by Lisa Marie Barocas
MISSION, TEXAS (January 24, 2020) – Betting on the passing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the growth of the Rio Grande Valley, Killam Development purchased 3,400 acres in Mission and McAllen, Texas which is being master planned for industrial, commercial, and residential uses. Killam Development is a private, family-owned company celebrating its 100th anniversary in South Texas and knows the community around the Texas-Mexico border. The Killam family has a long and successful history in the oil and gas industry, real estate development, ranching, financial services, and investments within South Texas.
With the passing of the USMCA, Killam Development expects to continue to develop Sharyland Industrial Park as well as open a new industrial park in Mission, Texas, which is predicated on economic incentives. “The belief that NAFTA 2.0 would pass and the opportunity to secure local economic incentives gave us the confidence to move forward on the acquisition and immediately begin to master plan the property,” stated Cliffe Killam, President of Killam Development.
The modernization of trade agreements gives businesses the confidence to grow, which will likely help create more jobs and foster innovation in the Rio Grande Valley. Construction is expected to begin later this year with home sales anticipated by the fall of 2020.
“We are hopeful that the Anzalduas International Bridge will open to commercial traffic in a couple of years, which will make the location of this property even more optimal. We are deeply rooted in South Texas. We know and understand the border from the cultural to the business and commercial aspects as well as the importance of community. We see enormous potential here, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the public, stakeholders and city leaders to design places that will enhance quality of life and economic opportunity in Mission and McAllen,” stated Cliffe Killam.
Killam Development purchased the land located within the City of Mission and the City of McAllen from Hunt Valley Development in December 2019. The size of the property is equivalent to five square miles, or five times the size of the downtown area of many cities like San Antonio, Texas.
As part of the design process, the company invited elected officials, community leaders, high school students, and the community at large to participate in a series of public workshops to share their ideas, passions, and vision for the area and the future of the Rio Grande Valley. Over 500 people participated in a series of public workshops from January 13 – 17. Topics ranged from a need for public art, mixed-use development, entertainment options, international trade, integrated hike and bike trail system, bringing the Pope to the Valley, and a good pizza place.
Killam Development partnered with two award-winning planning and design firms, Able City and Dover, Kohl & Partners, to work with the community in developing a master plan for the area. Able City is a group of professional architects, urbanists, economic developers and designers who hold over 70 years of combined experience across San Antonio and Laredo, Texas. Able City was founded under the belief that contributing to the evolution of cities, towns, and places is best achieved when defining quality of life as policies and built environments that contribute to a livable community and healthy environment.
“We believe this large-scale project has the potential to be a game-changer for generations to come,” said Mario Peña of Able City. “With participation of key stakeholders and the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley, we created something amazing that will focus on smart growth, sustainability and will bring a new vision for community and by the community.”
For information about the development, including home sales and commercial opportunities, please contact Killam Real Estate Development Manager Rolando Ortiz at (956)724-7141.
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