Latest Hillwood News

HILLWOOD LEASES RECORD 2.6 MILLION SQUARE FEET AT ALLIANCETEXAS IN FIRST HALF OF 2010

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (July 15, 2010) – Through the first six months of 2010, Hillwood leased 2.6 million square feet at its AllianceTexas development. That’s the highest lease total for the first half of a year in the development’s 21-year history, exceeding the previous high of 2.1 million square feet leased in the first six months of 2007. In the first half of last year, the company leased 1.9 million square feet at AllianceTexas.

Primarily due to the new leasing activity, close to 500 jobs have been added at AllianceTexas in the first half of the year. Another 1,300 jobs have been retained through renewals that were completed in the first six months of 2010.

Of the 2.6 million square feet leased so far in 2010, 1 million square feet are new deals and 1.6 million square feet are renewals.

“Equally as impressive as the amount of space that was leased in the first six months of 2010 is the diversity of what was leased,” said Mike Berry, president of Hillwood Properties. “Our bread and butter has always been our industrial portfolio, but close to 200,000 square feet of office space has been leased this year and several new retailers either completed leases or held grand openings at Alliance Town Center in the first half of 2010. Our Monterra Village apartment home community, which just opened in 2008, also is now 96% leased.”

Highlighting the leasing activity through the first six months of 2010 at AllianceTexas was LG Electronics leasing 165,402 square feet and adding 65 new jobs with the relocation of its cell phone repair unit from Alabama to AllianceTexas. Exel Logistics also expanded the North American Distribution Center that it operates for LEGO from the 402,500 Gateway 62 building to 596,000 square feet in the nearby Gateway 60 building. Texas Instruments, Lockheed, Ryder and Tarrant County College renewed leases at AllianceTexas.

At Alliance Town Center, leases were completed with AAA, Jos. A. Bank, Texas Health Resources and Zoe’s Kitchen, while Rooms To Go, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and Tutti Frutti opened during the first half of 2010.

In addition to the record leasing activity, construction also was booming at AllianceTexas through the first six months of 2010. Health Care Service Corp., the parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, recently completed its 250,000 square-foot data center. Kroger began construction on its 123,000 Marketplace Concept store at Alliance Town Center. In addition construction continued on the 750,000 square-foot Deloitte University training and leadership center at Circle T Ranch, as well as the 200,000 square-foot United Markets in the Alliance Global Logistics Hub. Texas Health Resources is scheduled to begin construction later this year on its new hospital campus on the 40 acres that it bought from Hillwood last year at Golden Triangle and Interstate 35W.

The 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the Monterra Village apartment home community, Alliance Town Center, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. More than 50 companies at AllianceTexas are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is one of the top commercial and residential real estate developers and investors in the country. The company's developments currently house facilities for 65 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles and the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas.

LEGO Expands Distribution Center by 200,000 SF

Jennifer Duell Popovec — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ROANOKE, TX-LEGO Systems Inc. has expanded its North American distribution center by nearly 200,000 square feet, moving into 596,000 square feet at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, which is part the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development.

The Denmark-based company, which provides toys and teaching materials for children, currently occupies the 402,500 square-foot Alliance Gateway 62 building at 400 Patriot Pkwy. LEGO first opened its Alliance distribution center in 2006. The center is managed by Exel Inc., a third-party logistics company that occupies about 2.5 million square feet at Alliance.

“LEGO only has one distribution facility in North America, and their business had grown exponentially so they ran out of space,” says Tony Creme, who represented Hillwood internally on the deal. The tenant was represented by Dan Cook of Cushman & Wakefield of Texas.

Creme tells GlobeSt. that LEGO is a textbook example of Hillwood’s flexibility. “We have the ability to tear up a lease mid-term and move a tenant into another space,” he points out, adding that LEGO/Excel had two years left on the original lease.

LEGO’s new distribution space is in the 756,000-square-foot Alliance Gateway 60 building located at 300 Freedom Dr. The company, which will occupy 79% of the building, has the opportunity to expand into the remaining space as it grows.

The building, which had an asking rate of $3.25 per square foot, triple net, had been vacant for a year. It was previously occupied by Ryder Logistics and Phillips Electronics and represented Hillwood’s largest vacancy in the Alliance project.

LEGO’s existing space will be returned to Hillwood’s vacant inventory, but Creme says it’s a great building to have back since it offers rail service and all the “bells and whistles” including foreign trade zone designation.

Originally, Alliance Gateway 62 did not have foreign trade zone designation, and Hillwood worked with the city and state to obtain it for LEGO. “The new building had to have a foreign trade zone, and we were able to get a modification for it like we did for the previous building,” Creme explains. “This is a great public-private partnership that made this deal work. The city has a pro-business attitude and wanted to make sure that the expansion would happen.”

As part of the new lease, Hillwood made some improvements to the Alliance Gateway 60 building. “We repainted the exterior and refurbished the office area so their new home looks very similar to their old home,” Creme says.

LEGO joins a list of companies including General Mills, Motorola, ATC Logistics, SC Johnson & Sons, LG Electronics, and Bell Helicopter that have expanded at Alliance.

LEGO EXPANDS NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTION CENTER AT ALLIANCE GLOBAL LOGISTICS HUB

Contact: David Pelletier, Hillwood (817/224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LEGO EXPANDS NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTION CENTER AT ALLIANCE GLOBAL LOGISTICS HUB

Deal Shows Development’s Ability To Accommodate Customer Expansions

FORT WORTH, Texas (May 24, 2010) – LEGO Systems Inc. has expanded its North American Distribution Center at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub by close to 200,000 square feet, moving into 596,000 square feet in the Alliance Gateway 60 building. The company currently occupies the 402,500 square-foot Alliance Gateway 62 building. Both facilities are in the Roanoke, Texas section of the Alliance Global Logistics Hub.

This deal shows Hillwood’s ability to accommodate customer growth at Alliance. LEGO can expand its operation to a facility down the street from its existing facility, thus avoiding many of the operational and labor issues inherent with most moves. LEGO joins a list of companies, such as General Mills, Motorola, ATC Logistics, SC Johnson & Sons, LG Electronics, and Bell Helicopter that have expanded at Alliance.

Lego’s distribution center is managed by Exel Inc., a third-party logistics company that operates in approximately 2.5 million square feet of space at Alliance.

Exel was represented by Dan Cook of Cushman & Wakefield of Texas. Hillwood was represented in-house by Tony Creme.

LEGO first opened its North American Distribution Center at Alliance in 2006. The 756,000 square-foot Alliance Gateway 60 building is located at 300 Freedom Drive.

The LEGO Group (www.lego.com) is a privately held company based in Billund, Denmark. The company is engaged in the development of children’s creativity through playing and learning. Based on the world-famous LEGO brick, the company today provides toys, experiences and teaching materials for children in more than 130 countries. The LEGO Group has approximately 8,000 employees, and it is the world’s fifth largest manufacturer of play materials.

The Alliance Global Logistics Hub is part of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development. In addition to the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the development includes the Monterra Village apartment home community, Alliance Town Center, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. More than 50 companies at AllianceTexas are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company's developments currently house facilities for 65 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles and the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas.

# # #

LG Electronics adding jobs at Fort Worth's Alliance corridor

Sandra Baker — Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LG Electronics plans to move as many as 65 cellphone repair jobs from Alabama to Alliance in far north Fort Worth next month, and that number could grow to a few hundred jobs during the year, a company executive said Monday.

LG, a Korean consumer electronics company with worldwide operations, is consolidating its cellphone repair business into one location, said Kevin Grey, human resources director at the company's facility in Huntsville, Ala. It has operated a manufacturing and repair facility there since 1981.

Click here to read the full article.

RENEWALS RETAIN CLOSE TO 3,900 EMPLOYEES IN ALLIANCETEXAS

Contact: David Pelletier (817/224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (April 27, 2010) – Hillwood has renewed leases for more than 3 million square feet at its AllianceTexas development over the past year. The renewals, many of which were with industry leading companies, also retained close to 3,900 jobs.

“While new deals tend to attract the most attention, renewals are just as important because they maintain the vitality of the development and show that existing companies are successful here,” said Bill Burton, senior vice president of Hillwood Properties, the developer and manager of AllianceTexas. “Our team at Alliance is particularly proud of the fact that we’ve retained every customer and every job we possibly could in a development that has 230 companies, 28,000 jobs and more than 31 million square feet.”

One of the largest renewals over the past year was for a total of 556,039 square feet in two buildings with ATC Logistics & Electronics, which employs 2,600 workers at Alliance. Renewals also were completed with industry leaders, such as LG Electronics (499,797 square feet), General Mills (670,000), S.C. Johnson (408,000), Exel Logistics/Texas Instruments (409,914) and Coca-Cola (127,200), over the past 12 months.

# # #

DBJ Heavy Hitters—Q&As

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Heavy Hitters—Q&As: Industrial Project Leasing brokers

Steve Aldrich

Hillwood

HOMETOWN: Dallas

COLLEGE: Trinity University

CAREER DEBUT: 1997

SURVIVING THE EARLY YEARS: I loved my early years in the business. I got to see the tech bubble burst early on. I had no money, anyway, so it was a great lesson. When making money is easy and things seem too good to be true, they are.

TOP 2009 DEAL: My favorite deal of 2009 was having our second little girl, Georgia.

GOOD TIMES: Driving through AllianceTexas every day for the past 12 years. When I started, Highway 114 was a two-lane blacktop and we had less than 10 million square feet on the ground. It’s easy to lose perspective when you see something every day, but I try and remind myself regularly what has happened out here over the past 12 years.

CHALLENGES: We are having to get creative, but I think that’s a good thing. Fortunately, we have an excellent project to sell. Overall, however, the market is going to have to equilibrate, which isn’t completely in our control. We like seeing deals completed and if they don’t happen at Alliance, we like to see them happen anywhere in the market.

FOOTBALL PLAYER YOU’RE MOST LIKE: Ki Aldrich.

Tony Creme

Hillwood Properties

HOMETOWN: Syracuse, N.Y.

COLLEGE: Southern Methodist University

CAREER DEBUT: 1998

SURVIVING THE EARLY YEARS: I used the first few years to network and learn as much as I could so I would be prepared when the market came back.

TOP 2009 DEAL: Q-Edge, a 365,000-square-foot lease. It was a heavily negotiated deal, and the competition was extremely intense at the very end.

GOOD TIMES: Every deal we do is rewarding, especially the development deals that add new product to our project, AllianceTexas.

CHALLENGES: Filling our large blocks of vacant space. We are staying very close to our customers and getting aggressive on every deal we see.

OPPORTUNITIES: Foreclosed properties. That is where people are willing to put their money.

FOOTBALL PLAYER YOU’RE MOST LIKE: Peyton Manning. He always takes control of his offense and makes quick decisions on the fly to adapt to each situation.

Heavy Hitters—Q&As: Rookies

Reid Goetz

Hillwood Development Corp.

HOMETOWN: Fort Worth

COLLEGE: The University of Texas at Austin

CAREER DEBUT: 2005

SURVIVING THE EARLY YEARS: One of the most challenging aspects of beginning a career in commercial real estate is having to build professional relationships from scratch, as well as learning every piece of the development, leasing, acquisition and capital sides of business. I learned to never miss an opportunity to network and to become a sponge whenever I was in business meetings or working on new projects.

TOP 2009 DEAL: Each individual deal we did within AllianceTexas presented its own set of challenges and unique characteristics, making each deal my favorite in its own way.

GOOD TIMES: The relationships. Forming long-term relationships with customers and brokers in the marketplace has been very rewarding and is one of the most enjoyable aspects of this business.

CHALLENGES: One of the biggest challenges is developing original ideas in an effort to create new business opportunities while responding to the changing needs of companies in the current economic conditions. At Alliance, our approach to responding to those challenges remains the same — keeping our heads down and continuing to work hard while providing the best possible operating environment and services to our customers.

OPPORTUNITIES: The greatest opportunities are going to lie in the way companies re-evaluate the way they do business. As companies look for ways to improve operating costs, increase efficiencies in logistics and supply chains, I believe that AllianceTexas is in a terrific position to provide those companies with the compelling options to meet their needs.

FOOTBALL PLAYER YOU’RE MOST LIKE: Without being too partial to my alma mater, I would have to say Colt McCoy’s approach to football best exemplifies my approach to business (sorry, I can’t help it). Colt looks at each day as an opportunity to work harder and become a better student of the sport, a philosophy that guided him to the most wins for a quarterback in NCAA history and to the largest stage in NCAA collegiate sports. While any hopes of a national championship stage long passed me by (pro quarterback abilities and a sub-5.0 40 were never in my future), I still go into the office each day with the attitude to work harder than the previous day and with the desire to become a better professional.

Heavy Hitters—Q&As: Retail brokers

Mark Miller

Hillwood

HOMETOWN: Dallas

COLLEGE: Texas A&M

CAREER DEBUT: 1997

SURVIVING THE EARLY YEARS: The early years were not too rough. I learned to be patient. I stuck it out because it was fun and interesting.

TOP 2009 DEAL: Kroger Marketplace because it was the first one they were doing in Fort Worth and although it was a challenging deal, it will be a good deal for everyone.

GOOD TIMES: Just the day to day learning of the different facets of the business.

CHALLENGES: Financing. Trying to find ways to get a harmonious marriage between equity and debt where everyone benefits.

OPPORTUNITIES: Single tenant deals.

FOOTBALL PLAYER YOU’RE MOST LIKE: Dat Nguyen because he is an Aggie and he was tenacious and persevered.

Exec has bright hopes for Entech Solar in Fort Worth

Barry Shlachter — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

David Gelbaum marked Earth Day 24 hours in advance, welcoming scores of guests ranging from local middle schoolers to landlord Ross Perot Jr. into his solar energy skunk works at Fort Worth's Alliance industrial park.

Click here to read the full article.

Airport tops its field

Barry Shlachter, Scott Nishimura and Sandra Baker — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Alliance Fixed Base Operation at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, a private passenger terminal and airplane hangar, has received the Exxon Mobil Premier Spirit Award for the 14th consecutive year as top among 200 Exxon Mobil facilities worldwide.

Click here to read the full article.

ALLIANCE FACILITY EARNS TOP FBO HONOR FOR UNPRECEDENTED 14TH STRAIGHT YEAR

Contact: David Pelletier ((817/224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas – For an unprecedented 14^th consecutive year, the Alliance Fixed Base Operation (FBO) at Fort Worth Alliance Airport has received the ExxonMobil Premier Spirit Award as one of the top FBOs among the approximately 200 ExxonMobil facilities around the world. Last year Fort Worth Alliance Airport handled close to 105,000 operations, which are the most at the facility since 2001.

The Alliance FBO is particularly recognized for the services provided during NASCAR weekends at Texas Motor Speedway. Between Wednesday and Sunday, more than 400 flights will arrive at the airport. Approximately 200 aircraft will be parked at the facility during Sunday's race. NASCAR officials have used the Alliance FBO as the example of excellence that should be achieved by other airport facilities on their racing circuit.

The ExxonMobil Premier Spirit Award is based on surveys of independent pilots who visit FBOs around the country and detailed inspections by ExxonMobil’s professional quality Assurance Team. No other FBO has won the honor more.

A Fixed Base Operation is a private terminal and hangar that provides passengers, pilots and cargo carriers with a wide array of services, including catering, maintenance, fuel, accommodations, ground transportation and plane storage. The facility is managed by Alliance Aviation services, an operating company of Hillwood, the developer of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development.

The Alliance FBO serves passengers and pilots of private planes, as well as military aircraft. The 83,409-square-foot facility features a 23,000-square-foot aviation/office center and more than 62,000 square feet of hangar space. Among its amenities are a plush lounge, a pilots room complete with a shower and sleeping area, and a flight control room for pilots to file flight plans and monitor weather.

AllianceTexas also includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the Monterra Village apartment home community, Alliance Town Center, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities.

# # #

Ross Perot Jr. and one other selected to real estate Hall of Fame

Steve Brown — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dallas businessman Ross Perot Jr. and real estate investor James Sowell are getting top honors from the North Texas commercial property industry.

Perot and Sowell next month will be inducted into the North Texas Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame.

The award is sponsored by the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors and Real Estate Professionals and will be presented on May 13 in Dallas.

Perot’s Hillwood companies have developed landmark North Texas real estate projects including the Alliance complex in North Fort Worth and Dallas’ Victory Park development.

Sowell’s investment firm, Sowell and Co., has built residential communities throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area and in other Texas markets.

The new hall of fame members will join a group that includes the likes of Trammell Crow, Henry S. Miller Jr. and Roger Staubach. More than 70 past and present real estate players have been honored with this industry accolade.

Along with the awards to Perot and Sowell, a lifetime achievement award will be given to Dallas brothers Jerry and John Bradley, who’ve worked as commercial real estate agents here since 1970.

Texas Tops FTZ Value Tally

Adam Bruns — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

According to the recently released 70th Annual Report of the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to the U.S. Congress, Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone No. 196 in north Texas admitted US$5.357 billion in foreign products in fiscal year 2008, tops in the U.S. among general-purpose FTZs, and was joined in the top five by fellow Texas zones in Houston and El Paso. The state is home to 31 of the nation’s 164 general-purpose FTZs, with half of the top 10 by foreign goods value located there.

According to AllianceTexas developer Hillwood, “in large part due to its role in handling imports, AllianceTexas has had an economic impact of $36.4 billion on the North Texas economy. In addition the development has attracted $6.8 billion in private investment, generated more than $730 million in property taxes and created 28,000 fulltime jobs.”

The FTZ board in fiscal 2008 issued 47 formal orders, including approvals for one new general-purpose zone and 20 new subzones. Authority was also granted for the expansion of 10 existing general-purpose zones. Other actions included six expansions of the scope of manufacturing activity, as well as six approvals for new manufacturing activity in zones. “The number of facilities using subzone status during the year was 254,” said the report. “The combined value of shipments into general-purpose zones and subzones totaled over $692 billion, compared with $502 billion the previous year. General-purpose sites received nearly $75 billion in merchandise. Total shipments received at subzone sites amounted to over $617 billion.”

Over $40 billion worth of exports were shipped from facilities operating under FTZ procedures during fiscal 2008, and total FTZ employment came to approximately 330,000 persons at some 2,500 firms.

Exports from FTZs have grown steadily over the past decade, more than doubling in value since 2002. Vehicles led the way in value of foreign status goods admitted in FTZs, at more than $10.4 billion, followed by petroleum products and consumer electronics.

Blazing a Trail Across the High-Tech Frontier

Jenny Vickers — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In a struggling global economy, Texas is making made great strides to stand apart from the crowd. If Texas were a nation, its economy would rank as the 12th largest in the world by GDP, according to the Texas Comptroller’s 2008 estimates. A leader in the global marketplace, the Lone Star state was ranked as the number one state by export revenues for the eighth year in a row, totaling $163.4 billion in 2009. It is also home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other state in the nation.

Texas continues to garner national attention, including top economic rankings by the Milken Institute, CNNMoney, and Forbes, which ranked the Lone Star State number 1 for Economic Climate in its “Best States for Business” report.

One of the most successful industries in Texas is its innovative energy and technology development sector. Pushing Texas into the high tech frontier is the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF). In January, Gov. Rick Perry reauthorized $203.5 million for this initiative, which is helping to attract new investments in the state’s emerging technology centers.

UT-Pan American is receiving $3.4 million through the TETF for the creation of its Rapid Response Manufacturing Center, geared to reduce the lead time in a product’s life cycle between inception and delivery to the customer. The center will provide greater commercialization opportunities in South Texas by centralizing all product development, design, testing and distribution in one location, in Edinburg, TX, driving new products into the market faster.

Photon8 Inc., a startup company leading the development of algae bio-fuel technology in partnership with The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, received a $1 million grant from TETF. The company will use the award to genetically enhance the performance of the algae and advance its extraction technology.

“Texas is a leader in the energy sector and a leader in research and use in alternative energy,” Gov. Perry said, announcing the grant. “Through the help of Photon8 we hope to spur innovation in biofuels that does not interfere with our food supply.”

The partnership between Photon8 and UTB/TSC is leading research in algae-based biodiesel fuel. Photon 8 is housed at the ITEC Center.

“Photon8 and UTB/TSC are charting new pathways and together making unanticipated breakthroughs,” said Brad Bartilson, president and CEO of Photon8. “We are committed to making Texas the leader in sustainable energy.”

Since August, Photon8 Inc. moved its headquarters from New Jersey to the UTB/TSC campus and has begun working with professors and students in the chemistry, environmental science, molecular biology, MEMS and electro-magnetics departments.

ScanTech Sciences Inc. is receiving $2 million from TETF for the development and commercialization of food sterilization technology that uses electronic pasteurization to ensure the safety and freshness of food. The technology will allow for safer food imports by removing more insects, bacteria and toxins without using chemicals.

In addition to these TETF projects, National Instruments has announced a new NI Texas Emerging Technology Grant Program, which provides software and training services to companies that receive TETF investments. NI’s LabView software helps young companies make the transition from the lab to the market.

To date, TETF has allocated more than $126 million in funds to 98 early-stage companies, and $153 million in grant matching and research superiority funds to Texas universities. For more information on the TETF, visit http://www.emergingtechfund.com.

ALLIANCETEXAS: THE NATION'S TOP FOREIGN TRADE ZONE

AllianceTexas, developed by Hillwood (a Perot Company), is a 17,000-acre, master-planned, mixed-use community located in north Fort Worth. AllianceTexas offers a variety of commercial real estate options, including new industrial, office and retail. Anchored by the inland port known as the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, AllianceTexas is home to 230 companies, 28,000 employees and 7,100 single-family homes.

In February, the Alliance Global Logistics Hub was named the nation’s top foreign trade zone by the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Board for the third consecutive year. About $5.4 billion worth of foreign-made products passed through the local, general-purpose zone last year, according to the board’s annual report to Congress. That surpasses the $4 billion admitted through the second-place Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

“With Alliance, you have an airport, two rail lines and a highway [Interstate 35W], which is huge in distribution circles,” said David Pelletier, a spokesman with Hillwood, the developer behind the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development.

The foreign trade zone helps lure companies to AllianceTexas, Pelletier said. The designation allows companies to import products before U.S. customs inspections are made and pay no duty until the products leave the foreign-trade zone. “It’s just one more cost-savings measure that helps attract companies into the development,” Pelletier noted.

Hillwood officials expect the value of products passing through the zone to grow as ATC Logistics & Electronics continues to operate after setting up shop in 2009. The company provides repair and assembly services for GPS and cell phone manufacturers and providers. Other companies with operations in the FTZ include Motorola, Lego and Hyundai.

Since opening Fort Worth Alliance Airport—considered the centerpiece of AllianceTexas—Hillwood has watched companies flock to the development. Proximity to the world’s first industrial airport, which opened in 1989, and major freeways and rail lines, has made AllianceTexas a major player not only for attracting corporate tenants, but for enriching the local economy.

AllianceTexas now houses more than 230 companies, including 65 from either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes list of Top Private Firms. These companies have built more than 3,129 million square feet and created more than 29,000 jobs. For more information, visit http://www.alliancetexas.com/.

Deloitte to open Westlake campus 'mid-2011'

A. Lee Graham — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Deloitte's Westlake campus will not be available for public education - at least not in its early days.

"It's something we will consider," said Stephen Silverstein, director of real estate and workplace strategies with the New York-based accounting and consulting firm.

Speaking at the March 2 Northwest Metroport Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Silverstein described the $300-million training facility and corporate campus under construction on 107 acres bounded by Dove, Ottinger and Precinct Line roads and State Highway 114.

When complete in mid-2011, the resource dubbed "Deloitte University" will educate, entertain and likely inspire the thousands of visitors expected to walk through the mammoth facility.

"We really landed a great piece of property," said Silverstein. Deloitte employs 45,000 and operates 102 U.S. offices in 92 cities with nearly $11 billion in total U.S. annual revenues. After considering multiple sites as its next significant location, Silverstein said several factors made Westlake the obvious choice: airport access, an attractive physical location, surrounding amenities and climate. "We'll scratch this year," said Silverstein, drawing laughter from the capacity crowd.

Thousands of visitors are expected to train on the sprawling campus, broadening their skills while enlivening the local economy. Area restaurants, sports arenas and other recreational locations are expected to benefit from their business.

Deloitte employees are expected to give back, as well, donating one day a year to community volunteerism.

"We buy the paint, we buy the paintbrushes, we teach in schools," said Silverstein, touching on only a few ways in which he said Deloitte employees provide volunteer time in their respective communities.

"When you see the faces of those you impact, that's what makes it worthwhile."

Pressed to specify an opening date for the Westlake campus, the executive said "mid-2011. That's all you'll get out of me."

An unusually snowy winter has pushed back the construction schedule by a few weeks, said Silverstein, vowing that workers will catch up.

Though sizable, the campus conforms to Westlake's rural flavor and hilly terrain. Silverstein assured folks that the community's next major corporate tenant will not disrupt its way of life.

"We've built the project into the property," said Silverstein, estimating that construction has cost only about six trees. Primary access to the property will be via a private road extending from Westlake Parkway, minimizing the traffic impact on Dove and Ottinger roads. As for the facility itself, Silverstein touted its aesthetic qualities in a PowerPoint presentation.

"It's very Texas, low country, very ranch," Silverstein said of facilities that incorporate natural light and open space. In addition to several cyber cafes, a restaurant and a 30,000-square-foot ballroom will be an 800-room company hotel.

New TCU scholarship program honors former Mayor Bolen

Gene Trainor — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH -- Texas Christian University has received $2.5 million to endow scholarships in honor of former Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen.

Click here to read the full article.

Fort Worth Intermodal Airport, AllianceTexas, Celebrates 20 Years

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As it reached its 20th anniversary on Dec. 14, AllianceTexas has had a $36.4 billion economic impact on North Texas. The 229 companies that now call the development home have built 31.2 million sq ft and created 28,000 jobs. Since the development began, the companies and residents of the AllianceTexas also have paid more than $730 million in property taxes, including more than $105 million in 2008.

Fort Worth Alliance Airport opened on Dec. 14, 1989 as the world’s first industrial airport and the centerpiece of an Alliance development that initially was designed to attract air cargo and aerospace manufacturing facilities. The subsequent addition of the BNSF Intermodal Facility on the west side, along with the existing Union Pacific mainline to rail serve buildings on the east side of the development, as well as the FedEx Sorting Hub, created an inland port intermodal logistics hub that is now the prototype for similar projects across the country.

Billions of foreign goods come through Alliance trade zone

A. Lee Graham — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Alliance Global Logistics Hub for the third consecutive year was named the nation's top foreign trade zone by the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone Board.

About $5.4 billion worth of foreign-made products passed through the local, general-purpose zone last year, according to the board's annual report to Congress. That surpasses the $4 billion admitted through the second-place Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

"You have an airport and two rail lines and a highway [Interstate 35W], which is huge in distribution circles," said David Pelletier, a spokesman with Hillwood, the developer behind the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development.

"It's just one more cost-savings measure that helps you attract companies into the development," Pelletier said.

Other companies with operations at the foreign trade zone include Motorola, Lego and Hyundai.

Since opening Fort Worth Alliance Airport -- considered the centerpiece of AllianceTexas -- Hillwood has watched companies flock to the development. Proximity to the world's first industrial airport, which opened in 1989, not to mention major freeways and rail lines, has made AllianceTexas a major player not only for attracting corporate tenants, but for enriching the local economy.

No fewer than 15 of the Northwest school district's top 20 taxpayers are within AllianceTexas. For the current budget year, Citicorp Technology stood as the top AllianceTexas taxpayer, providing the school district $157,571,000 in taxable assessed valuation. But the district's top taxpayer overall is Devon Energy Production Co. , which provided $1,172,741,570 during the same period. Devon has no operations at AllianceTexas.

Other AllianceTexas companies on the list span several industries, with Cardinal Health 411 representing health care; Bell Helicopter Textron, Peregrine Point and AT&T Mobility representing commercial and industrial; and Cabela's Retail TX representing retail.

Of the $3,820,463 in commercial property listed on the school district's 2009-2010 taxable property breakdown, the lion's share of the property value is within AllianceTexas.

"Out of the $3.8 billion, quite a bit would be Alliance," said Jon Graswich, the district's chief financial officer.

Construction & Development

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cousin’s Bar-B-Q is planning to open a 4k SF location at Heritage Marketplace at Alliance Town Center in north Fort Worth after the building is completed in the fall. It will be the company’s seventh location. Located at the southwest corner of Heritage Trace Parkway and Riverside Drive, Heritage Marketplace is also home to the new 123k SF Kroger Marketplace, which will open in the 4Q10. Also scheduled to open this year at Alliance Town Center are Rooms To Go, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, and Olive Garden.

Alliance Town Center space

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cousin’s Bar-B-Q leased a 4,200-square-foot building from Hillwood at Heritage Marketplace at Alliance Town Center in north Fort Worth. The new Cousin’s location is expected to open after the building is completed in fall 2010 and will serve as the company’s seventh location.

Located at the southwest corner of Heritage Trace Parkway and Riverside Drive, Heritage Marketplace at Alliance Town Center also is home to the new 123,000-square-foot Kroger Marketplace, which will open in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Also scheduled to open this year at Alliance Town Center are Rooms To Go, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, and Olive Garden.

Cory McCord served as broker for Cousin’s Bar-B-Q in the transaction.

Cousin's Bar-B-Q to open at Alliance

Shlachter & Co. — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cousin's Bar-B-Q catered the Dec. 14, 1989, opening celebration of Fort Worth's Alliance Airport, and this fall it will become a permanent tenant.

Cousin's has leased a 4,200-square-foot building at Alliance Town Center, off Interstate 35W in far north Fort Worth. The building is under construction at the southwest corner of Heritage Trace Parkway and Riverside Drive and should be completed this fall.

Click here to read the full article.

Texas Takes Top Honors in FTZ Report

Texas Takes Top Honors in FTZ Report — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FT. WORTH-According to the recently released Annual Report of the Foreign-Trade Zones Board to the US Congress, the Board issued 47 formal orders during the 2008 fiscal year. The decisions included approvals for one new general-purpose zone and 20 new subzones.

Authority was also granted for the expansion of 10 existing general-purpose zones. Other actions included six expansions of the scope of manufacturing activity, as well as six approvals for new manufacturing activity in zones.

There were 164 FTZ projects fully active during the year, with subzones in operation in more than 100 of them. The number of facilities using subzone status during the year was 254.

The combined value of shipments into general-purpose zones and subzones totaled over $692 billion, compared with $502 billion the previous year. General-purpose sites received nearly $75 billion in merchandise, while total shipments received at subzone sites amounted to over $617 billion. Some 89% of zone activity took place at subzone facilities, which is consistent with the pattern of the past 15 years. Exports to foreign countries from facilities operating under FTZ procedures totaled over $40 billion.

Nearly 330,000 people were employed at some 2,500 firms that operated under FTZ procedures during the year. Industries that continued to account for most zone manufacturing activity included the oil refining, automotive, pharmaceutical and electronic product sectors. About 57% of the shipments received at zones involved domestic status merchandise.

For the third consecutive year, Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone #196 in Fort Worth, TX ranked as the top general purpose Foreign-Trade Zone in the US in terms of the value of foreign goods admitted, which accounted for $5.357 billion.

Located at the inland port-known as Alliance Global Logistics Hub-FTZ #196 should continue to grow with the 2009 addition of ATC Logistics & Electronics, which is leasing close to one million square feet and employing 2,600 workers at its Alliance facilities.

The port is part of Hillwood-developed AllianceTexas, a 17,000-acre master-planned, mixed-use community that includes Alliance Town Center, the Monterra Village apartment home community, the corporate campuses of Circle T Ranch, the Vaquero estate golf community and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. AllianceTexas now houses 7,200 single-family homes and 229 companies that occupy 31.2 million square feet.

In large part due to its role in handling imports, AllianceTexas has had an economic impact of $36.4 billion on the North Texas economy. In addition, the development has attracted $6.8 billion in private investment, generated more than $730 million in property taxes and created 28,000 fulltime jobs. Theres even a 9,400-acre international transportation complex, dubbed Alliance Airport.

We anticipate that the use of the Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone will allow us to realize significant cost savings for our customers, says Antony Francis, president of ATCLE. As we grow and gain a better understanding of how effective it can be, we expect to expand our use of the Foreign-Trade Zone in order to provide the best cost structure to our customers.

In addition to ATC Logistics & Electronics, major users of Foreign-Trade Zone #196 at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub include Hyundai, Trans-Trade, LEGO and Motorola.

COUSIN’S BAR-B-Q TO OPEN AT ALLIANCE TOWN CENTER

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Restaurant Returns Two Decades After Catering Opening Event Of

Fort Worth Alliance Airport

FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 3, 2010) – AllianceTexas recently reached its 20^th anniversary. Now one of the companies that was part of the airport’s opening celebration two decades ago will open a permanent location in the development. Cousin’s Bar-B-Q, which catered the original airport lunch on Dec. 14, 1989, has leased a 4,200 square-foot building from Hillwood at Heritage Marketplace at Alliance Town Center in north Fort Worth.

The new Cousin’s Bar-B-Q is expected to open after the building is completed in the Fall 2010. It will be the company’s seventh location.

“Cousin’s Bar-B-Q was at the Alliance opening 20 years ago, when there wasn’t anything there except the airport,” said Jeff Payne, CEO of Cousin’s Bar-B-Q. “Now there are 28,000 employees in the development and thousands of new homes in the area. After searching throughout North Texas, Cory McCord, our real estate broker, determined that this is a great location for many reasons, including the great business environment that Hillwood has created there even during tough economic times. Retailers at Alliance Town Center have done extremely well, while retailers in other places have struggled.”

