Upon completion, Arlington Highlands will be one of the largest, non-mall shopping centers in the DFW Metroplex. This 800,000 square foot project has an unparalleled line-up of over 80 retail tenants along with a mix of Class A office space. The project integrates an exceptional mix of lifestyle and power retailers. Noteworthy are the number of key anchors per both aspects of the center and that the largest tenant is only 40,000 square feet. The lifestyle area of the project is highlighted by two tree-lined central parks, spanning more than 1,000 linear feet and featuring two creeks with natural stone pedestrian bridges, music, sculptures and extensive landscaping. The boulevards and the lifestyle buildings two-story brick facades are reminiscent of historic downtown main streets. More than twenty restaurants are spaced throughout the development, with most providing dining on outdoor patios, creating an active and energetic environment throughout the day and into the evening. The majority of the office spaces offer balconies overlooking the park areas. The development combines six primary uses to meet the varied needs of the citizens of Arlington and the surrounding cities, including the traditional junior anchors, specialty retailers, traditional retailers, restaurants, entertainment users and Class A office space. The retail line-up in the project includes Bed Bath & Beyond, Border’s Books, Cost Plus World Market, Orvis, Ethan Allen, Golf Galaxy, PetsMart, Ulta, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Coldwater Creek, Jos A. Bank, Ann Taylor Loft, Robins Brothers, Francescas, White House Black Market and many more. Studio Movie Grill provides first run movies with quality dining in a unique setting. Restaurants include Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s, Bravo, BJ’s Brewery, Mimi’s, Kincaids, Fish City Grill and many more. Additionally, medical offices and other service providers, as well as health and fitness facilities will be included in this well rounded mix of tenants designed to provide a full array of exciting and convenient shopping in a dynamic setting.

Fourteen parcels of land had to be assembled before Arlington Highlands could be developed. A project large enough to provide a day full of activities has been turned inward from adjacent streets to create a “sense of place”. This theme has been carried out through every challenge in the development of the project. Rezoning land that for years had been identified as part of Arlington’s business corridor to retail demanded a clear vision which could be appreciated and trusted by the leaders of the city. This trust continued in convincing these leaders to do away with a program of multiple short monument signs to allow for coordinated, combined signage that identified the anchors of the project. Additionally, the government entities approved the creation of a $16M Tax Increment Financing District to add to and modify the existing roadway system serving the project, a further validation of the importance and uniqueness of Arlington Highlands. This work included adding new streets, widening streets for additional capacity, adding traffic signals, completely rebuilding the frontage road along the front of the project, adding an auxiliary lane to the main lanes of I-20 and relocating an off ramp to provide for improved access to the project. Through negotiation, an access issue for the project became a win | win solution that provided parking for an existing restaurant facility while providing the project with great access and signage capacity at the projects major entrance. Of course, the typical issues of development had to be addressed; tree mitigation, a 35 foot topographic cross slope, storm water detention, etc. Additionally, since 4 of the projects buildings face all directions, the service needs had to be addressed carefully. Service courts containing all of the unattractive backsides of typical projects were designed to hide these areas from view and as a first for the City of Arlington; common grease traps for the multiple restaurants within the buildings were arranged. Another unforeseen challenge faced was the Katrina effect. Construction began on November 29, 2005, only about 3 months after the devastating hurricane. There was uncertainty on the part of some of the retailers and pricing and delivery times on materials also became a real issue to work through.

Arlington Highlands will create approximately 4,000 new jobs within the City of Arlington. The City of Arlington shall receive approximately $4.8MM per year from its share of the sales taxes generated from the projects anticipated $300MM of annual sales receipts