Allen | March 2026

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Allen Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 APRIL 3MAY 4, 2026

Inaugural issue

When future visitors travel along the US 75 corridor through Allen, they will encounter the $3 billion Sloan Corners development, which will serve as "a front door to our city," Allen Mayor Baine Brooks said in a statement. ‘Front door to our city’ Also in this issue Elections

Page 10 Learn more about the race for Allen’s next mayor Events Page 16 See details on Allen’s 150th anniversary festival

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US 75

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ALLEN EDITION

Impacts

apparel, electronics, technology, home goods, stationery, toys, collectibles, beauty, bags, fragrance,

STACY RD.

food and pet items. • Opened March 28 • 170 E. Stacy Road, Unit 2314, Allen • www.miniso-us.com

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5 Rawlings The business offers baseball and softball equipment, including gloves, balls and bats. • Opened Jan. 5 • 820 Stacy Road, Ste. 602, Allen • www.rawlings.com 6 Thai Sushi Crush The menu includes Thai basil stir fry, lo mein, veggie egg rolls and edamame, according to its website. The eatery also offers sushi including nigiri and sashimi as well as classic rolls such as spicy tuna roll and specialty rolls like the dragon roll. • Opened Feb. 21 • 190 E. Stacy Road, Ste. 1410, Allen • www.thaisushicrush.com

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ANDREWS PKWY.

Allen

MCDERMOTT DR.

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BETHANY DR.

GARDEN PARK DR.

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Coming soon

WATTERS CREEK BLVD.

7 Agave & Ember Mexican Cuisine The menu will feature homemade Mexican food with several healthy and gluten-free options, owner Blanca Basinger said. Agave & Ember Mexican Cuisine will also offer brunch. A 2,924-square-foot renovation project for the planned restaurant space is expected to cost $300,000, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • Opening in June • 960 W. Exchange Parkway, Ste. 150, Allen 8 Barrio Burrito Bar The eatery’s menu includes tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, fries, churros, chips and queso, per its website. • Opening mid-April

SIMONE LN.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• 981 Garden Park Drive, Allen • www.hiatusspa.com

Now open

1 The Back Nine The business offers an indoor golf simulation experience. • Opened Feb. 25 • 190 E. Stacy Road, Ste. 1510, Allen • www.thebackninegolf.com/allen-tx

3 India Metro Hypermarket The specialty grocery store offers ingredients and spices essential to Indian and Asian cuisines, its website states. India Metro Hypermarket also has locations in McKinney, Little Elm, California and Washington. • Opened March 17 • 204 Central Expressway S., Ste. 21, Allen • www.indiametrohypermarket.com 4 Miniso The roughly 10,500-square-foot Allen store offers items in the company’s 10 product categories, including

2 Hiatus Spa The business offers beauty and wellness services such as massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, acupuncture, waxing, microneedling and Botox. • Opened March 7

• 1480 N. Custer Road, Allen • www.barrioburritobar.com

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9 Playa Bowls The business sells smoothie bowls, smoothies, juices and cold brew, according to its website. Playa Bowls also has a location in Southlake and a location coming

Coming soon

soon to McKinney. • Opening April 11 • 1480 N. Custer Road, Ste. 150, Allen • www.playabowls.com

10 Super Llama Inflatable Park The business offers slides, obstacle courses, bounce houses, climbing areas, other inflatable attractions and arcade games. • Opening in August • 109 N. Greenville Ave., Allen • www.superllama.com

12 The Melting Pot The eatery’s menu includes six types of cheese fondue served with bread, fruits and vegetables. The menu also includes entree fondue options as well as six types of chocolate fondue served with sweet treats and fresh fruit for dessert. • Opening in summer 2026 • Northeast corner of Watters Creek Boulevard and Simone Lane, Allen • www.meltingpot.com

13 Mexican Bar Company The restaurant will be located in the Sloan Corners development. The menu includes guacamole, ceviche, street tacos, fajitas and cocktails, according to its website. Owner Brian Dunne described the menu as traditional Mexican food with a flair, and said the restaurant uses “Mexican and French techniques and flavors.” • Opening in August • 800 Shelby Drive, Allen • www.mexbars.com

In the news

11 Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen The hospital, which offers a variety of services including emergency care and rehabilitation, reached 25 years of operation Dec. 30, a hospital spokesperson said. • 1105 N. Central Expressway, Allen • www.texashealth.org/locations/texas-health-allen