Since 1983 Cousin’s has been serving up Texas-style Bar-B-Q with all the “fixins” for thousands of customers and several dignitaries, including President H.W. Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev. Last May, Cousin’s Bar-B-Q was named one of four finalists in the ABC Good Morning America “Best Barbecue Challenge.” The restaurant also was named one of the top 50 Bar-B-Q Joints in the state by Texas Monthly magazine in 2008.

Located at the southwest corner of Heritage Trace Parkway and Riverside Drive, Heritage Marketplace at Alliance Town Center is also home to the new 123,000 square-foot Kroger Marketplace, which will open in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Also scheduled to open this year at Alliance Town Center are Rooms To Go, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, and Olive Garden.

A joint development of Trademark and Hillwood, Alliance Town Center is located along the east side of Interstate 35W between North Tarrant Parkway and Heritage Trace Parkway. The 300-acre development is in the middle of one of the fastest growing areas in the nation over the past decade. Many restaurants and stores already have reached sales levels that are among the best for their respective companies.

More than 20 retailers occupy more than 600,000 square feet at Alliance Town Center. In addition to Cousin’s Bar-B-Q and the Kroger Marketplace, retailers include Bank of Texas, Belk, Best Buy, Cheddar’s, Dress Barn, Eye Masters, Freebirds World Burrito, Hobby Lobby, Jason’s Deli, JCPenney, Justice, Kincaid’s, Kirkland’s, Mattress Firm, McDonald’s, PetSmart, Rack Room, Rue 21, Sam Moon, Smoothie King, Sports Clips, Ulta, Wells Fargo, and Which Wich.

Alliance Town Center is part of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development that also includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, the Monterra Village apartment home community, and the single-family communities of Heritage, Saratoga and Vaquero. AllianceTexas houses more than 7,200 single-family homes and 229 companies that have built more than 31 million square feet and created 28,000 jobs.

# # #

Alliance Nation's Top Foreign Trade Zone

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH (Hillwood) – For the third consecutive year, Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone #196 ranks as the top General Purpose Foreign-Trade Zone in the United States in terms of the value of foreign goods admitted.

In the recently released Annual Report of the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to the U.S. Congress, Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone #196 admitted nearly $5.4 billion in foreign products.

Use of Foreign-Trade Zone #196 at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub should continue to grow with the activation by ATC Logistics & Electronics in 2009. ATC Logistics & Electronics handles assembly, repairs and logistics for GPS and cell phone manufacturers and providers. The company leases close to one million sf and employs 2,600 workers at its Alliance facilities.

Other major users of Foreign-Trade Zone #196 at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub include Hyundai, Trans-Trade, LEGO, and Motorola.

Alliance Tops FTZ List Again

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For the third consecutive year, Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone #196 ranks as the nation's top General Purpose FTZ in the value of foreign goods admitted ($5.4 billion). Harris County ranked third nationally with $4 billion; Dallas 15th with $679 million; and DFW Airport 23rd with $379 million. FTZs are secure areas under the supervision of US Customs and Border Protection and are considered outside the US customs territory for duty payment until imports enter domestic consumption; then the importer may choose paying duties on the original foreign materials or the finished product. There’s a high school algebra question in there somewhere.

ATC Logistics & Electronics prez Antony Francis says using the FTZ will allow significant cost savings for customers. ATCLE opened in 2009, leasing 1M SF. The firm assembles, repairs, and provides logistics for GPS and cell phone manufacturers and providers. Besides ATC, major users of FTZ #196 at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub include Hyundai, Trans-Trade, LEGO, and Motorola.

Alliance is tops in nation again in foreign goods admitted

Sandra Baker — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

More than $5.3 billion worth of goods came into the U.S. in 2008 through the foreign trade zone at Alliance in far north Fort Worth, ranking it No. 1 in the country for the third consecutive year, according to a new government report.

Click here to read the full article.

Hillwood's Alliance Foreign Trade Zone named country's top performer

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Alliance Global Logistics Hub has again topped the list of best-performing U.S.-based free trade zones. The list rates FTZs by the value of foreign goods admitted.

The Fort Worth Alliance trade zone admitted $5.357 billion in foreign products in the year 2009.

This is the third year in a row that the hub ranks first in the nation as a foreign free trade zone, according to a new report compiled by U.S. Congress.

The 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development was developed by Hillwood, a Perot company.

Other top ranked foreign-trade zones in Texas include No. 3 ranked Harris County (or Houston), which recorded a foreign trade value of $3.7 billion; and No. 5 ranked El Paso, which posted $1.2 billion in foreign trade value.

FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR, ALLIANCE GLOBAL LOGISTICS HUB RANKS AS TOP FOREIGN TRADE ZONE IN THE U.S. IN TERMS OF FOREIGN PRODUCTS ADMITTED

Contact: David Pelletier (817/224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Future Values Should Increase With Activation By ATC Logistics & Electronics in 2009

Contact: David Pelletier (817/224-6044)

dave.pelletier@hillwood.com

FORT WORTH, Texas (Jan. 27, 2010) – For the third consecutive year, Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone #196 ranks as the top General Purpose Foreign-Trade Zone in the United States in terms of the value of foreign goods admitted. In the recently released Annual Report of the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to the U.S. Congress (www.ia.ita.doc.gov/ftzpage/annualreport/ar-2008.pdf), Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone #196 admitted $5.357 billion in foreign products.

Utilization of Foreign-Trade Zone #196 at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub should continue to grow with the activation by ATC Logistics & Electronics in 2009. ATC Logistics & Electronics handles assembly, repairs and logistics for GPS and cell phone manufacturers and providers. The company leases close to a million square feet and employs 2,600 workers at its Alliance facilities.

“ATCLE anticipates that the use of the Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone will allow us to realize significant cost savings for our customers,” said Antony Francis, president of ATCLE. “As we grow and gain a better understanding of how effective it can be, we expect to expand our use of the Foreign Trade Zone in order to provide the best cost structure to our customers. ATCLE appreciates Hillwood’s diligence in providing a low-cost operating environment at Alliance and working closely with us to establish our Foreign-Trade Zone status.”

In addition to ATC Logistics & Electronics, major users of Foreign-Trade Zone #196 at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub include Hyundai, Trans-Trade, LEGO, and Motorola.

TOP U.S. GENERAL PURPOSE

FOREIGN TRADE ZONES

By Value Of Foreign Goods Admitted

(in millions $)

1. Fort Worth/Alliance (Texas)... $5,357

2. Newark/Elizabeth (N.J.).............. 4,060

3. Harris County (Texas)................. 3,775

4. Port Hueneme (California).......... 3,063

5. El Paso (Texas)........................... 1,200

6. Harrison County (MS)................. 1,168

7. Jacksonville (Florida)................... 1,101

8. Long Beach (California)............... 1,067

TOP TEXAS GENERAL PURPOSE

FOREIGN TRADE ZONES

By Value Of Foreign Goods Admitted

(in millions $)

U.S.

Rank

1. Fort Worth/Alliance ...... $5,357 1

2. Harris County.................... 3,775 3

3. El Paso.............................. 1,200 5

4. Ellis County.......................... 995 9

5. Brownsville........................... 987 10

6. Dallas.................................... 679 15

7. McAllen................................ 456 19

8. DFW Airport......................... 379 23

Foreign-trade zones are secure areas under the supervision of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. They are considered outside the customs territory of the United States for the purposes of duty payment. Under zone procedures, the usual formal customs entry procedure and payment of duties are not required on the foreign merchandise unless and until it enters U.S. Customs territory for domestic consumption, in which case the importer normally has a choice of paying duties either on the original foreign materials or the finished product. Foreign-trade zone sites and activities remain within the jurisdiction of federal, state and local governments and agencies.

In large part due to its role in handling imports, AllianceTexas has had an economic impact of $36.4 billion on the North Texas economy. In addition the development has attracted $6.8 billion in private investment, generated more than $730 million in property taxes and created 28,000 fulltime jobs.

In addition to the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development includes Alliance Town Center, the Monterra Village apartment home community, the corporate campuses of Circle T Ranch, the Vaquero estate golf community, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. AllianceTexas now houses 7,200 single-family homes and 229 companies that occupy 31.2 million square feet. Approximately 60 companies at AllianceTexas are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. Close to 80 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms have chosen to locate in Hillwood developments. In addition to the AllianceTexas project, Hillwood is best known for its development of American Airlines Center and the Victory mixed-use district near downtown Dallas and AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles.

# # #

New Hospital coming to Alliance

Jan Jarvis — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Alliance residents will be getting a new hospital close to home in late 2011.

Texas Health Resources plans to build a full-service hospital off Golden Triangle Boulevard, east of Interstate 35W.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for this fall with service beginning in late 2011 and construction complete by 2012. The hospital is expected to include an emergency room, acute-care inpatient beds, outpatient and surgical services, and offices.

The site, at 10001 Old Denton Road in Fort Worth, was chosen to meet the needs of residents in the Alliance area, one of the fastest-growing communities in North Texas, said Barclay E. Berdan, senior executive vice president of system alignment and performance at Texas Health Resources.

"They really don’t have great access to hospital and ambulatory services, and we thought this was a great opportunity to match up with the population up there," he said.

The new hospital will serve residents from Keller to east of Eagle Mountain Lake and northward about halfway to Denton. Initially, the facility will be a little smaller than Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital H-E-B and larger than Texas Health Azle.

Texas Health Resources bought 40 acres at the southwest corner of Old Denton Road and Golden Triangle Boulevard from Hillwood, Alliance’s developer, in mid-December, deed records show.

The deal involved swapping land that the health care company bought from Hillwood more than a decade ago. In 1999, Texas Health Resources bought 35.8 acres in the Circle T Ranch, east of U.S. 377 and along Alliance Gateway in Westlake. In December, it traded the Westlake land for the property about five miles south in Fort Worth.

After considering the distance that Alliance residents must travel for hospital care in Fort Worth’s medical district, the new site was better, Berdan said.

"We keep track of everything from drive times to rooftop counts, and it’s taking longer and longer for people to drive south down I-35," he said.

Mark Miller, Hillwood’s vice president of retail, said the hospital and ancillary services will be a "great boon" for the area. Alliance residents have long asked for more and closer medical services.

The facilities could also draw other businesses to Alliance, such as restaurants, to meet work-force needs.

Texas Health Resources approached Hillwood about six months ago, indicating that the company would rather have a site near I-35W, Miller said.

"Having one of the bigger players make a move, it’s going to be great," Miller said.

Not too far away, on I-35W and North Tarrant Parkway, HCA Health Services of Texas owns 73.5 acres where it has planned to build a hospital and medical offices.

The company, part of Nashville-based Hospital Corp. of America, first bought 60 acres in January 2003 and later acquired 13 acres near North Tarrant Parkway and Old Denton Road, just south of Alliance Town Center.

"We don’t have anything concrete yet ready to announce," said Randy Moresi, CEO of North Hills Hospital, an affiliate of HCA. "We’re still studying the situation."

But the area is a fantastic growth engine for Tarrant County, he said.

"There’s no question that the north part of Fort Worth through the Alliance area is going to be an incredible population generator for a long time," he said.

Texas Health Resources, which is based in Arlington, operates 14 hospitals, including the Harris Methodist hospitals, Presbyterian in Dallas and Arlington Memorial.

The 35 Biggest Moments in Modern Dallas History

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We had the bright idea of not just chronicling these important moments, but getting the people who made the moments happen to write about them. This proved to be a Herculean task, but our efforts paid off. What other city magazine in America could get no fewer than seven billionaires to contribute to such an undertaking?

AllianceTexas Reshapes the West

By Ross Perot Jr.

The AllianceTexas program is halfway through its 40-year plan, and is only 40 percent developed. But its impact has already been felt: 220 companies, 31 million square feet of commercial real estate, 28,000 jobs, 7,100 single-family homes, one new highway (Texas Highway 170, which connects Alliance to DFW Airport), and on and on. Expect all those numbers to keep rising during the coming years.

This is why the rich get richer: they constantly see opportunity where others see only obstacles. Ross Perot Jr. didn’t have AllianceTexas in his mind when he began buying land north of Fort Worth in 1983. He knew only that it was cheaper to buy there than it was in Dallas at the time. Or maybe he just doesn’t have a strong sense of smell.

Part of the reason the land north of Fort Worth was so readily available was that in the past the prevailing winds from the south brought the smell of the stockyards north and made living in that area extremely unpleasant. Although by the early 1980s the stockyards had been closed for years, that general perception still remained.

In the mid-1980s, the Federal Aviation Administration was looking for reliever airports around DFW Airport. When they approached us about putting one of these airports on our property north of Fort Worth, we decided to talk to some of the local aerospace companies about their future needs and any suggestions as to what type of airport should be built. The response we received was that the area needed a full-size airport that could accommodate any size jet. It would be one designed primarily for aerospace manufacturing and air cargo uses. We shared the idea with the FAA and the city of Fort Worth, which both saw the value of creating an airport-anchored project that would have more of an economic impact on the area than a small reliever airport.

Ironically, the first deal that was done at Alliance was rail related. While the runways were under construction, we were approached by Santa Fe Railroad, now BNSF Railway, about purchasing land to build a facility to offload automobiles from trains, adjacent to its mainline on the west side of the development. This led to the realization of the importance of rail, along with the airport and Interstate 35W, in creating a multimodal inland port logistics hub.

The intermodal concept became even more refined when the Hillwood team worked with BNSF to build one of the country’s largest intermodal facilities, where containers filled with goods from Asia arrive by train via the West Coast ports. Those goods then are transferred from train to truck and transported to a nearby distribution center and eventually to other regions of the United States.

Alliance is now the prototype for the inland port logistics hubs, which became more prevalent as manufacturing moved overseas. The development is the busiest Foreign-Trade Zone in the country, admitting $7.46 billion in foreign products, which is almost twice as much as the next busiest U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone.

Ross Perot Jr. is chairman of Hillwood Development Company. He is also a founder and former president and CEO of Perot Systems, where he served as chairman until its purchase by Dell last year.

Texas Health Resources Planning New Tarrant County Hospital

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, TEXAS — Texas Health Resources has announced plans to construct a new full-service hospital in north Tarrant County. The facility will be built on a recently acquired 40-acre parcel located at the intersection of Golden Triangle Boulevard and Old Denton Road, within Hillwood's AllianceTexas development. While the design stage is currently under way, initial plans call for between 50 and 100 beds with expansion capability. Other features of the hospital will include an emergency room, outpatient and surgical services, physician offices and acute-care beds. Groundbreaking is expected to occur this fall, with the grand opening scheduled for late 2011. Texas Health currently has two Tarrant County medical properties in Saginaw and Keller.

Texas Health Resources Plans Alliance Hospital

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH – Texas Health Resources will break ground in the fall on a hospital to service north Tarrant County, where it's just bought a tract of land near the intersection of Interstate 35 and Golden Triangle Boulevard.

If all goes as planned, the hospital will open in late 2011 along Old Denton Road, situated within the footprint of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas. The facility will include an emergency room, outpatient and surgical services, acute-care inpatient beds and doctors' offices.

"North Tarrant County is one of the fastest growing communities in North Texas with limited health care resources to meet the needs of residents," said Barclay E. Berdan, senior executive vice president of the Arlington, Texas-based Texas Health Resources. "Growth in this market will give us the opportunity to provide better coordination of care for patients throughout Tarrant and surrounding counties as well as reach new patients."

Texas Health Resources buys land for new northern Tarrant County hospital

Jason Roberson — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Texas Health Resources Inc., the largest hospital system in North Texas, said Wednesday it has bought 40 acres in northern Tarrant County with plans to build a full-service hospital.

The Arlington-based company will break ground on the hospital in the fall near the intersection of Interstate 35W and Golden Triangle Boulevard, with hopes of opening it in late 2011.

Texas Health bought the land from Hillwood Development Co. but did not disclose the price.

The hospital will include an emergency room, outpatient and surgical services, physician offices and acute care inpatient beds to serve North Fort Worth, Saginaw and Keller.

"North Tarrant County is one of the fastest-growing communities in North Texas with limited health care resources to meet the needs of residents," said Barclay Berdan, senior executive vice president at Texas Health.

The purchase adds to a trend in North Texas of not-for-profit hospital systems buying up large amounts of undeveloped land. In fact, the two largest not-for-profit hospital systems in the area – Baylor Health Care System and Texas Health – own more than 460 undeveloped acres in North Texas, according to property records.

It takes 35 acres, on average, to build a hospital. At that size, Baylor and Texas Health, owner of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, could build 13 hospitals on their vacant land.

Hospital executives say they are buying the land in preparation for a population boom.

Tarrant County has 1.7 million people but is expected to have 2.2 million in 15 years, according to the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

Alliance area to get new Texas Health hospital

Jan Jarvis and Sandra Baker — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Residents in the Alliance area in far north Fort Worth will be getting a new hospital close to home in late 2011.

Texas Health Resources plans to build a full-service hospital off Golden Triangle Boulevard, east of Interstate 35W.

Click here to read the full article.

TEXAS HEALTH RESOURCES ANNOUNCES PLANS TO BUILD NEW HOSPITAL AT HILLWOOD’S ALLIANCETEXAS DEVELOPMENT IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ARLINGTON, Texas (Jan. 6, 2010) — Texas Health Resources, the largest health care system in North Texas, has purchased land in north Tarrant County with plans to build a full-service hospital in the AllianceTexas development near the intersection of Interstate 35 and Golden Triangle Boulevard in Fort Worth, Texas.

In December Texas Health Resources purchased the 40-acre site from Hillwood, the developer of AllianceTexas.

“North Tarrant County is one of the fastest growing communities in North Texas with limited health care resources to meet the needs of residents,” said Barclay E. Berdan, senior executive vice president of system alignment and performance at Texas Health Resources. “Growth in this market will give us the opportunity to provide better coordination of care for patients throughout Tarrant and surrounding counties as well as reach new patients.”

Groundbreaking for the new hospital is scheduled for fall of 2010, with hopes to begin offering services in late 2011. Texas Health is currently in the early designing and planning stages of the hospital, which will include an emergency room, outpatient and surgical services, physician offices and acute-care inpatient beds.

“Our top priority is to bring necessary medical services to the community so that care can be accessed close to home,” Berdan said.

With two physician office buildings in Saginaw and Keller, Texas Health has had a presence in north Tarrant County since 2006.

“We are excited about expanding the services we offer to this community, as we work to fulfill our mission of improving the health of the people in the communities we serve,” Berdan added.

In addition to the new Texas Health Resources Hospital, the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the Monterra Village apartment home community, Alliance Town Center, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. The development houses 220 companies, 31.2 million square feet, 28,000 employees and approximately 21,000 residents. More than 60 companies at AllianceTexas are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms.

For more information about the north Tarrant County project, please visit www.texashealth.org/northtarrant

About Texas Health Resources

Texas Health Resources is one of the largest faith-based, nonprofit health care delivery systems in the United States and the largest in North Texas in terms of patients served. Texas Health’s system of 14 hospitals includes Texas Health Harris Methodist, Texas Health Arlington Memorial, and Texas Health Presbyterian, and an organization for medical research and education. The Texas Health Organization for Physicians and Texas Health Physicians Group provide a variety of models for engagement with physicians. Texas Health Partners is a joint venture development and management company owned by Texas Health Resources. Texas Health MedSynergies is a joint venture that offers physicians a range of office management and other business services to support their practices. Texas Health is a corporate member or partner in six additional hospitals and surgery centers. For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.TexasHealth.org.

About Hillwood

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company's developments currently house facilities for more than 85 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles and the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas.

# # #

Olive Garden files to build at Alliance

Sandra Baker — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Olive Garden has filed plans with the state to build a restaurant on a parcel site at Alliance Town Center in north Fort Worth.

Click here to read the full article.

Retailers Forecast Strong Import Growth

Joseph Bonney — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Containerized imports at 10 major U.S. ports are expected to rise in three consecutive months starting in February, breaking a 31-month streak of year-to-year declines, the National Retail Federation and IHS Global Insight said in their monthly Port Tracker report.

“We’ve been seeing hints of a turnaround in our past few reports but this is starting to look like a clear trend,” said Jonathan Gold, the NRF’s vice president for supply chain and customs policy. “If retailers are starting to import more merchandise, it’s because they expect to be able to sell more, and that’s a good sign for our industry and the overall economy.”

By predicting a 9 percent year-to-year increase in April, the new report extended the cautious optimism shown in last month’s Port Tracker, which a forecast year-to-year increases of 16 percent in February and 6 percent in March. Volume through the ports in January is forecast to be down 4 percent. Port Tracker forecasts cover only six months.

Ports surveyed handled 1.18 million TEUs in October, the most recent month for which actual numbers are available. That was up 4 percent from September but was down 14 percent from October 2008. November was estimated at 1.09 million TEUs, down 12 percent from last year, and December is forecast at 1.05 million TEUs, down 1 percent.

The report now expects 2009 to end with a total volume of 12.6 million TEUs at the 10 ports. That would be a drop of 17 percent from last year’s 15.2 million TEUs and the lowest since the 12.47 million TEUs reported in 2003.

“The second half of 2009 has seen an improvement, with ‘less bad’ year-over-year numbers compared with the first half,” said Paul Bingham, an IHS Global Insight economist. “While improving, import container traffic is projected to be weak through March due to the traditional slow season combined with the weak pace of economic recovery.”

The drop in cargo has produced one benefit: All 10 ports covered by Port Tracker – Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle, Tacoma, New York-New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston, Savannah and Houston – continue to be rated by the survey as “low” for congestion.

Alliance at 20: Continuing to impact area economy

Aleshia Howe — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Through 2008 Fort Worth’s sprawling AllianceTexas development has had a $36.4 billion economic impact on North Texas since its start, according to the latest impact study commissioned by its developer.

Coinciding with the north Fort Worth development’s 20th anniversary, Alliance’s creator, Hillwood Properties, hired Insight Research to perform the economic impact report, which shows the ever present impact of the multi-purpose development.

In addition to the overall impact, the report shows the 229 companies currently in AllinaceTexas have built 31.2 million square feet and created 28,000 jobs. And since the development began, the companies and residents of AllianceTexas also have paid more than $730 million in property taxes, including more than $105 million in 2008.

“Over the past year at AllianceTexas, new jobs were created, companies were added and property taxes paid increased despite the challenging economic times that we’ve experienced,” said Mike Berry, president of Hillwood. “This is the vision that the political leadership, led by Bob Bolen and Jim Wright, had in the late 1980s, when the area was facing equally tough economic conditions, which led them to make the bold decision to invest in an Alliance project that would help create more jobs and diversify the economy of Fort Worth and Tarrant County.”

Of the $7.2 billion that was invested in AllianceTexas, $6.8 billion, or 94.6 percent, has come from the private sector, while 5.4 percent has come from the public sector including the city of Fort Worth, the state of Texas and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The city of Fort Worth’s year-to-date investment of $39.2 million has yielded $140.9 million in property taxes alone, according to the report.

“AllianceTexas also is only about 40 percent developed, so it’s equally important now that additional investment is made in critical transportation infrastructure that will allow the development to continue to grow, create jobs and fulfill the intentions that these leaders had when they made the initial public investment two decades ago,” Berry said.

2009 – an untallied year

Though 2009 was not a part of economic impact study, Hillwood reports that nearly 800 new jobs have been created at AllianceTexas to date in 2009.

Q-Edge added 500 jobs at its 365,440-square-foot electronics assembly and distribution center it moved from California to Alliance in March. In September, United Supermarkets purchased 14 acres at Alliance to build a 200,000-square-foot distribution center that will employ 75 workers. And last month Kroger announced the grocer will bring its new Kroger Marketplace concept to Alliance Town Center, the massive retail portion of AllianceTexas, with a 123,000-square-foot store that will employ 100 workers.

Deloitte also began construction in October on its 750,000-square-foot training center that will employ 450 workers beginning in 2011 when it opens at Circle T Ranch, another sector of AllianceTexas. Also, Health Care Services, the parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, completed construction earlier this year on its 220,000-square-foot data center that employs 130 workers at Alliance.

Alliance’s 2009 retail picture also improved as Sam Moon opened its 168,000-square-foot center at Alliance Town Center in May and Kincaid’s Hamburgers and Freebird’s World Burrito opened new restaurants at Alliance Town Center this year. Construction already has begun on BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, Olive Garden and Rooms To Go – all set to operate within Alliance Town Center.

A groundbreaking impact

Insight Research performed its original report on AllianceTexas’ economic impact on North Texas in 2000 and continues to review the report annually based on new data.

AllianceTexas is a 17,000-acre mixed-use development that includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, Circle T Ranch, Alliance Town Center, Saratoga, Heritage and Monterra Village, an apartment home project. AllianceTexas has about 10,000 residents in its single-family and apartment home communities and 220 companies that employ 28,000 workers. Hillwood’s developments currently house facilities for more than 85 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms.

The $730.5 million in property taxes from AllianceTexas since 1990 has been paid to three cities (Fort Worth, Haslet and Roanoke), two counties (Denton and Tarrant) and two school districts (Northwest and Keller) that it falls within. That number has grown from the $223,000 in property taxes generated from the same area in 1990.

According to the report, Tarrant County saw a $20.2 million property tax impact in 2008 and has received $121.5 million in property taxes via the development from 1990 to 2008.

Alliance, After 20 Years

A. Lee Graham — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

From restaurants to retail, diversity has rocketed AllianceTexas to riches while bringing tax dollars to several Northeast Tarrant County communities.

That was the emphasis as Hillwood Properties executives trumpeted the development’s success before the Fort Worth City Council.

"Over the past year at AllianceTexas, new jobs were created, companies were added, and property taxes paid increased despite the challenging economic times that we’ve experienced," said Mike Berry, president of Hillwood Properties, outlining those achievements in a press release.

As the developer of AllianceTexas, Hillwood had big plans when it launched the development and Fort Worth Alliance Airport, the world’s first industrial airport that opened on Dec. 14, 1989.

Considered the centerpiece of AllianceTexas, the airport symbolized something greater: fulfilling a vision that transcended local geography, one that spread its wings to welcome businesses nationwide.

The approach paid off as several companies relocated or opened new operations at AllianceTexas. In March, Q-Edge added 500 jobs at its 365,440-square-foot electronics assembly and distribution center that it moved from California to Texas. And in September, United Supermarkets announced plans to employ 75 workers on a 14-acre parcel it purchased at Alliance.

And with finance consultin firm Deloitte constructing a 750,000-square-foot training center set to employ 450 workers when it opens in 2011, not to mention several other companies plotting similarly sizable developments, AllianceTexas foresees no downturn in interest from potential tenants.

But it does foresee a slowdown.

"It will be slower than in years past," said Tom Harris, senior vice president of operations. "The pace of development and the pace of growth will be slower than what we’ve been used to. But we’re blessed to be in Texas because we haven’t been hit as hard [economically] as many, many other places."

Despite possible slowing in new leases, area municipalities continue to benefit from AllianceTexas. In 2008 alone, Roanoke enjoyed $3.7 million in property taxes from the development. That’s part of $18.3 million Roanoke received between 1990 and 2008, according to Hillwood. In the same period, Haslet reaped $6.2 million; the Northwest school district, $284.7 million; and the Keller school district, $139.7 million.

Boasting 25 million square feet of industrial space, the development comprises a 3-percent chunk of Dallas-Fort Worth’s 747 million-square-foot industrial market and 38 percent of Fort Worth’s 65.3 million square feet of industrial.

Similar boasts come as good news for Hillwood, the Perot company that also operates the American Airlines Center and Victory development near downtown Dallas.

But closer to home, residents and employees in Roanoke and other parts of Northeast Tarrant County have ensured the development’s success. Whether dining at newly opened Kincaid’s Hamburgers or shopping at Sam Moon, they feed a development that trumpets diversity as its key to survival.

"It’s the diversity we offer," Harris said. "We hit just about every sector of real estate that’s out there."

From industrial, office and retail to multifamily and single-family residential living, Harris described Alliance as a "one-of-a-kind project."

""When companies are considering either consolidating their operations or when companies go through a merger and are looking to either relocate or move or build, we always end up at the top of their list and certainly at the top three four locations."

Credit three words for that scenario: location, location, location.

"There aren’t too many places in this world where you can find the rail, highway and airport infrastructure that’s in place at Alliance," Harris said.

With Olive Garden, B.J.’s Brewhouse and Rooms To Go just some of the new names expected to enliven the Alliance development in the coming year, the growth keeps continuing.

Alliance gets mix of private enterprise and government right

Mitchell Schnurman — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Who says government can’t get anything right? The trick is doing it consistently.

Twenty years ago, local, state and federal officials went to bat for Ross Perot Jr. and his Alliance project in far north Fort Worth. Together, they turned 17,000 acres of prairie land into one of the region’s economic engines.

Click here to read the full article.

Hillwood touts impact of AllianceTexas' growth

Sandra Baker — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It’s been two decades since Hillwood Properties, Ross Perot Jr.’s real estate development company, took 1,700 acres of mostly farmland in far north Fort Worth and transformed it into a multibillion-dollar economic engine called AllianceTexas.

Click here to read the full article.

AT 20-YEAR ANNIVERSARY, ALLIANCETEXAS ECONOMIC IMPACT GROWS TO $36.4 BILLION

Contact: David Pelletier (817/224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (Dec. 8, 2009) – As it reaches its 20th anniversary on Dec. 14, AllianceTexas has had a $36.4 billion economic impact on North Texas. The 229 companies that now call the development home have built 31.2 million square feet and created 28,000 jobs. Since the development began, the companies and residents of the AllianceTexas also have paid more than $730 million in property taxes, including more than $105 million in 2008.

Of the $7.2 billion that has been invested in AllianceTexas, $6.8 billion (94.6%) has come from the private sector, while 5.4% has come from the public sector, including the city of Fort Worth, the state of Texas and the Federal Aviation Administration. Every dollar of public money invested in the project has yielded more than $17 in private investment. The city of Fort Worth’s year-to-date investment of $39.2 million has yielded $140.9 million in property taxes alone.

The economic impact report determines the direct and indirect impact of the investment, employment and tax revenue from AllianceTexas. The study includes construction as well as ongoing business operations.

“Over the past year at AllianceTexas, new jobs were created, companies were added and property taxes paid increased despite the challenging economic times that we’ve experienced,” said Mike Berry, president of Hillwood Properties, the developer of AllianceTexas. “This is the vision that the political leadership, led by Bob Bolen and Jim Wright, had in the late 1980s, when the area was facing equally tough economic conditions, which led them to make the bold decision to invest in an Alliance project that would help create more jobs and diversify the economy of Fort Worth and Tarrant County.

“AllianceTexas also is only about 40% developed, so it’s equally important now that additional investment is made in critical transportation infrastructure that will allow the development to continue to grow, create jobs and fulfill the intentions that these leaders had when they made the initial public investment two decades ago.”

To date in 2009, close to 800 new jobs have been created at AllianceTexas. Q-Edge added 500 jobs at its 365,440 square-foot electronics assembly and distribution center that it moved from California to Alliance in March. In September United Supermarkets purchased 14 acres at Alliance to build a 200,000 square-foot distribution center that will employ 75 workers. Last month Kroger announced it will bring its new Kroger Marketplace concept to Alliance Town Center with a 123,000 square-foot store that will employ 100 workers.

In addition Deloitte began construction in October on its 750,000 square-foot training center that will employ 450 workers beginning in 2011, when it opens at Circle T Ranch. Health Care Services, the parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, also completed construction earlier this year on its 220,000 square-foot data center that employs 130 workers at Alliance.

Also Sam Moon opened its 168,000 square-foot center at Alliance Town Center in May. Kincaid’s Hamburgers and Freebird’s World Burrito also opened new restaurants at Alliance Town Center this year, while construction began there on BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, Olive Garden and Rooms To Go.

As the project continued to grow and become more diversified with the addition of office, residential, entertainment and retail, Hillwood rebranded the development as AllianceTexas, which now includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, Circle T Ranch, the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities, Alliance Town Center, the Vaquero luxury golf community, and the Monterra Village apartment home community.

The $730.5 million in property taxes from AllianceTexas since 1990 has been paid to three cities (Fort Worth, Haslet, Roanoke), two counties (Denton, Tarrant) and two school districts (Northwest, Keller) that it falls within. That number has grown significantly from the $223,000 in property taxes generated from the same area in 1990. AllianceTexas also falls within the town of Westlake, but that community does not have a municipal property tax.

From 1990-2008, AllianceTexas companies and Hillwood-related entities along Interstate 35W have paid $730.5 million in property taxes, including $105 million in 2008. Below is a breakdown of the various public entities to which these funds flowed.

2008 1990-2008

Fort Worth ................................................................ $21.3 million........................... $140.9 million

Haslet.......................................................................... $0.6 million............................... $6.2 million

Roanoke...................................................................... $3.7 million............................. $18.3 million

Denton County............................................................. $2.9 million............................. $19.2 million

Tarrant County............................................................$20.2 million........................... $121.5 million

Keller Independent School District.............................. $23.6 million........................... $139.7 million

Northwest Independent School District...................... $32.7 million........................... $284.7 million

TOTAL................................................................ $105.0 million........................... $730.5 million

Insight Research performed the original economic impact report in 2000 and reviews it annually based on new data. Since its founding in 1981, Insight Research has become nationally known for its pacesetting analytical approaches in providing economic, employment, tax revenue impact and cost/benefits analysis. The company’s client list includes the FDIC, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Texas Department of Transportation, Fort Worth, New York and Chicago, as well as Fortune 500 companies, such as 3-M, American Express, AT&T and Dell.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company's developments currently house facilities for more than 85 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles and the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas.

# # #

FREEBiRDS WORLD BURRITO ROCKS ALLIANCE TOWN CENTER

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, TX – On Friday, November 20, 2009, Austin, TX-based FREEB!RDS WORLD BURRITO - the fresh fast-casual restaurant known for its Monster burritos - will celebrate the opening of its 26th restaurant, located in north Fort Worth, Texas at Alliance Town Center. To kick off the opening party in “not so normal” FREEBIRDS fashion, the first 25 fans (or Fanatics as they’re called) in line will win free burritos for a year.

