July 15, 2020 – JaRyCo, a Allen-based developer, announced today its partnership with the Johnson family to develop their family farmland into a mixed-use property located at the southeast corner of Sam Rayburn Tollway and Alma Drive in Allen, Texas.
The property, which was previously planned to be the Strand development, has been in the Johnson family since 1964 and will be transformed into The Farm in Allen, a 135-acre mixed-use development. Designed to be a premier place to live, work and play, the Farm in Allen will include over 1.6 million square feet of office, 142,000 square feet of retail, a 150-key hotel, 60,000 square feet of restaurants, townhomes and 2,400 urban residential units. The infrastructure construction is planned to begin in late 2020.
“The Farm in Allen is a unique mixed-used development that really captures the story of Allen’s continued growth,” said Allen Mayor Debbie Stout. “Just as this farmland served generations of families before us, it will transform into a modern urban center to serve many generations to follow. We are excited to see this project enhance the 121 corridor.”
The project has been designed based on the needs of the surrounding communities. JaRyCo has completed 14 projects in Allen, and both Bruce Heller, President of JaRyCo, and the Johnson family are longtime local citizens. The project has been designed as a family-friendly, family-focused, small town environment with unique features and businesses that will attract repeat visitors.
“Embracing the natural beauty of the property and creating an outdoor entertainment district will set this project apart from nearby developments,” said Daniel Bowman, AEDC Executive Director. “The focus on green space and trail system integration are very appealing to office workers and creates a lot of excitement for our residents.”
Located just 10 minutes from Plano’s Legacy area, 30 minutes from DFW International Airport, 35 minutes from Dallas Love Field and 10 minutes from McKinney Corporate Airport, the property is centrally located in the metroplex, providing easy travel access across DFW.
“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with the Johnson Family and transform their treasured farm into a world-class mixed-use project that will check all of the boxes for what the citizens of Allen need,” said Heller. “The project’s phases will be determined by the market needs, but overall, with office, dining, entertainment and residences, we will be creating a master planned, walkable community that will be a new destination for Allen and the surrounding areas.”
Features of The Farm in Allen will include a 2 ½ acre lake with boardwalk restaurants, over two miles of hike and bike trails, a 16-acre greenbelt along Watters Creek and four additional park areas. The development will tie into the extensive City of Allen hike and bike trail system and will also include a number of energy efficient and sustainable design features.
The land was purchased by Bob Johnson Sr. and his wife Doris in the 1960s from a neighboring farmer, at a time when Allen’s population was less than 5,000. The Johnson Family initially used the land for raising cattle and growing wheat, corn and hay. In the 60s, Highway 121 was a two-lane black top road used primarily to travel to Ft. Worth, and Alma Rd was not paved. “As a family that has owned the property across four generations, we are excited to begin transferring this special family legacy to future generations in Allen,” said Bob Johnson.
Omniplan Architects, civil engineer Dynamic Engineering, and landscape architect TBG have all been engaged on the project.