ALLEN EDITION

Government

BY MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO

The Allen Police Department will move into a new 103,000-square-foot facility in early 2027. The headquarters will be located on Century Parkway, between Allen City Hall and the Allen post oce, according to city documents. Allen voters passed an $83 million bond to con- tribute funding to the project in 2023. Other funding sources include federal grants and interest earnings, city documents state. “I want the community to know how much we appreciate their support,” Assistant Police Chief Kyle Taliaferro said. “This was a huge ask.” What’s happening Police Chief Steve Dye said the project is on budget New $97.1M Allen Police HQ set for 2027 opening

The 103,000-square-foot, three-story facility will include:

• A large community room for public events • An expanded property and evidence room

• A larger crime scene lab • Secure parking • Strategically organized workspaces

• A performance center dedicated to oficer wellness • A spacious training room

Most of the project funding comes from the 2023 voter- approved bond.

RENDERING COURTESY ALLEN POLICE DEPARTMENT

programming of all security systems within the main building as well as the detainment area, according to city documents. Taliaferro said department ocials worked to ensure the facility will meet the city’s needs amid continued growth.

and on time. The $97.1 million project will bring department sta that is currently spread across sev- eral oces under one roof and improve eciency, Taliaferro said. At a Feb. 10 meeting, council approved a $1.6 million amendment to its contract with Core Construction Services for the installation and

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Government

BY MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO

$17M project slated for downtown Allen

Zooming in

Allen ocials have taken steps towards revitalizing its downtown since June 2021, including creation of a steering committee, establishing a Downtown District and a 7-acre land purchase by city ocials. The rst phase of the planned Downtown Catalyst Project is expected to break ground this fall and will open in spring 2028, city ocials said.

After years of planning, a project looking to revitalize Allen’s downtown is moving forward. Allen City Council approved the rst phase of the city’s Downtown Catalyst Project at a March 10 meeting, which included greenlighting agreements between the city and project partners such as the Allen Economic Development Corp., the Allen Community Development Corp. and Rough Creek Capital Services. “This rst phase sets the stage for an exciting future in Allen, bringing new energy, great dining and a fresh sense of place,” said John Hardaway, partner at Rough Creek Capital, in a news release. The $17 million project will feature 18,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, a public pocket park, a stage and temporary parking, per city

documents. The site, which includes the original Allen re station building, will see about ve restaurant concepts, said Jacob Cox, partner at hospitality group Blender Brands, which is partnering in the project. The area allocated for Phase 1B will be used as temporary parking until it is developed, Allen EDC President Dan Bowman said.

Phase 1A Phase 1B

“This is an exciting chapter for Allen. With this landmark project, we’re laying

MAIN ST.

BELMONT DR.

the groundwork for a downtown that truly brings people together.” DAN BOWMAN, AEDC PRESIDENT

MCDERMOTT DR.

SOURCE: CITY OF ALLENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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ALLEN EDITION

Election

BY MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 20: First day of early voting and last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 28: Last day of early voting May 2: Election day

Collin County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.collincountytx.gov/election for polling locations.

SOURCE: COLLIN COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE, TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

Mayor

Chris Schulmeister Occupation & experience: Retired–Finance, Allen City Council, Mayor Pro Tem, Economic Development Corporation, All Community Outreach Board www.chrisforallen.org

Dave Shafer Occupation & experience: Private investigator, business owner, Allen City Council 2021–2024, Allen resident www.shaferforallen.com

Why are you running for mayor of Allen?

I’m running because Allen is entering an important transition. As we approach buildout, thoughtful leadership and long-term planning matter more than ever. I want to help guide the city forward by preserving what makes Allen special while preparing responsibly for the future.

Allen is moving from decades of rapid growth into the responsibilities of a mature city. That shift brings new challenges, and it requires steady and experienced leadership. My professional background, years serving the city, and the relationships I have built uniquely position me to help guide Allen forward.

What is the biggest challenge facing the residents of Allen?

The biggest challenge is managing Allen’s transition from rapid growth to long- term sustainability. As buildout approaches, the focus shifts to redevelopment, infrastructure maintenance and financial stability. With the statewide push to reduce property taxes, careful planning and disciplined stewardship will be essential to keeping Allen strong.

The cost of living. Increasing assessed values for property owners has become a struggle. This growth needs to be balanced with a tax rate that provides Allen residents with the level of services they expect. Additionally, managing the cost of water and wastewater impacts the cost of living.

How do you plan to address this issue?

