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The Farm in Allen, a 135-acre mixed-use development located on State Highway 121 at Alma Drive, is nearing completion of its first crop of apartments. The project, which was announced almost three years ago by developers JaRyCo Development and the Johnson family, owners of the land, is set to transform the area with its diverse offerings.
According to Bruce Heller, President of JaRyCo, the first residents will begin moving into the apartments in July. He expressed excitement about the upcoming opening, stating that it will bring a new character to the development once people start living there. Wood Partners, an Atlanta-based developer, is constructing 325 rental units in its Alta at the Farm community, and has already acquired land for a second phase of construction.
Adjacent to the apartments is The Hub, a nearly 3-acre open-air entertainment and restaurant venue that serves as one of the development’s anchors. The Hub, which opened in November 2020, has attracted visitors looking to dine, enjoy live entertainment, and watch sports events on big screens. Heller explained that the venue is bustling with activity during evenings and weekends, and that the goal was to create a family-friendly atmosphere that would draw people in.
Construction has recently begun on another activity center at The Farm, a two-story complex for Austin-based High 5 Entertainment. This 70,000-square-foot entertainment center will feature a miniature golf course, a 24-lane bowling alley, a laser tag arena, axe throwing, escape rooms, and a restaurant and bar. The High 5 is expected to open early next year.
Chicken N Pickle, a Kansas City-based chain that operates bar, restaurant, and indoor pickleball facilities, has purchased approximately four acres in The Farm for its second North Texas location. Heller revealed that construction is scheduled to begin in the fall, and that Chicken N Pickle will occupy an entire block.
In addition to the apartments and entertainment projects, JaRyCo has plans to start construction on a 100,000-square-foot office building on the south side of State Highway 121. The office project was delayed due to the pandemic, but with office leasing starting to recover, construction will commence this month.
Heller emphasized that The Farm is under no pressure to rush construction due to its long-term ownership. The Johnson family acquired the land in the 1960s, and they want to create something special for the community. To that end, they have set aside over 30 acres for parks and green spaces, which will incorporate farm-themed elements to honor the land’s agricultural past.
On the south side of The Farm, homebuilder Ashton Woods is constructing more than 100 townhomes that will be available for sale. Heller noted that there is a long list of interested buyers for these townhomes. The developers also plan to construct restaurants and retail establishments along the east side of Alma Drive, with five free-standing restaurants overlooking a small pond and water feature. Additionally, a 6.5-acre site has been designated for a general retail center, offering everyday amenities such as a specialty grocer, a drug store, a dry cleaner, and a haircut salon.
Thanks to flexible zoning, The Farm has been able to adapt its mix of properties to market demands. Previous plans for the property included a big box retail center and more office buildings, but the zoning was changed to accommodate a wider range of uses. Heller revealed that the developer is considering a seniors housing community, as well as more retail and office spaces for future development.
Most of the highway frontage is expected to be used for office buildings, and discussions are underway with hotel operators. Heller stressed that they are not in a rush to sell hotel sites and will wait until they find the right fit for the development. The Farm in Allen aims to create a vibrant and diverse community that fulfills the needs of residents, workers, and visitors alike.
