Hillsboro outlet mall site to become restaurant hub
City secures four major chain restaurants for redevelopment project at former shopping center
HILLSBORO, Texas (KWTX) - The empty parking lot at Hillsboro’s old outlet mall is getting new life as a restaurant hub.
The city said developers secured major chain restaurants to open at the site and are in talks with businesses to fill even more spots. City officials and developers said they have gotten four spots filled so far and have seven more to go.
Demolition underway for new development
Dust, debris and demolition are what visitors will see at the old Hillsboro outlet mall site. Executive Director of the Hillsboro Economic Corporation, Jessica Trew said most people in the city have touching memories at the outlet mall.
“It used to be very happening at that mall. Lots of traffic, lots of people both in town and plenty of visitors. It’s been sad to see it kind of sitting dormant,” Trew said.
The lifeless area will get an economic boost thanks to the city collaborating with Glaser Retail Partners. So far, the group secured Waffle House, Panda Express, Chili’s and Chick-fil-A as part of the redevelopment.
Prime real estate location
Trew said the site is a prime piece of real estate and the city didn’t want to keep seeing it sit empty.
“While we may not be in the brick-and-mortar retail days that were the times of outlet malls, we’re excited to kind of pivot and provide something that people do want,” Trew said.
City officials told News 10 this brings residents more options as well as travelers since Hillsboro is at the I-35 split toward Fort Worth and Dallas. Trew said residents and tourists can benefit from the project since the city is right at the I-35 split to Dallas and Fort Worth and 30 minutes away from Waco.
“Hillsboro has a great location. From the perspective of getting lots of people for retail it’s a great location. It’s also a great location for distributional logistics, which may be future phase as a part of the mall,” Trew said.
Job opportunities for residents
City leaders wanted to provide financial opportunities for residents.
“Really, we just want to increase jobs so that more people that live in Hillsboro have the opportunity to stay and work in Hillsboro,” Trew said.
“It’s exciting to see that open space, that open canvas ready for the next stage of development,” Trew said.
The restaurants the city has confirmed should be opened by spring or summer of next year.
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