outdoor, Wi-Fi-equipped work areas, touchless features throughout the building, oversized stairs, multiple restroom facilities on each floor and HVAC systems with high-efficiency air filtration, ionization treatment and electronically monitored increased outside air circulation. JaRyCo plans to begin construction in 2021 with completion planned for summer 2022. Avison Young is leasing FarmWORK One for JaRyCo.
In late 2020, JaRyCo secured The Hub – a family-friendly food and beverage anchored entertainment venue – to join The Farm as its first Texas location. The Hub will occupy 2.67 acres in the Central District. With more than three-quarters of an acre of open space including a 2,000-square-foot stage for live music, televised sports, and movies, The Hub will be activated daily and in its ample covered and uncovered dining and seating areas for office users, residents and the surrounding community. JaRyCo and The Hub expect to complete construction in 2022.
“The first phase office project will attract corporate relocations and bring quality jobs for our residents,” said Dan Bowman, executive director for Allen Economic Development Corporation. “Companies will be drawn to The Farm’s entertainment district, with an outdoor performance lawn and stunning patio views overlooking the lake.”
JaRYCo President Bruce Heller said once completed it will bring another 1.5 billion dollars in real estate value to the city of Allen as well as opportunities for the growing area.
