Construction Has Begun at Grand Prairie’s Epic Central, Another Superscapes Mixed-Use Commercial Landscaping Project
Original Article: The Dallas Morning News - October 21, 2021
Grand Prairie is making some big waves with its latest city-owned investment, which is exciting for us because it means Crux Capital portfolio company, Superscapes, will be making an equally massive contribution managing the landscaping needs of the project.
Construction has kicked off on an exciting new addition to Epic Central, the 172-acre park along George W. Bush Tollway and Arkansas Lane. The expansion will feature two new hotels, a convention center, and restaurant space, adding to an already impressive lineup that includes five manmade lakes, a water park, and a recreation center. With $75 million in voter-approved bonds, this long-awaited project is finally breaking ground, and it’s about to take Epic Central to a whole new level!
Here’s what’s on the way and why it’s such a big deal:
Hotels
Grand Prairie is investing about $50 million to bring two brand-new hotels to Epic Central, set to open in 2023. Managed by Concord Hospitality, the hotels will cater to both business travelers and families visiting the park.
- The Hilton Garden Inn will feature 129 luxury rooms, complete with an executive lounge, a restaurant, pool, fitness room, and business services.
- The Homewood Suites will offer 147 studio, one- and two-bedroom suites, all equipped with full kitchens for longer stays.
Both hotels are expected to attract business visitors from nearby companies like Lockheed Martin and Airbus Helicopters, alongside families enjoying Epic Central’s attractions.
Grand Prairie is building the hotels because Texas is offering a significant incentive: the state will return all sales tax generated by the hotels, conference center, and any businesses within 1,000 feet directly back to the city. This incentive is expected to return $25 million to Grand Prairie over the next 10 years, more than covering bond payments and boosting the city’s tax base.
Despite the leisure and hospitality sector being one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, cities like Grand Prairie are still moving forward with new hotel developments, encouraged by long-term economic benefits and recovery forecasts.
Grand Prairie is adding six new restaurant spaces, set to open in late 2022. The lineup includes Vidorra Cocina de Mexico, a modern American concept, Serious Pizza, Sliders and Shakes, Poach’d (a breakfast and brunch spot), and Loop 9 BBQ, an upscale barbecue restaurant by Larry Levine, founder of Chili’s. The city is still exploring options for the sixth space. These new restaurants will sit just north of Chicken N Pickle, a rotisserie chicken restaurant and pickleball venue, which is scheduled to open in December.
Entertainment
Grand Prairie is pushing to establish an entertainment zone at Epic Central, working with the State Legislature to allow patrons to carry alcoholic beverages throughout the area. This is particularly important for the outdoor lawn space, which will host various events. Similar zones are already in place at Sundance Square in Fort Worth and Texas Live in Arlington.
In addition, the area around the hotels and restaurants will feature a large outdoor space with a covered stage for concerts and events. The city is also partnering with outside firms to create light shows on the lakes, interactive technology, and public art installations. Plus, Bolder Adventure Park, an indoor entertainment center with rock climbing, zip lines, and ropes courses, is set to open in summer 2022.
Sounds pretty EPIC to us!!