The design of FREEB!RDS at Alliance Town Center represents the free-spirited, funky vibe of the FREEB!RDS brand. The space was inspired by rock music of the 60’s and 70’s, features large windows on two sides; a large, trellised outdoor patio; inspirational messages on the walls; and of course, music. Always striving to provide the very best in customer experience, the fountain drink station has moved to the front of the line so guests can grab a drink while they wait – just another little touch that makes FREEB!RDS unlike anything else in the marketplace.

As you enter the restaurant, to the right is a life-size “Libby” statue – FREEB!RDS’ signature Statue of Liberty sculpture – blasting through the wall on her red racing Harley Davidson. To the left is an enormous mural of the words “We Can Change the World” and “FREEDOM.” Over the register are the words “Peace. Love. Burritos.” The covered patio – located to the left of the main entrance – provides shade and comfort for those looking to dine outside without suffering from the Texas heat. Seating and tabletops feature hip graphics, slogans and images of luminaries such as Janis Joplin and John Lennon. The murals, sculptures and furniture are all created by FREEB!RDS’ artist of choice, Lynn Wilkerson.

The back wall of the restaurant is dedicated to the FREEB!RDS WORLD WORKS program which encourages staff members and guests to get involved in their communities. As part of the grand opening, FREEBIRDS is partnering with Tarrant Area Food Bank to collect non-perishable goods that assists in both organizations’ missions to feed the hungry.

ABOUT FREEB!RDS AT ALLIANCE TOWN CENTER

FREEB!RDS at Alliance Town Center is open Sunday through Thursday, 11:00AM – 10:30PM; and Friday and Saturday, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Order OTF – On the Fly - by calling 817-750-1331, or online at www.freebirds.com.

ABOUT FREEB!RDS WORLD BURRITO

FREEB!RDS exists to feed the belly and the soul, serving a customized experience for its burritos, quesadillas, tacos and salads in a free spirited rock n’ roll atmosphere. Be it the backwards “F” logo, the music lyrics scrawled across the walls, the iconic music soundtrack, or the Statue of Liberty – “Libby” – holding up a foil burrito, FREEB!RDS has a unique 60’s rock n’ roll hipster vibe like nothing else. FREEB!RDS prides itself on its unique approach to the business, characterized by the tag line “It’s not normal!”

FREEB!RDS WORLD BURRITO operates 25 locations throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Expansion plans includes the opening of 20 new restaurants over the next few years. For further information, visit freebirds.com.

###

Kroger Coming to Alliance Town Center

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Shoppers near the Alliance development will enjoy another supermarket option when Kroger Marketplace opens in late 2010.

The 123,000-square-foot store will mark Tarrant County’s first Kroger Marketplace and welcome customers at the southwest corner of Heritage Trace Parkway and Riverside Drive at Alliance Town Center in north Fort Worth.

"The residential growth at Heritage and the other nearby communities, as well as the employment growth at Alliance, make Alliance Town Center the ideal location for the first of our new Kroger Marketplace concept stores in Tarrant County," said Gary Huddleston, director of consumer affairs for Kroger, making his comments in a press release.

Kroger and Hillwood Properties, the developer of AllianceTexas, completed the deal that promises shoppers a fuel center, wine shop and a Nature’s Market section offering all-natural and organic products.

The store will also include a Fred Meyer Jeweler store, as well as a home-furnishing section featuring Ashley Brand furniture.

"Since Hillwood began developing Alliance Town Center, we have been looking for the right grocery store to meet the needs of our adjacent Heritage residential community," said Mark Miller, vice president of retail development for Hillwood Properties, making his comments in the same press release.

"Kroger Marketplace is the perfect fit, because it offers a one-stop shop for a wide variety of high-quality groceries, deli, meat and produce."

Hillwood, Kroger Sign Anchor Deal for Heritage Marketplace

Connie Gore — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH – With the deal now signed, Hillwood and Kroger Co. have unveiled plans to develop a 123,000-sf Kroger Marketplace as the anchor to a 20-acre development beside Alliance Town Center. Site work will get under way by the first of the year.

Mark Miller, vice president of retail development for locally based Hillwood Properties, said the Cincinnati, Ohio-based Kroger will own its 12-acre site and store in Heritage Marketplace. The balance of the land will be divvied into three pad sites and 30,000 sf of inline shops. The development site is located at the southwest corner of Heritage Trace Parkway and Riverside Drive, a gateway to the 3,500 single-family homes in the Hillwood-developed Heritage community.

Miller said negotiations with Kroger have taken about two years to complete. The closest traditional grocery store to the development site is at least one mile away. "The residents have been clamoring for this for a long time," he stressed.

It will be the first Kroger Marketplace in Tarrant County. Kroger recently has opened two Marketplaces in Greater Houston and has one under construction in Frisco, a far north Dallas suburb.

Kroger Marketplace is being touted as a "one-stop shopping solution," a marriage of its Signature format and a "store-within-store" lineup featuring a Fred Meyer jewelry store and home-furnishing section with an Ashley Furniture Co.-branded line. Other Marketplace amenities are a fuel center, wine shop and gourmet and chef-prepared food line, Nature's Market with all-natural and organic products and drive-through pharmacy.

Miller said Hillwood is soloing on Heritage Marketplace, unlike the 300-acre Alliance Town Center, a joint venture project with Fort Worth-based Trademark Property Co. The three-year-old Alliance Town Center is a 20-store mix of national anchors and junior anchors representing more than 600,000 sf of retail. Miller said Heritage Marketplace will be filled with basic services and additional restaurants for the regional retail corridor.

Coming soon to Alliance Town Center is Rooms To Go, BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse, Freebirds World Burrito and Kirkland's. The development's recent openings include a 168,446-sf center owned by Dallas-based Sam Moon Trading Co. At build-out, Alliance Town Center will boast more than two million sf of retail, office, residential and entertainment space.

Kroger to open new Marketplace stores in Fort Worth, Frisco

Maria Halkias — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A Kroger store combining groceries and general merchandise is nearing completion in Frisco and the chain is turning its attention next to Tarrant County's Alliance Town Center.

Kroger Marketplace, a 123,000-square-foot concept store, is scheduled to open in January at the northwest corner of Eldorado Parkway and Custer Road in Frisco.

The company said Tuesday it's planning a second area location for late next year in the north Fort Worth shopping center being jointly developed by Dallas-based Hillwood and Fort Worth-based Trademark.

Kroger recently opened a Marketplace store in Houston and has a second one in the works there.

The bigger stores are Kroger's answer to the competition traditional supermarkets face from Wal-Mart Supercenters and SuperTarget stores. They also introduce Kroger's jewelry brand, Fred Meyer Jeweler, to Texas.

Kroger's Dallas-Fort Worth market share of 15.7 percent ranks second behind Wal-Mart's 39.8 percent share, according to Trade Dimensions quarterly data. Target is in the process of upgrading its discount stores in the area to include fresh foods.

Photography Photo store Kroger is also No. 2 in Houston, behind Wal-Mart, but the gap there is narrower.

In addition to expanded grocery, deli, floral, organic, gourmet and chef-prepared foods, the store will have a wine shop.

Its general merchandise categories are bed, bath, kitchen, tabletop and an Ashley-branded furniture department. The stores are twice the size of a Kroger Signature store and have fuel centers in the parking lot and drive-through pharmacies.

The 300-acre Alliance Town Center is located along the east side of Interstate 35W between North Tarrant and Heritage Trace parkways.

J.C. Penney was the first retailer to open in the shopping center in 2005 and since then several stores have been added, including Sam Moon Trading Co., Belk, Best Buy and Hobby Lobby. Other stores under construction are Rooms To Go, BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse, Freebirds World Burrito and Kirkland's.

The center is surrounded by new housing developments and is near Alliance Global Logistics Hub.

In Frisco, the Kroger store is on the city's eastern border with McKinney. Kroger owns the property and no other tenants are part of the project.

Kroger signs on with Alliance Town Center

Aleshia Howe — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Developers of Fort Worth’s Alliance Town Center have announced the addition of a Kroger Marketplace set to open in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Kroger will open a 123,000-square-foot store under its Kroger Marketplace banner, serving as the company’s fourth such store in Texas. The store will be located at the southwest corner of Heritage Trace Parkway and Riverside Drive at Alliance Town Center in north Fort Worth.

A joint development of Trademark and Hillwood Properties, Alliance Town Center is a 2 million-square-foot retail, office, residential and entertainment portion of the 17,000-square-foot AllianceTexas development in Fort Worth that is located along the east side of Interstate 35W between North Tarrant Parkway and Heritage Trace Parkway. The 300-acre development has more than 20 retailers that occupy more than 600,000 square feet at Alliance Town Center currently including JCPenney, Sam Moon, Bank of Texas, Belk, Best Buy, Cheddar’s, Dress Barn, Eye Masters, Hobby Lobby, Jason’s Deli, Justice, Kincaid’s, Mattress Firm, McDonald’s, PetSmart, Rack Room, Rue 21, Smoothie King, Sports Clips, Ulta, Wells Fargo and Which Wich. Currently under construction at Alliance Town Center are new locations for Rooms To Go and BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Freebirds World Burrito and Kirkland’s.

At full build-out, Alliance Town Center also will house the HCA medical campus.

The development’s Kroger store will be the first grocery store within the project, serving more than 7,200 single-family homes in the nearby residential portions of AllianceTexas.

According to Hillwood’s announcement, Kroger Marketplace will offer features unique to a Kroger Signature store along with an expanded variety of grocery and deli products, a large floral section, fuel center, gourmet and chef-prepared foods, and a wine shop. The store will have linens for the bathroom and other areas of the home, a kitchen place area with upscale kitchenware and place settings, and the latest toys. The Nature’s Market section will offer all-natural and organic products and the drive-through pharmacy will provide consumers with $4 generic drugs. The Kroger Marketplace also will feature a Fred Meyer Jeweler store, as well as a large home-furnishing section with Ashley Brand furniture.

“Since Hillwood began developing Alliance Town Center, we have been looking for the right grocery store to meet the needs of our adjacent Heritage residential community and the nearby neighborhoods,” said Mark Miller, vice president of retail development for Hillwood Properties, in the release. “Kroger Marketplace is the perfect fit, because it offers a one-stop shop for a wide variety of high-quality groceries, deli, meat and produce, as well as a more convenient and cost effective place to purchase many of the other products needed by homeowners.”

Kroger Readies 1st Marketplace Concept Store for Texas’ Tarrant County

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Kroger Co.’s Southwest Division and real estate developer Hillwood Properties have inked a deal that will bring the first Kroger Marketplace to Tarrant County, Texas. Scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2010, the concept store will be located at the southwest corner of Heritage Trace Parkway and Riverside Drive at Alliance Town Center in Fort Worth and will be the Cincinnati-based retailer’s fourth Marketplace in the state.

“The residential growth at Heritage and the other nearby communities, as well as the employment growth at Alliance, make Alliance Town Center the ideal location for the first of our new Kroger Marketplace concept stores in Tarrant County,” said Gary Huddleston, director of consumer affairs for Kroger. “This new concept has worked well in other markets, particularly in suburban locations as a one-stop-shopping solution.”

The 123,000-square-foot store will offer features unique to a Kroger Signature store, along with an expanded variety of grocery and deli products, a large floral section, a fuel center, gourmet and chef-prepared foods, and a wine shop. The location will also have linens for the bathroom and other areas of the home, a kitchen place area with upscale kitchenware and place settings, and the latest toys. The Nature’s Market section will offer all-natural and organic products, while the drive-through pharmacy will provide consumers with $4 generic drugs. The Kroger Marketplace will additionally feature a Fred Meyer Jeweler store, as well as a large home-furnishing section with Ashley Brand furniture.

A joint development of Trademark and Hillwood, Alliance Town Center is in north Fort Worth along the east side of Interstate 35W, between North Tarrant Parkway and Heritage Trace Parkway. The 300-acre development is in the middle of one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation over the past decade.

At full buildout, Alliance Town Center will house more than 2 million square feet of retail, office, residential and entertainment space, along with the HCA medical campus. The lifestyle center is part of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development, which also includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, the Monterra Village apartment home community and the single-family communities of Heritage, Saratoga and Vaquero. AllianceTexas houses more than 7,200 single-family homes and 220 companies that have developed more than 31 million square feet and created 28,000 jobs.

Kroger’s Southwest Division operates 209 stores and 86 fuel centers in Texas and Louisiana.

Kroger bringing Marketplace concept to Tarrant County

Sandra Baker — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kroger, the Cincinnati-based grocery chain, has selected Alliance Town Center to locate its first Marketplace store in Tarrant County and only the fourth in Texas, Alliance developer Hillwood announced today.

Click here to read the full article.

FIRST KROGER MARKETPLACE IN TARRANT COUNTY TO OPEN AT ALLIANCE TOWN CENTER

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (Nov. 10, 2009) – Hillwood and Kroger have completed a deal that will bring the first Kroger Marketplace to Tarrant County. It also will be the company’s fourth Kroger Marketplace in Texas behind the opening of two stores in the Greater Houston area and the impending opening of the Frisco, Texas location in January. The Tarrant County store, which is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2010, will be located at the southwest corner of Heritage Trace Parkway and Riverside Drive at Alliance Town Center in Fort Worth.

The 123,000-square-foot store will offer features unique to a Kroger Signature store along with an expanded variety of grocery and deli products, a large floral section, fuel center, gourmet and chef-prepared foods, and a wine shop. The store will have linens for the bathroom and other areas of the home, a kitchen place area with upscale kitchenware and place settings, and the latest toys. The Nature’s Market section will offer all-natural and organic products and the drive-through pharmacy will provide consumers with $4 generic drugs. The Kroger Marketplace will also feature a Fred Meyer Jeweler store, as well as a large home-furnishing section with Ashley Brand furniture.

“Since Hillwood began developing Alliance Town Center, we have been looking for the right grocery store to meet the needs of our adjacent Heritage residential community and the nearby neighborhoods,” said Mark Miller, vice president of retail development for Hillwood Properties, the developer of AllianceTexas. “Kroger Marketplace is the perfect fit, because it offers a one-stop shop for a wide variety of high-quality groceries, deli, meat and produce, as well as a more convenient and cost effective place to purchase many of the other products needed by homeowners.”

A joint development of Trademark and Hillwood, Alliance Town Center is located in north Fort Worth along the east side of Interstate 35W between North Tarrant Parkway and Heritage Trace Parkway. The 300-acre development is in the middle of one of the fastest growing areas in the nation over the past decade.

Many of the retailers at Alliance Town Center have already reached sales levels that are among the best of their respective companies. Sam Moon Trading Company, the renowned seller of women’s fashion accessories and handbags, had the best first month’s sales in its chain’s history at its new 168,446 square-foot store, which opened at Alliance Town Center on May 8. JCPenney, which was the first retailer to open at Alliance Town Center in October 2006, earned the company’s top honor for sales and customer service in 2007 and 2008.

Currently under construction at Alliance Town Center are new locations for Rooms To Go and BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse. Freebirds World Burrito and Kirkland’s also will open soon.

More than 20 retailers occupy more than 600,000 square feet at Alliance Town Center. In addition to Kroger, JCPenney and Sam Moon, retailers include Bank of Texas, Belk, Best Buy, Cheddar’s, Dress Barn, Eye Masters, Hobby Lobby, Jason’s Deli, Justice, Kincaid’s, Mattress Firm, McDonald’s, PetSmart, Rack Room, Rue 21, Smoothie King, Sports Clips, Ulta, Wells Fargo, and Which Wich.

At full buildout Alliance Town Center will house more than 2 million square feet of retail, office, residential, and entertainment space, along with the HCA medical campus.

Alliance Town Center is part of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development that also includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, the Monterra Village apartment home community and the single-family communities of Heritage, Saratoga and Vaquero. AllianceTexas houses more than 7,200 single-family homes and 220 companies that have built more than 31 million square feet and created 28,000 jobs.

About Kroger

The Kroger Southwest Division operates 209 stores and 86 fuel centers in Texas and Louisiana and is part of one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains serving customers in 31 states. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the supermarket retailer is dedicated to making a difference in the communities it serves by supporting hunger relief, education, women’s health and wellness, and diversity programs. For more information about Kroger, please visit http://www.kroger.com/.

About Hillwood

Hillwood, A Perot Company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company is recognized for its high-profile and public-private ventures that bring tremendous value to its customers and partners. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas and the 2,000-acre AllianceCalifornia development near Los Angeles.

About Trademark

Founded in 1991, Fort Worth-based Trademark Property Co. (http://www.trademarkproperty.com/) has developed or acquired nearly $1 Billion worth of retail and mixed-use space. Trademark has become one of the premier outdoor retail and mixed-use developers in the country. Other notable Texas projects include Market Street – The Woodlands, and Watters Creek, a 1 million s.f. mixed-use development under construction in Allen, TX.

With BNSF purchase, Buffett bets on growth in container traffic

Jim Landers — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Warren Buffett says his railroad buy is an investment in America, but it's also a bet on a recovery in global trade.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. is the nation's top railroad in intermodal transportation, in which container cargoes move from ships to rail cars to trucks and back again. The nation's biggest container ports are in Southern California, where BNSF trains load up millions of containers of Asian goods each year for inland markets like Dallas-Fort Worth.

Terrance Pohlen, director of the Center for Logistics Education and Research at the University of North Texas, said intermodal is the future.

"Looking down the road a few years, with everybody's views on what's likely to happen with fuel prices and congestion, intermodal is the long-term solution," Pohlen said.

Container traffic has plunged during this recession. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach recently reported their worst September in nine years. That's slowed business for BNSF. It's also slowed traffic for inland ports like Hillwood Properties' Alliance Texas north of Fort Worth, where the rail line delivers many of its containers.

Alliance, BNSF and, evidently, Warren Buffett expect the container business to revive and keep on growing.

"It seems like it's bottomed out, and in the long run, Alliance is in a 40-year master plan, and we are only in year 20, so there's a lot of positive to grow," said Steve Boecking, a vice president with Hillwood Properties.

Boecking said Alliance Texas and BNSF have an "almost symbiotic" relationship.

"They've invested a lot in their intermodal hub here," Boecking said. "BNSF provides an excellent service into Alliance, which translates into excellent service for our customers."

In the last year, BNSF upgraded its screening and processing at Alliance so that trucks are moved in and out within 30 minutes.

Much of the work at Alliance Texas involves handling containers of Asian imports. That's created 28,000 jobs since Alliance opened in 1990.

Developers are creating an inland port in southern Dallas, and BNSF bought 198 acres there last year with an eye toward building an intermodal hub. Union Pacific Railroad already operates an intermodal hub at what's called the International Inland Port of Dallas.

"If you look at the BNSF network, they are really looking at growth of inland ports in the future, such as what we have in North Texas," Pohlen said. "It just makes sense to move by rail."

Boecking and Pohlen said Buffett's railroad investment should not be viewed as a forecast that the U.S. economy will return to a buy-and-borrow relationship with China.

Americans imported $337.8 billion of goods from China last year, and the U.S. trade deficit with China was $266.3 billion.

Over the last decade, China has used its trade surpluses to lend the U.S. government more than $2 trillion. Some analysts say this flood of capital encouraged banks to make reckless mortgages.

U.S. imports from China this year are on a much slower pace, but are expected to recover.

This time, though, U.S. companies will import more components and fewer finished goods. Already, several companies are assembling and packaging products at Alliance Texas with parts imported from China, including laptop computers.

"Globalism is here to stay," Pohlen said. "Whether we import from China, India or Southeast Asia, we're going to have to move goods using intermodal."

Boecking said "it would be fantastic" if the containers arriving via BNSF from Asia were returned full of U.S.-made goods, but "it's just not that economical to manufacture most of the products we want to buy here in the United States."

Deloitte Breaks Ground

A. Lee Graham — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Deloitte LLP summoned some Lone Star ambition in planning its Westlake campus.

"When you get down to it, that same pioneering spirit is the pulse behind Deloitte University," said Barry Salzberg, chief executive officer of the New York-based accounting and consulting firm.

Amid applause and chilly temperatures, the Brooklyn native celebrated the groundbreaking of the company’s $300-million training facility on 107 acres bounded by Dove, Ottinger and Precinct Line roads and State Highway 114.

Known as Deloitte University, the campus will serve as the company’s primary training facility. Thousands of visitors are expected to learn on the sprawling campus while feeding the local economy.

"The economic impact associated with bringing people from the outside is big," said Blaine L. Nelson, managing partner with the company’s North Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma region.

When classes adjourn, trainees are expected to patronize area restaurants, enjoy sporting events and discover other local diversions.

In short, officials predict that visitors and their families should help enliven the local economy.

About 1,000 jobs are expected to be created for the construction phase, with 100 Deloitte jobs and 400 operations positions, as well.

And with thousands of visitors expected each year, the economic impact becomes clear.

Building such a mammoth facility amid the nation’s wobbly economy underscores the company’s fearlessness when it comes to development. While other companies delay or scrap projects, Deloitte forges ahead.

It foresees a bullish employment market just around the corner and the need to train tomorrow’s workforce.

"The whole Dallas area is incredibly important to our market," said Salzberg, chatting with the Times-Register minutes before taking the podium. Reasons for the company’s North Texas commitment are many; namely, the region’s central proximity, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and quality of life.

"That makes it extraordinarily conducive to learning and developing," Salzberg said.

Westlake Mayor Laura Wheat drew similarities between the company and her town. While Deloitte pursues distance learning and technology in keeping its growing workforce educated, Wheat said that Westlake Academy also embraces innovative learning concepts.

And both are moving from the Information Age to what Wheat called the Conceptual Age.

"Thousands and thousands of Deloitte employees will come together to learn, to share lifelong learning experiences ... to incubate new ideas," said Wheat, next referring to academy students. "Their students will be doing the exact same thing."

When complete in 2011, the 750,000-square-foot campus will boast 800 guest rooms, classrooms and conference areas, business and fitness centers and a ballroom.

Deloitte will brings Westlake another major employer in a community already known for Fidelity Investments, DaimlerChrysler and First American Real Estate Information Services.

The town’s next major employer cheered as Salzberg enjoyed the moment but looked ahead.

"Let this great and never-ending journey begin today."

Deloitte breaks ground for 300 million training facility in Westlake

Sandra Baker — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WESTLAKE — The chief executive of New York-based Deloitte L.L.P., one of the nation’s largest accounting and consulting firms, said Wednesday that following through with plans to build a $300 million training facility during the worst recession in 50 years is actually "a bullish and smart move."

Click here to read the full article.

Accounting giant Deloitte breaks ground on Westlake complex

Steve Brown — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Accounting giant Deloitte LLP is breaking ground today on its 107-acre national educational and office complex in Westlake.

The project could eventually cost up to $300 million and will include classrooms, informal learning spaces, meeting rooms and conference facilities, a dining facilities, a fitness center and 800 guest rooms.

“The construction of Deloitte University affirms and advances our commitment to our people and underscores our belief that our people are our greatest asset,” Barry Salzberg, chief executive officer of Deloitte LLP, said in a statement. “Deloitte University will deliver leading-edge learning at critical moments in each person’s career, from new hires to partners, principals and directors.”

The facility is set to open in 2011.

Earlier projections said that the facility could serve as many as 40,000 visitors a year.

Deloitte Digs Into 750,000-SF Project

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WESTLAKE, Texas – Deloitte LLP yesterday broke ground on a 750,000-sf project on 107 acres in North Texas. The learning and leadership development facility will open in 2011.

Deloitte University will be a centralized training destination for professionals company-wide. "Deloitte University will deliver leading-edge learning at critical moments in each person's career, from new hires to partners, principals and directors," said Barry Salzberg, CEO of New York-based Deloitte LLP. "It will be a powerful catalyst for career-long learning at a setting designed to promote both the personal and professional growth of our people."

The campus will feature 35 classrooms, conference space, 800 on-site guest rooms, dining and social venues and recreational areas, including running trails and a fitness center.

Motorsports vets Pietsch, Unser get together to perform stunt – for first time

Melody McDonald — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH — Kent Pietsch, a professional stunt pilot, knows airplanes.

Retired Indy race-car driver Bobby Unser knows cars.

So it only seemed fitting for these friends to combine their talents and perform a stunt during this weekend’s Fort Worth Alliance Air Show.

Click here to read the full article.

What it’s like to fly -- and roll and flip -- in an aerobatic plane

Melody McDonald — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH — My heart was racing Thursday morning as the pilot and a crew member strapped on my parachute. Just in case, they said.

Hmmm.

Earlier in the week, when I told my husband I had been assigned to fly with stunt pilots for this weekend’s Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, he wasn’t exactly thrilled.

Click here to read the full article.

Show of daring

Cary Darling — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Golden Knights will be winging into North Texas for this weekend’s Fort Worth Alliance Air Show on Saturday and Sunday. But all the action won’t be up in the sky. There also will be pilot autograph sessions, simulators, exhibits, kids’ activities, food and displays of planes, ’copters and jets.

Click here to read the full article.

UNITED SUPERMARKETS TO BUILD DISTRIBUTION CENTER AT ALLIANCE

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

LUBBOCK, TX – Officials at United Supermarkets announced today the purchase of 15 acres in Dallas-Fort Worth for the construction of the company’s second distribution center.

The facility will be located on Freedom Drive in the Roanoke section of the Alliance Global Logistics Hub according to Robert Taylor, vice president of logistics for United Supermarkets, LLC. The city of Roanoke is located north of Fort Worth.

Site preparation work is expected to begin by mid-November, with anticipated completion by Sept. 1, 2010, Taylor said.

The 200,000 square-foot facility will be developed and operated by Exel, the logistics company which operates United’s distribution center at Llano Logistics in Lubbock. It will employ approximately 75 workers , all of whom will be Exel employees.

“We have provisions in place for future expansion of the new facility if necessitated by company growth,” Taylor said.

“Having a second facility in the Metroplex also will provide additional room for us at our Lubbock D.C., which has been operating at maximum capacity for awhile now,” Taylor explained.

United currently operates six stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, four of which opened within a 14-month span last April.

Taylor said that 100 percent of United’s frozen food, 90 percent of its produce, and 75 percent of its dry grocery will originate from the DFW distribution center.

“It’s a testament to the infrastructure and the advantages of Alliance, that United chose the development for its second distribution center, the first outside its home base of Lubbock and the first in North Texas,” said Tony Crème, vice president of Hillwood Properties, the developer of the Alliance. “We appreciate the cooperation of the city of Roanoke and Denton County on this deal and in their efforts to maintain a competitive tax structure that is attractive for companies like United.”

United was represented by Dan Cook of Cushman & Wakefield. Crème represented Hillwood.

Located 15 miles northwest of DFW Airport, the Alliance Global Logistics Hub is part of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development developed by Hillwood. Of the 220 companies located in the development more than 60 are major industry leaders, including General Motors, Bridgestone/Firestone, General Mills, Ryder, LEGO, Kraft, Nestle, and Daimler.

About United Supermarkets

Now in its 93rd year of operation, United Supermarkets, LLC, is a Texas-based, family-owned grocery chain with stores in 30 markets across north and west Texas. A self-distributing company with its headquarters and distribution center in Lubbock, United currently operates 50 stores under three distinct formats: United Supermarkets, Market Street and Amigos United.

About Hillwood

Hillwood, a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company's developments currently house facilities for close to 90 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles and the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas.

U.S. NAVY BLUE ANGELS JET PERFORMANCE TEAM HIGHLIGHTS 2009 FORT WORTH ALLIANCE AIR SHOW ON OCTOBER 24 AND 25

Contact: Dave Pelletier (817-224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (Oct. 14, 2009) – The 2009 Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, featuring this year's only North Texas performance by a major U.S. military jet team, will be held on October 24 and 25. Highlighted by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, this year's show also includes the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the Shockwave Jet Truck, Julie Clark, one of the first female aerobatic and commercial pilots, and Kent Pietsch, who as part of his act lands on an RV that, as a special treat for this show only, will be driven by 3-time Indianapolis 500 Champion Bobby Unser.

Also taking to the skies as part of the show are Jan Collmer, David Martin, Jim Peitz, Team Oracle with Sean Tucker, the Cavanaugh War Birds, the U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III Demonstration Team, the U.S. Air Force A-10 West Coast Demonstration Team, the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper East Coast Demonstration Team and the U.S. Navy F-18 Demonstration Team.

World renowned air show announcer Danny "Skytalker" Clisham will narrate the show. Air show veteran Ralph Royce will once again command the skies as the Air Boss.

The air show also will feature static display of numerous military and civilian aircraft, as well as the 19,500 square-foot Virtual Army Experience (VAE), which provides participants with a virtual test drive of the United States Army. The core of the VAE is the Army computer game, rendered with state-of-the-art Army training simulation technology to create a life-size, networked virtual world.

For children young and old, there is the Kids Zone, featuring the world's tallest inflatable slide, and several flight simulators.

The event will be held at Fort Worth Alliance Airport. Gates open at 9 a.m. with performances beginning at 10 a.m. and running until late afternoon. Admission is free. Parking is $20 per vehicle.

The Fort Worth Alliance Air Show typically attracts a crowd between 150,000 and 180,000 spectators for the two-day event, however at most air shows across the country this year attendance has increased by approximately 20% compared to 2008. This boost in attendance is attributed to the events being a low-cost alternative with tremendous entertainment value.

“With free admission and only $20 to park, an entire family -- children, parents, grandparents -- can enjoy a great day of entertainment, watching some of the world’s best pilots, seeing and touring aircraft, and overall enjoying a variety of aviation-related activities,” said Christina Carey, manager of special projects for Fort Worth Alliance Airport. “Across the country, people are realizing that air shows are a great entertainment option that is close to home.”

The Fort Worth Alliance Air Show is a non-profit event that benefits local charities. Since 2006, Alliance Air Productions has raised $207,000 for local nonprofits, including those that provide some of the event’s 400 volunteers.

For a list of performers, parking and other event information, visit www.AllianceAirShow.com

Fort Worth Alliance Airport is the centerpiece of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development that houses 220 companies, 28,000 employees and more than 7,000 single-family homes. Airport users include the American Airlines Maintenance Facility, the FedEx Sorting Hub, the Bell Helicopter Customer Center, as well as corporate and military aircraft. The Fixed Base Operation at Fort Worth Alliance Airport has earned ExxonMobil's top customer service award for an unprecedented 13 straight years. The airport is managed by Alliance Aviation Services, a subsidiary of Hillwood, the developer of AllianceTexas.

# # #

For Second Straight Year, Alliance Global Logistics Hub Ranks as Top Foreign Trade Zone in The U.S. in Terms of Foreign Products Admitted

Contact: David Pelletier (817/224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fort Worth, Texas (Sept. 21, 2009) – Based on the latest Annual Report of the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to the U.S. Congress (www.ia.ita.doc.gov/ftzpage/annualreport/ar-2007.pdf), the value of foreign merchandise admitted to the Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone #196 has almost doubled from the previous year and continues to rank as the most of any Foreign-Trade Zone in the country. In FY 2007, the latest year that data was available, Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone #196 admitted $7.46 billion in foreign products, an increase of more than 85% from the FY 2006 total of $4.031 billion. In FY 2005 the Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone #196 admitted $0.3 billion in foreign products.

The increase at Alliance reflects similar growth across the United States. From FY 2005 to FY 2007, the value of foreign goods admitted to the 126 multi-purpose foreign-trade zones across the country increased 31.9% from $22.9 billion to $30.2 billion.

Major users of Foreign-Trade Zone #196 at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub include ATC Logistics & Electronics, Hyundai, Trans-Trade, KFS, LEGO, and Motorola.

"Not only is Foreign-Trade Zone #196 at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub handling more foreign goods from Asia through the West Coast ports, but shipments by truck and rail from Mexico are also increasing,” said Steve Boecking, vice president of Hillwood Properties, the developer of AllianceTexas and the operator of FTZ #196. "As more of our existing customers activate FTZ at their facilities and as we attract new companies seeking the FTZ benefits and the other advantages of the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, we expect the value of goods flowing through Foreign-Trade Zone #196 to continue the phenomenal growth of the past few years.”

TOP U.S. GENERAL PURPOSE FOREIGN TRADE ZONES

By Value Of Foreign Goods Admitted

1. Fort Worth/Alliance (Texas).............................................. $7.460 billion

2. Newark/Elizabeth (New Jersey)........................................... $3.941 billion

3. Port Hueneme (California).................................................... $3.176 billion

4. Harris County (Texas).......................................................... $1.957 billion

5. Tacoma (Washington).......................................................... $1.048 billion

The biggest factor in the growth of imported goods at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub is the BNSF Intermodal Facility that is one of the busiest links in the country for goods arriving from Asia through the West Coast ports to the central part of the United States. A recently completed $32 million capital improvement program, which included new entry and exit gates, new bridges and nearly nine miles of new track, will allow for even more growth in imported goods.

Another key component of the Alliance Global Logistics Hub is Fort Worth Alliance Airport, which houses one of FedEx’s three major U.S. sorting hubs. A runway extension project is currently underway to increase the length of the runways to 11,000 feet. The facility can currently handle any size jet, but the extended runways will allow fully loaded cargo flights to directly serve Asia and Europe on the hottest days of the year. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

Foreign-trade zones are secure areas under the supervision of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. They are considered outside the customs territory of the United States for the purposes of duty payment. Under zone procedures, the usual formal customs entry procedure and payment of duties are not required on the foreign merchandise unless and until it enters customs territory for domestic consumption, in which case the importer normally has a choice of paying duties either on the original foreign materials or the finished product. Foreign-trade zone sites and activities remain within the jurisdiction of federal, state and local governments and agencies.