During my six years on council, I voted to reduce the tax rate every year. A 5% homestead exemption was adopted. The level of city services may need to be adjusted, and I will work with city staff and citizens to prioritize services, continuing my efforts toward further tax relief.

It starts with proactive planning and disciplined stewardship. That means maintaining infrastructure before problems grow, encouraging thoughtful redevelopment, and ensuring stable funding for core services like public safety and parks. By planning ahead and making deliberate decisions now, Allen can remain financially strong and well-maintained as it matures.

As the city celebrates its 150th anniversary, what should the community look forward to in the next decade, and how are the city’s leaders working to make it happen? Allen will continue to be recognized as one of the best places in North Texas to live and to do business. City leaders, including staff, are committed to this and understand we must not get complacent. As Mayor, I will see that residents play a part in defining Allen’s future. Allen’s next decade should focus on renewal and reinvestment. Residents can expect continued investment in parks, public spaces, revitalized areas like downtown, and well-maintained infrastructure. By prioritizing public safety and long-term planning, the city can honor its history while building a future that keeps Allen safe and desirable.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY COLBY FARR

Allen ISD student enrollment declines again in 2025 Allen ISD’s enrollment is projected to continue declining over the next five years, according to a report from demographics firm School District Strategies at a Feb. 23 school board meeting. The big picture Enrollment could decline between 1% and 2.3% annually over the next six years, according to School District Strategies’ projections. The projections come following confirmation that enrollment fell in 2025. Demographic Research Director Brent Alexander said enrollment has declined by 1,440 students since 2020. That’s about a 6.7% net decline, according to Alexander’s presentation. Enrollment has fallen each year since 2022.

Superintendent search firm selected Texas-based law firm Thompson and Horton is leading the search for Allen ISD’s next superintendent. AISD’s board of trustees approved an agreement with the law firm during a Feb. 9 workshop meeting following presentations by three consulting firms. Zooming in Consultant Mike Moses, a former state commissioner of education, said the firm works with four to six districts a year on superintendent searches. The firm typically invites 30-50 candi- dates in a confidential process when con- ducting a superintendent search, according to the presentation. Candidate applications will be narrowed in collaboration with the board of trustees.

Allen enrollment snapshot Allen ISD’s enrollment peaked in 2022 and has declined each year since. Enrollment is projected to continue falling.

Past enrollment

Low projection

High projection

25K

21,769

18,894

20K

17,525

15K 0

SOURCE: ALLEN ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Allen ISD officials look to meet school bus seatbelt bill Allen ISD officials plan to report back to the state an estimated cost for complying with a new law that requires school buses to be equipped with three-point seatbelts. The overview Senate Bill 546 was passed in 2025 and requires

Bus fleet and seatbelt status Allen ISD operates 138 buses as part of its fleet. Some of those buses are equipped with three- point seatbelts but a majority are not.

passenger. The deadline for compliance with the law is Sept. 1, 2029, but the state is requesting estimated costs from districts by the end of the current school year. It would cost $20.79 million to replace all buses that currently don’t have three-point seatbelts, said Clint Cypert, executive director of support services, at a March 2 meeting. It would cost nearly $3.46 million to retrofit buses that don’t have three-point seatbelts.

No passenger seatbelts: 71 Three-point seatbelts: 39 Lap belts (two-point): 28

Total buses 138

that all school buses operated by the school district are equipped with seatbelts for every

SOURCE: ALLEN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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ALLEN EDITION

Transportation

BY MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO

City OKs $4.87M street, alley plan

Upcoming projects

Ongoing projects

Alley projects Street projects

SRT TOLL

1 US 75 Green Ribbon project Project: The work will provide enhancements to key intersections along the US 75 corridor, including A Stacy Road, B McDermott Drive and C Bethany Drive, with landscaping and erosion control improvements. Update: The project is in the final design review. • Timeline: summer 2026-late 2026 • Cost: $1.38 million • Funding sources: Texas Department of Transportation, city of Allen 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

3 Highway Safety Improvement Program Project: Improvements include modernized traffic signals, upgraded equipment, increased capacity and enhanced pedestrian features, with the goal of creating safer, more efficient and more accessible intersections. 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 last summer and is currently under construction. • Timeline: summer 2025-early 2029 • Cost: $157 million • Funding source: TxDOT

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ANDREWS PKWY.

