Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of McAllen City Center, a new and multi-million-dollar mixed-use development at the corner of South 10th Street and Expressway 83, the former site of the McAllen Civic Center. The event brought together city officials, business leaders, and developers to highlight a project described as years in the making. The event opened with an emcee welcoming attendees and introducing McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, who addressed the crowd and emphasized the significance of private investment in the city. Villalobos said, “McAllen’s a place to be. McAllen means business. And you all have a lot of skin in the game here in McAllen. So, we want to thank you for having the trust and confidence, and for putting your capital at risk,” while acknowledging the developers and investors involved in the McAllen City Center project.
Speakers at the ceremony reflected on the property’s history, which had long served as a central venue for community events before its demolition in 2016. The emcee described the site as a place that “went from a landmark to a memory,” referencing its past use for conventions, performances, and gatherings, and added, “This property is coming back to be a landmark… where new memories are going to be built.” The remarks framed the redevelopment, including McAllen City Center, as both a continuation of the site’s historical role and a transition toward new uses intended to serve residents and visitors.
Developer Michael Fallek, president of Castle Hospitality, Ltd, said the project represents a multi-year effort, stating it had taken “five, six, seven years” to reach the groundbreaking stage. He described the complexity of undertaking a development of this scale and noted that the process involved assembling plans, coordinating construction, and securing investment. Fallek thanked local officials, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation, and project partners for their involvement, as well as family members and collaborators who contributed to the planning and execution of the project.
Fallek also highlighted the site’s historical and emotional significance, recalling its role in the community. He said, “It was really a piece of fabric of McAllen that we lost,” referring to the closure and demolition of the Civic Center after a 2002 referendum removed its funding. According to Fallek, the property remained vacant for years and was controlled by out-of-town corporations before being acquired by local developers. He said, “We’re very proud that we were able to bring local ownership of this headquarters McAllen property back into local control,” emphasizing the importance of local investment in the redevelopment.
Plans for McAllen City Center include a mixed-use center featuring a multi-tenant building with restaurants and retail, as well as future phases that may include hotels, a condominium project, and a parking structure. Fallek said the first phase, a multi-tenant building on the northeast corner of the property, is expected to begin within 30 to 60 days following the ceremony. He noted that some tenants have already committed to the project, and large renderings and logos were displayed at the event to provide an overview of planned development.
Fallek described the location as a central point within the city, citing its proximity to major roadways, shopping areas, and transportation hubs. He said the site is positioned as an entry point for visitors and residents and is intended to become a “gathering place” that reflects both the city’s growth and its community identity. He also acknowledged the financial risks associated with the project, noting the level of investment required and the involvement of multiple stakeholders supporting the development.
The ceremony concluded with participants, including elected officials, developers, and investors, turning the dirt to mark the official start of construction of McAllen City Center. Organizers invited attendees to remain for informal discussions following the event. Speakers throughout the ceremony emphasized the project’s anticipated role in supporting economic activity, enhancing quality of life, and reestablishing the site as a central location for community engagement in McAllen.