In large part due to its role in handling foreign goods, AllianceTexas has had an economic impact of $33.8 billion on the North Texas economy. In addition the development has attracted $6.5 billion in private investment, generated more than $625 million in property taxes and created 28,000 fulltime jobs.

In addition to the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development includes Alliance Town Center, the Monterra Village apartment home community, the corporate campuses of Circle T Ranch, the Vaquero estate golf community, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. AllianceTexas now houses 7,200 single-family homes and 220 companies that occupy 29 million square feet. Sixty-five of the companies at AllianceTexas are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. Close to 90 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms have chosen to locate Hillwood developments. In addition to the AllianceTexas project, Hillwood is best known for its development of American Airlines Center and the Victory mixed-use district near downtown Dallas and AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles.

# # #

Fort Worths Alliance foreign trade zone is nations largest for second year

Barry Shlachter — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, Alliance Airport will try to coax Commerce Secretary Gary Locke aboard a helicopter — possibly piloted by developer Ross Perot Jr. — for an aerial tour of its landlocked foreign trade zone, the largest in the country for two years running.

Hillwood eyes more homes for Alliance

Staff report — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Alliance area continues to defy the economic odds, with developers announcing the next phase of Hillwood Residential’s Heritage community.

"It makes sense to start a new phase of Heritage at this time because of what the market is telling us," said Fred Balda, president of Hillwood Residential.

Pointing to ongoing job growth and housing demand in the Alliance area, Balda said he hopes the next phase will meet mounting housing demand.

"This next phase will allow us to work with our builders to meet the demand of buyers looking to locate in the highly amenitized Heritage community," said Balda, making his comments in a press release.

New homes in the Heritage community have sold for between $164,000 and $500,000, with an average price of $230,000. About 232 homes in the development began construction in the past year, according to Residential Strategies, which monitors new home development in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Located in the Keller school district and near the retail-rich Alliance Town Center, Heritage is among four master-planned communities in Hillwood’s AllianceTexas development.

AllianceTexas breaks ground on next phase of project

Aleshia Howe — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hillwood Residential broke ground on the next phase of its 2,300-acre Heritage community in north Fort Worth on Aug. 13. The next phase includes 78 lots on 30 acres in the Bluffs section of Heritage with homes starting at $280,000. The phase’s builders are Toll Brothers and Standard Pacific.

According to a release, Hillwood cites continued job growth in the Alliance area and a “pent-up demand for housing” as the driving factors in pushing forward with the new phase.

According to Residential Strategies, a local research firm, in the past year Heritage had 232 starts, which ranks second in North Texas areas.

Heritage is part of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development that includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, Circle T Ranch, Alliance Town Center, Saratoga and Monterra Village. AllianceTexas has approximately 10,000 residents in its single-family and apartment home communities and 220 companies that employ 28,000 workers.

Hillwood to develop new lots in Alliance

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hillwood Residential is beginning the development of 78 lots on 30 acres in the Bluffs section of the 2,300-acre Heritage development in Alliance.

The developer will break ground Thursday on the next phase of the masterplanned community in north Fort Worth.

“It makes sense to start a new phase of Heritage at this time because of what the market is telling us,” said Fred Balda, president of Hillwood Residential, in a statement. “Due to continued job growth in the Alliance area and a pent-up demand for housing, Fort Worth’s economy is expected to improve faster than many areas of the country. This next phase will allow us to work with our builders to meet the demand of buyers looking to locate in the highly amenitized Heritage community.”

Heritage, which opened in 2001, had 232 housing starts in the last year with an average sale price of $230,000. There are about 7,000 residents in the development, in 2,600 houses.

The Bluffs phase will be built by Toll Brothers and Standard Pacific. The houses will start at $280,000.

Heritage includes 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, 100 acres of parks and open spaces and other amenities.

Hillwood Residential, founded by Ross Perot Jr., has developed four masterplanned communities in Alliance.

This decision to finish the new Heritage lots comes at a time when bulk lot development has slowed. Much of the focus of the industry over the last year has been to work down the inventory of finished vacant lots. There are 92,335 vacant developed lots in Dallas and Fort Worth, according to data from Dallas-based real estate analysts Residential Strategies Inc., which is an 80-month supply. In the past year, there have been 8,860 lot deliveries, down 64% from this time last year, and there are 5,812 lots currently under development.

Hillwood to break ground on Heritage expansion in Fort Worth

Steve Brown — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Developer Hillwood Residential says it will break ground tomorrow on an expansion of its Heritage housing community in north Fort Worth.

Work is set to begin on another 78 lots in the 2,300-acre development at the northeast corner of Heritage Trace Parkway and Exposition Way.

While residential lot development in North Texas has slowed to a trickle in the last couple of years, Hillwood said that continued job growth in its AllianceTexas business district is creating a demand for more housing in North Fort Worth.

Builders Toll Brothers and Standard Pacific plan to construct houses in the new phase starting at $280,000.

During the last year, builders have started 232 homes in the Heritage project, making it one of the busiest subdivisions in Texas, according to Hillwood.

Hillwood breaks ground Thursday on The Bluffs home lots in far north Fort Worth

Sandra Baker — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hillwood Residential is breaking ground today on 78 single-family home lots in The Bluffs section of its Heritage community in far north Fort Worth, despite market conditions and reports that show housing starts at their lowest levels in years.

Click here to read the full article.

HILLWOOD LAUNCHES NEW PHASE IN ITS ACCLAIMED HERITAGE COMMUNITY

Contact: David Pelletier, Hillwood (817/224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (August 13, 2009) – With recent data indicating a more positive outlook for the housing industry, Hillwood will become one of the first companies in North Texas to develop new single-family lots when it breaks ground on August 13 on the next phase of its highly successful master-planned Heritage community in north Fort Worth. The company will develop 78 lots on 30 acres in the Bluffs section of Heritage.

“It makes sense to start a new phase of Heritage at this time because of what the market is telling us,” said Fred Balda, president of Hillwood Residential. “In addition due to continued job growth in the Alliance area and a pent up demand for housing, Fort Worth’s economy is expected to improve faster than many areas of the country. This next phase will allow us to work with our builders to meet the demand of buyers looking to locate in the highly amenitized Heritage community.”

Since opening in April 2001, Heritage has consistently been among the top five communities in North Texas, based on new home starts. According to Residential Strategies, a local firm that researches DFW new home activity, over the past year Heritage had 232 starts, which ranks second in North Texas. Home prices in Heritage also continue to hold at a strong average price of $230,000, with a range of sales from $164,000 to $500,000. While new homes are maintaining their values, pre-owned homes are experiencing an approximate 4.6% increase. Approximately 7,000 residents currently live in the 2,600 occupied houses in Heritage.

Scott Minke, Heritage HOA Board Member and a home owner in the community for seven years, said, “It’s especially nice to know that as a Heritage resident my property value is not solely based on my home, but rather by what surrounds it. Top-notch amenities like the water park, spray park, walking trails and a multi-functional clubhouse make Heritage a wonderful place to buy a house, sell a house, or live in one.”

Industry leading home builders Toll Brothers and Standard Pacific will offer a variety of floor plans with prices starting at $280,000.

Known for innovative features and high-quality amenities that are incorporated into its communities, Hillwood created Heritage as its first “connected” community by leveraging state-of-the-art technology into each home. This 2,300-acre neighborhood was also among the first to feature extensive landscaping and world-class recreational amenities, such as 10 miles of hike and bike trails, more than 100 acres of parks and open spaces, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a recreation/community center. It showcases a multi-million dollar, 10-acre aquatic complex with waterslides and seven pools, as well as pocket parks and a spray park strategically positioned throughout the neighborhood.

Heritage is fortunate to be located in the highly-acclaimed Keller Independent School District. Families with children also benefit from the three on-site, state-of-the-art elementary schools within walking or biking distance, along with the new Central High School. Parents are encouraged to communicate electronically with their children’s teachers. Technology makes it easy to get missed homework assignments for students who are at home during an illness. The progressive educational programs being used by Keller ISD, along with the talented teachers make Keller one of the most sought-after districts for families moving to North Texas.

Residents are also connected through the community “Intranet,” where they can communicate with their neighbors via the web site or serve on one of the neighborhood committees that make Heritage such an energized place to live. The Club House at Heritage has become a popular gathering place for parties and covered dish dinners. While some people eat, others are in the next room exercising on state-of-the-art equipment. Or—there are those who are using the WiFi capabilities at the Club House, while another group is watching a playoff game in the TV room on comfy sofas.

The Realtor® community solidly supports Heritage because of Hillwood’s reputation of quality development in Tarrant County, coupled with two decades of incentive programs targeted to Realtors® and Hillwood’s commitment to fostering strong and long-term relationships with them. Many Heritage residents have relocated from different parts of the country, and often Realtors® are their first point of contact. Realtors® continue to be a critical partner of the Hillwood team, and as a testament to their commitment, Realtor®-assisted sales in Heritage account for 68% of the annual sales.

Heritage’s front door is anchored by a new retail complex, Alliance Town Center, which boasts the opening of stores at a time when many stores nationwide are closing. JC Penney, Belk, Sam Moon, Rue 21, Jason’s Deli, Which Wich and Kincaid’s are just a few of the thriving retailers, with most performing in the top 1% of all of their local or national locations.

Heritage has been and will continue to be a shining star in Dallas/Fort Worth, which is one of the largest and most robust real estate markets in the country.

Hillwood Residential (http://www.hillwoodresidential.com/) was founded in 1988 by Ross Perot Jr. so that this new division could begin to develop single-family residential communities to complement the new airport and logistics hub in what would become AllianceTexas. Hillwood Residential has not only developed four master-planned communities in AllianceTexas, but it has also delivered more than 19,000 single-family lots in more than 30 communities over the past 20 years.

Staying competitive and on the cutting edge of technology and efficiency—that’s Hillwood Residential. Where great things develop.

# # #

Rail Traffic Strengthens Again

John D. Boyd — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

U.S. rail hauls of metal cargoes reach highest level yet in 2009.

A traffic recovery for large U.S. railroads picked up steam in the week ending Aug. 1, adding to signs that freight demand may be on a sustained climb from recession lows.

The Class I carriers and a few regionals that report to the Association of American Railroads said their U.S. operations carried 274,728 bulk carloads, up nearly 800 from a week earlier. Train hauls of intermodal boxes, containers and trailers combined, hit 193,332 units for a gain of about 350.

From the same week in 2008, carloads were down 18.3 percent and intermodal down 16.1 percent. But for the second straight week carloads were their strongest since March 21 while intermodal volume was the most since Jan. 24.

The year-to-date peak in metal shipments – to 7,727 carloads -- came amid a sustained recent pickup in scrap metal loadings, consistent with demand from metal furnaces to use cheap scrap inputs along with costlier ore when they are getting more metal product orders from other factories.

Other cargoes swelling rail traffic in the latest week included the strongest grain volume since Feb. 14 at 20,983 hopper carloads, chemicals with 27,846 tank cars at their highest since Feb. 28, and pulp or paper shipments the most since Jan. 17 at 5,989 units.

U.S. Manufacturing Almost at Growth Stage

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. factory sector moved within striking distance of growth in July, a survey showed on August 3 in another encouraging sign for the recession-gripped economy.

The Institute of Supply Management said its index of the manufacturing sector, also known as the purchasing managers (PMI) index, rose to 48.9% from 44.8% in June.

That figure was better than the level of 46.5% expected on Wall Street and closer to the 50% level that separates expansion and contraction.

The ISM said that although the factory sector contracted for an 18th consecutive month, the decline was modest and suggested the slump is ending. "It would be difficult to convince many manufacturers that we are on the brink of recovery, but the data suggests that we will see growth in the third quarter if the trends continue," said ISM survey chief Norbert Ore.

"The solid increase in July’s production reflects reopening of auto plants that were closed during GM's bankruptcy, which results in associated increases in auto parts production. The 'cash-for-clunkers' program appears to be more popular than most analysts projected, which indicates that the long, deep recession has created pent up demand for motor vehicles, " said Daniel J. Meckstroth, Chief Economist for the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI.

"In addition, although the inventory liquidation is probably not over in the manufacturing sector, a reduced pace of inventory cutting does increase production," he added. "The July ISM reports adds to a growing number of indicators that signal that manufacturing and the general economy is bottoming out and a recovery is coming this summer. Although a welcome relief, we believe that the recovery will be below average and it will take many years to reach the pre-recession production level."

Additionally, the survey showed the new orders and production sub-indexes growing, and that the headline index was pulled down by weakness in inventories and lingering declines in employment.

The new orders index increased to 55.3% from 49.2%, showing growth in factory orders.

The production sub-index climbed to 57.9% from 52.5%, suggesting accelerating activity.

The employment index was at 45.7%, still contracting, but better than the level of 40.7% in June.

The ISM said six of the 18 manufacturing industries reported growth in July -- nonmetallic mineral products; paper products; printing and related activities; electrical equipment, appliances and components; transportation equipment; and chemical products.

Kincaid’s Has 'Scoop’ at Alliance

A. Lee Graham — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kincaid’s Hamburgers feeds customers the only way it knows how — one burger at a time. But at its newly opened Alliance store, the same strategy goes for ice cream scoops.

"We are the first [Kincaid’s] store to serve ice cream by the scoop," said Evan Parker, manager for the burger palace at Alliance Town Center.

Kincaid’s devotees mobbed the company’s fifth store when it joined the retail center in May at 9120 North Freeway. From office workers to families, a diverse clientele kept burgers flipping. And still do.

"I just say our focus is making one burger at a time. Just like at the Southlake store," said Parker, who trained at the Southlake Boulevard location before taking the reins at Alliance.

But Kincaid’s isn’t the only business feeding Alliance’s bottom line. So are Sam Moon Trading Co., J.C. Penney and others reporting sales spikes in May. Overall, business has surpassed expectations.

"Sales projections were exceeded by about a third," said Patrick Murphy, director of real estate for Sam Moon. "Usually, after a grand opening, it [business] dies down. This one hasn’t."

Added to that business later this month will be Sam Moon Home Decor, making it the company’s largest location even bigger. Also enjoying big business is J.C. Penney, the first retailer to open its doors at the center in late 2006. Since then, it has become among the Plano-based company’s top performers.

"They’ve got a great team out there — good management and a great team of associates," said company spokesman Tim Lyons. "They’ve really connected with the customers in the area."

The store is among only 74 of the company’s 1,101 locations to receive the 2008 Chairman’s Award, presented recently by Myron E. Ullman III, company chairman and chief executive.

About 140 employees work at the 104,000-square-foot retail emporium.

'Team effort’

Shlachter, Nishimura & Baker — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The J.C. Penney store at Alliance Town Center in far north Fort Worth, the first retailer to open in the shopping center in 2006, has earned its company’s Chairman’s Award for top performance for a second straight year.

Click here to read the full article.

Leases totaling 556,000 square feet renewed at Alliance

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hillwood has secured two leases totaling 556,039 square feet with ATC Logistics & Electronics (ATCLE), which first opened in the Alliance Global Logistics Hub development in 1994. ATCLE renewed its lease in the 375,000-square-foot Gateway 5 building, which it has occupied since 2005, as well as its lease at the 181,039-square-foot Gateway 31 building the company has occupied since 2007.

ATCLE also leases the entire 413,508-square-foot Gateway 19 building. The company signed a long-term lease on that facility in 2007.

With a total of 969,547 square feet, ATCLE represents one of the largest overall expansions at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub. The company first opened at Alliance in 1994 with 40,536 square feet in the Commerce Center 4 building.

Ryan Keiser of CB Richard Ellis represented ATCLE in the lease renewals. Steve Aldrich, vice president of Hillwood Properties, represented Hillwood. Including these deals, Hillwood has leased a total of 1.9 million square feet of space at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub in 2009. In 2008, the company leased 1.1 million square feet at Alliance.

Alliance Town Center's Shops Raising Sales Bars for Chains

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH – With Alliance Town Center's shops ringing up strong sales, Hillwood and Trademark Property Co. are toasting the traction that their 20 retailers in the 600,000-sf development have made in light of the recession and retail sector's overall sluggishness.

In the past month, Kincaid's Hamburgers and Sam Moon Trading Co. have opened doors and the project's JCPenney store, which opened in October 2006, won its second Chairman's Award to signal its success in the budding Interstate 35 W retail corridor in north Fort Worth. Alliance Town Center is situated between North Tarrant and Heritage Trace parkways.

The 168,446-sf Sam Moon Center is the Dallas-based chain's fourth in the state and first in Tarrant County. The sales were the highest of all previous store openings, said Daniel Moon, vice president and general counsel of Sam Moon.

Kincaid’s Hamburgers marked its fifth launch with one of the most successful grand openings in its 40-year history.

The joint venture's future plans include a grocery-anchored center and a "town center" component with specialty retail interspersed with office, hotel and residential space. At build-out, the 300-acre Alliance Town Center will top two million sf in a mix of uses, including entertainment and the HCA medical campus.

Alliance Town Center, with miles of interstate frontage, is part of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas encompassing the cities of Fort Worth, Roanoke, Haslet and Westlake in Tarrant and Denton counties. AllianceTexas houses more than 200 companies in 29 million sf, 7,200 single-family homes, Monterra Village apartments and corporate campuses and golf courses.

BUSINESS BOOMING AT ALLIANCE TOWN CENTER

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (June 25, 2009) – For several retailers at Alliance Town Center in Fort Worth, the past month has been exciting and busy. Iconic retailers Kincaid’s Hamburgers and Sam Moon Trading Co. experienced highly successful openings, while the JCPenney store earned its company’s Chairman’s Award for top performance for the second straight year.

Sam Moon Trading Company opened the doors of its fourth store in May. The renowned seller of women’s fashion accessories and handbags attracted large crowds of shoppers to its new 168,446 square-foot center, which is the company’s first location in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.

“Based on first month’s sales, Sam Moon Trading Fort Worth’s sales were the highest of all our prior store openings,” said Daniel Moon, vice president and general counsel of Sam Moon.

JCPenney, which was the first retailer to open at Alliance Town Center in October 2006, has earned the company’s top honor each of the past two years. The 2008 Chairman’s Award was presented on May 1 by Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, JCPenney chairman and chief executive officer, to only 74 of the Company‘s 1,101 stores.

“Our store’s performance was a result of a team effort. Our Associates are committed to putting our customers first and making JCPenney an easy and exciting place to shop,” said JCPenney Store Manager Enriqueta Calvillo. “We are part of a dynamic community, and we look forward to continuing to provide an outstanding shopping experience.”

Kincaid’s Hamburgers, which last month opened its fifth outlet at Alliance Town Center, had one of the most successful grand openings in the company’s 40-year history.

More than 20 retailers occupy more than 600,000 square feet at Alliance Town Center. In addition to JCPenney, Kincaid’s and Sam Moon, retailers include Bank of Texas, Belk, Best Buy, Cheddar’s, Dress Barn, Eye Masters, Hobby Lobby, Jason’s Deli, Justice, Mattress Firm, PetSmart, Rack Room, Rue 21, Smoothie King, Sports Clips, Ulta, Wells Fargo, and Which Wich.

Future phases of Alliance Town center will include a grocery-anchored center and a town center component with specialty retail integrated with office, hotel and residential space. At full buildout Alliance Town Center will house more than 2 million square feet of retail, office, residential, and entertainment space, along with the HCA medical campus.

Alliance Town Center is part of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development that also includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, the Monterra Village apartment home community and the single-family communities of Heritage, Saratoga and Vaquero. AllianceTexas houses more than 7,200 single-family homes and 200 companies that have built 29 million square feet and created 28,000 jobs. The development lies within four cities: Fort Worth, Roanoke, Haslet and Westlake, and two counties: Tarrant and Denton.

About Hillwood

Hillwood, A Perot Company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company is recognized for its high-profile and public-private ventures that bring tremendous value to its customers and partners. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood (www.hillwood.com) is best known for its development of the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas and the 2,000-acre AllianceCalifornia development near Los Angeles.

About Trademark

Founded in 1991, Fort Worth-based Trademark Property Co. has developed or acquired nearly $1 Billion worth of retail and mixed-use space. Trademark has become one of the premier outdoor retail and mixed-use developers in the country. Other notable Texas projects include Market Street – The Woodlands, and Watters Creek, a 1 million s.f. mixed-use development under construction in Allen, TX. For information, visit http://www.trademarkproperty.com/.

# # #

Alliance Town Center Lassoes the 'Moon,’ Shoppers Swoon

A. Lee Graham — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Alliance corridor’s retail appetite appears insatiable, with Sam Moon Center just the latest outpost beckoning shoppers.

"The biggest thing has been the tremendous residential growth in this area since 2000," said David Pelletier, a spokesman with Hillwood Development, which oversees Alliance Town Center at 9120 North Freeway.

Since opening in late 2006, the 500-acre retail hub has drawn not only nearby homeowners, but also shoppers from afar.

"It’s pulling in lots of people west of here — Wise County and those areas," Pelletier said. "Instead of going to some of the malls that are closer to the city, it seems to be a popular alternative."

Decidedly popular is Tarrant County’s first taste of the retail phenomenon that’s made Sam Moon a fixture in Dallas. Women flock to showrooms in Dallas, Frisco and Houston, where imported handbags, scarves, belts and other items outfit shoppers while taking less from their wallets.

In fact, snapping up trendy designs at wholesale prices has built a following some believe borders on cult status.

"It’s amazing," said Pelletier, recalling the recent grand opening of Sam Moon Center, anchored by the Sam Moon Trading Co. and featuring a Sam Moon Luggage & Gifts store.

"Someone referred to it as it was like Christmas at a shopping center on Saturday, it was so busy."

Earnings and employment impact are hard to measure, said Terry Montesi, founding partner of Trademark Property Co., which has helped develop Alliance Town Center.

"It’s hard for us to track since Sam Moon has opened whether our traffic has changed materially," Montesi said.

Sam Moon officials were not available for comment.

"There’s clearly a pent-up demand for retail services in the area, and that’s a big part," Montesi said.

How many of the estimated 28,000 jobs in the Alliance corridor are tied to growing interest in the retail center is unknown, but it now boasts about 700 restaurant and retail jobs, Pelletier estimated.

Its success appears, at least in part, attributed to the real-estate axiom "location, location, location."

"The fact that it’s a material entertainment corridor, with Texas Motor Speedway, Cabela’s, etc., and the fact that it draws people from many places has helped," said Montesi.

Montesi said his company’s leasing agent receives at least 20 calls a week from prospective lessees.

"We’ve signed leases and LOIs [letters of intent] lately and have lots of prospects working right now."

Word of mouth has helped feed the momentum.

"When there are other retailers doing well, they hear about it. The word’s out."

With about 3,000 homes built nearby since 2001, Pelletier said, not to mention new facilities springing up at the shopping center, a development slowdown appears unlikely.

A McDonald’s restaurant and Rooms To Go showroom are just two projects in the pipeline.

Negotiations are under way for more restaurants.

"There’s been an interest from restaurants because restaurants that are there are doing very well," said Pelletier.

Those include Jason’s Deli, Kincaid’s Hamburgers, Which Wich and others.

Asked to pick the site’s top franchisers, and Pelletier didn’t miss a beat. "All of them," he said.

ATCLE Renews 556,000 SF

Amy Wolff Sorter — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH-ATC Logistics & Electronics will remain in its space at the 375,000-square-foot Gateway 5 building and the 181,039-square-foot Gateway 31 building, thanks to a three-year agreement that will keep the third-party logistics provider in its current digs at Alliance Global Logistics Hub. The renewal means ATCLE will remain one of the larger tenants at Alliance Global, occupying a grand total of 969,547 square feet at the Hillwood development.

"The lease on the two buildings were up, and we just decided to negotiate them for another three-year term," explains Antony Francis, ATGLE president. He explains that CB Richard Ellis first vice president Ryan Keiser, who represented ATGLE, benchmarked other alternatives in the area in terms of cost. The preference, overall, was to remain, as the company had a significant equipment investment in the two buildings.

"It would have been difficult to move that application elsewhere, so the best-case scenario was to negotiate good rates, remain where we are, and maintain existing operations," Francis tells GlobeSt.com.

Steve Aldrich, Hillwood Properties vice president says the catalyst in getting negotiations going was Gateway 31, which ATGLE took in 2007. "The company was looking at it as a temporary solution to allow them to chase some projects, and those projects became permanent in nature," Aldrich says.

ATGLE first became a Hillwood tenant in the mid-1990s, taking down 40,000 square feet. Over the years, as the company grew, it took more space and eventually made the move to the 17,000-acre Alliance Global Logistics Hub.

"One of the great things is that we've been able to work with them and flex up with them as needed," Aldrich remarks. "They grew from 40,000 square feet to almost one million square feet in a little more than 10 years. If they continue that trend in the next 10 years, that'll be close to half our entire square footage."

Francis says he'd love to see that happen, and if it does, Hillwood will remain ATGLE's landlord of choice. "Hillwood has some great properties there," he adds. "As soon as we're forced into the wonderful choice of having to go into another building, we'll take more space over there."

HILLWOOD COMPLETES LEASES TOTALING 556,039 SQUARE FEET WITH ATC LOGISTICS & ELECTRONICS AT ALLIANCE GLOBAL LOGISTICS HUB

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (June 23, 2009) – Hillwood has completed two leases totaling 556,039 square feet with ATC Logistics & Electronics (ATCLE), which first opened in the development in 1994. ATCLE renewed its lease in the 375,000 square-foot Gateway 5 building that it has occupied since 2005, as well as the lease at the 181,039 square-foot Gateway 31 building the company has occupied since 2007.

ATCLE, which employs approximately 2,600 employees at Alliance, also leases the 413,508 square-foot Gateway 19 building. The company signed a long-term lease on that facility in 2007, when it expanded to occupy the entire building. All three ATCLE facilities are in the Fort Worth section of the Alliance Global Logistics Hub.

“ATCLE’s strategic location in the US high tech corridor, and expansive facilities at Alliance are essential to the ability to offer customers highly efficient and reliable service,” said Antony Francis, president of ATCLE. “It is a prime environment for operating in the electronics industry, and has been an advantage as we have evolved into an industry leader. We are very encouraged by our performance over the past 15 years, and consider Alliance an ideal area for additional growth.”

Now with a total of 969,547 square feet, ATCLE represents one of the largest overall expansions at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub. The company first opened at Alliance in 1994 with 40,536 square feet in the Commerce Center 4 building.

“With more than 29 million square feet and 200 customers already in place at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, renewals with long-time industry-leading customers like ATCLE are a critical part of what Hillwood focuses on each day,” said Steve Aldrich, vice president of Hillwood Properties.

Ryan Keiser of CB Richard Ellis represented ATCLE. Aldrich represented Hillwood.

With these deals Hillwood already has leased 1.9 million square feet at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub this year. In 2008 the company leased 1.1 million square feet at Alliance.

The Alliance Global Logistics Hub is part of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development. In addition to the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the development includes the Monterra Village apartment home community, Alliance Town Center, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. More than 60 companies at AllianceTexas are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms.

A division of Illinois-based ATC Technology Corporation (NASDAQ: ATAC), ATCLE is a premier provider of third party logistics (3PL) and supply chain services. The company specializes in forward logistics, reverse logistics, asset recovery, test & repair, kitting & packaging and value-added services for high-velocity, high-tech devices, in addition to other equipment and components. Industry focus includes wireless, broadband, electronics, medical, industrial and automotive. ATCLE’s knowledge, expertise, IT capabilities and 99.5 percent service and quality levels enable its customers to streamline supply chain efficiency and enhance growth and profit. With a customer roster including AT&T, GM, LG, Pantech and TomTom, ATCLE raises the standard for quality, service and performance. For more visit: http://www.atcle.com/.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company's developments currently house facilities for close to 90 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles and the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas.

# # #

ATC renews lease at Alliance Global hub

Bill Hethcock — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hillwood’s Alliance Global Logistics Hub will keep one of the project’s largest clients under terms of a 556,000-square-foot lease renewal signed last week.

ATC Logistics and Electronics, which opened in Alliance in 1994, renewed its lease in the 375,000-square-foot Gateway 5 building that it has occupied since 2005, as well as the lease at the 181,000-square-foot Gateway 31 building it has occupied since 2007.

ATC, which employs about 2,600 people at Alliance, also leases the 413,500-square-foot Gateway 19 building. The company signed a long-term lease on that facility in 2007 when it expanded to the entire building. All three ATC facilities are in the Fort Worth section of the Alliance Global Logistics Hub.

No immediate job growth will be tied to the lease renewals, but the third-party logistics firm has been in near-constant expansion mode for several years, said ATC Logistics President Antony Francis.

The firm, which provides warehousing, distribution, return and repair service for electronics customers, grew from about 500 employees to about 2,700 in the past five years as revenue went from $83 million to $353 million, Francis said. Its focus includes wireless, broadband, electronics, medical, industrial and automotive devices for customers ranging from AT&T Inc. and TiVo to LG Electronics Inc. and TomTom Inc.

ATC has been pleased with Hillwood and Alliance, and more broadly with the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which is ideal for nationwide logistics and distribution because of its central location and transportation infrastructure, Francis said.

“Once you have established operations with key customers like AT&T and TomTom, you don’t want to disrupt things by having to move a facility,” he said. Both Hillwood and ATC declined to disclose lease rates.

Expansion at Alliance is likely to continue if ATC continues to land more business, Francis said. “We are very aggressively looking for new opportunities,” he said.

With almost a million square feet, ATC represents one of the largest overall expansions at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, said Steve Aldrich, vice president of Hillwood Properties. The company opened at Alliance in 1994 with 40,500 square feet.

With more than 29 million square feet and 200 tenants now at Alliance, renewals such as the ATC deal make up a critical part of Hillwood’s focus, Aldrich said.

“We’ve had a longstanding relationship with ATC dating back to their initial operation out here,” Aldrich said. “It’s been a great story of growth, which is a huge credit to the company itself, but also speaks to our ability to facilitate that growth.”

Being based at Alliance makes sense for a logistics company such as ATC for many reasons, said Terrance Pohlen, associate professor of logistics and director of the Center for Logistics Education and Research at the University of North Texas.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area’s population of more than 6 million puts the company close to many customers, Pohlen said. Alliance’s proximity to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Fort Worth Alliance Airport allows for easy air transportation of electronic devices, and the area’s geographic location allows products to be trucked to 80% to 85% of the U.S. population within two days, he said.

Alliance has positioned the inland port as a hub for the electronics industry, he added.

“You’ve got lots of electronics trade coming into D-FW; you’ve got many electronics manufacturers located throughout the Metroplex, and out at Alliance you’ve got lots of cell phone manufacturers and other companies that are in the electronics business,” Pohlen said.

Including the ATC deals, Hillwood has leased 1.9 million square feet at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub so far this year. In 2008 the company leased 1.1 million square feet at Alliance.

Ryan Keiser of CB Richard Ellis represented ATC Logistics. Aldrich represented Hillwood.

Federally funded logistics training coming to AllianceTexas

Staff report — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Training and certification opportunities await production and supply chain logistics workers thanks to a new program planned for the AllianceTexas development.

Under the national logistics training program, the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council will bring to the Alliance Global Logistics Hub a training program focusing on core skills and knowledge sought by the nation’s production and supply chain logistics workers.

"This certification will increase the value of those who complete the training, since they will have a certificate that is nationally recognized and promoted by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council," said Kay Lee, senior manager of corporate services at Tarrant County College.

Initial training for the Washington, D.C.-based council program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Certified logistics associate and certified logistics technician credentials offer logistics workers a way to document their skills and provide a means to secure higher wages, according to Leo Reddy, chief executive with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council.

"They apply to front-line workers across the entire supply chain: from factories, to warehouses, to distribution centers, to truck drivers responsible for handling materials," Reddy added.

"Alliance companies will benefit by having highly trained logistics professionals, which will improve efficiency and quality control at their facilities," Lee said.

Many of the 200 companies at the Alliance hub helped formulate the program and have guaranteed job interviews to students who complete the certification. Among those companies are JC Penney, Motorola, DSC Logistics and Bridgestone-Firestone.

"Alliance is the natural location to launch this new logistics training program," said Steve Boecking, vice president of Hillwood Properties, the developer of Alliance.

Certification program will benefit logistics workers

Shlachter, Nishimura & Baker — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fort Worth’s Alliance Global Logistics Hub is home to the new national logistics training program being instituted by the Washington, D.C.-based Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, according to Hillwood Properties, the developer of Alliance.

Click here to read the full article.

Alliance Hub to offer national logistics training program

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new national training program funded by a U.S. Department of Labor grant will use the Alliance Global Logistics Hub in Fort Worth to train professionals in the logistics industry.

Hillwood, the developer of Alliance Global Logistics Hub, said Tuesday that the Washington, D.C.-based Manufacturing Skills Standards Council will be offering training, evaluations and certificate programs at the hub to enhance and promote training for supply chain logistics workers.

The training program, which will be managed through the Tarrant County College-Corporate Services campus at Alliance, will offer a Certified Logistics Associate certificate and a mid-technical level Certified Logistics Technician certificate to workers seeking gainful employment in the logistics sector.

“These training programs and certifications are the collective efforts of our industry partners, MSSC and Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas, which was generously supported by the funding of the U.S. Department of Labor,” said David Setzer, director of Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas.

Several companies operating in the Alliance Global Logistics Hub supported the creation of the program. Participants included Americold Logistics, Andersen Logistics, Behr, Bridgestone/Firestone, DSC Logistics, Exel Logistics, J.C. Penney Co., Motorola, Patterson Dental, Premium Waters and W.W. Grainger.

