Texas Border Business
Weslaco’s robust growth continues to make news as the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco announces nine commercial developments in the pre-building or feasibility stages.
This means multiple developers have narrowed down their choices of possible locations to include Weslaco. Developers gather site work and learn code and zoning requirements as part of their duediligence process.
“We have always experienced what we called ‘sustainable growth’ in Weslaco over the last 20 plus years,”says EDC Board President, Benita Valadez, “but we are now seeing what a steady flow of businesses is literally looking to expand into the Mid Valley market and we are welcoming them with open arms.”
The developers are showing great interest in South Point II, a 15-acre tract along Expressway 83/IH2,which is located between Westgate Drive and Border Avenue. It’s a prime real estate location that’s immediately adjacent to the Valley Baptist Micro Hospital. Developers say this spot in Weslaco is perfect for mix use development that can include retail, health care, and professional services – and all on one site.
South Point II Rendering
W. Interstate Hwy 2 / Hwy 83
Lowe’s Frontage Property Rendering
E. Interstate Hwy 2 / Hwy 83 & Dolores Huerta
Construction, meanwhile, continues on the north side of Expressway 83/IH2 in front of the Lowe’s store.The City of Weslaco is welcoming a Wing Barn restaurant, Sports Clips, Hero’s Dental, Crumble Cookie and an IShine carwash and detail center at development site. IShine made Weslaco their first location site in the Rio Grande Valley. The EDC has also learned that Starbucks has submitted an application for a permit at the same construction site.
Shops at N. Bridge Rendering
Southwest corner of Hwy 83 & Bridge Ave.
Even more development in Weslaco is in the planning stages. Developers entering the Weslaco market are calling the intersection of Expressway 83/IH2 and Bridge Avenue, “The Shops at North Bridge,” and presenting a master plan to include over 40,000 square feet of commercial development on a 10-acre tract.And while the Palm Plaza Shopping Center has been at the heart of Weslaco, off Expressway 83/IH2 and Texas Blvd., new property owners are planning a major cosmetic makeover to existing buildings, demolition of older buildings, with new construction to follow.
Weslaco Palm Plaza Redevelopment
1025 N. Texas Blvd.
Weslaco’s growth continues northward to new areas of development. There’s exciting commercial and industrial development for the EDC at the corner of FM 1015 and Mile 9, where the front portion of a 149-acre tract is being set aside for retail.
“Three popular franchises have already expressed serious interest,” says Steven Valdez, EDC Executive Director, “particularly because of the increased number of rooftops and new residential developments in the surrounding northern sector of Weslaco.”
In fact, the city’s Planning & Zoning Department is working on reviewing submission master plans for multiple apartment complexes totaling an estimated 1,900 apartment units and another 1,890 lots for single family homes, taking 1,020 acres of land off the market.
The EDC’s Board Treasurer and lifelong resident, Sandra Charlton, says she’s not surprised about the city’s growth.
“The entire region is growing and the significance of being centrally located is now more relevant than ever,”Charlton says. “People are learning that they can enjoy living in Weslaco and work just about anywhere in the Valley with a manageable drive time.”
When combining all nine projects, the city will soon see significant increases in property values, sales taxes, and job opportunities, which all translates into improved city services, better school facilities and more quality of life options for those that call Weslaco home and all who visit the city.
The EDC of Weslaco continues to seek and recruit companies that increase the overall wealth of the community, create job opportunities for its skilled workforce and institute a community wide, “best practices” for economic development.
For more information on these and other projects in the City of Weslaco, please call the EDC offices at 956- 969-0838 or email comments or suggestions to svaldez@weslacoedc.com.
