The original item was published from 10/31/2018 3:34:15 PM to 10/31/2018 3:40:52 PM.

News Flash

News Updates

Posted on: October 31, 2018

[ARCHIVED] The "Real Dirt" (a publication of the BEDC)

The Real Dirt
a publication of the Benbrook Economic Development Corporation (4th ed.)

The City of Benbrook is committed to preparing for vibrant growth while
maintaining our Small Town, Big Backyardappeal. As a Type B economic development corporation, the Benbrook Economic
Development Corporation (BEDC) works to position Benbrook for qualitycommercial development that creates jobs, attracts desired retail development,
and fosters stable economic growth.

The Real Dirt is intended to share timely andaccurate information regarding commercial development in Benbrook. As citizens
see construction dirt being moved on the ground, or hear rumors in thecommunity, they want to know what to anticipate in terms of commercial/retail
development. The BEDC is here to answer your questions, as much as we are ableto publicly share information without jeopardizing possible developer deals. Also, the Real
Dirt can act as rumor patrol....offering the real dirt on developmentactivities, our approach, policies, and practices.

A GROWING COMMUNITY
Benbrook is
experiencing unprecedented growth and opportunity. As our busiest commercialcorridor nears completion along Benbrook Boulevard/U.S. 377, the City of
Benbrook and BEDC are preparing for finishing touches that include monumentsigns sharing the same material and look as the new signs at Benbrook City Hall
and the new Benbrook Animal Shelter; attractive native Texas landscaping; andhardscape elements that support pedestrian-friendly activity along the
boulevard. Once the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) completes all constructionphases of the roadway, the City can move forward on beautification plans;
anticipated to begin in spring 2019.

Thesemobility and aesthetic improvements, along with substantial new rooftops, a
robust housing market, recreational amenities, exceptional public safety, recentlyadopted overlay district guidelines, and a low tax rate, help increase
commercial interest in our market.

STRATEGIC APPROACH
The BEDC’sactivities are guided by an adopted strategic plan that outlines priorities to
include recruiting quality retail development, increasing jobs, offering storefrontgrant and other assistance to area businesses, and very specific, tailored
incentives intended to spur desired commercial growth.

For the past several years, BEDC has engaged in strategic and thoughtful
activities that lay the groundwork to prepare languishing properties; to betterhighlight our market advantages and brand; to build upon professional relationships
within the development community; and to offer accurate demographic data andmarket analysis in support of our assertion that Benbrook is a vital, growing community
offering exceptional opportunity for quality, desirable commercial development.

The BEDC
believes our citizens deserve better than hurried, piecemeal development. Webelieve our patience, perseverance, and investments over the years are paying
off in the form of increased interest in the Benbrook market as properties aremade more developable, infrastructure improvements occur, and new rooftops
improve our retail trade area. BEDC’s goal is to Build a Better Benbrook bybuilding momentum and by sharing a vision for commercial growth that meets
consumer needs and takes advantage of our recreation brand, our high trafficcounts, and our high median family incomes.

RECENT PROJECTS
Recent BEDC projects include the purchase and subsequent contract for sale ofproperty located at 8909 Benbrook Boulevard; the old mini-storage site. In July
2018, BEDC board of directors and city council approved the sale of theone-acre lot to Retail Buildings, Inc. The buyer is currently under contract to
purchase, and is engaged in an inspection period to determine if the propertywill adequately accommodate their plans to construct a new Braums Ice Cream and
Dairy Store with Fresh Market and drive-through service. Retail Buildings hopesto begin construction by July 2019. BEDC and city staff are working diligently
to assist the buyer. Braum’s was specifically sought after as BEDC understoodthat a great many citizens desired their return to Benbrook, and because the
Fresh Market component supplements current grocery options in our community.

BenbrookGateway Center, 8501 Benbrook Boulevard, will be home to the newest Hoffbrau
Steak and Grill House Restaurant to open its doors in the DFW metroplex.Hoffbrau, Inc. has signed a 15-year lease to operate the iconic steak house at
the mixed retail development owned by developer Steve Hawkins.
Mr. Hawkins and BEDC partnered to build an appropriate space and recruit a
desirable restaurant tenant offering on-premise alcohol sales to the location. The Hoffbrau anticipates opening the GatewayCenter location in spring 2019. Gateway Center, a development resulting from
BEDC’s property sale negotiations with Hawkins, is now completely leased.

The TexasCommission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) program employed to clean the old
gas station site at 9301 Westpark (at Benbrook Boulevard/U.S. 377) is nearingcompletion as BEDC-owned property on this corner is being prepared for
development, and as strategies are being crafted to encourage desirable retailat this prominent corner of Benbrook Boulevard.

To further
spur opportunities, BEDC is partnering with the Benbrook Water Authority tobring sanitary sewer to NW Winscott Addition property adjacent to Cracker
Barrel restaurant. Dirt is moving now, and this project will service not onlyBEDC-owned acreage there, but also commercially zoned land to the west. Construction
of the utility should be complete by early 2019, and BEDC is currently indiscussion with developers interested in a Master Plan for the I-20 frontage site.

BEDC isworking with new property owners of the Benbrook Plaza to encourage their plans for
attractive redevelopment of the center, and in recruitment efforts to entice desirabletenants.

An Audi car dealership
is in the works, to be located at Hawkins Business Park along I-20 frontage. Aluxury dealership brings daytime population to Benbrook, further increasing
interest from other retailers, particularly restaurants.

THE WORK CONTINUES…
Benbrookcitizen’s desire restaurants offering mixed drink alcohol service, and voters
approved the legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants in Benbrook in 2002. TheBEDC continues to be in conversation with many potential restauranteurs, with
an eye toward encouraging full-service local and regional options that offerquality, family-friendly concepts.

New
businesses include a Raising Cane’s, and existing businesses working toward afresh new look include Chicken Express and Arby’s. The BEDC’s Storefront
Improvement Grant remains available to Benbrook businesses wishing to improvebuilding exteriors. Qualifying projects include paint, lighting, awnings,
signage, and parking lot improvements. The grant offers a 50% dollar for dollarmatch, up to $20,000.

BEDC
conducted an intensive grocery store analysis for Benbrook, providing marketshare and demographic data to potential grocers. Targeted efforts to attract grocers,
restaurants, and destination retail are ongoing.

BEDC continuesto build upon partnerships with property owners, developers, retailers, and
site selectors to highlight exceptional commercial opportunities in Benbrook,as the City of Benbrook is committed to Building a Better Benbrook.