ALLIANCE IS HUB OF NEW NATIONAL LOGISTICS TRAINING PROGRAM

Contact: David Pelletier, Hillwood (817-224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (June 9, 2009) – The Alliance Global Logistics Hub is now the home of the new national logistics training program being instituted by the Washington, D.C.-based Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), an industry-led standards-based, training, assessment and certification system focused on the core skills and knowledge needed by the nation’s production and supply chain logistics workers. The initial training is being funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The MSSC training and certification system provides a foundational-level Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) certificate and a mid-technical level Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) certification to participants.

“These industry-recognized, nationally-portable CLA/CLT credentials offer front line logistics workers their first opportunity to document their skills, provide a way to secure higher wages and promise career pathways in the rapidly modernizing logistics sector,” said Leo Reddy, CEO of the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council. “They apply to front-line workers across the entire supply chain: from factories, to warehouses, to distribution centers, to truck drivers responsible for handling materials.”

“These training programs and certifications are the collective efforts of our industry partners, MSSC and Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas, which was generously supported by the funding of the U.S. Department of Labor,” explained David Setzer, director of Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas.

In addition to being a site for student classes, the Alliance Global Logistics Hub is the national training center for instructors from across the country to learn how to teach the certification program at their respective company, college, or high school. All classes at Alliance will be conducted through the Tarrant County College – Corporate Services campus at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub.

“This certification will increase the value of those who complete the training, since they will have a certificate that is nationally recognized and promoted by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council,” says Kay Lee, senior manager of TCC Corporate Services. “Alliance companies will benefit by having highly trained logistics professionals, which will improve efficiency and quality control at their facilities.”

Many of the 200 companies in the Alliance Global Logistics Hub helped formulate the program and have guaranteed job interviews to those students who complete the certification. Alliance companies involved in the program include Americold Logistics, Andersen Logistics, Behr, Bridgestone/Firestone, DSC Logistics, Exel Logistics, JCPenney, Motorola, Patterson Dental, Premium Waters, and W.W. Grainger.

“As the nation’s prototypical inland port logistics hub, Alliance is the natural location to launch this new logistics training program,” said Steve Boecking, vice president of Hillwood Properties, the developer of Alliance. “The logistics expertise of the companies that are here; the Alliance Opportunity Center, which helps companies meet their labor needs; and the Tarrant County College campus at Alliance will help provide the knowledge and support that will make this program a great success in training the next generation of logistics professionals.”

Partners in the training program include the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas, Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County, Tarrant County College, the North Texas Commission, and the Alliance Global Logistics Hub/Hillwood.

The new program is proving particularly helpful to military veterans and displaced workers. The program also will be beneficial to increase the training of current logistics employees.

“This project has created a true career pipeline for dislocated workers that are changing professions, students looking for careers in an ever expanding industry, and veterans who are transitioning from military to civilian life,” said Sal Adamski, business services manager of Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County. “Eventually our four-year colleges will be brought into the project to develop and expand logistic management programs.”

The certification system for supply chain logistics is modeled after the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council’s training, testing and credentialing system for the foundational skills of manufacturing production workers, which now is required for employment by many of the country’s top companies, under the MSSC-sanctioned Certified Production Technician (CPT) program.

The Alliance Global Logistics Hub is the prototype for an inland port logistics hub. In the nearly two decades since it opened, the development has attracted primarily distribution centers for more than 200 companies, more than 60 of which are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms. These companies occupy 29 million square feet and employ 28,000 workers. Anchored by the BNSF Intermodal Facility, Fort Worth Alliance Airport and the FedEx Sorting Hub, and bisected by Interstate 35W - the NAFTA Freeway, the Alliance Global Logistics Hub is the nation’s top Foreign Trade Zone and features additional cost-saving features, such as a heavy-load container sector, Triple Freeport, a Centralized Examination Station and on-site U.S. Customs.

The Alliance Global Logistics Hub is part of Hillwood’s 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development that also includes the Monterra Village apartment home community, Alliance Town Center, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities.

# # #

Ten Outstanding Logistics Parks in the South

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Alliance Texas

Fort Worth's Alliance is the mother of all logistics parks, not only in the South, but worldwide. Owned by the City of Fort Worth, developed by Hillwood (a Perot company) and managed by the privately-held Alliance Air Services, Alliance encompasses over 17,000 acres, 29 million square feet of buildings, 28,000 employees working for over 200 companies and almost 7,000 single-family homes. The development is anchored by the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, one of the largest inland ports in the world. The Hub features the Fort Worth Alliance Airport (the world's first 100% industrial airport), BNSF Railway's Alliance Intermodal Facility, FedEx's Southwest Regional Sort Hub, two Class I rail lines and various state and Interstate highway networks.

Apartment perk

Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Talk about apartment amenities.

Race car fans living at the Monterra Village community in far north Fort Worth are getting the chance to watch the Bombardier Learjet 550k IndyCar race from Hillwood Properties’ luxury suite at the start/finish line at Texas Motor Speedway.

Click here to read the full article.

VIDEO: New Sam Moon Store in Fort Worth

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

http://video.star-telegram.videos.vmixcore.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=4091971

Fort Worth’s first Sam Moon store opens Friday

John Austin — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH — The new Moon is up in far north Fort Worth.

"The Home Depot of women’s handbags and accessories" is what Daniel Moon, vice president and general counsel, calls Dallas-based Sam Moon Trading Co., which opens today at Alliance Town Center.

Click here to read the full article.

Sam Moon opens Fort Worth shopping center

Steve Brown — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Sam Moon Trading Co. is opening its new retail center in North Fort Worth on Friday.

The 168,446-square-foot shopping center is at 9120 North Freeway in the AllianceTexas complex.

The retail complex will be anchored by a Sam Moon Trading Co. store and a Sam Moon Luggage & Gifts store.

It's the first Tarrant County location for the Dallas-based retailer, which has been in business since 1984.

Sam Moon to open in Fort Worth

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Sam Moon has landed in Fort Worth, the Sam Moon Group confirmed this week.

The wholesaler of imported Korean merchandise will open its newest location in the Alliance Town Center at 9120 North Freeway in Fort Worth on Friday.

The 168,446-square foot center is anchored by the Sam Moon Trading Co. store and the Sam Moon Luggage & Gifts store.

Sam Moon has developed a reputation as a one-stop shop for women’s accessories, jewelry and handbags.

Sam Moon has other locations in Frisco, Dallas and Houston.

Bingle, bangle, jangle your way to Sam Moon’s Tarrant outpost

Max Faulkner / DFW.com — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If you build it, the Sam Moon-ies will come.

For years, bargain shoppers have been making pilgrimages from as far away as Oklahoma and Louisiana to dig through designer purses and find dirt-cheap deals on jewelry at the Dallas wholesaler.

Click here to read the full article.

Kincaid's opens in north Fort Worth

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kincaid’s Hamburgers, a Fort Worth staple for the past 45 years, opens its fifth location today, this one in Alliance Town Center in north Fort Worth.

Click here to read the full article.

Leasing at Alliance strong in the first quarter

Sandra Baker — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hillwood has released leasing-activity numbers at its Alliance development in north Fort Worth, and it seems that the recession hasn’t affected the development during the first quarter.

Hillwood said it leased more than 1.2 million square feet, the second-most square footage ever leased in a first quarter at the development, which began in 1989.

Click here to read the full article.

Westlake approves Deloitte site plan

A. Lee Graham — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tax revenue and new employment opportunities await as Deloitte LLP pushes ahead with its planned corporate campus in Westlake.

The project reached a new stage on April 13 as the Westlake Town Council threw unanimous support to the site plan and preliminary plat of a $300 million development on 107 acres bounded by Dove, Ottinger and Precinct Line roads and Texas 114.

The next step occurs this summer when Westlake’s next major corporate neighbor applies for a grading permit to begin dirt work.

"To say Deloitte is excited about the unanimous approval of our site plans is an understatement," said Jon Eisele, project leader and Deloitte partner. "Mayor [Laura] Wheat and the entire town of Westlake have been great to work with throughout this process."

Town officials have high hopes for a facility expected to reach completion in summer 2010.

"It will mean a number of things," Town Manager Tom Brymer said, anticipating sales tax revenue and new employment opportunities from Deloitte University, as the project is known. "It will create a huge amount of construction activity and will impact jobs for the whole northeast Tarrant County area. Secondly, another impact to Westlake specifically is we have a very prestigious and new corporate community member."

That’s because the site will house nothing less than Deloitte’s primary training facility, attracting personnel worldwide. Building and operating the center means added sales tax for Westlake.

"It will generate sales tax both in construction and operation," Brymer said, pointing to a 800-room company hotel among other features in generating that revenue.

Set to welcome guests 51 weeks a year, the site is expected to keep area food suppliers, among other businesses, busy as guests enjoy training on a campus that also will include a 30,000-square-foot ballroom, restaurant, several cyber cafes and a data center.

Hillwood Reports Q1 Gains in AllianceTexas

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH – Despite the U.S. economic slump, Hillwood has recorded its second highest first quarter in two decades at AllianceTexas, a 17,000-acre, mixed-use heavyweight for the North Texas economy.

The first-quarter results show more than 1.2 million sf has been leased, falling just 300,000 sf shy of the record set in 2005. Last year, 710,000 sf of deals were inked in Q1.

In a press release, Hillwood's team reported the Q1 '09 deals translated into nearly 600 new jobs for the development. "The value-added services and inherent costs savings at AllianceTexas are appealing to companies, particularly at a time when they are under pressure to trim expenses in a slow economy," said Mike Berry, president of Hillwood Properties.

As Hillwood tallied up its wins, AllianceTexas' construction activity was picking up too. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is building a 250,000-sf data center on 53 acres that it bought last year while New York City-based Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is gearing up to start work on a 750,000-sf learning and leadership development center on a 107-acre tract in the Circle T Ranch section. And earlier this year, locally based Galderma Laboratories LP completed a 50,000-sf office building for its team.

Meanwhile, work is nearing completion on a 168,000-sf shopping center, which will plant a Sam Moon Trading Co. in northeast Tarrant County. The local retailer's grand opening will be held next month. Also coming this spring is construction on a 35,000-sf store for Rooms To Go in Alliance Town Center.

To date this year, Hillwood has sold 28 new homes in Heritage and 16 in Saratoga. Due to the interest in the neighborhoods, Hillwood is starting lot developments in both, adding 119 in Saratoga and 75 in Heritage.

AllianceTexas contains more than 200 companies, 29 million sf and 28,000 employees. The newcomers to the development will include Q-Edge Corp., a California-based company that's relocating to Texas and adding a computer assembly plant in 365,440 sf and Alliance Brokers, a local logistics firm that recently leased 292,500 sf for a heavy-load container facility, deals previously reported in Realty News Report.

AllianceTexas Leases 1.2M SF in Q1

Amy Wolff Sorter — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH-Bucking the current trend of decreased leasing velocity, the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas posted numbers for an outstanding first quarter. Between January and March, AllianceTexas developer Hillwood signed tenants to more than 1.2 million square feet, the second largest amount of square footage leased in a first quarter since the project broke ground in 1989.

Hillwood senior vice president Bill Burton acknowledges the AllianceTexas numbers were a surprise, especially given the economy. "When you look at the new business moving in, we've seen an incremental slowdown, and we've seen contractions area-wide," he tells GlobeSt.com.

But tenants such as Alliance Brokers, which took 292,500 square feet for a new heavy-load container facility and a pending deal totaling 365,440 square feet with Q-Edge for a new computer assembly plant helped boost the overall totals. Then there is the upcoming construction. Deloitte will soon begin construction on 750,000 square feet for a learning and leadership development center in the Circle T. Ranch section of AllianceTexas. Construction is already underway on a 250,000-square-foot data center for Health Care Service Corp., parent company of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas.

Burton says there are several factors that led to the very positive Q1 numbers. First is that Texas, even in the current downturn, is still a good place in which to do business. Second is the services that Hillwood adds to the real estate it sells and leases at AllianceTexas.

"We spend a tremendous amount of time on other factors, such as labor availability and training," Burton comments. He says Hillwood has worked with Burlington Northern Santa Fe on its intermodal facility in trying to make it more efficient. Within the past year, the company re-designed the entrances and exits to promote more efficiency.

"On top of that, we worked with BNSF and the city of Fort Worth to privatize a portion of two roads – Intermodal Parkway and Container Way," Burton adds. "It allows companies in that area to use heavy-weight containers."

Finally, he points out, not all companies are contracting. Some, such as Alliance Shippers, are expanding, and they need more space. "One of the key attributes we sell at Alliance is the fact that business isn't static," Burton says. "Businesses grow and contract, needs change, and we have the flexibility to help."

Even with the hugely successful first quarter, Burton isn't hedging his bets that the rest of the year will be that way. In addition to the economy, there is competition, he comments.

"Is there activity? Yes. Is there a lot of competition? You bet. Will all the deals get done? No," he says.. "I'm just hopeful we'll have the opportunity to business with the people we're talking with now."

Hillwood announces new deals at AllianceTexas

Steve Brown — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Not all real estate projects are in the dumps, it would seem.

Developer Hillwood said Tuesday that in the first quarter it leased more than 1.2 million square feet of space at its AllianceTexas development in North Fort Worth. That’s one of the highest leasing totals ever for the first three months of the year.

Among the new deals in the big business park were a 292,500-square-foot lease to warehouser Alliance Brokers and a lease of 365,440 square feet of industrial space to computer firm Q-Edge for a new assembly plant.

Business expansions at AllianceTexas added about 600 jobs in the first quarter, according to Hillwood.

And construction started on building a 250,000-square-foot data center for Health Care Service Corp., the parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.

HILLWOOD LEASES MORE THAN 1.2 MILLION SQUARE FEET AT ALLIANCETEXAS IN FIRST THREE MONTHS OF ‘09

Contact: David Pelletier, Hillwood (817/224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (April 21, 2009) – Hillwood leased more than 1.2 million square feet at its AllianceTexas development during the first three months of 2009. It is the second most square footage ever leased in a first quarter at the development, which began in 1989. In 2005 the company leased 1.5 million square feet in the first quarter at AllianceTexas. Last year Hillwood leased 710,000 square feet in the first quarter at the 17,000-acre development.

In addition close to 600 new jobs were created at AllianceTexas in the first quarter of 2009.

Highlighting activity in the first quarter of 2009 at AllianceTexas were the lease of 292,500 square feet to Alliance Brokers for its new heavy-load container facility and the lease of 365,440 square feet to Q-Edge for its new computer assembly plant, which the company is moving from California.

“The value-added services and inherent costs savings at AllianceTexas are appealing to companies, particularly at a time when they are under pressure to trim expenses in a slow economy,” said Mike Berry, president of Hillwood Properties.

Strong construction activity also took place during the first quarter of 2009 on property that Hillwood sold to companies over the past year. Health Care Service Corp., the parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, is building a 250,000 square-foot data center on 53 acres it purchased at Alliance last year.

Deloitte is expected to begin construction soon on its 750,000 square-foot learning and leadership development center in the Circle T Ranch section of AllianceTexas. The company acquired 107 acres from Hillwood in 2008. Earlier this year Galderma moved into its recently completed 50,000 square-foot office building at AllianceTexas.

On the retail side, Sam Moon Trading Co. is wrapping up construction on its 168,000 square-foot retail center that will open in May at Alliance Town Center. In addition Rooms To Go will begin construction this spring on a 35,000 square-foot store at Alliance Town Center.

Residential sales have also done well in the first quarter at the two single-family communities of AllianceTexas. Twenty-eight new homes were sold at Heritage, while 16 new homes were sold at Saratoga during the first three months of 2009. Strong interest in these neighborhoods prompted Hillwood to develop of a 119-lot phase that is just being completed at Saratoga and a 75-lot phase that will begin construction soon in Heritage.

The 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the Monterra Village apartment home community, Alliance Town Center, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. The development houses more than 200 companies, 29 million square feet and 28,000 employees. More than 60 companies at AllianceTexas are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company's developments currently house facilities for close to 90 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles and the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas.

# # #

P&Z Green Lights Deloitte Plans

A. Lee Graham — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bright lights and bare industrial walls would not threaten Westlake’s way of life, according to a newly recommended plan for Deloitte LLP’s sprawling corporate campus.

By unanimous vote, the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended the project’s site plan and preliminary plat for Town Council approval.

The council is expected to consider the matter at its regular meeting on Monday April 13.

"We just made some minor changes," said Commissioner Sharon Sanden, regarding plans to construct the $300-million development on 107 acres bounded by Dove, Ottinger and Precinct Line roads and State Highway 114.

The site represents more than just another Deloitte property. Known as the Deloitte University Conference Center, it promises nothing less than the company’s primary training facility, attracting personnel worldwide. They can expect 800 guest rooms in a company hotel, along with a restaurant, several cyber cafes, a conference center featuring a 30,000-square-foot grand ballroom, an 18,000-square-foot sports bar and social activity space and a data center standing alone on the site’s west side.

Motorists whizzing by the data center would not notice its masonry or stone column screening wall. That’s because commissioners suggested living evergreen to shroud the structure.

"It would have to have an all-year-long evergreen screen," said Sanden.

Another recommendation would prohibit obtrusive lighting during the construction phase, meaning nearby residents would have nothing to squint about.

"We added that for during construction," said Sanden, noting that lighting would meet town ordinances as well as criteria outlined by the International Dark Sky Association, the Arizona-based organization aiming to stop the adverse effects of light pollution.

"We just wanted to make sure there would be no really bright lights over there," said Sanden.

Despite town requirements that would stipulate 800 parking spaces — one space per hotel room, in this case — Deloitte’s proposed 567 spaces seems unlikely to face opposition from Westlake.

"The development standards we have in place are for what we’d call a typical hotel or motel," said Town Manager Tom Brymer, explaining that Deloitte’s overnight-lodging facility will accommodate company visitors, not the general public as would a privately owned hotel.

"This has different parking demands," said Brymer, explaining that town officials are "comfortable" with the 567 proposed spaces since many guests would arrive via shuttle bus or taxi and not their own vehicles or rented cars.

Construction is under way and expected to reach completion in the summer of 2010.

Service Focus Helps Hillwood Lease Up Alliance

John McCloud — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, TX-A top executive from Hillwood Properties attributes the company's recent success securing two new industrial leases at its Alliance Global Logistics Hub to a comprehensive program of services that go far beyond what most landlords offer their tenants. The new leases, completed in late March, total more than 650,000 square feet.

“If we were simply a real estate developer that was focused just on the box, the building, I don't think that would get us far in the current economic climate,” Hillwood senior vice president Bill Burton tells GlobeSt.com. “There are a lot of good developer and good buildings out there right now. But we spend almost as much time working on issues like labor, productivity and efficiency at moving products as we do on development. That really makes the difference in getting tenants to sign.”

According to Burton, the Fort Worth-based developer has signed one million square foot of leases at Alliance since January. Several were renewals or expansion by existing tenants, but Alliance Brokers Inc. signed a new lease for 292,500 square feet of logistics space in Alliance Westport 20 and Q-Edge signed for 365,440 square feet of manufacturing and distribution space in Alliance Gateway 2. Alliance Brokers, an affiliate of Dallas-based Trans-Trade Inc., is a logistics company specializing in transporting heavy-load containers. Q-Edge, a subsidiary of Taiwan's FoxConn Electronics, is an electronics assembler and distributor.

Burton lists at least a half dozen services and amenities provided at the 17,000-acre development, which has 29 million square feet spread among 50 buildings. The most obvious is the presence of a BNSF Intermodal facility capable of handling 600,000 containers and trailers per year. The exec says the facility saves logistics and distribution tenants a significant amount of money by reducing the cost of transporting goods between trains and the distribution buildings.

In addition, the facility is served by a private road capable of carrying heavy-weight container truckloads that public roads cannot accommodate. “A lot of product today goes out in containers that are only a third to half full. They hit the weight limit for public streets if they carry more than that. It's much more efficient and cost effective when you can handle full containers,” Burton explains.

Other services and amenities at Alliance include Foreign Trade Zone status; a centralized examination station, which is a high-security, bonded location for US Customs officers to inspect selected import and export shipments; and the Alliance Opportunity Center, an employment training and job application service run by two state agencies and Tarrant County Community College. “We've had 100,000 applicants come through the Opportunity Center since it opened,” says Burton. “It's a great resource for employers. Job applicants are pre-screened, relieving tenants of sorting through resumes and conducting initial interviews. It saves a lot of time and money.”

Despite the recent successes, the Hillwood vice president acknowledges Alliance's occupancy level has fallen from close to 99% a year and a half ago to about 90% today. He blames the drop on last year's completion of some 1.8 million square feet of new space and the buy-back of a vacant build-to-suit Nokia manufacturing facility. The space Q-Edge leased is in the former Nokia building. Burton calls the company's aggressive expansion program a prime example of unfortunate timing.

“When we started those projects, we were doing 14 to 16 million square feet of leasing a year,” he reports. “Preleasing for new spec product was average 45% to 50%. There was still absorption last year, but closer to a couple million square feet. Spec buildings were coming in with 18% to 20% preleasing.” But with new development halted and the pipeline of completed projects rapidly drying up, he expects occupancy will start to climb again. “We're cautiously optimistic we're going to burn through some of this vacancy. There are three or four very large deals in the market right now, and we hope to get at least one of them,” he says.

Burton points to additional features of Alliance that he says helps the development weather the current economic storm: diversification and flexibility. “We haven't focused on just one type of customer or industry,” he says. “We have manufacturing, light manufacturing, distribution and office space. Our tenants deal in consumer products, pharmaceuticals, electronics, automobiles and logistics. And once they're here, we offer them room to expand – or contract. That's one area we really focus on. We're going to be here and work with them when things are going well and when they're not. It's not just services but an attitude of service that makes us different.”

Alliance Logistics Hub sees more activity

Aleshia Howe — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

North Fort Worth’s Alliance Global Logistics Hub will add a nearly 300,000-square-foot tenant in the coming months as Alliance Brokers Inc., an affiliate of Trans-Trade, moves into the newly finished Alliance Westport 20 building.

Alliance Brokers leased 292,500 square feet in the Heavy-Load Container Area to consolidate its employees currently in 64,000 square feet at 105,000 square feet at Alliance Global.

The Alliance Global Logistics Hub is part of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development, which houses 200 companies, 29 million square feet and 28,000 employees. In addition to the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the development includes the Monterra Village apartment home community, Alliance Town Center, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. More than 60 companies at AllianceTexas are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms.

Located at the southwest corner of Intermodal Parkway and Farm to Market 156, the 562,500-square-foot Alliance Westport 20 building was completed at the end of 2008 as speculative space. It is part of a package of five speculative buildings totaling 1.8 million square feet that Hillwood completed at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub between 2007 and 2008.

The new Alliance Heavy-Load Container Area is located near the sprawling Burlington Northern Santa Fe Intermodal Facility with a recently established private road connecting the two sites. In a company release, Hillwood Properties President Mike Berry said the road provides a more cost effective way for companies to transport heavy loads.

“An outstanding team has come together to create one of the most comprehensive inland port heavy-load container centers in the country,” Berry said. “Alliance Brokers, the city of Fort Worth, Alliance Operating Services, BNSF Railway and Hillwood have combined to provide all of the services necessary to provide customers with a more efficient and cost effective way to transport heavy loads, including tile, paper, bottled drinks and agricultural products, such as grain and cotton.”

Q-Edge to build plant at Alliance project

Victor Godinez — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Q-Edge has chosen the Alliance Global Logistics Hub in Fort Worth for the site of a new assembly and distribution center. Q-Edge, a subsidiary of Foxconn Electronics, said the new facility eventually will create up to 500 jobs.

Q-Edge picks Fort Worth for new plant

Sandra Baker — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH — Fort Worth beat out Flower Mound and Coppell to nab a new computer assembly plant, an executive with the Taiwanese company Q-Edge said Wednesday.

Click here to read the full article.

Deals of the Year 2008: Hillwood-Cinram Lease

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When it took over North America logistics operations for Motorola cell phones in mid-2007, Cinram had an immediate need for a building that was almost twice the size of the 400,000-square-foot one that Motorola was distributing cellphones from at Alliance Global Logistics Hub since 2002. In January 2008, Hillwood agreed to develop a 788,160-sf BTS distribution center within its Alliance park for Cinram. Located at 5300 Westport Pkwy. in Ft. Worth, TX, Alliance Gateway 11 is the largest structure Hillwood’s worked on at Alliance and was completed in 6.5 months.

Cinram, which is expected to employ at least 1,200 full-time workers, will test the cellphones and parts, as well as program, assemble, package and ship the final products in the new facility. The company will also take back old phones and repair and refurbish them. Rick Hughes of Cushman & Wakefield brokered the long-term deal for the tenant, while Tony Creme was Hillwood’s in-house rep.

The tenant also received tax incentives and abatements from the City of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, but because they are partial abatements, Cinram will still pay property taxes to both. The abatements also include thresholds for jobs and taxable value. The facility is also the only industrial building at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub that is within the boundaries of Keller ISD. The school district doesn’t have much commercial development, so it is believed this facility will help offset some of the tax burden on local homeowners. The team also had to get a Freeport inventory tax exemption and Foreign Trade Zone status approval from Keller ISD.

The building is 100% air conditioned—rare for a large industrial facility—and has 40-foot clearance. Though it has many of the environmental features of a LEED-certified building, LEED certification was not pursued.

Q-Edge: Up to 500 Jobs, $700 Million Impact

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH – Offering the prospect of a $700 million economic impact, Plainfield, Ind.-based Q-Edge Corp. will open a shop in the Alliance Global Logistics Hub. The region's newest employer has leased 365,440 sf of a distribution center once lighted by Nokia Corp.

Q-Edge could begin hiring in May for the new shop, slated to go into the 423,992-sf Alliance Gateway 2 at 5650 Alliance Gateway Freeway. The company's specialty is assembling and distributing electronics. The new location is part of the Alliance intermodal facility, where Fort Worth-headquartered BNSF Railway recently completed major upgrades, including the addition of nearly nine miles of new track and two new bridges. Trace Elrod and Reggie Beavan of Jackson Cooksey in Dallas represented Q-Edge in the transaction. Hillwood was represented in-house by Bill Burton and Tony Creme.

In today's press release, Q-Edge and economic leaders said the deal will bring up to 500 jobs and the promise of a $700 million economic impact. A job fair is being planned by Texas Workforce Solutions to recruit skilled computer assembly and distribution professionals. In addition, state officials, TWC and Tarrant County College are working to secure federal funding to provide skills development training to meet Q-Edge's workforce needs.

"Q-Edge's expansion is evidence of our strong economic footing compared to the rest of the nation during these uncertain economic times, and I look forward to the contributions they will make within Fort Worth and across the state," said Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

As leaders near and far lauded the win, Q-Edge's Wen Ren credited Fort Worth's business climate and geographic location as primary factors in the decision to come to North Texas. Fort Worth City Council reportedly went to work this morning on working through tax abatements for the inbound company.

"This is a tremendous vote of confidence for our city's role in the global economy," said Fort Worth Mayor Michael Moncrief.

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development Division, City of Fort Worth, the governor's office and Hillwood had aligned to secure Q-Edge's nod. In the past two years, more than 3,500 jobs have been created in AllianceTexas, many with ties stretching worldwide.

"This was truly a team effort of many partner organizations, elected officials and business leaders,” said David Berzina, executive vice president for economic development at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. “By drawing on these resources, Fort Worth has been able to offer superior competitive advantages to corporations, resulting in significant new revenues and jobs for our city, despite the economic slowdown."

Q-Edge Targets Former Nokia Facility

Amy Solff Sorter — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, TX-A 423,992-square-foot vacant plant that once housed Nokia manufacturing operations could be the future home of electronics manufacturer Q-Edge, provided the Fort Worth City Council passes an incentive package for the electronics manufacturer to set up shop here. The council learned about the proposed incentive package during its weekly meeting on March 31, and will vote on the package in two weeks.

But David Berzina, executive vice president, economic development with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce tells GlobeSt.com he doesn't anticipate a problem with council support. "Every councilperson spoke, including the mayor, and they said there was no reason not to support this," Berzina says. "I don't see any reason why this won't pass."

Berzina says he and the chamber are already working with Workforce Solutions and the local labor department to organize job fairs and other events to attract potential employees. He says the goal is to hit the ground running as soon as the deal is set and the lease is signed.

Hillwood Properties vice president Tony Crème says a formal lease and move-in date with the Taiwanese manufacturer has yet to be completed, but will be, pending council passage. Q-Edge liked Alliance Gateway 2, which is part of Hillwood's massive AllianceTexas development, because infrastructure is already set up because of former owner Nokia.

"We developed this as a two-phased build-to-suite for Nokia, and it was their cell-phone manufacturing facility," Crème tells GlobeSt.com. "They had upwards of 5,000 employees working there at the peak and were manufacturing around three million phones a month."

Nokia shut down the plant in late 2006 to consolidate operations and Hillwood bought the facility during Q3 2007. The flex building has been vacant since that time.

"We've had some interest in this building, but it's very specialized," Crème explains. "There is a very narrow market of users out there for this type of building. But the flip side is there is a limited number of buildings that work for that type of user." With this deal, Q-Edge will take 365,440 square feet, and has the right of first refusal on the remaining space, Crème says.

Q-Edge could get incentive package to open facility at Alliance

Sandra Baker — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fort Worth City Council members are ready to support an incentive deal to bring a Taiwanese company to far north Fort Worth, where it wants to place an electronics assembly plant and distribution facility.

Click here to read the full article.

Q-Edge deal could bring 500 jobs to Fort Worth

Aleshia Howe — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Q-Edge, a burgeoning electronics assembly and distribution company in North America could take 365,000 square feet of space in Alliance Global Logistics Hub in Fort Worth and bring some 500 jobs to the region in exchange for a tax abatement agreement worth a maximum of $158,850 from the city.

Fort Worth City Council members were briefed on the proposed tax abatement agreement between the city and Q-Edge Corp. today.

“We are extremely pleased that Q-Edge has selected Fort Worth and, in particular, the Alliance area, for its new facility,” said District 2 City Councilman Sal Espino, in whose district Q-Edge will be located. “Our world-class logistics hub and pro-business environment continue to attract successful multinational companies and further position us as the premier business address in the region.”

A Fortune Global 500 company, Q-Edge is a corporate affiliate of Foxconn Electronics, with headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan, and has 200,000 employees worldwide.

The company wants to lease 365,440 square feet for a computer assembly center from Hillwood, Alliance’s developer, in the 445,000-square-foot building once home to cell phone maker Nokia at 5650 Alliance Gateway Freeway, subject to city council’s approval of the proposed incentive package.

The agreement calls for Q-Edge to bring 350 employees to Fort Worth by June 30, 2011 and 500 by June 30, 2014. Of those employees, 50 percent must be Fort Worth residents and 20 percent are Fort Worth central city residents.

Per the proposed tax abatement, Q-Edge would also be required to provide contracting commitments including the greater of 30 percent or $60,000 of discretionary service and supply expenditures to be done by Fort Worth firms and the greater of 25 percent or $30,000 of discretionary service and supply expenditures to be done by Fort Worth minority or women-owned firms. The incentive terms also include grant provisions and business investment terms.

Council members are set to vote on the economic development agreement on April 14.

If approved, Q-Edge will join such companies as Motorola, General Motors, Lockheed Martin, AT&T and Bell Helicopter in the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development, which is home to more than 200 companies, 28,000 employees and 7,000 single-family homes.

Tarrant County College and Workforce Solutions is working to secure federal funding to provide skills development training for Q-Edge. In addition, Workforce Solutions will host a job fair to help recruit highly skilled computer assembly and distribution professionals for the company.

In a prepared statement, Q-Edge Spokesperson Wen Ren indicated Fort Worth’s business climate and geographic location were primary factors in its investment decision.

“We appreciate all that Fort Worth has to offer and look forward to being in this community a long time,” Ren said. “We believe that many competitive traits of Fort Worth, namely its central location within the United States, advanced transportation infrastructure, low cost of living and doing business, and ready access to a highly educated and skilled workforce, will help us achieve significant competitive advantages and lead to long-term success for our company.”

Hillwood Leases 292,500 Square Feet At Alliance Global Logistics Hub

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, TEXAS — Hillwood Properties has leased 292,500 square feet of industrial space within Alliance Global Logistics Hub in Fort Worth. The space, which is located within the 562,500-square-foot Westport 20 building, will be occupied by Alliance Brokers Inc., an affiliate of Trans-Trade. The building is located in the newly created Alliance Heavy-Load Container Area, which provides heavy-load logistics support for the adjacent BNSF Intermodal Facility. The Westport 20 building is one of five speculative buildings totaling 1.8 million square feet that were completed between 2007 and 2008. Alliance Global Logistics Hub is part of the 17,000-acre, 29 million-square-foot AllianceTexas development.

Q-Edge to bring 500 jobs to Fort Worth

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Q-Edge, an electronics assembly company based in Plainfield, Ind., is planning to bring a significant operation to Alliance Global Logistics Hub in Fort Worth.

Pending the approval of an incentive package by the Fort Worth City Council, Q-Edge will be leasing 365,440 square feet Hillwood’s Alliance Gateway 2 building.

The assembly and distribution operation could bring 500 jobs to Fort Worth. Its economic impact is estimated at $700 million.

“Now, more than ever, businesses are looking to Texas as the best state to live, work and raise a family because of our reasonable regulations, low taxes and skilled workforce,” said Texas Governor Rick Perry in announcing the deal.

Fort Worth’s business climate and geographic location were primary factors in Q-Edge's investment decision, said Wen Ren, company spokesman.

“We believe that many competitive traits of Fort Worth, namely its central location within the United States, advanced transportation infrastructure, low cost of living and doing business, and ready access to a highly educated and skilled workforce, will help us achieve significant competitive advantages and lead to long-term success for our company," Ren said.

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the City of Fort Worth, the Governor’s office and Hillwood worked closely with Q-Edge to bring the deal to Fort Worth.

