Project Investment
To date, $30.5 million has been paid to Irving property owners for the voluntary sale of land. More than $4 million has been spent on the demolition of 61 properties and land maintenance, including security, asbestos abatement and mowing. Almost $1 million has come back to the City of Irving, Irving ISD and Dallas County through property taxes.
Though the recession has prevented the project from progressing at the rate initially anticipated by city leaders, there have been improvements to Heritage Crossing.
Safer Area
Compared to 2006, the Heritage Crossing area has experienced a 35 percent reduction in crime. According to city leaders, the increased safety is attributed to the removal of several substandard multifamily units from the area.
“Steps taken to redevelop the Heritage Crossing region have really produced some remarkable benefits in terms of safety,” said Police Chief Larry Boyd. “This is important because increased safety in this premier location makes it even more attractive to new and existing retailers and developers, as well as future residents.”
Vision for the Future
To further the vision, city leaders are exploring the possibility of assuming a loan that was used to procure the land necessary for redevelopment of the historic community. Taking over the Heritage District LLC loan means that the city could take greater ownership in terms of the planned development.
“Right now, the city is looking at ways it can exercise more control over the development of Heritage Crossing and align this planned redevelopment with the future needs and wants of the community,” said Adrian. “Council required more input from residents. The Heritage Crossing vision has evolved into a plan that offers a variety of housing and shopping options.”
New Businesses
On the heels of the return of postal services to the area via Office Products Warehouse, Heritage Crossing has welcomed two new businesses—Encanto Cakes and Chubby’s Gym. In all, a total of 19 new businesses have come to the area since the redevelopment began. On board with changing the face of the Heritage Crossing project is longtime corporate citizen Comerica Bank, which is investing in the exterior improvement of its downtown Irving location.
Also connected with the redevelopment of Heritage Crossing is the renaming of the South Irving TRE station to Downtown Irving – Heritage Crossing. This proposal will be brought before City Council at an upcoming meeting.
Continued Communication
During each City Council meeting, city staff will provide an update on Heritage Crossing activity. The meetings air live on Irving Community Television Network (Time Warner Channel 95 and Verizon Channel 31) and are streamed live via the city website, www.cityofirving.org. Video reports, as well as other Heritage Crossing information, can be found on the Heritage Crossing web page.
Heritage Crossing Progress at a Glance
New businesses, redevelopment and events are coming to Heritage Crossing. Following are new businesses that have moved into Heritage Crossing since its inception, including redevelopment and new development.
- Angels & Moore
- Branje Beauty
- Burger King
- Chic Boutique
- Chubby’s Gym
- Encanto Cakes
- Fabulously Frugale Boutique
- Gabby’s Dance Studio (Zumba Fitness)
- It’s a Leather Ministry
- JPT Graphics
- La Cueva Mexican Food
- Magnolia Chiropractic
- McDonald’s
- Montana Cincha
- Office Products Warehouse/U.S. Postal Station
- Scooter Beans
- Susie Suds
- Vintage and Collectibles
- We’ve Got Spirit
Source: Greater Irving–Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce
Notable Private Investment Projects:
- Comerica Bank – Remodel
- JPT Graphics – Remodel
- Long John Silver’s – Remodel
- McDonald’s – Remodel
- BBVA Compass – New construction
- Burger King – New construction
