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Allen Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 MAY 5 JUNE 3, 2026
Parks packed with play Allen invests over $8M in playground improvements BY SHELBIE HAMILTON & MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO
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When choosing which park she wanted to visit, Allen resident Norah Rosario (pictured) chose Lost Creek Park, which she calls “bee park.” The park features one of the city’s multiple themed playgrounds. (Community Impact sta )
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ALLEN EDITION
PROUD TO CALL ALLEN HOME A strong business community starts here. Together, we make Allen a place to thrive.
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ALLEN EDITION
Impacts
membership rates for the first 100 members, per its website. • Opened March 21 • 1480 N. Custer Road, Ste. 110, Allen • www.reformedpilates.com 5 Shoe Palace The business offers a variety of footwear for men, women and children, per its website. It also offers apparel and accessories. • Opened March 13 • 820 W. Stacy Road, Ste. 224, Allen • www.shoepalace.com 6 Zen Core Wellness The practice focuses on holistic, functional medicine and offers services such as nutritional supplements, vitamin injection therapy, advanced lab testing, sound bath experiences, compression therapy and more, per its website. • Opened March 3 • 109 W. Main St., Allen • www.zencorewellness.com
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7 Bread Zeppelin The restaurant offers a variety of salads, including classic Caesar, buffalo chicken, southwest and more, according to its website. Customers can order salads in a bowl or inside a baguette. • Opening in 2026 • 1480 N. Custer Road, Ste. 100, Allen • www.breadzeppelin.com/stores/coming-soon-allen 8 Enson Market The Asian grocery store offers produce, baked goods, dairy products and more, according to its website. Enson Market also sells specialty ingredients commonly used in Asian cooking such as miso paste, fish sauce, rice noodles, sesame oil and more, per its website. The store will be located in a building that previously housed a
• Opened Feb. 27 • 1480 N. Custer Road, Ste. 120, Allen • www.myidealdental.com/craig-ranch
Now open
1 Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop The retailer offers Dallas Cowboys-themed merchandise, such as hats, t-shirts, drinkware and more. The business also has a location in Frisco. • Opened March 21
3 JD Sports The business offers jackets, sweatshirts, sweatpants, jerseys and shoes in popular brands such as Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Vans, Champion and more, according to its website. • Opened Jan. 5 • 820 W. Stacy Road, Ste. 604, Allen • www.jdsports.com 4 Reformed Pilates The business offers 50-minute group reformer classes, its website states. The studio is offering discounted
• 820 W. Stacy Road, Ste. 312, Allen • https://shop.dallascowboys.com
2 Ideal Dental The business offers general dentistry, emergency dental care, orthodontics, oral surgery and more, according to the practice’s website. Ideal Dental has another Allen location at 1985 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 110.
Tom Thumb grocery store. • Opening in summer 2026 • 900 W. McDermott Drive, Allen • www.ensonmarket.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SHELBIE HAMILTON & MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO
9 Ugly Dumpling The restaurant’s menu will include barbecue pork buns, soup dumplings, orange chicken, wantons in chili oil and
• Closed Feb. 23 • 916 Garden Park Drive, Allen • www.breadwinnerscafe.com
Now open
more, per its website. • Opening in fall 2026
12 Elm Street Toys Horror-themed toy store Elm Street Toys permanently closed its Allen store in late January, according to a company social media post. The business still sells toys at a booth at the North Dallas Antique Mall, which is located at 11722 Marsh Lane, Ste. 353, Dallas, per its website. • Closed Jan. 31 • 1206 E. Main St., Ste. 110, Allen • Facebook: Elm Street Toys
• 213 N. Central Expressway, Allen • https://uglydumplingsmenu.com
In the news 10 Low Testosterone and Wellness Center The center is celebrating 10 years in business this April, a company representative said. The business offers hormone therapy as well as primary care services, including physicals, flu and strep tests, thyroid testing, cardiac evaluation, weight loss services and more, per its website. • 945 W. Stacy Road, Ste. 120, Allen • www.lowtwellness.com
Renovations
14 Panj Tara The restaurant, which also has a Frisco location, offers Indian cuisine including chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, shahi paneer, butter naan and more, according to its website. • Opened April 6 • 2025 W. McDermott Drive, Allen • www.panjtaratx.com
13 Fred’s Downtown Philly LLC Allen The eatery is open and serving customers following a temporary three-month closure and remodel. It offers a variety of cheesesteaks including a Philly cheesesteak, the cheesesteak hoagie, the mushroom cheesesteak. Other menu items include fries, fried pickles, mozzarella sticks, chicken wings and burgers, the business’s website states. • Reopened April 13 • 717 S. Greenville Ave., Allen • www.downtownphilly.net/allen
Closings
11 Bread Winners Cafe The restaurant served breakfast, lunch, cocktails, beer and wine, per its website. It also offered catering services. Bread Winners Cafe still has two Dallas locations, its website states.