399

4,138 square yards of alley pavement repair

Several Allen streets and alleyways are slated to receive improvements following a Feb. 24 Allen City Council approval of a $4.87 million contract with Jim Bowman Construction for the 2026 Street and Alley Rehabilitation project. The details The project, which will begin in March and wrap up in February 2027, will repair deteriorated street and alley pavement and upgrade accessible ramps. “That’s more than just a sizable construction con- tract award,” Director of Engineering Chris Flanigan said. “It represents what I would characterize as responsible and measured investment in our most expensive asset in the community.” Since 2021, Allen officials have invested over $13 million in city funds to street and alley improve- ments, city documents state.

27,650 square yards of roadway pavement repair

EXCHANGE PKWY.

MCDERMOTT DR.

MAIN ST.

MCDERMOTT DR.

MAIN ST.

CENTURY PKWY.

BETHANY DR.

HEDGCOXE RD.

Allen

BETHANY DR.

SHADY BROOK DR.

CHAPARRAL RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: CITY OF ALLEN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

ALLEN 1839 N Central Expressway (972) 908-3488

EAST PLANO 3404 N Central Expy (972) 423-6688

PLANO NORTH 5420 State Hwy 121 (469) 687-2581

'Front door to our city' From the cover

Sloan Corners in Allen

The full story

The Allen side of the project will encompass 260 acres at the southwest corner of US 75 and SH 121.

Bravo Park Parking garage

Entertainment Restaurant and retail Around 100K sq. ft. of retail & restaurant space

Residential Office

Construction is underway at Sloan Corners, a roughly $3 billion mixed-use development project spanning 480 acres across Allen and Fairview. The project by Dallas-based Billingsley Co. will feature apartments, retail, restaurants and office space, Billingsley Co. founder and partner Lucy Billingsley said. Mayor Baine Brooks said the project “aligns perfectly” with Allen’s long-term vision. “That intersection has been planned for mixed-use and employment development for more than 20 years, and Sloan Corners helps bring that vision to life,” Brooks said in an email. The development’s first phase included construction of luxury apartment community Hartwood at Sloan Corners as well as Bravo Park, a 30-acre park that’s now partially open to the public with the rest expected to open soon, Billingsley Vice President of Marketing Carey Morgan said. Construction on the second phase started in March, Billingsley said. One of the restaurants slated for the project, Mexican Bar Company, broke ground this spring and is expected to open in August, owner Brian Dunne said. The restaurant’s patio will overlook a 2-acre pond and multiacre park. “It’s going to be a lot more than just a restaurant, a lot more than just development,” Dunne said. “It’s going to be an all-encompassing space, and we’re beyond excited to get these doors open.”

Up to 6M sq. ft. of office space 4K multifamily units

58 total acres of green space

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HOTEL

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MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: BILLINGSLEY CO./COMMUNITY IMPACT

The impact

City tax revenue

Hotel occupancy tax revenue Sales tax revenue

is expected to generate $271 million across multiple types of tax revenue, including sales tax, property tax and hotel occupancy tax, according to a finan- cial analysis by analytics firm Stein Planning. The project will also implement needed infra- structure improvements, such as road repairs, as the city approaches build-out, Bowman said. Sloan Corners is also part of a larger trend of significant growth along SH 121, he said. “121 is maybe 8% of our city mass, but that area and that corridor represents a very disproportionate amount of our commercial growth,” Bowman said. In addition to economic benefits, the develop- ment includes an “amenity-rich park” with walking trails, a pond, pickleball courts and dog parks.

Sloan Corners is located on some of the last unde- veloped land within city limits and is at a highly visible intersection, which Allen Economic Devel- opment Corp. President Dan Bowman said makes it a significant project for the community. “The transformative nature of the project will be really driven by job creation,” he said. “It’s ... our opportunity to land a big corporate relocation.” When fully built out, Sloan Corners will bring more than 30,000 jobs to the area, Brooks said. The project will also create tax revenue that can help cover city costs, such as infrastructure and maintenance, which eases the property tax burden on residents, Bowman said. In the 30 years follow- ing the opening of Sloan Corners, the development

Ad valorem tax revenue

$200M $150M $100M $50M $0

The $3B project is projected to generate $271M in tax revenue over 30 years.

SOURCES: ALLEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP., CITY OF ALLEN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COLBY FARR & MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO

Diving deeper

Looking ahead

Housing trends While single-family homes made up most of Allen’s housing in 2024, Allen has seen growth in multifamily units in recent years.

