TEXAS SNAPSHOT, OCTOBER 2005

Quad Cities DFW

Located in the bustling Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, the Quad Cities area is heavily into redevelopment projects. Consisting of Richland Hills, North Richland Hills, Haltom City and Watauga, with participation from the Keller and Birdville independent school districts and The Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce, the Quad Cities are also actively engaged in mixed-use developments, according to Robert Hamilton, president and CEO of the Chamber and facilitator of the Quad Cities partnership.

“We are centered on transportation issues that connect our region with the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex,” says Hamilton. The future widening of Loop 820 through the Quad Cities will be a significant development that will “have a dramatic impact on land use and major development along its path.” The Quad Cities have also been putting effort into a transportation committee. “Being able to move people to and from their jobs is important,” Hamilton says. With five major thoroughfares running through the cities, it is essential to stay a step ahead, since transportation development is a long process.

“The redevelopment of Loop 820 and the Highway 26 corridor are projects that will revitalize major arteries of our area,” says Hamilton. North Hills Hospital, one of the major area hospitals, is looking to expand into the Highway 26 corridor. Over the next few years, the Highway 26 corridor will be a major development that will add numerous retailers and commercial properties.

Residential development is flourishing in the area, especially in North Richland Hills and Haltom City. “Commercial and residential development and redevelopment bring the major corridors to life,” Hamilton says. With big box retailers and junior anchors present in the area, the Quad Cities continues to be “a perfect site to bring business,” he adds.

In the past year, 377 new homes were built and 290 new businesses opened in the area. The average household income continues to rise, and retail sales have gone up 3 to 4 percent each year, with $1.6 billion in sales last year. The current population of the Quad Cities area is 165,000; projections claim this number will reach 185,000 by 2010.

Trinity Industries, a Fortune 500 company, recently moved from Fort Worth to Richland Hills, occupying a 90,000-square-foot site. “We're very happy to have Trinity in the area,” Hamilton says. “The company chose Richland Hills because it offers rail access and is centrally located in the United States.” UICI, an insurance company in North Richland Hills, employs more than 1,800 people in the area. The 14,000-square-foot Faith Creek Plaza has been a great success for Richland Hills, and plans to develop a second phase are underway.

“We look for companies that relate to quality of life,” Hamilton says. “The quality of life in the Quad Cities is second to none,” he adds, noting the well-supported healthcare and aviation industries in the area. Retailers have been closing deals over the past year, notably Office Depot, Pier 1 Imports and Half Price Books in Watauga. Sara Lee Industries is located in Haltom City, and “a multitude of commercial and retail developers are looking daily at sites they can build on in the Quad Cities,” says Hamilton.

“Aviation is an industry that we're excited about supporting,” Hamilton says, noting that airports have the potential to bring in even more business. With the support of 25 corporations, including First Industrial and SouthTrust Bank, the partnership is able to add the corporate influence, which can carry a lot of weight and provide good resources throughout the community and the state.

With excellent rail service and minutes from both the Dallas/Fort Worth and Alliance airports, the Quad Cities partnership offers “a one-stop shop and point of contact for economic development,” Hamilton says. A top-notch education system, plenty of entertainment, shopping and restaurants make the Quad Cities a great place for families and vacationers alike.

However, the Quad Cities do face some tough hurdles. Hamilton says the biggest challenge has been making sure that all four cities and both school districts have input and representation, which can be tough. “Everyone has different agendas and needs,” he adds. “But we want to tell people that it's possible: you can knock the fences down and cities can work together and they are stronger when they do.”

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