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ALLEN EDITION
Government
The Allen Public Library expanded its services to include laptop rentals for teenagers and adults with library cards, per an April 6 news release. The details Library patrons can check out one of 15 available laptops with a charger for work, school or general use, per the release. Card holders can check out laptops for up to two hours at a time, with the option to renew the Residents in Allen’s Greengate neighborhood can expect to see sidewalk improvements under- way later this year. Allen City Council unani- mously approved a $2.15 million construction contract with Fort Worth-based Cole Construction for neighborhood infrastructure improvements at an April 14 meeting. A closer look The project includes replacing 109 ramps, 50 alley approaches and 63% of the sidewalk panels within the Greengate neighbor- hood and surrounding portions of Allen Heights Drive, Director of Engineering Chris Flanigan said. The neighborhood was built in the ‘80’s and contains many broken sidewalk panels and areas that are no longer compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, per city documents. “There are various means at our disposal to combat decline Nearly $2.2M in updates coming to Greengate neighborhood
"It’s good to see these dollars going into some of our aging neighborhoods." MICHAEL SCHAEFFER,
COUNCIL MEMBER
within di erent neighborhoods of our community and help bridge that disparity in current standards of today versus those that may have been in place back when they were originally constructed,” Flanigan said. The project will impact street parking, but the project manager will communicate with residents ahead of time, Flanigan said. The cost Cole Construction had the low- est priced bid at $1.96 million with a 10% contingency, making the total price $2.15 million, city docu- ments state. Cole Construction also tied for the lowest calendar bid, meaning the shortest project length, of the ve companies. Funding for the project comes from the city’s 2023 voter-ap- proved bond, which included funds for neighborhood infra- structure enhancements, accord- ing to city documents.
Allen Public Library expands services rental per availability. Patrons can also check out mouses and key- boards, and can use the laptops anywhere inside the library, the release states.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO
Allen moves forward with $5.2M water line replacement project
Water and sewer lines within the Oak Hill subdivision will be replaced, Allen o cials said. Allen City Council approved a $5.2 million contract with J&L Construction for the Oak Hill water line replacement project at an April 14 meeting. The speci cs The project includes replacing approximately 5,785 linear feet of water lines within the Oak Hill subdivision and replacing about 3,750 linear feet of sewer lines along Jupiter Road, according to city documents.
The project also includes: • Removal of dead or overgrown trees between the curb and sidewalk • Evaluation and repairs of sidewalk and roadway panels • Installation of new solar-pow- ered streetlights • Median landscaping along Bethany Drive • Addition of a new neighbor- hood sign
Where Quality Meets the Neighborhood You Love. Award-winning designs in 14 premier communities near you. From the $390s - $2.1M.
Project funding There are two funding sources for the Oak Hill neighborhood water line replacement project.
Water and Sewer fund: $4,705,880
Total: $5,236,600
2023 bond funds: $530,720
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SOURCE: CITY OF ALLEN COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Council approved changing the zoning of just over 2 acres near Allen Heights Drive at its April 14 meeting. This comes after the Allen Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for the requested change at a March meeting. Council members approved the change of 2 acres at the northwest corner of Allen Heights Drive and
Bethany Drive to a single-family residential zoning type. The site’s prior zoning is planned for agricultural and open space uses, Allen Senior Planner Kim Yockey said. This enables the development of eight homes, city documents state. Proposed lots range from 6,000-7,900 square feet.