Construction has been underway for more than a year on the project’s first multifamily phase, with its first residents moving in last December. The residential component of the project joins the over 10,000 multifamily units currently located in Allen. “We’re continuing to finish up that first phase, which is ... about 500 [multifamily] units,” Billingsley said. “We’ve already launched construction on our second phase, which will be bringing in close to 700 units.” Adding multifamily homes to the city through this project has the potential to add more density to the city than if the land were used for single-family homes. As of 2026, Allen land mass is 92% developed. “We’ve got limited land left to develop, and this is at the most significant highway inter- section, potentially one of the most significant in all of North Texas, but certainly in Allen,” Bowman said.

Billingsley Co. typically maintains project ownership after build-out, and Sloan Corners will be a “great asset and complement to Allen,” Billingsley said.

2019

Single-family, detached: 80.72% Multifamily: 16.97% Single-family, attached: 2.31%

Timeline

2024

Land purchased

2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Single-family, detached: 73.96% Multifamily: 23.7% Single-family, attached: 2.34%

April 2024: Groundbreaking on Phase 1

Allen population, housing growth

2019 2024

Total population

April 2026: Bravo Park grand opening August 2026: Mexican Bar Company expected to open Fall 2026: City Futsal expected to open

101,699

+8.42%

110,265

Total housing units

+12.43%

34,773

SOURCE: BILLINGSLEY CO./COMMUNITY IMPACT

39,094

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Eat Drink Play

Check out what’s happening in the coop!

1221 Johnson Rd, Allen • www.chickennpickle.com/location/allen

ALLEN EDITION

Events

BY MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO

Allen’s 150th anniversary celebration festival set for April 25

The city of Allen is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its rst appearance on a map with a downtown festival Saturday, April 25. Although people lived in Allen before then, city sta chose the plat ling in 1876, which created the city’s boundaries, to mark Allen’s founding. What’s happening To celebrate the city’s history as a railroad town, the event will be located in downtown Allen where the original train depot was located until it burned down in a re in the late 1940s, according to the Allen Heritage Guild’s website. Historical displays will be showcased at the Allen Public Library and Rodenbaugh’s Appliance Outlet. “It brings us back to the place where it all started,” said Chelsey Aprill, the city’s director of public and media relations. How we got here Although Allen was founded in 1876, most of

Allen 150 Fest The event will include food trucks, live music, carnival rides, local shopping and a drone show.

“Marking 150 years of Allen is both a celebration of our past and a reminder

of what makes our future so bright.”

A shuttle service will pick guests up at 1 Allen High School and drop them o at 2 Allen Flower Shop. • April 25, 3-9 p.m. • Downtown Allen, 100 E. Main St., Allen • Free (admission) • www.allen150.org

BAINE BROOKS, ALLEN MAYOR

the growth didn’t begin until the early 1900s when Texas Traction Co. built an electric railway from Denison to Dallas, Allen Heritage Guild President Paula Ross said. Allen was incorporated into Collin County in 1953 with a population of 400, according to the Allen Heritage Guild. “Even as Allen has grown and changed, that strong sense of community and togetherness continues to dene who we are,” Allen Mayor Baine Brooks said in a statement.

RIVERCREST BLVD.

MAIN ST.

SOURCE: CITY OF ALLENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY SHELBIE HAMILTON

Stars & Stripes 5K & Fun Run Participate in a run beginning and ending near Bass Pro Shops in this 5K and 1-mile fun run. Participants will receive a custom race shirt and nisher’s medal. • April 19, 7:30 a.m. • $40 (5K), $25 (Fun run)

April

Concerts by the Creek—Spring series Enjoy live music in Watters Creek Village with this series of live performances by local bands. Guests can bring a blanket or lawn chair, or listen while dining outdoors at Watters Creek Village restaurants. • Weekly on Saturdays from April 4-June 27, 7-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • 970 Garden Park Drive, Allen • www.watterscreek.com Community Garage Sale Shop from your neighbor’s items in the parking lot of the Joe Farmer Recreation Center. • April 18, 7 a.m.-noon • Free (admission) • 1201 E. Bethany Drive, Allen • www.lifeinallen.org Cottage Market Shop handmade items from artisans and vendors at the open-air market in Allen Heritage Village. • April 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission)

• 1770 N. Central Expressway, Allen • www.runsignup.com/race/tx/allen/ starsstripes5kfunrun

Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Got the Moves The family friendly live show will feature Elmo and his Sesame Street friends as they sing and dance at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center. • April 19, 2 p.m. • $54+ • 200 E. Stacy Road, Ste. 1350, Allen • www.cutxeventcenter.com Plant Bingo In this relaxed version of bingo at Chicken N Pickle, participants will win plants as prizes. All participants will take home a plant, and entry costs include one bingo card. • April 30, 7-9 p.m. • $30 • 1221 Johnson Road, Allen • www.chickennpickle.com/events

Allen Americans Catch an Allen Americans game at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center. Opponents slated for games in April include the Greensboro Gargoyles, Wichita Thunder, Tahoe Knight Monsters and Kansas City Mavericks. Select games in April also include promotions such as Decade Night, Lightsaber Night, Biscuit’s Birthday Bash and White Out Night. • April 3, 4, 8, 10, 11 and 18, 7 p.m. • $35+ • 200 E. Stacy Road, Ste. 1350, Allen • www.allenamericans.com

• 450 St. Mary Drive, Allen • https://events.allentx.gov

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Business

BY KAREN CHANEY

Ginger Kerr Collier co-owns Allen Flower Shop with her father Jim Kerr, who bought the business in 1972.

Allen Flower Shop orists design custom arrangements at their downtown shop.

PHOTOS BY KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Allen Flower Shop owner continues a 50-year legacy While working on a ower arrangement in the Allen Flower Shop workroom, co-owner Ginger Kerr Collier points to dierent sections of the room that stir up memories of family members

because they remind her of spring, she said. Florists at Allen Flower Shop create a variety of ower arrangements ranging from traditional to contemporary styles. Customers can choose to duplicate a predesigned arrangement or give the orist design parameters and let them create a custom arrangement. The impact The busiest seasons at Allen Flower Shop are Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Christmas. The top three reasons people buy owers are birth- days, anniversaries and sympathy. Collier said she feels honored when customers order owers for a funeral from her and nds comfort in her religious beliefs. “It’s an honor to honor their loved one with owers,” Collier said. “When somebody is grieving ... at a funeral, I like to think of all the beautiful owers at a service and think about their beautiful life. I’m a believer and I like to think about the beautiful life that they’re expe- riencing in heaven and the beauty that they’re

Plants are also sold at Allen Flower Shop.

who stood behind the counter with her. In 1972, when Collier was 2 years old, her father, Jim Kerr, bought Allen Flower Shop for her mother, Carolyn Kerr. The Allen couple relocated the business within Allen to the current location in 1973. Collier ocially became co-owner of the business with her father in 2025 but has been run- ning the business for the past 15 years, she said. The setup Customers can stop by the shop to purchase fresh, premade ower arrangements from the cooler, select individual stems, or order custom or predesigned arrangements either in person or online. Some customers choose a ower sub- scription, which provides regular deliveries on a preset schedule. “He does it every six weeks and has been doing it for six or seven years. We change his [arrange- ment] up with dierent colors or dierent vases. He treats my drivers, including me, like we’re friends,“ Collier said of an Allen resident whose ower subscription always includes carnations for his wife. Collier said she orders owers from Dallas ower wholesalers who source them from a variety of places including Ecuador, Canada and the United States. Her personal favorite owers are stargazers because they smell good and tulips

Fresh, premade ower arrangements are available.

seeing right now.” The background

The Kerr family home is located a short bike ride from the shop. Collier said when her father bought Allen Flower Shop as a birthday gift for her mother, it was meant to give her a hobby. “My dad always jokes and says, ‘Men, buy your wife owers, not a whole ower shop,’” Collier said.

MCDERMOTT DR.

102 E. Main St., Allen www.allenowershop.com

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Real estate

Allen saw 70 homes sold during February, with the most homes sold in the 75002 ZIP code. The city’s median home sale price was $438,500 with an average of 98 days on the market. Residential market data

February 2025

February 2026

Number of homes sold

Number of new listings

Average home price in the last 6 months

+2.13%

-27.9%

-21.88%

-9.46%

75002 $435,000

75013 $582,750

75002

75013

75002

75013

STACY RD.

121

75013

Median home sales price

75002

January

2025

2026

$510,000

$397,500

75002

Homes sold by price point

January 2026

$550,000

$530,000

75013

$1,000,000+

$700,000-$999,999

Average days on the market

-5.97% +11.36% Number of homes under contract

$400,000-$699,999

+29.69%

+10.58%

$100,000-$399,999

$100,000 or less

MARKET DATA COMPILED BY METROTEX ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS WWW.MYMETROTEX.COM

75002

75013

75002

75013

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