Tarrant County College and Workforce Solutions, in cooperation with the State of Texas, are working to secure federal funding to provide skills development training for Q-Edge. In addition, Workforce Solutions will host an upcoming job fair to help recruit skilled computer assembly and distribution workers for the company.

Q-Edge Leases North of 365,000 SF

Amy Wolff Sorter — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, TX-Q-Edge has selected Hillwood's Alliance Global Logistics Hub as the site for its newest strategic assembly and distribution center. The company will lease 365,440 square feet in the 423,992-square-foot Alliance Gateway 2 building.

Fort Worth City Council is meeting this morning to hear details about a proposed incentive package connected with Q-Edge's expansion in the building at 5650 Alliance Gateway Freeway.

An update will follow, but according to a press release from the Forth Worth Chamber of Commerce and Hillwood, Q-Edge's assembly and distribution center will create 500 jobs for the region, while providing a $700 million economic impact. The release quoted Q-Edge spokesperson Wen Ren as saying that Fort Worth's business climate and location were the primary factors for the decision to relocate here.

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Division, the city of Fort Worth, the Texas Governor Rick Perry's offic and Alliance Global developer Hillwood worked with Q-Edge before the investment. Furthermore, Tarrant County College and Workforce Solutions, in cooperation with the state of Texas, are working to secure federal funding to provide skills development training for Q-Edge. Workforce Solutions will soon host a job fair to help recruit highly skilled computer assembly and distribution professionals for Q-Edge.

Deal may bring 500 jobs to Alliance in Fort Worth

Sandra Baker — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fort Worth appears to be in the lead to land a manufacturing plant and distribution center, an expansion by Taiwan's largest contract maker of electronics worldwide, that could mean up to 500 jobs for the city.

Click here to read the full article.

LEADING ELECTRONICS ASSEMBLY AND DISTRIBUTION COMPANY SELECTS ALLIANCE GLOBAL LOGISTICS HUB IN FORT WORTH

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (March 31, 2009) -- Q-Edge, a growing company in the North American electronics assembly and distribution industry, has selected the Alliance Global Logistics Hub in Fort Worth as the site of its newest strategic assembly and distribution center. The company will lease 365,440 square feet from Hillwood in the Alliance Gateway 2 building.

“Now, more than ever, businesses are looking to Texas as the best state to live, work and raise a family because of our reasonable regulations, low taxes and skilled workforce,” Texas Governor Rick Perry said. “Q-Edge’s expansion is evidence of our strong economic footing compared to the rest of the nation during these uncertain economic times, and I look forward to the contributions they will make within Fort Worth and across the state.”

“This environmentally-friendly electronics assembly and distribution center will create jobs and contribute to our city’s economic vitality. It will also enhance the quality of life for our businesses and residents,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief. “This is a tremendous vote of confidence for our city’s role in the global economy.”

District 2 City Councilman Sal Espino, in whose district Q-Edge will be located, added: “We are extremely pleased that Q-Edge has selected Fort Worth and, in particular, the Alliance area, for its new facility. Our world-class logistics hub and pro-business environment continue to attract successful multinational companies and further position us as the premier business address in the region.”

Q-Edge’s investment in Fort Worth is expected to bring up to 500 jobs and result in an economic impact of more than $700 million for the region. The company will join more than 60 other major global industry leaders, including Motorola, General Motors, Lockheed Martin, AT&T and Bell Helicopter, in the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development, which generates more than $2.5 billion annually for the local economy and is home to more than 200 companies, 28,000 employees and 7,000 single-family homes.

Q-Edge spokesperson Wen Ren indicated that Fort Worth’s business climate and geographic location were primary factors in its investment decision.

“We appreciate all that Fort Worth has to offer and look forward to being in this community a long time,” said Ren. “We believe that many competitive traits of Fort Worth, namely its central location within the United States, advanced transportation infrastructure, low cost of living and doing business, and ready access to a highly educated and skilled workforce, will help us achieve significant competitive advantages and lead to long-term success for our company.”

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Division, the City of Fort Worth, the Governor’s office and Hillwood worked closely with Q-Edge before the investment.

“This was truly a team effort of many partner organizations, elected officials and business leaders,” said David Berzina, executive vice president for economic development at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. “By drawing on these resources, Fort Worth has been able to offer superior competitive advantages to corporations, resulting in significant new revenues and jobs for our city, despite the economic slowdown.”

Tarrant County College and Workforce Solutions, in cooperation with the state of Texas, are working to secure federal funding to provide skills development training for Q-Edge. In addition, Workforce Solutions will host a job fair to help recruit highly skilled computer assembly and distribution professionals for Q-Edge.

Including those created by Q-Edge, more than 3,500 jobs have been added at AllianceTexas since 2007. Many of those jobs are with global industry leaders, such as Q-Edge, Daimler Financial Services Americas, Health Care Services Corp. (Blue Cross), Deloitte, DynCorp International, Galderma, and ATC Logistics & Electronics.

“Hillwood is pleased to welcome Q-Edge’s assembly and distribution center to Alliance,” said Tony Creme, vice president of Hillwood Properties, the developer of AllianceTexas. “As the top-ranked foreign trade zone in the country, Alliance offers tremendous value-added amenities for companies involved in national and international logistics and distribution. We expect that the recent capital improvements to Fort Worth Alliance Airport, the BNSF Intermodal Facility and the network of interstate freeways will serve Q-Edge’s needs well and contribute to the company’s export success and longevity in our community.”

The 445,870 square-foot Alliance Gateway 2 building is located at 5650 Alliance Gateway Freeway in the Fort Worth section of the Alliance Global Logistics Hub.

BNSF Railway recently completed major improvements that include new high-speed automatic entry and exit gates, close to nine miles of new track and two new bridges at its Alliance intermodal facility, which already is one of the country’s largest intermodal hubs. Fort Worth Alliance Airport is in the midst of an expansion project that will take the runways from 9,600 feet to 11,000 feet.

Trace Elrod and Reggie Beavan of Jackson Cooksey represented Q-Edge in the transaction. Hillwood was represented in-house by Bill Burton and Tony Creme.

In addition to the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development includes the Monterra Village apartment home community, Alliance Town Center, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities.

About the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, with more than 2,500 member businesses, is the largest chamber in the Tarrant County area. Through networking events, educational seminars, economic development, workforce development and government advocacy, the Fort Worth Chamber assumes a leadership role in making Fort Worth, the 17th largest city in the U.S., an excellent place in which to live, work and do business. For more information, please contact the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce at (817) 336-2491 or visit http://www.fortworthchamber.com/.

About Hillwood

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company's developments currently house facilities for close to 90 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles and the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas.

# # #

Alliance Is First At 3,500-Acre Westport

Amy Wolff Sorter — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, TX-Alliance Brokers Inc. is the first company to take space at Hillwood's newly created Alliance Heavy-Load Container Area. The tenant is an affiliate of Trans-Trade and leased 292,500 square feet at Westport 20, a recently completed 562,500-square-foot industrial facility in AllianceTexas' Global Logistics Hub.

Alliance Broker will consolidate employees currently located in 64,000 square feet and 105,000 square feet at Alliance Global. Hillwood vice president Tony Crème says the tenant will move into Westport 20 at 1200 Intermodal Pkwy. in June.

Specific financial considerations were not available with the long-term lease, but the quoted lease rate at Westport 20 is $3.25 per square foot, triple net. Landlord and tenant were self-represented in the deal.

"We're trying to lease the rest of Westport 20 now, but Alliance Broker has the option to expand," Crème tells GlobeSt.com. "They also have an option on some land across the road to build a trailer storage lot as well. We built a lot of flexibility into this lease to help them grow their business."

Westport 20 is part of Westport at Alliance, a 3,500-acre development on the west side of Hillwood's massive AllianceTexas development near Fort Worth Alliance Airport. More acreage at Westport will soon come online. Farm-to-Market Road 156 is being relocated to allow Alliance Airport to build a new runway. Furthermore, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, which serves the hub through its Alliance Intermodal Facility, is relocating tracks. The railroad and Hillwood are also privatizing roads into Westport at Alliance.

Crème says the road privatization allows Alliance Brokers, and future Westport at Alliance tenants, to have direct and private access to the intermodal facility. This means cargo won't be subjected to weight restrictions that are required on public roadways.

"The private roads allow for overweight containers, and customers can now ship more product in the containers than they were once able to," Crème adds. "This can save customers a lot of money."

Alliance Lands A Large One: 300,000 SF Logistics Deal

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH - The Alliance project in Fort Worth has gained a significant tenant at its Global Logistics Hub, according to the Hillwood firm, the developer of the 17,000-acre Alliance project.

It is the first deal Hillwood has completed its newly created Alliance Heavy-Load Container Area that will provide the most comprehensive services in the country to handle heavyweight containers at an inland port. Alliance Brokers Inc., an affiliate of Trans-Trade, has leased 292,500 sf in Hillwood’s Alliance Westport 20 building at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub. In the new facility, Alliance Brokers will provide its customers with a wide array of logistics services, including an expertise in transporting heavy-load containers.

Recently established private roads, between the Alliance Heavy-Load Container Area and the nearby BNSF Intermodal Facility, will allow for heavier loads than on public roads, which are subject to weight restrictions. This allows companies to put more of their product into one container, which will save approximately 20-30% on transportation costs and add efficiencies through using fewer containers. Once at the new facility, inbound goods are broken down into smaller, less heavy loads and placed into trucks or rail containers to be transported to other distribution centers or retail outlets. Outbound goods arrive in multiple trucks or containers then are combined into one container for shipment.

“An outstanding team has come together to create one of the most comprehensive inland port heavy-load container centers in the country,” said Mike Berry, president of Hillwood Properties, the developer and manager of the Alliance Global Logistics Hub. “Alliance Brokers, the city of Fort Worth, Alliance Operating Services, BNSF Railway and Hillwood have combined to provide all of the services necessary to provide customers with a more efficient and cost effective way to transport heavy loads, including tile, paper, bottled drinks and agricultural products, such as grain and cotton.”

Some of the unique services that will be offered in the new facility include Foreign Trade Zone expertise that will be provided by Alliance Operating Services, as well as a Centralized Examination Station, which is a high-security, bonded location for U.S. Customs officers to inspect selected import and export shipments. Alliance Brokers also will provide a variety of services, including heavy-load container drayage from the intermodal facility. The Alliance Heavy-Load Container Area is located within Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone #196.

Some areas of the country allow heavy-load containers on public roads with a special permit, which can result in delays and additional costs. No permit is necessary at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub Heavy-Load Container Area, because the roads are private.

“This new facility provides Alliance Brokers with a distinct advantage in handling heavy-load containers for companies in this region,” said Tony Creme, vice president of Hillwood Properties. “They recognized this opportunity more than year ago. Hillwood is excited to have Alliance Brokers as the first company to locate in this new area and capitalize on the advantages it has to offer.”

The Alliance Global Logistics Hub Heavy-Load Area is adjacent to the Alliance BNSF Intermodal Facility, which already is one of the railroad’s largest intermodal hubs. BNSF recently completed major improvements that included new entry and exit gates, close to nine miles of new track and two new bridges. The facility, which currently handles more than half a million containers per year, will now be able to accommodate 1 million containers annually.

The Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone #196 ranks No. 1 among U.S. general purpose Foreign-Trade Zones in foreign merchandise admitted to the zone, with more than $4 billion in products per year.

Located in Fort Worth at the southwest corner of Intermodal Parkway and F.M. 156, the 562,500 sf Alliance Westport 20 building was completed at the end of last year. It is part of a package of five speculative buildings totaling 1.8 million sf that Hillwood completed at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub between 2007 and 2008.

Alliance Brokers, Inc. is a subsidiary of Trans-Trade. Since it was founded in 1984, Trans-Trade (http://www.transtrade.com/) has earned an excellent reputation for developing innovative customized global logistics solutions for a variety of clients. In addition to its export and import capabilities, Trans-Trade also features a variety of domestic services as well as warehousing and fulfillment.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Alliance logistics firm will add 100 new jobs in expansion

Sandra Baker — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Developer Hillwood has leased 295,500 square feet of a new building at its Alliance Global Logistics Hub in north Fort Worth to an affiliate of Trans-Trade, a Grapevine-based global logistics firm, that will consolidate and expand its operations near Alliance Airport.

Click here to read the full article.

Alliance Brokers signs lease in Fort Worth's Alliance project

Steve Brown — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Developer Hillwood said Friday that it has signed a big lease in its Alliance project in North Fort Worth.

Alliance Brokers Inc., an affiliate of Trans-Trade, has leased 292,500 square feet in the Alliance Global Logistics Hub at the southwest corner of Intermodal Parkway and F.M. 156.

The new lease is the first deal in a new heavy load container district Hillwood recently created near the BNSF Intermodal Facility.

“Alliance Brokers already has seen great interest from shippers who are interested in the new heavy-load container service we can provide at our new facility at Alliance,” Bruce Galbraith, CEO of Alliance Brokers, said in a statement. “There is a tremendous opportunity for companies to realize a significant costs savings by consolidating more goods into one container.

Alliance Brokers tripling staff

Jeff Bounds — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite tough times in the freight hauling business, a unit of the local logistics firm Trans-Trade Inc. is expanding in a big way.

The company, which is based at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, has a subsidiary called Alliance Brokers Inc. that has leased 292,500 square feet of speculative warehouse space at a building in the Alliance Global Logistics Hub in Fort Worth. It plans to more than triple in size by adding 20 full-time and 80 part-time jobs by June, when the company will occupy its new space.

Alliance Brokers currently has 10 employees offering transportation services throughout the country and to most foreign countries through a network of sales and handling agents, said Trans-Trade CEO Bruce Galbraith.

Trans-Trade President Jeff Bell says the company is consolidating two existing facilities at the Alliance development. One of those facilities is about 60,000 square feet and is used as a customs examination station where imported freight goes through the U.S. Customs Service process. The other is a 110,000-square-foot shop that handles services such as warehouse distribution, fulfillment and reverse logistics.

Among other things, the company’s new space will enable Alliance Brokers to handle containers weighing as much as 56,000 pounds, up from a current 40,000- to 45,000-pound limit now.

To help get the deal done, Dallas-based Hillwood, which runs the AllianceTexas development, joined with BNSF Railway Co. and the City of Fort Worth to take private two roads that separate Alliance Brokers’ new building from the entrance to the nearby Alliance BNSF Intermodal Facility, which is just a quarter of a mile away.

Officials say the newly private roads, Container Way and parts of Intermodal Parkway, won’t have the weight restrictions that public roads do, enabling Alliance Brokers to transport more of everything, from tile to steel products, in the containers that it moves. That, in turn, will purportedly give the company’s customers the ability to shave 20% to 30% on transportation costs and add other efficiencies by using fewer containers to move their freight.

“Our focus will be on import-export traffic to and from Asian markets,” said Galbraith. “We will be bringing container loads from Asia via (BNSF) to the Alliance (Global Logistics Hub).”

In addition, Bell says the new shop will be tapping new markets in Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma because of its central location.

“This operation will be a one of a kind, the first inland port to have a (heavy container) operation,” Bell says. “Typically you see that in Houston or on the East or West Coast, not at an inland port like Fort Worth.”

By adding capacity for heavy containers at Alliance, Trans-Trade is positioning itself for what the economy will look like on the other side of the current recession, said Terrance Pohlen, associate professor of logistics and Director of the Center for Logistics Education and Research at the University of North Texas.

“We are going to more of an intermodal system in the United States,” Pohlen says. “They’re taking advantage of the economies of lower freight rates of this intermodal system.”

New customers, new facility

Once at the new facility, loads will be broken down into smaller, lighter loads to be moved via truck or rail to retail locations or distribution centers. At the same time, products that are being moved out of the area will be brought in by truck or rail and combined into large, heavy containers for shipment.

Driving the expansion, according to Galbraith, are new business opportunities that Trans-Trade and Alliance Brokers are seeing. Those opportunities are coming from new customers that believe Alliance Brokers’ new facility will give them cost advantages, he says. “A lot of companies are looking at the Dallas-Fort Worth area for distribution and logistics.”

Tony Creme, a Hillwood vice president who handled the lease, says the new shop offers other services as well, such as a “centralized examination station,” which essentially allows containers to bypass customs at ports such as those in Los Angeles and Long Beach and Oakland, Calif., and instead clear customs at Alliance. “It’s a quicker form of transportation,” he says.

In addition, the Alliance land is in a Foreign Trade Zone, which allows the federal government to reduce costs associated with importing goods into the United States, says Steve Boecking, a vice president at Hillwood Properties, a division of Hillwood.

Foreign Trade Zone status “provides significant economic advantages to importers,” Boecking says.

According to Creme, the Alliance Brokers lease will fill up about 60% of the 526,500-square-foot building that the company is moving into. He characterizes the lease as a “long-term” deal, but declines to be more specific.

“They have expansion rights to the building,” along with land next door to the facility, Creme says. “We built a lot of flexibility in the lease for them to grow their business.”

Because of all the moving parts in the transaction, it took a while to get the deal done.

“We worked on this project for over a year,” Creme says.

HILLWOOD LEASES 292,500 SQUARE FEET AT ALLIANCE GLOBAL LOGISTICS HUB TO ALLIANCE BROKERS, INC.

Contact: David Pelletier, Hillwood (817/224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (March 27, 2009) – Hillwood has completed its first deal in a newly created Alliance Heavy-Load Container Area that will provide the most comprehensive services in the country to handle heavyweight containers at an inland port. Alliance Brokers Inc., an affiliate of Trans-Trade, has leased 292,500 square feet in Hillwood’s Alliance Westport 20 building at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub. In the new facility, Alliance Brokers will provide its customers with a wide array of logistics services, including an expertise in transporting heavy-load containers.

“Alliance Brokers already has seen great interest from shippers who are interested in the new heavy-load container service we can provide at our new facility at Alliance,” said Bruce Galbraith, CEO of Alliance Brokers, Inc. “There is a tremendous opportunity for companies to realize a significant costs savings by consolidating more goods into one container and utilizing the A-Z logistics services that Alliance Brokers and Alliance Operating Services can provide.”

The Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone #196 ranks No. 1 among U.S. general purpose Foreign-Trade Zones in foreign merchandise admitted to the zone, with more than $4 billion in products per year.

Located in Fort Worth at the southwest corner of Intermodal Parkway and F.M. 156, the 562,500 Alliance Westport 20 building was completed at the end of last year. It is part of a package of five speculative buildings totaling 1.8 million square feet that Hillwood completed at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub between 2007 and 2008.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company's developments currently house facilities for close to 90 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles and the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas.

# # #

Magazine ranks DFW second for corporate facilities

Sandra Baker — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Dallas-Fort Worth was recognized as the second-best market in the U.S. for new and expanded corporate facilities in 2008 by Site Selection magazine.

Texas was ranked No. 2, the only Southern state to make the top-10 list, which was released Monday.

Click here to read the full article.

Telecom company moving to Alliance

A. Lee Graham — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The AllianceTexas development has secured its newest tenant, with Public Communications Services Inc. set to join the sprawling business community.

But does the move portend local jobs? "Yes, absolutely," said Seth Kekessie, a spokesman with the California company.

How many local openings remain unknown. "We have to move in first and then make that assessment," said Kekessie, expecting the facility to open in early April.

"Public Communications Services selected this location due to its geographic location in the center of the United States and because of the strength of the telecom technology industry," CEO Tommie E. Joe said in a press release.

Set to open at 4700 Alliance Gateway in Hillwood’s Alliance Global Logistics Hub is the company’s research, development and manufacturing facility. The firm has leased 18,726 square feet in the Gateway 15 building. The facility will handle manufacturing, product development and other processes.

Spanning 17,000 acres, the AllianceTexas development is home to 200 companies occupying 29 million square feet and employing 28,000 workers.

Daimler Puts 164,000-SF Plan to Work

Connie Gore — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH – As a stakeholder in a 164,000-sf class A office building in AllianceTexas, Daimler Financial Services Americas is making sure its space counts by taking a first-time partnership between Southern Methodist University and Texas Christian University to the next level.

Real estate developers in North Texas have long looked to public art to add character to their one-off buildings and large-scale office parks. Daimler's show and tell not only marries the art schools in the rival cities by offering its AllianceTexas walls as gallery space, but it's incorporating quarterly art talks as part of the program. The first presentation featured James Sullivan, professor of sculpture and chair of the division of art at SMU's Meadows School of the Arts in Dallas, and student, Amy Revier, both of whom have pieces in the exhibit featuring 60 artists and 83 pieces in the two-story building.

Daimler's art cooperative started in Michigan in 2002 with the Cranbrook School of Art and became part of the building prerequisites when the firm started to plan its Texas hub at 13650 Heritage Pkwy. As the program's caretaker in Michigan, Leila M. Matta, Daimler's brand identity and design manager, was given a 164,000-sf blank canvas and a mission "to create a connection between Dallas and Fort Worth."

The Daimler program introduces employees to contemporary art, with its Texas building as a showplace for students, faculty and graduates of the two universities. SMU and TCU will rotate for the lectures, but the wall space is shared for one year.

Matta says there are no written rules for the art that's selected. "This is their work space. We want people to be challenged, but not uncomfortable," she emphasizes.

Revier says the Daimler exhibit and SMU's program at University Park City Hall in Dallas teach students how to communicate with the corporate world and presents rare opportunities to learn more about space.

"Almost always we expect work to be space that's neutral," Sullivan explains. "When you put something in a structure with its own social discourse, it changes it a bit."

AllianceTexas Tenant Plans April Launch

Connie Gore — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH – Public Communications Services Inc. will open doors in mid-April in 18,726 sf at AllianceTexas after coming to terms on a long-term lease to expand its Tarrant County operations.

The Los Angeles-based company has taken the last open spot in Hillwood's 74,000-sf Gateway 15 at 4700 Alliance Gateway Freeway. Public Communications plans to shift about 30 employees from 1103 Keller Parkway to Alliance Global Logistics Hub and add up to 40 more jobs in the region "as business needs dictate," says Seth Kekessie, marketing director for the telecommunications provider for inmate systems. The extra space will seed a national engineering and technology center for research and development and manufacturing.

"We didn't look at any other states because the location in Keller is what we were looking to expand," Kekessie confides. The Keller center opened in 2003.

Public Communications has "a significant presence" in Texas and Oklahoma, according to Tommie E. Joe, the company's president and COO who negotiated the terms with Hillwood. He credits the "center of the United States" positioning and the region's strength in telecom technology with keeping the deal inside Texas.

Telecom companies occupy more than 2.3 million sf and employ more than 6,000 workers in the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas, which boasts a 28,000-employee workforce in 200 companies that occupy more than 29 million sf. "Telecommunications is one of the largest industry sectors at Alliance," says Reid Goetz, marketing manager for Hillwood Properties.

PCS to move into Alliance, expand

Sandra Baker — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Public Communications Services, a Los Angeles-based provider of telecommunications systems for inmates in correctional facilities, is moving its office in Keller to Hillwood’s Alliance development in far north Fort Worth.

Click here to read the full article.

PCS leases space at Alliance hub

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Public Communications Services Inc. has decided to move into the Alliance Global Logistics Hub in Fort Worth to create a research, development and manufacturing facility within the industrial hub.

Los Angeles-based PCS, which develops and manufactures telecommunications products for detention and correctional facilities, has leased 18,726 square feet in Hillwood’s Gateway 15 building at Alliance. The site will handle product development, testing, manufacturing and customer care from the facility.

The site’s official address in the Alliance Hub is 4700 Alliance Gateway Fwy. in Fort Worth.

AllianceTexas as a development is home to 200 companies that have filled 29 million square feet of space. The development, which was spearheaded by Fort Worth-based Hillwood, encompasses 17,000 acres.

AllianceTexas leases space to PCS

Aleshia Howe — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

To expand its local office capabilities Public Communications Services Inc., a national provider of inmate telecommunications systems for correctional facilities, will close its Keller office and relocate to Fort Worth’s Alliance Global Logistics Hub to open a research, development and manufacturing facility and hire up to 30 additional employees.

Los Angeles-based Public Communications Services (PCS), inked a 18,726-square-foot lease in Alliance’s Gateway 15 building at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, which is being developed by Hillwood Development Co., to establish PCS’s engineering and technology center.

PCS will close its office at 1103 Keller Parkway and relocate the office’s 25 employees to the AllianceTexas location with plans to add up to 30 additional jobs, according to PCS Director of Marketing Seth Kekessie.

When fully operational, PCS expects to handle manufacturing, staging, product development, technical services, and customer care at its new facility, which is located at 4700 Alliance Gateway Freeway in the Fort Worth section of the development.

“We wanted to be able to do more things,” Kekessie said. “The Keller office does product development and some staging and we wanted to be able to do more technical services.”

Reid Goetz, marketing manager for Hillwood Properties, said telecommunications is one of the largest industry sectors at Alliance.

“The in-place technology infrastructure along with the skilled telecom and engineering labor force make Alliance the perfect location for the PCS engineering and manufacturing facility,” Goetz said.

Located in north Fort Worth, the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development houses 200 companies that occupy more than 29 million square feet and employ 28,000 workers. In addition to the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the development includes the Monterra Village apartment home community, Alliance Town Center, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. More than 60 companies at AllianceTexas are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms.

Telecom companies occupy more than 2.3 million square feet and employ more than 6,000 workers at Alliance. Telecom companies with facilities in the development include LG Electronics, AT&T, ATC Logistics and Electronics, Motorola, and Foxconn/Hon Hai Precision.

Telecom company leases space at AllianceTexas in Fort Worth

Steve Brown — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Developer Hillwood said Wednesday that a telecommunications company is locating a manufacturing and research and development center in its AllianceTexas project north of Fort Worth.

Public Communications Services Inc. provides inmate telecommunications systems for correctional facilities.

The company has leased 18,726 square feet in Hillwood’s Alliance Global Logistics Hub at 4700 Alliance Gateway Freeway in Fort Worth.

“Telecommunications is one of the largest industry sectors at Alliance,” Reid Goetz, marketing manager for Hillwood Properties, said in a statement. “The in-place technology infrastructure along with the skilled telecom and engineering labor force make Alliance the perfect location for the PCS engineering and manufacturing facility.”

Telecom companies occupy more than 2.3 million square feet and employ more than 6,000 workers at AllianceTexas, according to Hillwood.

Public Communications Services offers telecommunications services for correctional facilities in Texas and Oklahoma, which can be easily served by the new operation.

TELECOM COMPANY TO ESTABLISH NATIONAL ENGINEERING, MANUFACTURING, TECHNICAL SERVICES FACILITY AT ALLIANCE GLOBAL LOGISTICS HUB

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 25, 2009) – Public Communications Services, Inc., a leading national provider of inmate telecommunications systems for correctional facilities, will establish its research & development and manufacturing facility at Hillwood’s Alliance Global Logistics Hub. The new location will serve as the company’s engineering and technology center.

“Public Communications Services selected this location due to its geographic location in the center of the United States and because of the strength of the telecom technology industry, not only in North Texas, but at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub,” said Tommie E. Joe, president and chief operating officer of Public Communications Services, Inc. “In addition PCS has a significant presence in correctional facilities in Texas and Oklahoma. Our flexible, open architecture platform is the wave of the future in call processing equipment for correctional facilities, and this new location will significantly boost PCS’s ability to be more responsive to the needs of existing customers, but also to work on the technologies of the future.”

PCS leased 18,726 square feet in Hillwood’s Gateway 15 building at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub. When fully operational, PCS expects to handle manufacturing, staging, product development, technical services, and customer care at its new facility, which is located at 4700 Alliance Gateway Freeway in the Fort Worth section of the development.

“Telecommunications is one of the largest industry sectors at Alliance,” said Reid Goetz, marketing manager for Hillwood Properties. “The in-place technology infrastructure along with the skilled telecom and engineering labor force make Alliance the perfect location for the PCS engineering and manufacturing facility.”

Telecom companies alone occupy more than 2.3 million square feet and employ more than 6,000 workers at Alliance. Global leaders in the telecom industry that have facilities in the development include LG Electronics, AT&T, ATC Logistics and Electronics, Motorola, and Foxconn/Hon Hai Precision.

Overall the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development houses 200 companies that occupy more than 29 million square feet and employ 28,000 workers. In addition to the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the development includes the Monterra Village apartment home community, Alliance Town Center, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. More than 60 companies at AllianceTexas are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms.

Public Communications Services Inc. (PCS) (http://www.pcstelcom.com/) is the leading Inmate Communications Services Provider, serving federal, state, county and private correctional facilities nationwide. For more than 20 years, PCS has focused on serving the needs of correctional facilities. PCS brings years of expert integration services, pioneering and innovating calling options, and advanced calling platforms supported by a highly dedicated and well-trained nationwide staff. PCS is focused on maximizing the communication channels between the inmates and their loved ones by delivering the best quality inmate communications services to correctional facilities. Customers include Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Missouri Department of Corrections, San Diego County and King County, Washington.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company's developments currently house facilities for close to 90 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles and the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas.

# # #

Profile: The Perots' former chief pilot is up for a high honor

Chris Vaughn — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Back in the early 1980s, W.A. "Dub" Blessing taught a young man named Ross Perot Jr. how to fly helicopters.

Then he helped plan logistics and training for Perot’s around-the-world helicopter trip, a record-breaking journey of 26,000 miles in less than 30 days.

Click here to read the full article.

HILLWOOD LAND & CATTLE EARNS MULTIPLE HONORS AT THE RECENTLY COMPLETED FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW

Contact: David Pelletier, Hillwood (817/224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 16, 2009) – Hillwood Land & Cattle earned multiple honors, including Champion in the All-Black Brahman Crosses division, at the recently completed Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. The group also earned Reserve Champion in the Overall Brahman Division, First Place in the All-Black Brahman Crosses Pairs division and second place in the All-Black Brahman Crosses Bred Heifers division.

Hillwood Land & Cattle also earned third place in the Herdsman Award in the Commercial Heifer Show & Sale. The Herdsman Award is presented to the ranches that reach the highest levels of achievement for presentation, cooperation and marketing at the stock show.

Led by Mark Baker, Hillwood Land & Cattle manages ranching and farming operations at Hillwood’s 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development, as well as other company properties in North Texas. In addition to the large herd of All-Black Brangus cattle, Hillwood Land & Cattle also oversee a herd of Longhorn cattle, a herd of buffalo and a camel named Teddy.

The 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the Monterra Village apartment home community, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, Alliance Town Center, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. AllianceTexas now houses 6,700 single-family homes and 200 companies that occupy more than 29 million square feet. Sixty-five of the companies at AllianceTexas are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company's developments currently house facilities for close to 90 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of AllianceCalifornia in San Bernardino and the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas.

# # #

Schneider named Engineer of the Year

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Fort Worth Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers announced that Joseph C. Schneider, P.E., has been selected as the chapter’s Engineer of the Year for 2009.

Click here to read the full article.

Schneider honored as top engineer of the year

Betty Dillard — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Joe C. Schneider, vice president of land development for Hillwood Properties, was named 2009 Engineer of the Year by the Fort Worth Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers.

Schneider will be honored during a banquet Feb. 21 at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in downtown Fort Worth, along with Young Engineer of the Year James P. Sappington IV, a project engineer with CMJ Engineering Inc., and Travis N. Attanasio, this year’s recipient of the Richard Van Trump Award.

The awards banquet will culminate National Engineers Week, a week-long annual nationwide celebration of the engineering profession, set this year for Feb. 15-21.

Other local winners are Devon Tiner, Fort Worth Branch of American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2009 Edmund Friedman Young Engineer of the Year; Scott Berman, recipient of the 2009 Central Region Outstanding Practitioner Advisor Award; and Engineer of the Year Edward Gutierrez and Young Engineer of the Year Brandon Long of the Mid-Cities Chapter of TSPE.

“I remember when I first joined TSPE in San Antonio in 1987, and went to my first Engineer of the Year banquet the following year,” Schneider said. “I was impressed by the many accomplishments he had achieved in his career, and the multitude of projects he had worked on, and his involvement in the community. I thought then that it would be really neat if I could look back some day and be ‘that guy.’ Looks like it has happened.”

During his 25-year career in Texas, Schneider worked with Brown and Gay Engineers, Pape-Dawson Engineers and Kimley-Horn & Associates before joining Hillwood 10 years ago. He has designed or managed design and construction on major projects around the state, including Sea World of Texas, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Marriott Rivercenter Hotel and The Park at Farmers Market. A 1984 graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a 1992 graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University with a Masters of Business Administration, Schneider is both a licensed professional engineer and a real estate broker.

At Hillwood, Schneider has been directly involved with Alliance Town Center, working with customers including Fidelity Investments, Vaquero, Bell Helicopter, Cinram, Motorola, KFS, Health Care Service Corp., Dyncorp and Peregrine Point LLC.

Schneider is past president of the Fort Worth Chapter of TSPE and has served the organization at state and national levels. A member of ASCE, Schneider is chairman of the Trinity River Authority’s Denton Creek Regional System Advisory Board. He is a former Engineer of the Year for the Bexar Chapter of TSPE and a Van Trump winner.

Sappington has worked in the field of geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing since 2004, through his time at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Engineering Department and Slater Engineering Inc. His expertise includes soils and geology, foundation engineering and related geotechnical and geological engineering. Some of his local projects include the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the Joint Strike Fighter production facilities at Lockheed Martin Co.

A member of TSPE and ASCE, Sappington earned both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Attanasio, an associate at A.N.A. Consultants LLC in Fort Worth, also received the Fort Worth Branch of the ASCE’s 2008 Citizen Engineer Award and the 2009 Central Region Younger Member Council Outstanding Young Civil Engineer in the Private Sector award for his community volunteer efforts in promoting engineering. He and Berman, a member of the Fort Worth Chapter of TSPE and Fort Worth Branch of ASCE, received their awards in January at the 2009 Central Region Younger Member Council in Denver.

