Lewisville - Coppell | July 2024

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Lewisville Coppell Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 9 JULY 19AUG. 15, 2024

2024 Home Edition

Jeerson Castle Hills is a mixed-use development that plans to open in 2025 near The Realm in Lewisville.

COURTESY JPI CONSTRUCTION

Mixed-use projects in Castle Hills aim to spur future growth

dining and entertainment,” said Lori Fickling, president and CEO of the Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Those visitor dollars are always good for the local economy.”

at The Realm at Castle Hills, a mixed-use develop- ment, where nearly a dozen new businesses opened last year and nearly 20 more could open by the end of this year. “The area [is becoming] a destination for everyone in the metroplex looking for shopping,

BY CODY THORN

Nearly three years after being annexed by the city of Lewisville and adding around 18,000 residents to its population, the 2,568-acre Castle Hills area continues to grow. One of the biggest areas of growth is along SH 121

CONTINUED ON 16

Also in this issue

Impacts: Beer garden concept coming to Lewisville (Page 4)

Government: Coppell breaks ground on new re station (Page 6)

Education: Coppell ISD approves teacher raises (Page 8)

Transportation: DCTA dissolves mobility corporation (Page 9)

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LEWISVILLE COPPELL EDITION

Impacts

• 724 W. Main St., Lewisville • www.fiestamart.com

LEWISVILLE LAKE

JUSTIN RD.

4 Stickys Scoops & Shakes The ice cream parlor sells a slew of ice cream, shakes and coffees. Guests can order treats in cups, cones and waffle cone bowls with flavors ranging from brownie batter to rainbow sherbet. • Opened May 15 • 980 W. Round Grove Road, Ste. 200, Lewisville • Facebook: Stickys Scoops & Shakes 5 Cocinero Mexican Cuisine The restaurant’s menu features appetizers, soups, salads, enchiladas and desserts. The Castle Hills location also has an outdoor patio and rooftop lounge. • Opened in late April 6 Masterpiece Printing Owner Jason Burrell said the company prints, cuts and applies marketing and protective vinyl to vehicles. • Opened in early April • 2601 E. SH 121, Ste. 206, Lewisville • 817-995-2805 7 Ked’s Ice Cream, Waffles & Crepes The shop offers more than 120 ice cream flavors as well as cakes, waffles, crepes, boba teas and coffee, according to the company’s website. Ked’s Ice Cream, Waffles & Crepes also has a location in Plano. • Opened in April • 3517 Windhaven Parkway, Ste. 300, Lewisville • www.kedsicecream.com • 4400 SH 121, Ste. 140, Lewisville • www.cocineromexicancuisine.com

LLELA NATURE PRESERVE

5 1

WINDHAVEN PKWY.

COLLEGE PKWY.

MAIN ST.

121

544

Lewisville

SRT TOLL

BELLAIRE BLVD.

CORPORATE DR.

35E

E. VISTA RIDGE MALL DR.

121

PGBT TOLL

Coppell

SANDY LAKE RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

BETHEL RD.

D .

injuries and illnesses, in addition to offering vaccines and lab testing services. The clinic is open from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. daily. • Opened July 11 • 760 N. Denton Tap Road, Ste. R150, Coppell • www.afcurgentcare.com/coppell 3 Fiesta Mart The grocery chain offers meats, fresh produce and dairy products in addition to beer, wine and specialty products. The store specializes in Hispanic and international products, and includes a tortilleria that serves handmade tortillas. • Opened June 26

635

Now open

NORTH LAKE

1 Bluebonnet Brunch House Alt and Muneera Nayani own the eatery, which offers breakfast and lunch options. The restaurant also features a full espresso bar, mimosas and specialty cocktails. • Opened July 15 • 4690 Windhaven Parkway, Ste. 500, Lewisville • www.bluebonnetbrunch.com 2 American Family Care Urgent Care The urgent care clinic treats non-life threatening SRT TOLL

Coming soon

8 Old Town beer garden concept The former Salvation Army building in Lewisville will be transformed into a beer garden and food truck eatery. The unnamed eatery is the brainchild of John Williams, who developed craft beer-focused bars Eastside, Miss Angeline’s and Oak Street Drafthouse, according to a city news release.