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Education
BY COLBY FARR
AISD approves $1.16M ELA curriculum buy Allen ISD officials voted to renew digital licenses and updated instructional materials for English language arts classrooms in kindergarten through fifth grade. In a nutshell The district’s board of trustees approved a $1,163,166 purchase of the instructional materials during a March 30 meeting. The purchase will span over the next four years, said Jennifer Wilhelm, assistant superinten- dent of learner services. This purchase is a renewal of state-ap- proved comprehensive instructional material that was approved before the 2023-24 school year, according to a district document. An updated version of these materials was approved by the State Board of Education.
Percent of early childhood students who tested proficient in each academic skill Middle-of-year assessment results show an increase in the proficiency of pre-K and early childhood students at certain academic skills.
2025 beginning-of-year assessment 100%
2026 middle-of-year assessment
79% 84%
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Rhyming
Rapid letter naming
Rapid vocabulary
Math
Counting sets
SOURCE: ALLEN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Mid-year assessments show academic growth Allen ISD officials presented mid-year interim assessment results to the board of trustees in March that showed improved academic perfor- mance since the beginning of the year. At a glance Interim assessments “empower teachers to
personalize student learning” and inform district leaders about academic achievement across grade levels, said Jennifer Wilhelm, assistant superinten- dent of Learner Services. Wilhelm’s presentation included a breakdown of performance in different subjects across different grade levels. Pre-K and early childhood students were assessed on progress in literacy skills like rhyming and vocabulary, and math, Wilhelm said. The number of students showing proficiency increased in each of these categories compared to beginning-of-year assessments issued in 2025, according to Wilhelm’s presentation.
AISD board reviews 2024-25 academic performance
Percent of AISD students who met grade level expectations in 2024-25
measuring academic performance, financial stan- dards, campus performance objectives and more. In the 2024-25 school year, a higher percentage of AISD students met state standards compared to the rest of Region 10 and the state, according to Wilhelm’s presentation. The data included all students taking STAAR exams within Allen ISD.
Allen ISD has closed the book on the 2024-25 school year with a final report on academic perfor- mance and accountability delivered in February. The full story Jennifer Wilhelm, assistant superintendent of Learner Services, reviewed the district’s perfor- mance during a Feb. 23 board of trustees meeting. The annual report includes eight components
State
Region
District
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0%
Reading Language Arts
Math
Science
SOURCE: ALLEN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Transportation
BY MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO
upgraded equipment, increased capacity and enhanced pedestrian features. Update: Construction is wrapping up with three intersections remaining at A Century Parkway and Bethany Drive, B Greenville Avenue and Bethany Drive, and C Main Street and Greenville Avenue. • Timeline: construction to wrap up by this summer • Cost: $5.8 million • Funding sources: city of Allen, TxDOT 4 Spur 399 expansion Project: The project includes reconstructing and widening Spur 399 from its current four-lane configuration to six lanes and connecting it to US 380. Update: The project broke ground this summer and is currently under construction. • Timeline: summer 2025-early 2029 • Cost: $157 million • Funding source: TxDOT 5 US 75 expansion Project: The project will expand US 75 into five lanes by converting existing high-occupancy vehicle lanes. Update: Richardson crews are on track to complete the project by this summer. • Timeline: March 2024-summer 2026 • Cost: $57 million • Funding source: TxDOT
Upcoming projects
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1 US 75 Green Ribbon project Project: The work will provide enhancements to landscaping at key intersections along the US 75 corridor, including A Stacy Road, B McDermott Drive and C Bethany Drive. Update: The project is in the final design review. • Timeline: summer 2026-late 2026 • Cost: $1.38 million • Funding source: city of Allen, Texas Department of Transportation 2 Allen Heights Drive expansion Project: The planned work includes enhancements to the roadway segment between Chaparral Road and Shady Brook Drive by adding two additional lanes. Update: The project is in the design phase. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: TBD • Funding sources: multiple sources, including city funds
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Events
BY SHELBIE HAMILTON
201 St. Mary Drive, Allen • https://events.allentx.gov
May
Unbroken Circle County trio Unbroken Circle will perform both songs and stories at this event at the Allen Public Library Civic Auditorium. • May 15, 7:30 p.m. • Free
