MCALLEN, Texas - McAllen leaders have unveiled an ambitious plan to bring hundreds of thousands of tourists to the city.
They are looking to develop a public-private partnership to build a new $230 million, 70-acre mixed use recreation district with water attraction on the site of the old Boeye Reservoir. So, it will be close to I-2, McAllen International Airport, La Plaza Mall and downtown.
Qualified developers are being sought to present master plan concepts “that align with McAllen’s commitment to growth, sustainability, and community well-being.”
McAllen City Manager Isaac ‘Ike’ Tawil said: “This RFP (request for proposal) represents an open invitation to developers who share our values and want to help build a legacy project for McAllen.”
The project will include premium condos and hotels. The number of jobs created will be 2,200, with $95 million in labor income generated, and $136 million contributed to the city’s GDP, Tawil predicted.
He said the economic output will be with $330 million and 460,000 people will visit the attraction annually. These visitors will spend $35.6 million in the city, with workers at the district earning $26 million in wages per year.
“This is really a momentous occasion, the announcement of probably one of the biggest projects that the city of McAllen has ever had,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, as he unveiled details of the project. “If you see me excited, I'm telling you, I am excited.”
Villalobos acknowledged that city leaders have wanted to develop the old Boeye Reservoir for decades. He pointed to two former mayors in the audience that wanted to see it happen under their watch, Richard Cortez and Jim Darling.
“We've had great commissions before, and great mayors that have talked about this before. Judge Cortez was our mayor. He saw it. He envisioned it. It didn't happen. Mayor Darling saw it. He invented it, but it didn't happen yet,” Villalobos said.
“And it wasn’t because they didn't want it. It is because it's difficult. Because we're talking about a project that is just totally, totally amazing.”
Villalobos concluded his remarks by saying McAllen Means Business. “That's what we do,” he said.
City Manager Tawil said the Boeye Reservoir Project has “been decades in the making.” He thanked city staff for working hard on the project.
“Positioned with seamless expressway access the Boeye project site delivers exceptional connectivity. backed by an estimated entertainment living and commerce meet opportunity,” Tawil said, pointing out that it is just “steps away from the incredible McAllen Airport and retail corridors.”
Tawil continued: “The Boeye project will be a transformative mixed use development, including a recreation district anchored by a stunning water attraction surrounded by modern condominiums, a full service luxury hotel and an artisan village featuring vibrant local retail stores and fine dining.”
Tawil added: “Once complete, the development will welcome more than an estimated 460,000 visitors. It will help define McAllen’s future as a regional destination where opportunity and innovation thrive. New Grounds, New Heights.”
Editor's Note: Here is a video the City of McAllen produced about the 'New Grounds, New Heights' project:
