The new headquarters for Day Lumber is nearing completition in the 544 Gateway Addition with future plans to add two more buildings. Shelley Dowdle/The Wylie News

While Wylie residents may notice dirt being moved or concrete being poured on a commercial lot, they may not always understand what’s behind the heavy equipment. 

The Wylie Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is at the forefront of several key projects aimed at enhancing both the city’s commercial and residential landscape, as well as improving critical infrastructure.

Earlier this month, Jason Greiner, executive director of the WEDC, took time to discuss the corporation’s ongoing efforts and current projects.

One of the prominent developments involves the sale of the 544 Gateway Addition, located just west of Highway 78 on the north side of FM 544. 

This site had previously contained hazardous waste, which was cleaned up in 2016 with assistance from the city, U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Now, nearly a decade later, the prime location is set to host Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, a 5,000-square-foot full-service restaurant, alongside the new headquarters of Day Lumber. The 5,500-square-foot building will house the company’s main offices, with additional space for retail or other commercial uses.

“This project highlights the WEDC’s ongoing efforts to bolster its business environment and attract new enterprises to the area,” Greiner said.

Following the completion of Day Lumber’s first building, expected around April 1, the company plans to expand on the 12-acre plot of land with two more structures. A top-20 contributor to the city’s sales tax revenue, the company’s decision to relocate within the city underscores Wylie’s appeal to established businesses.

Greiner pointed out that Day Lumber’s move was more about business retention than new development. The company was leasing space in Regency Park, but after the property was sold, it needed to relocate. WEDC offered the 544 Gateway Addition as a viable solution.

“We had this (544 Gateway) coming to market, so we knew that we were already doing the engineering and dirt work,” Greiner said. “We just looked at it and asked, ‘How much land does he need for the relocation of his business?’”

The WEDC is also anticipating the completion of the new restaurant in June or July. Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, a national restaurant and sports bar chain, is known for its blend of food, sports, and community. Founded in 2003 by Brandon Landry and Jack Warner, Walk-On’s has expanded rapidly, growing from 33 locations in 2019 to 80 by the end of 2023.

While the 544 Gateway Addition is one of WEDC’s most notable current projects, the approach to economic development in Wylie has evolved over the past decade. With less land available in Wylie’s commercial market, the WEDC must carefully evaluate each opportunity to ensure that any new or relocating business is a good fit for the city.

As president of the WEDC Board of Directors, Demond Dawkins helps guide the city’s economic future. He shared his thoughts on the challenges posed by limited land availability and how the WEDC is adapting to meet Wylie’s needs.

“We try to balance the desires and needs of the community with how each project will benefit Wylie, both economically now and in the future,” Dawkins said. “We understand that we have limited resources, so we must make the most of what’s left to be developed.”

He continued, “From a strategic standpoint, the best way to maximize available resources is by working with our city partners to implement mixed land use with specific zoning regulations. This will help with efficiencies, and if successful, could also address some of the other challenges that a growing city faces, like traffic.”

Infrastructure and traffic are also key considerations in Wylie’s growth strategy. The WEDC continues to assess the impact of new developments, particularly along the 544 and 78 corridors. Proper infrastructure, including road improvements, will be essential to accommodate the growing volume of traffic these developments are expected to bring.

Additionally, Wylie’s retail and restaurant sectors are expanding. Cooper Plaza, spanning 13 acres in the southwest corner of Hwy 78 and Brown Street, strategically positions itself east of the Historic Downtown District with a vision to honor and enhance the area’s heritage. The mixed-use development plans to host a variety of commercial enterprises including a 7-11, as well as quick-service and full-service restaurants, retail outlets, and office spaces.

The WEDC has also been actively involved in the city’s Downtown Wylie Traffic Impact Analysis, which was undertaken in 2021. This includes an analysis of current conditions, preliminary guiding principles and goals, detailed recommendations and implementation strategies aimed at protecting downtown residences and businesses while strengthening the downtown area’s role in the city.

Looking ahead, the WEDC remains focused on maintaining momentum in its development projects while ensuring that the city’s infrastructure keeps pace with growth. With plans for continued community engagement, the WEDC is working to create a balanced and sustainable environment that supports economic development and enhances the quality of life for residents.

 “The city has a plan for the future,” Greiner added. “The land use and comprehensive plan put parameters around what they’d like to see in certain areas. This helps prevent development from going 100% industrial or multifamily. Our city council listens to the citizens, but we can’t dictate what someone is going to do with their property. That’s why it’s important to have proper zoning control and establish future land use parameters.”

The Wylie EDC board meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. and on an as-needed basis at the Wylie Economic Development Corporation offices, located at 250 S. Highway 78, Wylie, Texas 75098. The meetings are open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend.

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By Chad Engbrock | [email protected]