The Biggest Dill: Pickleball Tournament Participate in a pickleball tournament at Stephen Terrell Recreation Center. The event will include various divisions as well as men’s, women’s and mixed brackets. Each team is guaranteed to play three games, and
registration is required. • May 30, 8 a.m.-noon • $30 (per team) • 1680 W. Exchange Parkway, Allen • https://events.allentx.gov
• 300 N. Allen Drive, Allen • https://events.allentx.gov
Cottage Farmers Market Shop handmade and curated items from artisans and vendors at the open-air market in Allen Heritage Village. • May 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission)
June
Stifel Stars on Ice Celebrate the accomplishments of the 2026 Winter Olympics American team at these figure skating performances by Gold Medalists Alysa Liu, Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn and more, a news release states. A limited number of premium level suites and club seats are available. • May 29-30, 7 p.m. • $30+ • 200 E. Stacy Road, Ste. 1350, Allen • www.cutxeventcenter.com/events/detail/stars- on-ice
Allen Summer Kick Off Market In this event hosted by NTX Vintage Markets, shop handmade goods and items from local vendors, small businesses and boutiques. The family friendly event at Armor Brewing will also include the opportunity to get permanent jewelry and custom accessories, and offer sweets, treats and drinks. • June 7, noon-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 9 Prestige Circle, Allen • Facebook: Allen Summer Kick Off Market
• 450 St. Mary Drive, Allen • https://events.allentx.gov
Street Art in the Park Try out spray paint art in this event for ages 6 and older. Attendees will learn tips from an instructor and contribute spray paint art to a collective canvas. Supplies will be provided. • May 22, 6-8 p.m. • Free • The Edge at Allen Station Park,
Community
BY MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO
$1.1M trail project set to debut in May near Allen’s Watters Creek Village
The context
The Watters Trail South extension will eventually connect to the Rowlett Trail, which is expected to begin construction this summer, Patel said. “With that already planned trail, we had this last piece of trail at Watters [Creek] that connected to the retail and residential, and so we wanted to close that gap,” he said. When completed, the Rowlett Trail project will create an interjurisdictional connection between Plano and Allen. “The biggest enhancement is not only for leisure, it’s also another alternative mode of transportation and that’s something that a lot of our residents are wanting,” Patel said. Rowlett Trail is scheduled to be completed in 2028, Director of Parks and Recreation Kate Meacham said.
Watters Trail South is scheduled to be open to residents at the end of May, Allen Trail System Planner Krishan Patel said. The project kicked o mid-October after Allen City Council approved the $1.1 million construction contract in September, according to city documents. Funding for the project is split between two sources. The city received $140,000 from the Collin County Parks and Open Space funding assistance grant and the remaining $960,000 comes from Allen’s Community Development Corp., Patel said. Because the project came in under budget, the city was also able to include a pedestrian bridge over a drainage outfall that ows into Watters Creek, Patel said.
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“I can’t wait for people to enjoy this,” Patel said. “It’s going to be a nice experience.”
Parks packed with play From the cover
The overview
Playgrounds in Allen Needed locations for future parkland Very high High Moderate Playgrounds without projects
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Investments in parks planned across Allen will replace three playground structures with new equipment, including a themed playground at Celebration Park. The 25-year-old playground will be redeveloped and feature inclusive elements, Director of Parks and Recreation Kate Meacham said. Other playground replacements are coming to Bradford Crossing Park and Quail Run Park, aligning with the department’s cadence of completing two playground replacements each year, she said. Allen resident Heather Casey said her daughter identi es local playgrounds by their themes, including Lost Creek Park’s bumblebee-themed playground. “I love how many parks there are [in Allen]. There are ve parks within ve minutes of our house,” Casey said. Meacham said the department works to give the city’s park system a “sense of identity,” including through the use of themed playgrounds that are strategically dispersed throughout the city. “It helps people get out and explore and see di erent parts of the city that they may not have naturally gone [to],” she said. “It’s a draw for those kiddos to be able to say they want to go to the rocket ship park.” Allen Landscape Architect Laura Cuellar said themed playgrounds have risen in popularity within the playground industry. One of the city’s rst themed playgrounds at Green Park features a rst responder theme due to its proximity to Fire Station No. 4, which Cuellar said has drawn out community members to have themed birthday parties at the park. New playground design trends and industry standards also o er more inclusive opportunities at playgrounds, she said.