A 2002 graduate of the Colorado School of Mines, Attanasio is a certified floodplain manager, specializing in the hydrology and hydraulics of storm water. He has worked on the design of waterlines and sanitary sewer systems for the new Dallas Cowboys stadium, designed ponds for the Montserrat residential subdivision in Fort Worth and procured a $9 million D/FW Airport hangar drainage project.

Tiner, a project manager for D/FW Airport, began his career with the airport in 1999. He has managed $38 million in rehabilitation projects for airfield pavements and bridges, storm water drainage systems and physical security upgrades. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from UT-Arlington in 2001.

President of JEA/HydroTech Engineering Inc., Gutierrez worked with the Missouri Pacific Railroad Co./Texas & Pacific Railway Co., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Garcia & Associates Engineering Inc. A specialist in hydrology and hydraulics, land planning and development and structural analysis, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso, and worked with the city of El Paso’s Department of Engineering.

Gutierrez is a past president of the DFW Mid-Cities Chapter of TSPE, and currently serves as a commissioner on the city of Arlington Planning and Zoning Board. His accomplishments include public roadway arterials for Stuart Drive and Rosedale Street in Fort Worth as well as storm drain systems at Meacham Field Airport.

Also a civil engineering graduate of UT-Arlington, Long began as an intern with Wier & Associates, and now works for the firm full time in general design of water, sanitary sewer, paving and drainage systems. A strong advocate for the MathCounts organization, Long has helped host the MathCounts math competition for local middle schools.

National Engineers Week Foundation is a formal coalition of more than 100 engineering, professional and technical societies and more than 50 corporations and government agencies. A fundamental part of Engineers Week is to help raise public awareness and appreciation of the engineering profession and engineers’ contributions to society.

Co-chaired this year by and Intel Corp. and the National Society of Professional Engineers, Engineers Week was founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers and is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering work force by encouraging an interest in engineering and technology careers among young students, and by promoting pre-college literacy in math and science.

DBJ Confidential

Christine Perez — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

W. “Dub” Blessing , chief pilot emeritus of the helicopter division of Perot Group and special projects coordinator at Hillwood Properties , will receive the Helicopter Association International ’s Lifetime Achievement Award on Feb. 23 in Anaheim, Calif. Throughout his career, which spans more than 50 years, Blessing has racked up more than 19,000 flight hours and more than 14,000 certified flight instruction hours. In the early 1980s, Blessing trained Ross Perot Jr. and helped him plan and execute his round-the-world helicopter flight. After that record-breaking adventure, he became Perot’s personal helicopter pilot.

Ross Perot Jr.: Texas is best place to ride out recession

Sheryl Jean — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Texas is the best place to be to ride out the national recession, Ross Perot Jr., chairman of Hillwood and Perot Systems, told about 250 attendees of the 2009 Economic Forecast breakfast in Dallas on Tuesday. The event was hosted by Cushman & Wakefield of Texas.

Historically, Texas has led national economic booms and busts, such as the real estate downturn in the 1980s and the Enron debacle in the late 1990s, Perot said. This time, it’s different because Texas didn’t have the excessive home price appreciation like some other states, he said.

Reports have shown that the recession has hit hardest in states such as California and Florida, which had the biggest housing booms.

“Texans have always been around these big cycles,” Perot said. “We’re very aggressive and very positive, and that’s not going to change.”

Perot sees opportunity for many companies to “reinvent” themselves. For example, Hillwood has gone from being mainly a Texas single-family home developer to a national developer in the past year as it has added to its portfolio, he said.

Down markets often provide bargains, Perot said. Hillwood has bid on single-family lots for 6 cents on the dollar, he said.

Perot foresees opportunity in the industrial real estate market in 18 to 24 months, but not right now because the market has excess space and rising vacancy rates. Last year, Hillwood finished building 9 million square feet of industrial space, but he doesn’t expect the company to break ground on any new industrial buildings this year.

Developers added 20.5 million square feet of industrial space to the Dallas-Fort Worth area last year and 7.8 million square feet was under construction in December, according to data from Cushman & Wakefield.

Rooms To Go to open first Fort Worth store

Sandra Baker — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Furniture retailer Rooms To Go will locate a store in Alliance Town Center, along Interstate 35W between Heritage Trace and North Tarrant Parkway. The store, its first in Fort Worth, will be adjacent to the Sam Moon stores that are under construction.

For rest of article click here

Searching for Solutions in the Snow

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ross Perot Jr. from World Economic Forum in Davos. Click here for link

Haslet Helicopter Pilot to Receive Lifetime Honor

John English / Contributing Writer — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

W. "Dub" Blessing’s love affair with flying helicopters began more than 40 years ago when he was a member of the Texas National Guard.

And while Blessing will receive the Helicopter Association International Honorary Lifetime Member Award next month, it almost was not to be.

"In 1964, I first wanted to be a Marine aviator, but I passed up the opportunity to do that, and I received another opportunity to go to helicopter school with the National Guard," Blessing said. "I just made the deadline by three days. I couldn’t be over 30 years old. I turned 30, three days after I got into flight school."

Blessing, 74, said he was humbled when he learned that he would be a recipient of the lifetime award.

"I was in absolute awe," Blessing said. "I feel quite honored to be in the group of people to receive this award because not very many people have received it."

The Haslet resident has done just about everything in the field of aviation, from serving as a jet engine mechanic and crew chief with the U.S. Marine Corps reserve, to qualifying as a helicopter mechanic with the Texas National Guard where he earned his Army aviator Wings of Silver, and a warrant officer first class commission.

Blessing has even worked as H. Ross Perot Jr.’s personal helicopter pilot.

In 1982, Blessing was selected to help plan and execute the first round-the-world helicopter flight for Perot Jr.

"I have not done anything before or since like the helicopter flight around the world," Blessing said. "I did not fly with Ross Perot Jr. and Jay Coburn, but I helped set everything up and trained Ross and Jay on instrument flying and flying that particular aircraft.

"We also sent them to the Helicopter Dunker School in Pensacola, Fla. where they learned how to escape if they crashed into water. Both of them accused me of trying to drown them."

Blessing, who currently serves as the special projects coordinator for Hillwood Properties, is well-respected among his colleagues at the development company.

Hillwood Corporate Communications Director Dave Pelletier said Blessing’s contributions to the company have been immeasurable.

"As the helicopter pilot for Hillwood for many years, Dub was probably the most visible marketing person for the project," Pelletier said. "The helicopter has been a key marketing tool in the development of AllianceTexas [a mixed-use community]. With 17,000 acres, the development could only completely be seen by helicopter by prospective customers ... Dub retired from flying several years ago but he still works closely with our current pilot."

Blessing received the first HAI Outstanding Certified Flight Instructor Award for high standards of excellence in flight training in 1985, and will receive the lifetime member honor at the HELI-EXPO, 48th annual "Salute to Excellence" awards ceremony and banquet on Feb. 23 in Anaheim, Calif.

I have not done anything before or since like the helicopter flight around the world.

—W. "Dub" Blessing

People Honored

Staff reports — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

His honor: W. “Dub” Blessing will receive HAI’s Honorary Lifetime Mem-ber Award. Blessing is the chief pilot emeritus, helicopter division of the Perot Group and the special projects coordinator at Hillwood Properties.

His background: From a U.S. Marine Corps engine mechanic, to H. Ross Perot’s personal helicopter pilot, Blessing has enjoyed an incredibly rich and varied career, spanning more than 50 years, in which he has amassed in excess of 19,000 flight hours, and more than 14,000 certified flight instruction hours.

Blessing began his career in 1953 as a jet engine mechanic and crew chief with the U.S. Marine Corps reserve, receiving an honorable discharge in 1962. Joining the Texas National Guard in 1964, he qualified as a helicopter mechanic, before earning Army aviator “Wings of Silver” and a Warrant Officer First Class commission in 1965. In 1966 he joined Southern Airways of Texas, a civilian contractor of the U.S. Army Helicopter Training Center, where he instructed the first Vietnamese student pilots. In 1978 he became a flight instructor at the Jet Fleet Corporation training center, later becoming Helicopter Division Manager. At Jet Fleet, he designed a training syllabus for Ross Perot Jr. To meet Perot’s busy schedule, he conducted the training during his off-duty hours.

In 1982 Blessing was chosen to help plan and execute the first round the world helicopter flight for Ross Perot Jr. Upon completion of this record-breaking event, he became H. Ross Perot’s personal helicopter pilot. In 1985 he led pilots and crew in the One Million Vertical Feet Challenge for Multiple Sclerosis in the Chugauch Wilderness area of Alaska. This included setting up base camps at 3,000 and 6,000 Mean Sea Level on a remote glacier by sling-loading supplies into the area.

Entech Solar relocates to Fort Worth

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Solar technology company Entech Solar Inc. has moved its corporate headquarters from Ewing, N.J., to Fort Worth, where the company last month signed a lease for 71,250 square feet inside the Gateway 23 building at Hillwood’s 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development in far North Fort Worth.

Entech Solar Inc. also said it has changed its name from WorldWater & Solar Technologies Corp., (OTCBB: WWAT.OB). Entech Inc., a company that WorldWater acquired, is now a subsidiary of Entech Solar.

Entech makes and sells a combined photovoltaic and thermal concentrating solar systems for commercial and industrial customers.

Last week Entech said it would be using sites near its Alliance lease to test solar modules.

Entech Solar moving HQ to Alliance

Sandra Baker — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WaterWorld & Solar Technologies, a leader in solar-energy systems that acquired Keller-based Entech a year ago, has changed its name to Entech Solar and moved its corporate headquarters from New Jersey to the Alliance Global Logistics Hub in far north Fort Worth.

Click here to read the full article.

Solar energy firm moving headquarters to Fort Worth

Sheryl Jean — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Entech Solar Inc., a provider of solar energy systems, has relocated its corporate headquarters to Fort Worth from Ewing, N.J.

The company’s headquarters will be incorporated into a 71,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center that Entech Solar leased in November at Hillwood’s Alliance Global Logistics Hub in Fort Worth.

Entech Solar recently changed its name from WorldWater & Solar Technologies Corp. to better reflect its corporate focus following last month’s acquisition of solar company Entech Inc. The publicly traded company’s ticker symbol temporarily will remain WWAT.OB.

The company didn’t immediately return phone calls Tuesday.

Ambassadors on tour make stops in North Texas

Jim Fuquay — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hjalmar Waag Hannesson has seen drilling before, but in his home country of Iceland, the target is miles-deep geothermal energy, not natural gas.

Hannesson was one of about 60 ambassadors to the United States who on Monday toured two drilling rigs operated by Quicksilver Resources at its Alliance-area holdings, which it acquired last year.

Click here to read the full article.

Work Faces - Honors

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

W. "Dub" Blessing, chief pilot emeritus in the helicopter division of the Perot Group and special projects coordinator of Hillwood Properties, will to receive the Helicopter Association International Honorary Lifetime Member Award next month at HELI-EXPO 2009 in Anaheim, Calif., during the association’s 48th annual Salute to Excellence awards banquet.

http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/1134743.html

Nancy Brinker, United States Chief of Protocol, Brings More Than 60 Foreign Diplomats to Tour Quicksilver Natural Gas Drilling Site At AllianceTexas

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas ? More than 60 ambassadors will tour one of Quicksilver Resources’ natural gas drilling sites in the Fort Worth section of AllianceTexas on Monday, January 12 at 3 p.m. Accompanying the ambassadors on the tour will be U.S. Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker and Toby Darden, Chairman of Quicksilver Resources Inc.

The tour is part of the Experience America program, which is part of a new outreach division created by Brinker. The trips are designed to highlight communities around the nation and offer diplomats an opportunity to connect with private sector organizations, not-for-profit organizations, academia and state and local government officials. They are organized to provide concrete examples of flourishing businesses, innovative technology, experimental healthcare and cutting-edge environmental practices.

“The Experience America tour provides the opportunity to enhance our relations with the diplomatic community and creates an environment of hospitality and good will that contributes in a unique and meaningful way to the conduct of diplomacy,” said Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker.

Countries represented on the trip include: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Bahrain, Congo, Cote D’Ivoire, Croatia, Estonia, Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kosovo, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda and Zambia.

U.S. NAVY BLUE ANGELS TO HIGHLIGHT 2009 FORT WORTH ALLIANCE AIR SHOW ON OCTOBER 24 AND 25

Contact: David Pelletier (817-224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (Dec. 16, 2008) – While at the International Council of Air Shows Convention in Las Vegas last week, the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show secured the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as the featured performer for the 2009 event, which is scheduled for October 24-25.

In addition the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show earned first place in the event website category (www.allianceairshow.com) and third place in the event sponsor package category at annual ICAS Marketing Awards Luncheon held during the convention.

Joining the Blue Angels at this year’s show will be the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, as well as an array of thrilling performers and military demonstration teams that will be announced once they are confirmed.

The primary beneficiary for the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show is the USO of Dallas/Fort Worth, whose mission is to support U.S. troops and their families by providing a wide range of free amenities, such as food, internet and e-mail access, housing assistance, and nursery facilities. In addition the USO offers a unique benefit to service members through the United Through Reading Program, which records soldiers reading a children’s book, then sends the new book and the recording to his or her family.

The Fort Worth Alliance Air Show traditionally attracts a two-day crowd of approximately 180,000 people.

Updated information, including performers, specialty seating areas, and exhibit and sponsorship rates, will be available at www.AllianceAirShow.com.

Fort Worth Alliance Airport is the centerpiece of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development that houses 200 companies, 29,000 employees and more than 6,000 single-family homes. Airport users include the American Airlines Maintenance Facility, the FedEx Sorting Hub, the Bell Helicopter Customer Center, as well as corporate and military aircraft. The Fixed Base Operation at Fort Worth Alliance Airport has earned ExxonMobil's top customer service award for an unprecedented 12 straight years. The airport is managed by Alliance Aviation Services, a subsidiary of Hillwood, the developer of AllianceTexas.

# # #

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ALLIANCETEXAS NOW AT $33.8 BILLION

Contact: David Pelletier (817-224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (Dec. 9, 2008) – Twenty years after the first shovel of dirt was turned on the AllianceTexas development, the project has become one of the country’s premier public-private partnerships and a vital economic engine for North Texas. The recently updated economic impact report on AllianceTexas shows an overall impact of $33.8 billion on the local community.

In addition the approximately $100 million combined initial investment from the city of Fort Worth, the state of Texas and the Federal Aviation Administration in AllianceTexas has yielded $6.5 billion in private investment, 29,000 jobs and more than $625.4 million in property taxes.

The $625.4 million in property taxes from AllianceTexas since 1990 has been paid to three cities (Fort Worth, Haslet, Roanoke), two counties (Denton, Tarrant) and two school districts (Northwest, Keller) that it falls within. That number has grown significantly from the $223,000 in property taxes generated from the same area in 1990. AllianceTexas also falls within the town of Westlake, but that community does not have a municipal property tax.

From 1990-2007, AllianceTexas companies and Hillwood-related entities along Interstate 35W have paid more than $625.4 million in property taxes, including $88 million in 2007. Below is a breakdown of the various public entities to which these funds flowed.

2007 1990-2007

Fort Worth ..................................................................... $17.5 million....................... $119.6 million

Haslet..............................................................................$0.6 million..........................$5.6 million

Roanoke......................................................................... $3.2 million......................... $14.7 million

Denton County................................................................$2.5 million..........................$16.2 million

Tarrant County............................................................... $17.1 million........................$101.3 million

Keller Independent School District.............................. ...$18.5 million........................$116.0 million

Northwest Independent School District..........................$28.6 million........................$252.0 million

TOTAL....................................................................... $88.0 million.......................$625.4 million

The companies of AllianceTexas now employ more than 29,000 workers, including 1,900 new jobs added in the past year. New companies and expansion by existing companies have accounted for the employment increase.

Daimler Financial Services Americas moved more than 500 employees into its new 160,000 square-foot office building in September. In June Deloitte purchased 107 acres at Circle T Ranch to build its 750,000 learning and leadership development center that will employ approximately 450 workers. DynCorp International expanded into 75,344 square feet in the Heritage Commons II building and now has approximately 800 employees at AllianceTexas.

On the industrial side, Cinram, which is the logistics provider for Motorola cell phones, has begun to move into its 788,000 square-foot distribution center at AllianceTexas. ENTECH, which is a leading provider of advanced solar energy technology, moved into 71,250 square feet in the Gateway 23 building, which is part of the 5-building, 1.8 million square-foot speculative building program that Hillwood completed at Alliance in 2008.

Also in 2008 the next phase of Alliance Town Center opened. New retailers in the project include Belk Department Stores, PetSmart, Ulta Beauty, Sport Clips, RackRoom Shoes, Dress Barn, Justice Just for Girls, Rue21, EyeMasters, Mattress Firm, Which Wich, Jason’s Deli and Smoothie King. The 168,000 square-foot Sam Moon outlet is under construction and set to open in spring 2009.

Hillwood also opened its first multifamily project in AllianceTexas in 2008. The first phase of 288 units was completed in Monterra Village, which is the first 100% smoke-free apartment home community in North Texas.

In addition to the Sam Moon complex, projects currently under construction in AllianceTexas include the 50,000 square-foot expansion office building for Galderma, the 220,000 square-foot data center for Health Care Services Corp. and the 600,000 square-foot expansion office building for Fidelity Investments at its Circle T Ranch campus.

AllianceTexas consists of the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, Circle T Ranch, Heritage, Alliance Town Center, Saratoga and Monterra Village. The study also took into account the economic impact of the residential community of Park Glen, which Hillwood developed in the 1990s. AllianceTexas now houses 200 companies, including 65 from either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes list of Top Private Firms. These companies have built 29.2 million square feet and created 29,000 jobs.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company's developments currently house facilities for more than 85 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles and the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas.

# # #

FTZ Board Gives Texas Hubs Top Honors

Amy Wolff Sorter — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

DENTON COUNTY, TX-The Foreign Trade Zone Board's 68th annual report to Congress named the Alliance Global Logistics Hub the top U.S. General Purpose Foreign Trade Zone in the country, based on admittance of more than $4 billion of foreign goods. Also making the list's top five were the Port of Houston Authority and Westport Economic Development Corp. in El Paso.

Stephen Boecking, vice president of business development with Alliance developer Hillwood Development Co. LLC in Dallas acknowledges he was somewhat surprised by the rankings, which reflect 2006 figures, the most recent analyzed. "This is the first time we've been ranked number one," he comments. "We don't have an ocean. But the railroad is our ocean."

He says outstanding rail service to Alliance, located north of Fort Worth, was one reason for the high flow of foreign goods into the area. Additionally, "Alliance is a one-day truck drive to 48 million Americans. We have intermodal rail, international air cargo service and we're right on the Interstate 35-NAFTA highway," Boecking tells GlobeSt.com.

And that's only with Alliance 35% developed. "We intend to continue focusing on imports," Boecking says. "Imports are flat today, but in the long run, over the next 15 years, the national forecast imports are scheduled to double or triple in the U.S." Alliance is in the perfect location to take advantage of the flow, he adds.

Port of Houston Authority was ranked fourth on the list with its handling of $2.1 billion of foreign goods. According to the Port's web site, Port of Houston handled 219.1 million tons in 2006. Port experts predict that once the Panama Canal opens, the amount of foreign imports received is likely to double.

Westport Economic Development Corp. came in fifth on the list, pulling in close to $1.2 billion of foreign goods. The city is an active entry point from Mexico, where sister city Juarez is just across the Rio Grande from El Paso.

AllianceTexas hub No. 1 imports hub in U.S.

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

AllianceTexas handles more than $4 billion in foreign imports business, placing it at the top of the list for most valuable United States ports, according to a report submitted to the United States Congress.

The far north Fort Worth business hub officially known as Alliance Foreign Trade-Zone No. 196, which includes Fort Worth Alliance Airport and distribution centers for dozens of major manufacturers worldwide, was port to $4.031 billion of imports in fiscal year 2006, the latest year for available data, according to the 68th Annual Report of the Foreign-Trade Zone Board; Comparatively, the No. 2 port, Port Hueneme in California, handled $3.337 billion in the same year, or about 17 percent less than AllianceTexas.

Harris County and El Paso placed fourth and fifth, respectively, in the top five U.S. ports.

Hillwood Properties, developer of AllianceTexas and Foreign-Trade Zone No. 196. operator, has turned what used to be 17,000 acres of cattle land into a major center for commerce in 19 years.

BNSF Railway Co. recently completed $32 million in improvements, including new entry and exit gates, new bridges and almost nine miles, according to a release, allowing the facility handle 67 percent more containers, or more than 1 million annually.

A runway expansion also is in store, set to be completed by 2015, along with forthcoming improvements to Interstate 35W, expected to commence in 2009.

Alliance is top-ranked foreign-trade zone in U.S.

Sandra Baker — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH — More than $4 billion in foreign goods passed through the general-purpose foreign-trade zone at Fort Worth’s Alliance Global Logistics Hub in 2006, making it the top-ranked zone in the U.S., according to a congressional report.

Click here to read the full article.

Alliance hub now top foreign trade zone

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Alliance Global Logistics Hub, which houses the AllianceTexas development, has been named the No. 1 general purpose foreign-trade zone in the U.S. in terms of the amount of foreign merchandise admitted into the zone, according to the Foreign-Trade Zone Board’s 68th annual report to Congress.

Data from 2006, which is the most recent information available, shows more than $4 billion in foreign products admitted into the zone.

Representatives with Hillwood Properties, the developer of AllianceTexas, expect capital improvements in the trade area to increase the number of products passing through the hub in the near future.

“With the recent capital improvement programs at the airport, the intermodal rail facility and the highways at Alliance, Hillwood expects the $4 billion annually in foreign goods admitted to the zone to grow significantly,” said Steve Boecking, vice president of Hillwood Properties.

The Alliance hub is trailed by Port Hueneme in California; the Newark/Elizabeth hub in New Jersey; the Harris County hub in Texas; and the El Paso hub in Texas — all of which rank in the top five of the U.S. hubs with the most merchandise admitted into the zone.

To handle more capacity, Fort Worth-Alliance Airport is in the process of extending its on-site runways by 11,000 feet. In addition, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway has completed a $32 million capital improvement program, which includes new entry/exit gates, bridges and nine additional miles of track to handle the shipment of goods.

ALLIANCE GLOBAL LOGISTICS HUB NOW TOP FOREIGN TRADE ZONE IN THE U.S. IN TERMS OF FOREIGN PRODUCTS ADMITTED

Contact: David Pelletier (817-224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (Nov. 19, 2008) – Based on the 68th Annual Report of the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to the U.S. Congress (www.ia.ita.doc.gov/ftzpage/annualreport/ar-2006.pdf), the Alliance Foreign-Trade Zone #196 ranks No. 1 among U.S. general purpose Foreign-Trade Zones in foreign merchandise admitted to the zone.

In FY 2006, the latest year that data was available, Foreign-Trade Zone #196 admitted more than $4 billion in foreign products. Major users of Foreign-Trade Zone #196 at the Alliance Global Logistics Hub include Hyundai, Trans-Trade, KFS, LEGO, M&M Aerospace Hardware, and Motorola.

"Whether its goods arriving on rail from Asia through the West Coast ports, from Mexico by truck, or via air from Asia and Europe, the Alliance Global Logistics Hub is perfectly positioned to receive imported products for assembly and distribution to the rest of the U.S.," said Steve Boecking, vice president of Hillwood Properties, the developer of AllianceTexas and the operator of FTZ #196. "With the recent capital improvement programs at the airport, the intermodal rail facility and the highways at Alliance, Hillwood expects the $4 billion annually in foreign goods admitted to the zone to grow significantly."

TOP U.S. GENERAL PURPOSE FOREIGN TRADE ZONES

By Value Of Foreign Goods Admitted

1. Fort Worth/Alliance (Texas).............................................. $4.031 billion

2. Port Hueneme (California)................................................... $3.337 billion

3. Newark/Elizabeth (New Jersey)........................................... $3.278 billion

4. Harris County (Texas).......................................................... $2.168 billion

5. El Paso (Texas).................................................................... $1.190 billion

Earlier this year BNSF completed a $32 million capital improvement program that included new entry and exit gates, new bridges and nearly nine miles of new track. These improvements will allow the facility to grow from the current 600,000 containers handled annually to more than a million containers annually. The BNSF Alliance Intermodal Facility is one of the busiest links in goods arriving from Asia through the West Coast ports to the central part of the United States.

At Fort Worth Alliance Airport, a runway extension project is currently underway to increase the length of the runways to 11,000 feet. The facility can currently handle any size jet, but the extended runways will allow fully loaded cargo flights to directly serve Asia and Europe on the hottest days of the year. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

Construction is expected to begin early next year on the North Tarrant Express highway project that includes new lanes on Interstate 35W, which runs through the heart of the Alliance Global Logistics Hub.

In large part due to its role in handling foreign goods, AllianceTexas has had an economic impact of $33.8 billion on the North Texas economy in only 19 years of existence. In addition the development has attracted $6.5 billion in private investment, generated more than $625 million in property taxes and created 29,000 fulltime jobs.

The 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, Alliance Town Center, the Monterra Village apartment home community, the corporate campuses of Circle T Ranch, the Vaquero estate golf community, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. AllianceTexas now houses 6,700 single-family homes and 200 companies that occupy 30 million square feet. Sixty-five of the companies at AllianceTexas are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. More than 85 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms conduct business in Hillwood developments. In addition to the AllianceTexas project, Hillwood is best known for its development of American Airlines Center and the Victory mixed-use district near downtown Dallas and AllianceCalifornia near Los Angeles.

# # #

Peregrine Point Holds Grand Opening For HQ

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, TEXAS — The grand opening has been held for the corporate headquarters of Peregrine Point, located at 13537 Heritage Pkwy. in Fort Worth. Situated within the AllianceTexas industrial development at the southeastern edge of Fort Worth Alliance Airport, the facility will comprise 10,000 square feet of offices in front of two connected aircraft hangars. Peregrine Point, a startup aviation company, operates passenger and cargo flights. It presently owns two planes, a Gulfstream 450 and a Boeing 737-700C. The headquarters was designed by Roanoke, Texas-based RGA Architects and Oklahoma City-based FSB Aviation.

New company begins operations at Alliance Airport

Bob Cox — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A small, new, essentially private airline has begun operations out of Fort Worth Alliance Airport.

Peregrine Point, which contracts to provide air-transport service to individuals or businesses, held an open house for clients and business associates Friday at its new 58,000-square-foot office and hangar complex.

Click here to read the full article.

Why one corner of Tarrant County is still booming

John McCaa — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

ALLIANCE - It seems everywhere you turn, the economic news is bad.

But not for one part of Tarrant County which is still a real boomtown.

We're talking about Alliance Town Center.

When I moved to Texas 24 years ago, the area on the northern edge of Fort Worth, near Alliance Airport, was just a big open field.

Now, despite the economic downturn, people are still coming.

Add another firm to the growing number at the Alliance Texas development.

Some 20 years after Alliance started air charter operator Peregrine Point is a key addition for the airport and for Ross Perot Jr's Hillwood.

But it's not just the airport, business construction, shopping - all seem to be doing well here.

"In the middle of the worst October for consumer spending I think in 40 years, we opened Belk's Department Store and had one of the best openings they've ever had at Belk's," said Ross Perot, Jr. from Hillwood Development.

Some 200 firms do business here - 29,000 workers with a $34 billion economic impact.

How do they do it? Location may be one reason.

"We're in a little bit of a bubble in Fort Worth and in Alliance. We still have that we still have that growth we still have the Barnett Shale, we still have a positive environment here," said Perot.

Developers are used to the up and down cycle.

All predict tough times ahead but when things do turn around, they predict we will all benefit.

Alliance puts over $600 million into the property tax coffers so as you can imagine local government's love that.

This weekend they'll be celebrating at the center - 20 years of growth.

Alliance addition

Katherine Cromer Brock — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The 1.5-million-square-foot Alliance Town Center in far north Fort Worth will hold a grand opening from noon-5 p.m. Saturday.

The center is located at I-35 and Heritage Trace Parkway.

Phase One includes about 500,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, and is 85% leased. About 20 tenants are already open for business, including Belk, J.C. Penney and Best Buy. Dining options include Cheddar’s and Jason’s Deli.

Saturday’s activities will include live music, free caricatures, gift card drawings and a meet-and-greet with former Dallas Cowboys player Larry Brown.

Alliance Town Center is part of Hillwood’s AllianceTexas, a massive 17,000-acre master-planned community. A 258,000-square-foot Sam Moon is scheduled to open at Alliance Town Center in March 2009. Future phases include a grocery, movie theater, bookstore and sporting goods store.

Alliance Town Center Holds Grand Opening

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, TEXAS — The grand opening will be held this weekend for Alliance Town Center, a 1.5 million-square-foot power center located at the intersection of Interstate 35 and Heritage Trace Parkway in Fort Worth. Opening this weekend is the approximately 500,000-square-foot, first phase of the project. Approximately 20 tenants are already open for business including retailers Belk, JC Penney, Best Buy, Hobby Lobby, PetSmart and Ulta; as well as restaurants Cheddar’s, Which Wich, Jason’s Deli and Smoothie King. A 256,865-square-foot Sam Moon is currently under construction and scheduled to open in March 2009. Future phases will add a large grocer, a movie theater, a national bookstore and a large sporting goods store to the tenant roster.

Alliance Town Center is a joint venture development between locally based developers Hillwood and Trademark Property Co. It is part of AllianceTexas, a 19,000-acre master-planned community that also comprises an airport, more than 7,000 acres of industrial space, 800 acres of office space, 2,700 single-family homes and 5,000 multifamily residential units.

ALLIANCE TOWN CENTER PREPARES FOR NOVEMBER 8 GRAND OPENING

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas -- With its power center 85% leased and nearly 20 tenants already open, the 1.5-million-square-foot Alliance Town Center in far north Fort Worth will hold its grand opening Saturday, Nov. 8, from noon to 5 p.m. Located at I-35 and Heritage Trace Parkway, Phase One of the power center encompasses approximately 500,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

Retail tenants open for business include Belk, JCPenney, Best Buy, Hobby Lobby, PetSmart, Ulta Beauty, Sport Clips, RackRoom Shoes, Dress Barn, Justice Just for Girls, Rue21, EyeMasters, Mattress Firm, Wells Fargo and Bank of Texas. Dining and specialty food options include Cheddar’s, Which Wich, Jason’s Deli and Smoothie King.

“Alliance Town Center continues to be a very strong performer, defying the national retail trends,” said Trademark Founding Partner Terry Montesi. “The Alliance corridor has given us a great reception and we want to invite them to celebrate with our stores and restaurants.”

Saturday’s grand opening activities include:

· “Meet and greet” with ex-Cowboys player and Super Bowl XXX MVP, Larry Brown, from 2-4 p.m.

· Live music throughout the afternoon

· Free caricatures

· Plenty of family entertainment including face painting and balloon artists

· Hourly gift card drawings

A joint venture with Hillwood, Alliance Town Center is part of the AllianceTexas 17,000-acre master-planned community consisting of industrial aviation (Fort Worth Alliance Airport), industrial (more than 7,000 acres), office (800 acres of corporate campuses) and residential (2,700 acres of single-family homes and 5,000 multi-family units).

A 257,865-square-foot Sam Moon is scheduled to open in March 2009. Future phases include a large grocer, a movie theater, a national bookstore and a large sporting goods store.

Hillwood Adjusts Plan to Weather Downturn

Connie Gore — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH-Hillwood Properties is betting its diversification of available commercial space on the ground will carry it through the long wait for the nation's economic recovery. The locally based firm, responsible for a $33-billion economic engine in the region, is adding some new stories to its line-up to further strengthen its position.

Michael Berry, president of Hillwood Properties, said the firm's eight-member property management staff is being marketed for third-party assignments to Hillwood's 200-employer base at AllianceTexas as one of the changing stories. The group presently oversees 12 million square feet for Hillwood and one corporate user, Bell Helicopter Inc. "We're looking at how to do it for other people," Berry told GlobeSt.com. "It makes sense. Why not look at it."

Berry was the keynote speaker at yesterday's monthly luncheon meeting of BOMA Fort Worth, where he brought more than 100 members up to date on Hillwood's strategy for weathering the economic storm. Hillwood recently has completed $160 million of office, industrial, retail and apartment construction at AllianceTexas, according to Berry.

"In this period we're going into, we're not building for awhile," Berry said. "How do we remake ourselves in this time? We are trying to put together compelling stories, not a real estate pitch but an operating pitch."

Berry said the 2.5 million square feet of new and empty industrial space could be the most that the 17,000-acre mixed-use development has ever had in its 20-year history. In addition, there is retail space to fill along with apartments and some office space. But if Dallas/Fort Worth holds true to its history, he said the region will be a benefactor of the nation's downturn because businesses of all types will look to North Texas to streamline operations, much like Daimler Financial Services Americas has done.

Berry forewarned that there will be little or no ground-up construction likely to start for 12 months, allowing time for the nation's capital markets to recover and Hillwood's empty space to fill. "Even in our market, I can't imagine you're going to see much new construction," he said.

As for what Hillwood's built of late, Berry said he's glad it delivered when it did, including Alliance Town Center, which is having its grand opening Saturday. "If we were trying to start that project today, we wouldn't be building it. I am glad we are where we are today," he said.

Alliance Town Center's 500,000-square-foot phase one is 85% leased, with more than 20 tenants already open at the intersection of Interstate 35 and Heritage Trace Parkway. "Alliance Town Center continues to be a very strong performer, defying national retail trends," said Terry Montesi, founding partner of Fort Worth-based Trademark Property Co. and Hillwood's development partner. At build-out, the mixed-use development will have 1.5 million square feet.

