Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Pharr Texas and the Pharr EDC hosted LEVCOR’s beam signing ceremony at a landmark event in Pharr, Texas. This ceremony marked a central moment in developing the much-anticipated Restaurant Row, a 14,500 sq. ft. project that will house three to five new restaurants. It symbolized the commencement of physical construction and heralded a new phase in the city’s journey toward economic revitalization and community enhancement.
Victor Pérez, President, CEO, and leader behind the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC), alongside Dr. Ambrosio Hernández, the Mayor of Pharr, and the city commission, outlined the impact anticipated from Restaurant Row. By introducing a diverse array of dining options, this project will enrich the local community’s lifestyle, attract visitors from surrounding areas, generate significant job opportunities, and boost sales and property tax revenues. This ambitious initiative underlines a strategic vision to propel Pharr into a vibrant economic hub, leveraging its untapped potential for growth and prosperity.
The beam signing ceremony brought together Pharr’s visionaries and leaders, including Mario Lizcano, Vice Chairman of the Pharr EDC, Reynaldo Pérez, a board member of the Pharr EDC, and the Pharr Economic Development team. It showcased the effort behind this venture. Victor Pérez emphasized in his address how this development would enhance the quality of life and support community growth through a vibrant economic and social landscape.
Larry Levine, President of LEVCOR, was recognized for transforming the old Centro Mall into the flourishing and almost half a million sq. ft. Pharr Town Center, Pharr’s highest-grossing shopping destination. The acknowledgment of Levine and his team, including Justin Levine, stressed the profound investment and confidence in Pharr’s economic future.
As Restaurant Row progresses from blueprint to reality, it symbolizes the convergence of opportunity, vision, and community support, heralding a new era for Pharr. This development introduces new dining experiences and reinforces Pharr as a culinary and economic destination.
Levine’s dedication to the city as an investor sets the stage for the second development phase, promising a future where Pharr is celebrated as a place to live and a destination to experience.
The beam signing ceremony, marking the start of the second phase, showcased the visionary leadership that has been instrumental in realizing Pharr’s potential as a hub of economic prosperity.
Levine’s heartfelt thanks to the City of Pharr and the EDC highlighted the nature of this project. Reflecting on his journey since 2009, Levine’s narrative shifted from a modest refurbishment of El Centro Mall to a comprehensive overhaul, motivated by Pharr’s welcoming spirit and potential. This journey has now reached its next milestone with Restaurant Row, symbolizing LEVCOR’s commitment to the community’s long-term prosperity.
With over 40 years in real estate development, LEVCOR’s efforts in Pharr, particularly with the Town Center, laid the groundwork for Restaurant Row, further transforming the local retail landscape and community life.
Dr. Jonathan Flores, the City Manager of Pharr, also took the stage to express his gratitude and support for the project. “These types of projects help enhance the quality of life for all our residents. So, I want to thank everybody involved in this project and this process, as well as our Pharr EDC staff. Thank you all for this on behalf of Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and the entire city commission,” he remarked, echoing the sentiments of community development and progress.
Pharr’s Restaurant Row is envisioned as more than a dining destination; it’s anticipated to be a lively hub for families and friends to create lasting memories. The partnership between the City of Pharr and LEVCOR, strengthened by mutual respect and strategic support from local leadership, aims to create a focal point for dining and socializing in the region.