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Funding source: Park development fees Planned projects 3 Celebration Park Project: Replacement of an inclusive playground and splashpad Update: The playground is currently in conceptual design. Location: 701 N. Angel Parkway, Allen Timeline: Projected opening in 2.5 years Cost: $5 million Funding source: Allen Community Development Corp. Completed projects 4 Allen Station Park Project: Playground replacement
Projects underway 1 Bradford Crossing Park Project: Playground replacement Update: Fabrication is underway. Location: 1405 Bradford Trace Drive, Allen Timeline: Opening in early fall Cost: $600,000 Funding source: Allen Community Development Corp. 2 Quail Run Park Project: Playground replacement and expansion with shade Update: The playground is currently under construction. Location: 902 Pelican Drive, Allen Timeline: Opening in early summer Cost: $400,000
and expansion with shade, site improvements and addition of a spray mister Update: The project is completed. Location: 1120 N. Cedar Drive, Allen Timeline: Opened May 2025 Cost: $1.7 million Funding source: Allen Community Development Corp. 5 Lost Creek Park Project: Playground replacement Update: The project is completed. Location: 1525 Charleston Drive, Allen Timeline: Opened early 2026 Cost: $600,000 Funding source: Allen Community Development Corp.
SOURCES: CITY OF ALLEN, TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
How it works
Lifecycle of a playground
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Design: typically 3-6 months, up to 9 months for custom designs
Fabrication: typically 2-4 months, about 6 months for custom designs
Construction: 1-2 months
Debut: The playground opens as soon as possible after construction.
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Lifespan: As playgrounds approach the 15-20-year mark, sta begins evaluating conditions, reviewing maintenance history and determining replacement needs. Longevity varies depending on manufacturer, use levels, wear and tear, maintenance, and any vandalism.
Routine inspections: Park technicians assess the playground frequently. O cial playground inspections occur monthly.
Replacement: The typical lifespan of a playground is 15-20 years, though some equipment lasts up to 25 years.
SOURCE: CITY OF ALLEN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SHELBIE HAMILTON & MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO
Diving in deeper
The outlook
Investing in playground replacements supports aging infrastructure within the city’s already “mature” park system, Meacham said. “When you have something nice, you have to invest in it,” Mayor Baine Brooks said. “That’s what we do with our parks, our trails, with our roads and with our infrastructure.” Meacham said department officials assess the park system through the Trust for Public Land’s 10-Minute Walk program, which evaluates accessi- bility, the organization’s website states. Jason Cooley, executive director of the Allen Community Development Corp., said it’s import- ant for residents to have opportunities for outdoor recreation in their own city. “One of the biggest pieces of quality of life that we talk about is the ability for Allen residents not to have to leave Allen to have those experiences,” he said. The corporation, which is funded by a voter-ap- proved half-cent sales tax, has spent the majority
An update is slated for the city’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan later this year, including updates to the city’s playground system, Meacham said. An update is also slated for the city’s Trail Master Plan this summer, she said. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan details the city’s existing parks system, a parks needs assessment and public input data. While the plan reflects a 10-year period, Meacham said the department reassess the plan every five years to reflect rapid changes within the community and to stay ahead. Meacham said officials plan to engage young Allen residents in the process. “We’re going to be engaging with youth as it pertains to the fun value of playgrounds,” she said.
Park proximity
10-minute walk access: 86.6%
More than 10-minute walk: 13.4%
Allen land used for parks
Parkland: 94%
Other: 6%
SOURCE: TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
of its funding on parks projects, Cooley said. Park costs are also funded through park development fees charged to developers with projects in Allen, along with bond funds approved by voters.
