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The Economic Pulse of North Texas

Published in Fort Worth Inc. Magazine January 2020

Q. What housing segments are you seeing the biggest demand in?

Cedar Hill’s growth is primarily based on young families and business professionals looking for a place to call home that has small-town ambiance but big city amenities. Located a short 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, the city, along with the regional area, continues booming with new employment opportunities. Cedar Hill is meeting market demand with newly constructed multifamily housing at the entrance of our signature Balcones Trail and Nature Corridor. New single-family lots are available for custom homes in the southeast portion of the city, as well as boutique-style living in our Historic Downtown. Also, a 150-unit active senior housing complex is nearing completion to provide apartment living and resort-style villas.

 

Q. What are your community’s strongest markets for commercial development and leasing?

Cedar Hill continues serving as the retail hub in the four-county area the city is situated, currently hosting 3M+ square feet of retail and Class A office space. The city is innovative and discerning when planning development within the city’s 36 square mile boundaries, especially intending to protect 20% open space achieving the “city in a park” atmosphere families are seeking. Demand for professional and medical office space continues to grow as more and more of the population move to the southwestern part of Dallas County and beyond. Cedar Hill is situated perfectly to meet those markets.

 

Q. What are the most important needs of business in site selection?

The city of Cedar Hill approaches site selection like they do all city operations, with a transparent, open dialogue and trusting environment where relationships go the distance. Proper planning from the city has helped facilitate site selection whether it be retail, office, or light industrial operations. Cedar Hill’s economic development office works hand in hand with city departments to assist companies seeking to locate within the community. Forward-thinking zoned areas make connecting the dots much easier for business owners and city officials alike.

 

Q. What are your biggest recent economic development wins?

Serving as a regional hub for retail and dining, Cedar Hill continues driving new commercial concepts, including adaptive reuse of existing structures located in the historic downtown area. Lake Moreno Partners and the city are working on downtown concepts that will soon welcome a 40,000-square foot project, located at W. Belt Line Road and Broad Street, to offer a mix of uses including retail, restaurant, and office space. In the uptown area, the city along with TAJ Hospitality broke ground on an Aloft Hotel and Convention Center project that will bring 136 hotel rooms and convention center space, adding enhanced commercial and entertainment amenities for residents and visitors. Most recently, the city welcomed both Fuel City and Total Wine & More, with approved plans for new Specs and additional retail in the city’s core trade area.

 

Q. What’s your community’s pitch to businesses that want to relocate?

Cedar Hill’s unique natural qualities, strategic central location, excellent connectivity, and solid infrastructure supports a wide range of business sectors.  These are just a few of the reasons why so many national and regional brands of distinction are calling Cedar Hill home. These companies represent nearly 4M square feet of retail and office space, making Cedar Hill a regional commercial hub. Cedar Hill’s industrial sector is exceptionally diversified as well. The ease of connectivity to the region, availability of freight-rail, and access to well-educated human capital promote growth and profitability in industries from metal fabrication and distribution centers to commercial fixture and aeronautical component manufacturing.
 

Q. How has your community been affected by the North Texas region’s economic expansion?

Currently considered only 56% developed – amid one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the nation – Cedar Hill’s sound planning, friendly, stable environment, and unique community and business amenities will continue to attract businesses for many years to come. Cedar Hill’s innovative, sustainable land use planning balances growth with a deep commitment to preserving and connecting its natural spaces. Significant transportation infrastructure enhancement projects are currently in construction to increase capacity and reduce congestion resulting from the area’s rapid growth. Alongside Future Loop 9, which will connect Cedar Hill’s industrial and commercial regions directly to Interstate 45, Interstate 35, the city is poised to provide more options for residents, businesses, and visitors, to reach destinations within our expansive trade area.