While plans for the large mixed-use development known as The Strand were announced in May, development is officially underway with Allen City Council approval of the zoning and concept plan. The Strand will encompass 135+ acres along the S.H. 121 corridor and will embody a true mixed-use development.
Located on the southeast corner of S.H. 121 and Alma Drive, The Strand will consist of office space, urban residential living options, boutique-style shopping, roof-top dining, and much more. With zoning now approved, the City will work closely with Hines, the development firm, to review the initial phases of the project before construction can begin.
Bob Johnson, property owner, says his family was very particular when choosing a firm to develop the area.
“We wanted to design it with Allen’s culture in mind,” says Johnson.
Johnson stressed how important it was that a developer be chosen who could bring something truly great to the area.
Hines, the international firm behind The Strand, is also responsible for the Galleria Dallas, another local mixed-use project that has seen great success. They have offices in 21 countries around the world with over 100 developments currently underway.
Designed by the architects at Gensler, the concept plan for The Strand features five distinct character districts, 10-acre greenbelt along Watters Creek, an open space corridor with an entertainment venue, and housing for all lifestyles within a master-planned environment that will include up to 2 million square feet of office. Barry Hand, Studio Director at Gensler, described The Strand as becoming the new urban center for Allen that will attract smaller, artisanal-style shops and restaurants. The entire project will be developed in phases over a 10-year period.
“I think this will be one of those places in Allen that everyone will want to go to,” said Mayor Stephen Terrell upon Councilmembers voting for unanimous approval at the January 9 meeting.