A redevelopment dream for Downtown Garland will soon become a reality. The City of Garland has reached an agreement to purchase the Jones Hardware building at 519 W. State St. on the Downtown Square.
Over the past several months, the City has worked closely with the Jones family to create a future for the century-old property.
"We’ve always believed that redeveloping the property into an event/entertainment venue was a unique opportunity, given its size and location, and we began working on design concepts several years ago,” the Jones family said in a statement. “Each time we solicited feedback from the City, we were encouraged by the response, and over time it became clear that direct participation by the City was the best way to develop the property to its full potential. With the announcement of this agreement, we’re eager to see the next phase of this redevelopment project begin.”
At its Tuesday, Oct. 10, meeting, the Garland City Council formally approved the purchase of 519 W. State St. The City will develop and operate the new facility, which is envisioned as a mixed-use community space with dining and entertainment opportunities. Construction is expected to start in 2024.
“This is an opportunity many years in the making, and there are many individuals to thank for helping get us to this point, including former City Manager Bryan Bradford,” Mayor Scott LeMay said. “This is a key property on the Square, and its redevelopment will add to the vibrant, active, exciting atmosphere that we’re creating in Downtown. We’re taking this legacy property and transforming it to serve generations to come.”
The H.W. Jones Hardware & Furniture Company was one of the earliest businesses on the Downtown Square. Established in 1899, the business occupied some portion of the property on the north side of the Downtown Square for nearly a century. During that time span, the property underwent several renovations, and it will now be the latest site for revitalization as the City turns Downtown Garland into a destination for one-of-a-kind dining, shopping, recreation and entertainment experiences.
On Saturday, Oct. 14, Garland will host a Grand Opening celebration to commemorate its brand-new Downtown Square, complete with a large recreational and event lawn, an observatory treehouse, an imaginative play area, a pavilion for performances, an urban water fountain and more. The celebration will feature food trucks and other vendors, a drone light show, children's activities and a variety of live music, including Garland’s own LeAnn Rimes.
The City will continue to share progress updates for the redevelopment of 519 W. State St. All renderings are conceptual and subject to change.