Harlingen to see mix of new commercial, residential development
HARLINGEN — A mix of new commercial and residential projects stands to help reframe the city’s development.
At City Hall, officials are working with the Economic Development Corporation to help developers planning projects ranging from retail shopping and entertainment to warehousing and distribution.
“Since getting elected, I knew I had a mandate from the community for change and growth,” Mayor Norma Sepulveda said. “Our residents made it clear — they wanted to see Harlingen move forward, bringing new opportunities, businesses and developments that would make our city thrive. Growth doesn’t happen overnight but we are making great strides, and the results are evident throughout our community.”
Planning the city’s development, officials have joined developers and builders in “roundtable discussions” spurring a “game-changer, allowing us to streamline processes, eliminate unnecessary roadblocks and create a more efficient path for investment and development,” she said.
“By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, we have strengthened Harlingen’s position as a prime location for economic expansion,” Sepulveda said.
Near the city’s medical district, officials are working with developers and landowners on a “public-private partnership,” planning to turn a “mixed-use development” into a regional destination featuring retail, restaurants, office suites and residences along EDC and private land, Orlando Campos, the agency’s chief executive officer, said.
”In essence, we want to create a true live, work and play environment similar to what you will find in larger cities,” he said. “This quality-of-life development will also help alleviate the need for more residential options in the nearby medical district for the hospitals and for the medical school.”
Across town, officials are working with developer Julio Carranza, whom Sepulveda described as “playing a vital role in Harlingen’s transformation.”
Near Tyler Avenue and South M Street, Carranza is developing Harlingen Terrace, “a gated townhome community” to include “a culinary hub that will feature diverse dining experiences, entertainment and retail services,” she said.
As part of the project, the developer is working with the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley to plan a culinary incubator, Sepulveda said.
“The developer, in conjunction with UTRGV’s department of business and entrepreneurship, are forming a culinary hub (featuring) a diverse, creative and cultural cuisine for start-up culinary entrepreneurs in our region,” she said. “This incubator program will mold our future culinary artists into thriving business individuals contributing to our local economy.”
The developer is designing Harlingen Terrace to feature “a small food hall-type of development which will include several food stalls and a large sitting (and) gathering area that will include a small stage that can host various events,” Campos said.
“This type of development will help attract various types of culinary offerings that people can choose from,” he said. “It will be very family-friendly as well, which will add to the amenities and entertainment options offered in Harlingen. It will certainly help enhance the quality of life in the community.”
Along the city’s northern edge, Carranza is developing the Skyline District, which Sepulveda described as a warehouse and distribution park.
“This project has the potential to attract logistics and supply chain businesses, creating jobs and further strengthening Harlingen’s economic landscape,” she said.
At Interstate 69 and Primera Road, the development will offer regional access, Campos said.
“Given its location, the developer has determined that it would be ideal to develop a logistics hub given its location along I-69, with quick, easy access to the north or south and quick access to I-2 heading west,” he said. “His proposed plan would be to develop flex industrial spaces where the multi-tenant buildings would include office-showrooms in front with larger warehousing-distribution space in the back.”
The area is turning into a logistics center, Campos said.
“We have seen quite a number of existing and new similar users gravitate to that area for that same reason,” he said. “Given other similar developments in the area, it seems that there is a need for this type of development that would also create new jobs in the community.”
At Dixieland and Garrett Roads, Carranza is also planning Dixieland Crossings, a $75 million mixed development to feature 26 single-family homes starting at $280,000 along with a 30,000-square-foot commercial plaza, Sepulveda said
“This project will enhance housing options and create new commercial opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs,” she said.
On the city’s west side, Brownsville-based Origo Works, the developer of Stuart Place Crossing, is planning a 12,191-square-foot retail center off Traxler Way and U.S. 83.
“Origo Works has a strong reputation of building very attractive, modern, aesthetically pleasing developments,” Campos said. “Origo Works is certainly taking advantage of the tremendous growth happening in west Harlingen. They see the potential for more retail in that part of the community that is currently underserved. Given its location along the expressway near the new dealerships and new residential developments nearby, we feel that the development will be very successful.”
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Link to Original Article: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2025/03/18/harlingen-to-see-mix-of-new-commercial-residential-development/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJHzixleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbanoOGmN-S8sZCccWvqSyu-q2ADQkicB7AzxJwWt1dB6BhYhJsMRapTvQ_aem_DcTLbKm2oy5OAqxTdtX50g