Eat Drink Play
Check out what’s happening in the coop!
1221 Johnson Rd, Allen
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ALLEN EDITION
Business
BY SHELBIE HAMILTON & MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO
Investors acquire The Village at Allen, Watters Creek Village deep tenant relationships to unlock the full poten- tial of this market dominant shopping center,” Sterling Organization Principal Bob Dake said in the release. Watters Creek Village 1 STACY RD. 75 N. WATTERS RD. EXCHANGE PKWY. Allen
Two large retail centers in Allen are now under new ownership following recently announced acquisition deals. Dallas-based investment company Gillon Property Group and Town Lane, a New York-based real estate investment manager, acquired Watters Creek Village April 1, while Florida-based real estate firm Sterling Organization acquired The Village at Allen March 30. The Village at Allen The development spans over 850,000-square- feet and includes storefronts for national brands like Target, Best Buy and Dick’s Sporting Goods, per a news release. The retail center also includes a Courtyard by Marriott hotel and the Credit Union of Texas Event Center. Global lifestyle retailer Miniso opened a store within the retail center in late March. “We are excited for the opportunity to leverage our vertically integrated operating platform and
Arts &Music “Our focus is on patient, hands-on ownership— curating the right merchandising mix, elevating the public realm, and reinforcing Watters Creek Village as a long-term gathering place,” Gillon Property Group CEO Drew Steffen said in the release. Festival The 46-acre property includes approximately 360,000 square feet of retail space and about 100,000 square feet of boutique office space, a news release states. A Market Street grocery store anchors the center, which also includes businesses like Anthropologie, Barnes & Noble, Hiatus Spa, Vaqueros and Tutto Gustoso. Visitors at the shop- ping center can expect to see signage, wayfinding and tenant upgrades, the release states.
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1 The Village at Allen • Acquired by Sterling Organization • Announced March 30 • 190 E. Stacy Road, Allen 2 Watters Creek Village • Acquired by Town Lane and Gillon Property Group • Announced April 1 • 970 Garden Park Drive, Allen
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Dining
BY KAREN CHANEY
Anthony Blaylock said when he was a child growing up in west Philadelphia, he either wanted to become a corporate lawyer or own a Philly cheesesteak business. “College didn’t work out for me, so I ended up doing this,” Blaylock said. “Very few people get a chance to live their dream. I thank the Lord, God Jehovah, I was able to live my dream. If I die tomorrow, I had a great life.” Blaylock opened Big Tony’s West Philly Chees- esteaks in Allen in 2009, followed by locations in Dallas and DeSoto in 2015 and Plano in 2017. On the menu Blaylock said his top three selling menu items are their mushroom cheesesteak, Philly cheesesteak and the Philly cheesesteak with bell peppers. “In restaurants in Philadelphia, we don’t put bell peppers on cheesesteaks—we use sweet peppers, cherry peppers and jalapeno peppers,” Blaylock said. “Customers come in looking for bell peppers on a cheesesteak on our menu. We don’t have that, but we’ll add bell peppers to it.” The menu features 29 types of cheesesteaks including beef, steak, chicken, shrimp, hot pas- trami, veggie and black bean cheesesteaks. The menu also boasts burgers, wings, seafood, salads and more. “In Philadelphia, we don’t have all this stu on the menu,” Blaylock said. “I decided to put every- thing in one store.” What to expect In addition to the ambiance being infused with Philadelphia-themed decor including sports mem- orabilia and framed pictures of the city’s landmarks and celebrities, Big Tony’s has bread delivered twice a week from Philadelphia-based Amoroso’s. The restaurant also serves TastyKake products, an iconic Philadelphia pre-packaged dessert. Making an impact Blaylock takes his responsibilities seriously as it pertains to his teenage employees. “I hire kids who are 16 and 17 years old. I contact their parents, and I keep up with their grades. If their grades are bad, I cut their hours,” Blaylock said. “I try to motivate them and try to be a role model. Big Tony’s West Philly Cheesesteaks serves Philadelphia avors
Big Tony’s mushroom cheesesteak ($9.40) features steak, sauteed onions, mushrooms and cheese. Also pictured are spicy mozzarella cheese sticks ($6.75).