Berry confirmed Deloitte LLP is still moving ahead on its AllianceTexas project and Fidelity Investments Inc. is on track to deliver its 600,000-square-foot expansion in mid-2009 at its Westlake campus. But, he did acknowledge that many other employers are in "a freeze mode."

"What we are seeing in this market is we are outperforming the rest of the country in this down cycle. The Fort Worth and Tarrant County advantage is going to be key for us going forward," Berry said. "I won't project how long or how deep this will be. I do think this is a different and deeper down cycle than I can remember."

Report: Dallas Metro Area to Grow As Logistics Hub

John McCloud — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

DALLAS-A new report distributed by Colliers International predicts the Dallas-Fort Wort area will continue to gain prominence as a logistics hub. According to the study, written by Dr. Terrance Pohlen, associate professor of logistics management at the University of North Texas, the area's mid country location, abundance of affordable real estate and extensive rail networks make it an ideal location for 21st century distribution purposes.

“The strategic location of the area has attracted many businesses seeking short transit times from a single point to the US market,” says Pohlen. “Intermodal freight from Asia can reach the Metroplex within three weeks as opposed to four weeks to arrive in Houston or the East Coast. Trucks departing Dallas-Fort Worth can reach over 75% of the US population within a two-day drive time.”

According to Colliers executive vice presidents Tom Pearson and Chris Teesdale, increases in fuel costs are prompting distributors to reexamine how they do business. “We think that has a big impact on why a lot of decisions aren't being made on new distribution centers,” says Teesdale. “They are trying to figure things out.”

As the UNT study shows, a decade ago, $500 worth of diesel fuel would have taken a truckful of merchandise all the way across the country, but at current prices the cargo would get only about 700 miles. Consequently, say Pearson and Teesdale, distributors are likely to opt for multiple warehousing locations closer to the markets they serve rather than rely on central depots. Though the shift will benefit multiple major distribution markets, they maintain it will benefit Dallas-Fort Worth more than most.

“That's certainly a strategy these distribution operators are considering,” says Teesdale. “We are certainly going to see a lot more facilities being built here, although they would maybe not be the big million square-footers.”

According to the study, Texas has the second greatest number of railways among US states with 44 systems, including four class I systems – BNSF, Kansas City Southern, Union Pacific and CSX. It ranks first in the track mileage with close to 15,000 miles of track. BNS, Kansas City South and Union Pacific alone have more than 12,000 miles in the state.

The study also points out that Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is the 11th largest cargo airport in the world, having moved up several points in the past decade, while Fort Worth Alliance Airport is the nation's fastest growing cargo airport, with an average annual growth rate of 28%.

In addition, it notes the region's strategic position at the confluence of north-south interstates 45 and 35 [the NAFTA Highway] and east-west interstates 30 and 20. As a result, the market is served by nearly 600 long-distance trucking companies, offering maximum two-day service to the 48 contiguous states.

According to Global Insight Inc., Texas handled 20.35 million 20-foot-equivalent-unit (TEU) containers in 2000 and is projected to handle 48.4 million TEUs by 2020, a 137.8% jump.

“The Metroplex is among the best positioned markets in the country for logistics growth,” Teesdale tells GlobeSt.com. “It has the land, it has the infrastructure, it has the location and it has the momentum.”

VIDEO: Taking a spin in an aerobatic plane

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

VIDEO: Taking a spin in an aerobatic plane

http://video.star-telegram.videos.vmixcore.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=2266474&f=txfor

Aerobatic pilots gear up for Fort Worth Alliance Air Show

Dan X. McGraw — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH — Maj. John Klatt pushes the throttle on his Staudacher S-300D plane as it roars off the runway and into the skies over North Texas.

Within minutes, his red, white and blue plane is upside down and quickly turning into three hard rolls. Just as he steadies the plane west of Alliance Airport in north Fort Worth, the plane shoots straight up into the sky in a well-scripted routine.

“This never gets old,” the Air National Guard pilot said.

In December, Maj. Klatt, 41, will take his flying skills on his third tour of Iraq. But for now he and dozens of other aerobatic pilots are gearing up for this weekend’s Fort Worth Alliance Air Show.

Maj. Klatt said he got a taste of flying upside down after he joined the Air National Guard 19 years ago. Since then he’s bought his own plane so that he could learn more complex maneuvers.

“There isn’t anything he can’t do in an airplane,” said Chester Frank, who works on Maj. Klatt’s crew. “He’s smooth. He’s definitely one of the top 10 aerobatic pilots in the world.”

Maj. Klatt’s team performs in air shows across the country to raise awareness about flying and the Air National Guard.

“It’s pretty rewarding,” he said.

Nonetheless, he will soon be preparing for more serious work in Iraq. Maj. Klatt said he volunteered for a third tour because he believes it’s his duty.

“It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “I’m pleased to be a part of that and support the ground troops.”

GO & DO

Where: Alliance Airport, 2221 Alliance Blvd., Fort Worth

When: 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday (Aerial shows start at 9:30 a.m.)

What: Dozens of pilots will perform aerobatic maneuvers and static displays. Children's activities will also take place.

Cost: Admission is free. Parking is $20.

Reporter hangs on as he gets a dose of aerobatics from a pilot who knows all the right (and left) moves

Mark Agee — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH — As an airsick bag was being tucked under my parachute strap, I realized that I may have made a mistake when I told the pilot, Maj. John Klatt, "Do your worst."

"Aerobatics isn’t for everybody," said Tim Jarvis, one of Klatt’s handlers on the Air National Guard Aerobatic Team, in town for this weekend’s Fort Worth Alliance Air Show.

Click here to read the full article.

Fort Worth Alliance Air Show ready for takeoff

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Fort Worth Alliance Air Show will be Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 9 a.m. The event will include aerobatic maneuvers, static displays, children’s activities and food. Admission is free. Parking is $20 per vehicle.

Aerial performances start at 9:30 a.m. and last until late afternoon.

The show is a nonprofit event with the goal of raising funds for its primary beneficiary, the USO of Dallas/Fort Worth. Alliance Airport is at 2221 Alliance Blvd. in Fort Worth. Visit http://www.allianceairshow.com/.

Fort Worth Alliance Air Show starts this weekend

Chris Vaughn — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Army parachutists, a 300-mph jet truck, an old-fashioned wing walker and the Air Force Thunderbirds flying the hometown fighter bring their acts to North Texas this weekend for the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show.

Click here to read the full article.

Obstacles cleared to extend Alliance runways to 11,000 feet

Bryon Okada — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH — For 17 years, Fort Worth Alliance Airport officials have pushed through financial, bureaucratic and political obstacles in order to keep a key runway extension project on the books.

Click here to read the full article.

FAA expands lease at Alliance

A. Lee Graham — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Whether the Federal Aviation Administration’s planned expansion at AllianceTexas portends similar leasing remains to be seen.

But by leasing 14,440 square feet at the Hillwood’s development, the FAA is helping fuel a strong year for the property.

"We’ve probably leased more office space this year than any other year," said David Pelletier, director of corporate communications with Hillwood Properties.

The past two years have seen more than 2 million square feet of office space developed or under development. Spanning 17,000 acres, AllianceTexas includes the Alliance Global Logistics hub and Alliance Town Center, as well as residential communities.

The property’s latest lease sees the FAA move its flight standards district office from its existing space at AllianceTexas to the Heritage Commons II building near Interstate 35W and Keller-Haslet Road. From that location, employees will continue handling accident reporting and aircraft permits, as well as aviation safety education and training for a 30-county area in North Texas.

About 50 employees will occupy the new space in September. But could the move signal more military expansion or leasing?

"We’re certainly open to it," Pelletier said, calling further military leasing "hard to foresee. The FAA has been here awhile – since almost the beginning of the airport."

The agency’s new digs will be located at 13601 North Freeway. Sharing the 114,710-square-foot building is DynCorp International.

FAA leases space in new Hillwood development

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration has leased 14,400-square feet of office space inside the newly developed Heritage Commons II Office building at AllianceTexas for the agency’s Flights Standards District Office. Among its many duties, the FSDO oversees accident reporting, safety and education training.

Fort Worth-based developer Hillwood completed Heritage Commons II earlier in the year.

Hillwood says 50 FSDO employees will join anchor tenant DynCorp International inside the 114,710 square-foot office development. To make the move, FSDO is vacating Hillwood’s Fixed Base Operation located at the Fort Worth Alliance Airport, leaving room for the space’s new tenant: the FAA’s AFS Flight Program.

Heritage Commons II is located at 13601 North Freeway in Forth Worth. With two tenants in place, only 24,926 square feet of office space is left.

FAA leases more space in AllianceTexas complex

Steve Brown — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Developer Hillwood said Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration has leased 14,440 square feet of office space in its AllianceTexas complex.

The office space is located in the Heritage Commons II office building and will be used for a relocation of the FAA’s Flights Standards District Office.

The FAA has previously leased about 6,500 square feet for the facility at AllianceTexas starting in 1996.

The Heritage Commons II building is located at 13601 North Freeway in Fort Worth and was opened earlier this year.

DynCorp International is also a tenant in the building.

FAA changes terminals

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration has landed in Hillwood’s Heritage Commons II office buildings at Alliance.

Click here to read the full article.

Teen hopes are soaring

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The rumors are still flying that the Jonas Brothers — the hot teen pop group — may be the newest residents in Tarrant County. Now come reports they may be asked to do some real flying.

Click here to read the full article.

TCC buys Alliance Airport land for aviation programs

Sandra Baker — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH — Tarrant County College has bought 25 acres at Alliance Airport, where it plans to build a facility in the next couple of years and consolidate the college’s aviation programs, now located at Meacham Airport and its Northwest Campus.

Click here to read the full article.

Designing a connected community

Ilyce Glink | Real Estate Matters — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How do you turn 17,000 acres, 5,000 acres or even 300 acres into a single community that works?By thinking about what kinds of infrastructure, amenities, recreation and vocational opportunities will attract residents to the area over the long haul, community planners and developers say."We try to understand what [and who] that user is, and that's not easy to do," notes Robert Folzenlogen, director of planning and design for AllianceTexas Hillwood Properties. The company is developing Alliance Town Center, a 1,000-acre piece of a 17,000-acre parcel outside Dallas.When thinking about the Alliance Town Center and who will use it, Folzenlogen is thinking about five or six types of users, including individuals, young married couples, families with children and empty nesters.

"You're probably thinking about five or six different users" in different stages of life, he explains. "They'll need health services, education, entertainment, daily services. We look at what they need for medical, emergency care, a lifestyle that supports healthy living, with fitness centers, for example, emergency and acute care, assisted active living, and assisted living and retirement."Sam Colgan, president of Pulte Homes' Phoenix West Valley division, says planning a senior community means looking at two things: "function and value in an integrated design that would facilitate their participation in the lifestyle of the community."But to create a community with longevity, Colgan says, the design has to feed the wants of today and tomorrow. "We have to understand the consumer, and not just replicate what we've done before," he says.Colgan says Del Webb's Sun City communities have been evolving along with the consumer. "They're living longer, smarter and healthier lifestyles, so we offer a lot of staged amenities. We engage the current population of the community and ask what we could provide differently. We try to keep function spaces as flexible as possible. We even get them involved in focus groups. This helps in smaller communities and even larger communities," he explains."Our customer is really different. They want a community. It's not just all about the house," notes Robert McLeod, chief executive of San Diego-based Newland Communities. "They could probably find the same house from the same builder two miles up the road in a standard subdivision and it would be cheaper. Our customer is really looking for that 'tranquil, peaceful environment where I can hang out with my friends' place."One way developers build community is by creating infrastructure that keeps people together, like community centers, swimming pools, workout facilities and multifunction rooms that open up for big parties and celebrations.But developers are also building community by adding connectivity. Newland Homes and Del Webb build intranets into their communities, which allows residents to do everything from search the Internet to sign up for volunteer opportunities in the neighborhood."We have a community intranet. In San Diego, at the 4S Ranch, they're able to talk, blog, see the calendars for schools. They can see what's happening there [in the community] that comes up," McLeod explains. "Our consumer research tells us what consumers want and then we try to land-plan for those needs. Should we include ball fields and Little League diamonds because this is an area that is heavily saturated with children? Communities aren't cookie-cutter, so we begin from there," McLeod adds.

Deloitte Eyeing Q1 Start for $300M Legacy Build

Connie Gore — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WESTLAKE, TX-With the dust now settling over the land deal, Deloitte LLP is eyeing a first-quarter 2009 groundbreaking on its first leadership and development center in the world. The $300-million initiative will create a resort-style oasis on 107 acres at the center of Hillwood's Circle T Ranch.

Jon Eisele, partner in the New York City-based global firm, says the design work should be done by late fall for the 750,000-sf to 800,000-sf development portal for its worldwide team. The decision-making process for the location began in January 2007, with six or seven cities in the Central US and Midwest vying for the win.

Sources tell GlobeSt.com that the best and final ended five months ago, tossing the win to Hillwood's 2,500-acre Circle T off Texas 114 as buyer and seller hunkered down to push the land sale across the finish line. The best and final had pitted two sites in Dallas/Fort Worth against one in Chicago. A team from Dallas-based Staubach Co. was at Deloitte's side for the entire process.

Eisele says Deloitte's strategy is to develop a corporate-owned campus dedicated to staff development and conferences for its global network, driving the RFP's mandate to be close to an international airport. "It will pay rewards for our firm for many generations after us," he says, stressing it's not intended to be a regional campus to replace its four offices in North Texas or possible headquarters location down the road. Although it's a one-off project, he didn't rule out the possibility that centers one day could dot other regions in the world. "We'll just have to see what happens," he says.

Eisele says Deloitte is finalizing another contract related to the project--the asset management pact, which should be put to bed in six weeks. Deloitte will seed the campus with 100 full-time jobs while the management team is expected to have at least 400 workers staffing a resort-style center with 800 guest rooms, at least two private restaurants, recreational facility, business center and fitness facility. Because the design's being fine-tuned, the space allocations are a moving target. The center, still awaiting an official name, is slated to deliver in 2011.

Hillwood will build two roads to the interior site as its stake in the campus project. The marquee will be a ranch-style entrance off Westlake Parkway and the other, strictly a service road. "We have negotiated a coordinated construction schedule into one master schedule," says Michael Berry, president of Hillwood Properties. The project's importance had Berry leading a negotiating team that included Bill Burton, Russell Laughlin, Joseph Schneider and in-house counsel Donald Reid.

As soon as Deloitte released the news yesterday, Berry says he had a telephone call from Hillwood's mixed-use partner, Chicago-based General Growth Properties Inc., to discuss the long-awaited 1.3-million-sf Shops at Circle T. "They were talking about the project and thinking what we need to do about our retail plan to accommodate this type of project," he says.

Berry says the Deloitte campus will be self-contained, but still could be the last piece of the foundation to advance the JV's retail resort plan. The Shops at Circle T's groundswell of demand already includes Boston-based Fidelity Investment's 330-acre campus, where a $200-million, 600,000-sf expansion is under way, and Scottsdale, AZ-headquartered Discovery Land Co., which is planting a 400-acre golf community in Circle T's midst.

Berry says he knows of only a few corporate-owned campuses in the US dedicated to leadership and development. "This is really a strategic investment by a global company in its people," he stresses. "It's not a resort. It's not a hotel, not a conference center and not an office project. It's all of that."

Deloitte Plans $300M Facility Outside Dallas

Tonie Auer, Southwest Correspondent — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Deloitte L.L.P. plans to build a $300 million learning and leadership development center at Hillwood Development's Circle T Ranch in the Dallas suburb of Westlake. Construction on the new facility will begin in 2009 and the center is expected to open in 2011. The facility will serve as a central destination for everyone from new hires to Deloitte senior leadership, to convene for learning and leadership development. The 750,000-square-foot campus will have 800 guest rooms. The facility is expected to result in Deloitte adding an estimated 100 new full-time jobs, with 300 to 400 new non-Deloitte jobs also being added. The facility will feature multiple conference spaces and classrooms that will host thought leadership events by Deloitte Research and Deloitte Industry Centers; events with professors from nationally accredited universities and colleges; and networking events. They will also serve as places where Deloitte personnel can connect with mentors and colleagues. “Deloitte had seven or eight key criteria in selecting a site,” Deloitte partner Jon Eisele (pictured) told CPN. “The site had to be very easily accessible to a major airport that handles many direct airports both domestically and internationally. DFW International Airport is about 15 minutes from Circle T, so it is very accessible.” Eisele also said the site itself was very appealing. "[T]he attractiveness of the site is very important to us. We looked at many sites that were attractive, but Circle T fits that mold very well. It is a beautiful piece of property, he said, adding that it's location in the central part of the country was also a plus. Deloitte has four offices in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but none of those will be relocated, Eisele said. “Our business is one that is entirely dependent upon our people and having the right people and enough of the right people has driven us to invest in learning and leadership as a very long term strategic issue for us,” Eisele said. The campus will be constructed according to LEED standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council. The project will be located in Hillwood Development’s Circle T Ranch in Westlake, a 2,500-acre mixed-use, master planned community located 10 minutes from DFW International Airport. Deloitte is the brand under which tens of thousands of independent firms throughout the world collaborate to provide audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management and tax services to clients.

DELOITTE ANNOUNCES $300 MILLION FACILITY IN DALLAS-FORT WORTH AREA

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Deloitte LLP today announced that it will invest approximately $300 million in the creation of a state-of-the-art learning and leadership development center located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Westlake, Texas. Construction on the new facility will begin in 2009 and the center is expected to open in 2011.

The facility will serve as a central destination for everyone from new hires to Deloitte senior leadership to convene for learning and leadership development. The 750,000-square-foot campus will have 800 guest rooms.

"This learning and leadership development facility is Deloitte’s most recent investment in Texas," said Anne Taylor, vice chairman and managing partner for Deloitte's Mid-America region. "We have a very strong presence in the region, with more than 3,300 partners and employees across Texas, in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth/Irving, Austin, and San Antonio. This facility will not only help us build a stronger culture among our employees, it will further strengthen our presence and support for the communities in which we work.”

“We are honored and delighted that Deloitte has selected Westlake as the site for their learning and leadership development facility,” said Laura Wheat, Mayor of Westlake. “Not only is the facility a great addition to the Westlake business community, it complements our town’s comprehensive plan. It is an important part of moving Westlake toward our vision of being a knowledge-based community. This is an exciting project for both Deloitte and Westlake and is the culmination of a team effort between Deloitte, Hillwood Development and the town. We look forward to what Deloitte will bring to our community by way of corporate citizenship.”

As it pertains to tourism, Deloitte’s learning and leadership development center could host up to 40,000 visitors annually, providing an economic stimulus in the form of increased spending on retail, transportation and entertainment. The facility is expected to result in Deloitte adding an estimated 100 new full-time jobs, with 300 to 400 new non-Deloitte jobs also being added. Significant secondary economic benefits through service contracts awarded by Deloitte is expected to further bolster the economic impact.

The facility will feature multiple conference spaces and classrooms that will host thought leadership events by Deloitte Research and Deloitte Industry Centers; events with professors from nationally accredited universities and colleges; and networking events. They will also serve as places where Deloitte personnel can connect with mentors and colleagues.

“As our industry evolves faster than ever before, Deloitte’s learning and leadership development center will enable our people to take the lead in shaping the future of our profession,” said Barry Salzberg, chief executive officer, Deloitte LLP. “We expect this facility to become the heart of our organization — the place where we meet, learn and develop our next generation of leaders.”

The facility will also feature dining venues, a ballroom, a business center, recreational facilities and a fitness center. The campus will be constructed according to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council. Green considerations are a top priority for all aspects of this project, including design, materials, engineering and supplies.

About DeloitteAs used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

# # #

U.S. AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS HIGHLIGHT 2008 FORT WORTH ALLIANCE AIR SHOW ON OCTOBER 11 AND 12

Contact: Dave Pelletier (817-224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (June 18, 2008) – The 2008 Fort Worth Alliance Air Show presented by Breitling, featuring this year's only North Texas performance by a major U.S. military jet team, will be held on October 11 and 12. Highlighted by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, this year's performers also include the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, Gene Soucy with wingwalker Teresa Stokes, Manfred Radius’s unique glider aerobatics, and the Shockwave Jet Truck.

Also taking to the skies as part of the show are Jan Collmer, David Martin, John MacGuire, Randy Ball, Greg Poe, Michael Goulian, and several military demonstration teams.

The primary beneficiary for this year’s show is the USO of Dallas/Fort Worth, whose mission is to support U.S. troops and their families by providing a wide range of free amenities, such as food, internet and e-mail access, housing assistance, and nursery facilities. In addition the USO offers a unique benefit to service members through the United Through Reading Program, which records soldiers reading a children’s book, then sends the new book and the recording to his or her family.

The 2007 Fort Worth Alliance Air Show attracted a two-day crowd of more than 180,000 people. The event contributed $25,000 directly to the USO. Since 2006, Alliance Air Productions has raised more than $153,000 for local nonprofits that helped provide some of the event’s 400 volunteers.

"The free admission, children's activities and the exciting performances, highlighted by the Thunderbirds, make the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show a tremendous community event, particularly for families," said Tim Ward, president of Alliance Air Productions. "It's also gratifying that proceeds from the show will benefit millions of service members, family members and veterans who pass through DFW Airport."

The event will be held at Fort Worth Alliance Airport. Gates open at 9 a.m. with performances running until late afternoon. Admission is free. Parking is $20 per vehicle.

For a list of performers, parking information, exhibit and sponsorship rates, visit www.AllianceAirShow.com

Fort Worth Alliance Airport is the centerpiece of the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development that houses 200 companies, 28,000 employees and more than 6,000 single-family homes. Airport users include the American Airlines Maintenance Facility, the FedEx Sorting Hub, the Bell Helicopter Customer Center, as well as corporate and military aircraft. The Fixed Base Operation at Fort Worth Alliance Airport has earned ExxonMobil's top customer service award for an unprecedented 12 straight years. The airport is managed by Alliance Aviation Services, a subsidiary of Hillwood, the developer of AllianceTexas.

# # #

Roanoke cowboy honored at Rodeo Hall of Fame

Colleen Horan — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For 30 years, Mark Baker was a rodeo pickup man. The pickup man rides in after bareback and saddle bronc riders complete their rides and safely helps them off their horses.

"The pickup man is the guy that is out in the arena called the life saver," said Baker, 56, of Roanoke.

This "lifesaver" was recently honored as one of the best pickup men in rodeo when he was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Rodeo Hall of Fame in the personnel category.

"This is the highest honor that you could ever receive to be nominated by your peers for such a great achievement that you’ve worked all your life for," said Baker. "You never expected it. It was very exciting. You’re very surprised about it. I never even knew I was a candidate until I got it. So it just meant the world to me and my family."

Baker’s wife of 31 years, Brenda, agreed.

"Oh, I’m just very proud of him. This is one of the highest honors that he could get."

Baker was born in Fort Worth and embraced the rodeo lifestyle early on. At the age of 13, he went to work for "an old cowboy" named Texas Kid Jr.

"I rode horses and broke colts for him and that’s kind of where I got started," Baker recalled.

In high school, Baker went to work for Jack Ratjen at the Kowbell Rodeo.

"He taught me how to be a cowboy inside the arena and out, and he taught me how to be a rancher and a farmer, the skills I use today," he said.

Baker competed in bareback riding as a young man and got a Professional Cowboy Rodeo Association permit in 1972. After earning $2,500 in winnings, he earned his PCRA card in 1974. In 1975, he went to work for the Billy Minnick Rodeo Co. and began his career as a pickup man.

Sometimes things got a little harrowing, like when Baker had to jump off his own horse onto a bareback horse because the rider was stuck underneath. He "bulldogged" the horse until the rider could break loose.

"It was just part of my job. It just goes with it," Baker said

Over the years, he suffered some injuries including a couple of broken ribs and a broken arm, but it was a career he loved.

He traveled the country working most of rodeo’s major events including the National Finals Rodeo, the Super Bowl of the sport. Pickup men selected to work the finals are chosen by the riders and considered the best in their field.

Baker’s final rodeo appearance was in 2006 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas during the Pace Picante Pro Tour Finals.

Baker now works for Hillwood Land and Cattle, managing ranching and farming operations for Hillwood’s 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development including Circle T Ranch.

Promotions, appointments and hires - Honored

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mark Baker, who oversees Hillwood Land & Cattle, was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. He was inducted in the Rodeo Personnel category and recognized for his work as a rodeo pickup man.

HILLWOOD’S MONTERRA VILLAGE TO BE FIRST NON-SMOKING LUXURY APARTMENT COMMUNITY IN NORTH TEXAS

Contact: David Pelletier, Hillwood (817-224-6044, dave.pelletier@hillwood.com) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 12, 2008) – Monterra Village, Hillwood’s first multi-family development at its AllianceTexas project in Fort Worth, will be the first 100% smoke-free luxury apartment home community in North Texas. The first units for phase 1 of the more than 1,000-unit community will be available beginning in mid-March 2008.

“Our data and research from various groups across the country shows that a vast majority of apartment home renters want to reside in smoke-free communities,” said Perry Wallace, vice president of multi-family development for Hillwood Properties. “There also are significant health, safety and cost benefits to having a non-smoking environment throughout Monterra Village.”

Although the concept of smoke-free apartments is relatively new, they are most prevalent in California. Research from surveys done by various groups across the country has revealed that an average of 70% of renters preferred living in smoke-free buildings. Many of those indicated that they would pay a premium to live in such communities.

In addition to eliminating the health risks associated with second-hand smoke, to which a recent U.S. Surgeon's Report determined there are no safe levels, smoke-free apartments reduce the risk of fire and help lower cleaning and maintenance costs.

The on-site leasing center for Monterra Village is now open. A virtual tour, lease rates and additional information are available at http://www.monterrabyhillwood.com/.

The 130-acre Monterra Village is located at the southern gateway to AllianceTexas, southeast of the intersection of North Tarrant Parkway and Interstate 35W. The first phase includes 288 apartment residences and an 8,500 square-foot clubhouse that will be completed by the end of March.

Another unique feature of Monterra Village is the live/work units with adjoining offices that have separate entrances for work-at-home professionals.

Monterra Village offers ample open space, including a 45-acre green belt, which is planned to have interwoven trails, along the west side. The community also will be connected by pedestrian walkways to the 300-acre Alliance Town Center. Located just to the north, Alliance Town Center will offer shops, restaurants, offices and a 70-acre HCA medical campus.

The overall master plan for Monterra Village also includes a medical office park, neighborhood retail and restaurant spaces, as well as suburban-style office structures with residential spaces above.

Monterra Village is located in one of the most rapidly growing submarkets in North Texas. As part of AllianceTexas, it is convenient to the more than 28,000 people who work in the development. It also is located within the prestigious Keller Independent School District. Both residents and business owners will benefit from the outstanding location and amenity package, as well as the overall high-quality design and the energy and vibrancy offered through the mixed-use nature of the development.

Hillwood has the ability to develop approximately 6,000 units of multi-family product in AllianceTexas.

In addition to Monterra Village, the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas development includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, the corporate campuses and golf courses of Circle T Ranch, Alliance Town Center, and the Heritage and Saratoga residential communities. AllianceTexas now houses 6,700 single-family homes and 170 companies that occupy 28 million square feet. Sixty-six of the companies at AllianceTexas are ranked on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private Firms.

Hillwood, (www.hillwood.com) a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top commercial real estate developers in the country and the top residential developer in Dallas-Fort Worth. The company's developments currently house facilities for 87 companies listed on either the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms. In addition to AllianceTexas, Hillwood is best known for its development of AllianceCalifornia in San Bernardino and the $420-million American Airlines Center and Victory district near downtown Dallas.

# # #

Hillwood's $210M Project Ties 150 Acres to BNSF

Connie Gore — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH-Beginning in March, the Hillwood team will realize a long-awaited dream to start $210 million of infrastructure improvements in the Westport corridor of AllianceTexas. Ticketed for completion in 2011, the project will open up 150 acres for development, all with "through-the-fence" access to the BNSF intermodal yard and a rarity outside major ports.

The project calls for the relocation of a five-mile stretch of FM 156 and the parallel BNSF tracks plus a 1,400-foot extension to the 9,600-foot runway at Fort Worth Alliance Airport. "It's going to be very exciting," says Tony Crème, vice president of Hillwood Properties. "We always knew 156 would get relocated and open up hundreds of acres for us."

The 150 acres will have FM 156 at its front door, the intermodal yard at its rear door and a private road bisecting the land so future tenants can have a no weight-limit thruway directly into the BNSF hub. Based on Hillwood's typical 40% coverage, the land will support roughly 2.6 million sf--all planned to be leased build-to-suits.

"We're not going to sell any of this," Crème tells GlobeSt.com. "It's extremely valuable land and very limited." And, he confides, there is one deal already working and another that's about to be pursued.

Tim Ward, president of Hillwood-owned Alliance Air/Aviation Services, says the road relocation begins in March, with the rail line due to be moved in 2009. The last piece will be the runway extension. The road relocation is projected to cost $40 million, the rail relocation will take $85 million and the $85-million balance is going to land acquisitions and airfield improvements, according to Ward.

To date, 2.4 million yards of dirt has been dumped in the project area. Ward says another six months to one year is needed to update the airport's environmental assessment and acquire some additional rights-of way. "We've done all we can until we get the rail and highway out of there," he says.

Hillwood has had the runway extension on its drawing board since 1991, one year after AllianceTexas started to push out of the ground. "The end is now in sight," Ward says, adding Hillwood is positioned to bump the runway to 13,000 feet if it wants.

Ward says Memphis-based FedEx Corp.'s need to deploy larger cargo planes to Anchorage is underwriting the 1,400-foot runway extension. The company now operates one daily round-trip flight to Alaska, where it has a staging ground for shipments to Asia.

Ward says the longer runway could lure more freight-forwarding companies to Fort Worth Alliance Airport. Right now, companies are clustering around to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

"It's a matter of time and demand before we see that activity grow," Ward says, "but we need to have the infrastructure in place for when the opportunity comes along." That's a philosophy that Hillwood applies even to its spec development, always keeping about one million sf of ready-to-go space on hand as a bargaining chip for when deals hit the streets.

Hillwood is under construction with a 572,500-sf spec distribution center that will deliver in June. Westport 20, fronting Intermodal Parkway, will sit at the hard corner with FM 156 after its relocation and across the street from the 150 acres. It is being built at the gateway of the BNSF yard. "It's going to position us and our users right there outside the front gate," Crème says.

The Westport corridor has four million sf of the 28 million sf in the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas. The east-to-west Westport Parkway eventually will run the full length of AllianceTexas. On the east side, dirt is flying on a 788,160-sf build-to-suit for an unidentified user, who's playing it close to the vest for awhile longer before talking about the plans. The structure delivers in the second quarter.

Peregrine Point to open locally

Betty Dillard — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hillwood Properties recently began construction on a 58,000-square-foot build-to-suit office and hangar for Peregrine Point LLC, a new passenger/cargo air charter company, at Fort Worth Alliance Airport in Hillwood’s AllianceTexas development.

According to Randy Taylor, Peregrine Point’s general manager, the selection of Alliance came after a nationwide search.

“From an aviation standpoint, Fort Worth Alliance Airport is a full-service, 24-hour facility, while the city of Fort Worth and Hillwood have created a tremendous business atmosphere at Alliance that allows companies to grow and prosper,” Taylor said.

Taylor said the company will initially employ 30 people.

Located on the southeastern edge of the airport, the new corporate headquarters features 10,000 square feet of offices in front of two connected hangars that have stair-stepped roofs to accommodate one Boeing 737-700C and one Gulfstream 450 aircraft.

Additionally, the Boeing 737 aircraft can convert from a 55-person European Business Class configuration to a seven-pallet, 35,000-pound configuration, as well as having various combined passenger/cargo configurations.

The new facility, which was designed by RGA Architects, is expected to be completed in August 2008.

Ground Breaks on AllianceTexas First

Connie Gore — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FORT WORTH-AllianceTexas, a footprint for many CRE firsts in North Texas, has landed yet another. Not only will it be the home base for a startup passenger and cargo air charter company, but the win also makes it the first operator of its type to be based at Fort Worth Alliance Airport.

Construction on Peregrine Point LLC's 58,800-sf office and two connected hangars got under way yesterday on a 6.5-acre ground-leased tract along Heritage Parkway at the southeastern end of the airport. Peregrine Point, led by general manager Randy Taylor, set up shop about three months ago in temporary space at AllianceTexas.

"They were looking at different points around the country and selected Alliance," says Bill Burton, senior vice president of Hillwood, the mastermind behind the 17,000-acre AllianceTexas. He tells GlobeSt.com that 15 employees have been hired to date and that is expected to double as the operator shifts into high gear in August. The company is a mix of pilots and technicians from several US cities.

The 58,800 sf will be outfitted with 10,000 sf of corporate headquarters space and the balance will be hangars for one Boeing 737-700C and a Gulfstream 450 aircraft. The barrel-vaulted hangars will have stair-stepped roofs, 48-foot high doors and a 14-inch thick foundation. The project's full cost has yet to be determined. Hillwood Construction is the general contractor. It was designed by RGA Architects from nearby Roanoke.

The site, with direct runway access, can be expanded if needed since there is vacant land on its southern boundary. Burton says Peregrine Point initially was discussing one hangar and then upped the plan to two. He says no expansion is in the immediate future, but the option is there.

"From an aviation standpoint, Fort Worth Alliance Airport is a full-service, 24-hour facility, while the City of Fort Worth and Hillwood have created a tremendous business atmosphere at Alliance that allows companies to grow and prosper," Taylor says in a press release. Its Boeing 737 can be converted from a 55-seat European business class configuration to a seven-pallet, 35,000-pound configuration.