For Immediate Release For More Information Contact
April 11, 2022 Info@WylieEDC.com at 972-442-7901
Wylie Downtown Redevelopment Project Announced
Wylie, Texas – April 11, 2022. The Wylie Economic Development Corporation (Wylie EDC) today announced that they plan to demolish the property located at 103 S. Ballard. As part of a redevelopment and revitalization effort, the Wylie EDC plans to remove the building, formerly known as the Boyd Recording Studio, which sits at the entrance to Historic Downtown Wylie. The Wylie EDC purchased the property in 2021 and it was evident that the structure was in a state of disrepair. The WEDC has since conducted site evaluations for asbestos, which is common among older structures. Prior to demolition, the site was fully remediated to ensure the safety of Wylie citizens.
“Our revitalization and redevelopment efforts are strategically focused on growth areas and primary thoroughfares. We identify properties that have extraordinary challenges and are not likely to redevelop through the normal course of free market processes,” stated Jason Greiner, Executive Director of the Wylie EDC. “Our Board’s decision to invest in these properties is based on the ultimate best use and benefit to the community,” he added.
“We are excited about the opportunity to create a more attractive and dynamic entrance to our Historic Downtown area,” commented Mayor Matthew Porter. “The city is investing in downtown improvements to address accessibility and infrastructure needs. Our citizens recently voted to approve a $5 million bond program specifically dedicated to enhancing our city’s downtown. We are listening to our citizens and remain focused on developing this area into a vibrant and exciting destination that encourages community gathering.”
Since its formation, the Wylie EDC has focused on business retention and expansion, recruitment, and strategic redevelopment along Wylie’s primary thoroughfares. This redevelopment and revitalization has allowed the infill of additional business services like retail, commercial, office, and professional services to the area. Primary examples include relocation of the KCS railroad tracks that used to run along Highway 78. The multi-year project resulted in the creation of Shafer Plaza, Dairy Queen, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Whataburger, Schlotzsky’s, Fish N’ Tails, and various office developments. Additionally, the Wylie EDC is redeveloping the 544 Gateway Property, located just west of FM 544 and Highway 78, as well as the southwest corner of Highway 78 and Brown Street.
“In our pursuit to continually strengthen and grow Wylie’s business base, we look for projects like this that offer unique opportunities to effectuate strategic changes with optimal impact,” stated Wylie EDC Board President Demond Dawkins. “The Wylie EDC is excited at the possibilities this redevelopment opens up for our downtown and we look forward to working with Council, city staff and citizens as we support the efforts to enhance our downtown area.”.
About the Wylie Economic Development Corporation
The Wylie Economic Development Corporation (Wylie EDC) is funded through a citywide half-cent sales tax that is impacted/funded via the 230,000 consumers in our retail trade area. The Wylie EDC facilitates corporate relocations, local expansions of existing businesses, retail/commercial development, and revitalization projects that lead to the creation of new jobs and the generation of additional tax revenue for the benefit of the community.
For more information and to view the virtual tours and award presentations, visit www.WylieEDC.com.