PHOTOS BY KAREN CHANEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Wing basket ($9.75 for 6 wings) comes with fries.
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740 S. Greenville Ave., Ste. 400, Allen www.bigtonyswestphillycheesesteaks.com
Anthony Blaylock opened Big Tony’s West Philly Cheesesteaks in Allen in 2009
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ALLEN EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Nonpro t
BY SHELBIE HAMILTON
The annual Allen Arts Festival event includes a dedicated space for young artists and performers.
Blue House Too Gallery is located in Watters Creek Village.
The annual Allen Arts Festival showcases artists from across the country.
PHOTOS COURTESY ALLEN ARTS ALLIANCE
Allen Arts Alliance looks to keep arts “alive and thriving” as 18th annual Allen Arts Festival approaches
Set to celebrate its 18th year in 2026, the Allen Arts Festival is expected to draw both local artists as well as artisans from across the country to show- case their art in Allen on Mother’s Day weekend. The festival is one of the annual events hosted by the Allen Arts Alliance, a nonpro t organization that works to advocate for and support local arts within Allen. Executive Director Wendy McIntyre said the organization works to highlight talented local artists. “Traditionally, there’s been a huge misconcep- tion that we in the arts elds continually battle, that if [art] doesn’t come from a large metropolitan city, it can’t be that good,” she said. “Well, that’s not true. We have just phenomenal talent here locally.” The details The Allen Arts Alliance originated as a city advisory board in 1998 prior to establishing as a nonpro t in 2006, its website states. The umbrella organization serves as a hub for arts and cultural organizations in Allen, and works to promote local cultural arts organizations and arts education opportunities. The organization is funded in part through donations and grants, and also receives some city funding, McIntyre said. Members of the orga- nization include various local art organizations including Allen Quilters Guild, Visual Arts League
of Allen, Allen Contemporary Theatre, Allen Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Chorus, Allen Civic Ballet and more. The organization o ers grants to its members, as well as use of its gallery as event and meeting space. The Blue House Too Gallery, a nonpro t art gallery run by the arts alliance, is located in Watters Creek Village. The alliance awarded over $50,000 in grants in 2025 to support the operating costs of cultural arts organizations, McIntyre said. The Allen Arts Alliance also o ers classes for youth and adults in various mediums. “Our whole mission is to keep the cultural arts alive and thriving within the Allen community,” she said. Mark your calendar The Allen Arts Festival, a three-day event held in Watters Creek Village, will be hosted May 8-10. The event, one of the annual festivals hosted by the organization, showcases painters, woodwork- ers, metalworkers and more. The festival has historically featured between 60-80 vendors, but McIntyre said she is looking to grow the event. “Within the next couple of years, we have large aspirations to grow it to over 200 [vendors] because we want to be one of the largest festivals in North Texas,” she said.
The Blue House Too gallery features artwork by local artists and art students.
Art shows are showcased at Blue House Too Gallery.
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ENTERPRISE BLVD.
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Blue House Too Gallery, 970 Watters Creek Blvd., Allen www.allenartsalliance.org
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ALLEN EDITION
Real estate
Residential market data
March 2025
March 2026
Number of homes sold
Number of new listings
Average home price in the last 6 months
-6.45%
+20.45%
-15.38%
-17%
75002 $442,500
Allen saw 93 homes sold during March, with the most homes sold in the 75002 ZIP code.
75013 $590,000
75002
75013
75002
75013
STACY RD.
121
75
75013
Median home sales price
75002
March
2025
2026
N
$530,000
$490,000
75002
Homes sold by price point
March 2026
$598,750
$600,800
75013
4
$1,000,000+
13
$700,000-$999,999
Average days on the market
-9.2% -10.77% Number of homes under contract
55
$400,000-$699,999
+34.78%
+8.77%
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$100,000-$399,999
-
<$99,999
MARKET DATA COMPILED BY METROTEX ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS WWW.MYMETROTEX.COM
75002
75013
75002
75013
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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