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• Opening in spring 2025 • 206 W. Main St., Lewisville

of Feb. 6. Renovations are estimated to cost $442,104, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 701 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville • www.dollartree.com 12 Starbucks Work on the coffee chain’s Denton Tap Road location includes “major interior renovations and minor exterior work” costing an estimated $250,000, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Per the filing, work is expected to begin Sept. 9 and wrap up on Oct. 9. • 106 N. Denton Tap Road, Ste. 350, Coppell • www.starbucks.com

Now open

In the news

9 Bojangles Foodcraft Realty One is converting an existing building into a Bojangles fast-food restaurant, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Renovations involve a complete overhaul of the 3,175-square-foot building and are set to finish by November, according to the project details. • 1570 W. Main St., Lewisville • www.bojangles.com 10 TownePlace Suites Dallas/Lewisville As of June 5, the hotel is now under the Raines Hospitality umbrella, according to a news release. The property is part of a joint venture with Atlantic Hotel Groups, part of 16 properties now under the Raines management portfolio. • 731 E. Vista Ridge Mall Drive, Lewisville • www.rainesco.com 11 Dollar Tree Renovation of the 8,758-square-foot space is scheduled to begin in November with an expected completion date

14 Skyrocket Burger The restaurant serves burgers, fries and milkshakes made with Blue Bell ice cream. “We grind our meat fresh daily and use nothing but quality ingredients,” said Amin Talebi, Skyrocket Burger president and CEO, in an email. Future locations include Plano, Las Colinas and Arlington, Talebi said. • Opened June 7 • 2425 FM 544, Bldg. 2, Ste. 310, Lewisville • www.skyrocketburger.com

Closings

13 Hooters On June 25, the restaurant chain announced nationwide store closures. Hooters made the decision to close underperforming stores under the pressure of market conditions, according to a company statement. • 1960 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville • www.hooters.com

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LEWISVILLE - COPPELL EDITION

Government

BY JONATHAN PERRIELLO, CONNOR PITTMAN & CODY THORN

Lewisville stresses water conservation Lewisville officials are reminding resi- dents to conserve water usage during sum- mer, according to a June 21 news release. Daytime outdoor watering restrictions went into effect May 1 and run through Sep- tember. The restrictions are enacted each year as part of Lewisville’s Emergency Water Management Plan, according to the release. The details Automated and manual sprinklers are not allowed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Watering by hand and use of soaker hoses are not restricted. Residents with even-numbered addresses can water lawns on Tuesdays and Saturdays only, and odd-numbered addresses are permitted on Wednesdays and Sundays. Zooming in The city encourages smart irrigation practices, such as inspecting for leaks and over-spray onto the pavement. Lewisville also provides rebates for installing water-efficient equipment.

Crime Control and Prevention District budget For fiscal year 2024-25, officials are seeking to increase the district’s budget by more than $1.5 million.

Revenue

Expenditures

$4.22M $4.21M

2023-24 (Actual)

$4.98M

2024-25 (Budgeted)

$5.76M

$0 $1M

$2M $3M

$4M

$5M

$6M

SOURCE: CITY OF COPPELL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Over $5.7M budget set for Coppell crime prevention The fiscal year 2024-25 budget for the Coppell Crime Control and Prevention District has been adopted.

Addison, Carrollton and Farmers Branch • Costs for jail services, which are shared with Grapevine • Equipment needs for the police department, including new vehicles and body-worn cameras Budget Officer Jesica Almendarez said the fund’s revenues come from a quarter-cent sales tax, which was re-approved by voters in 2022 for a

Members of the district’s board approved a nearly $5.76 million budget during the June 11 meeting. Any shortfalls are expected to be covered elsewhere in the FY 2024-25 budget. What you need to know Per city documents, the annual budget for the district includes several allocations, including: • 13 school resource officers • 125 community safety and security initiatives • A portion of costs for the North Texas Emergency Communications Center, which are shared with

10-year period. Looking ahead

A budget workshop July 15 will include the district’s budget, while Coppell City Council is expected to hold a public hearing and adopt the budget Aug. 27, Almendarez said.

Coppell breaks ground on Fire Station No. 5 Construction is underway on Coppell’s newest fire station, according to a city news release. A groundbreaking ceremony June 4 marked the beginning of construction for the nearly $12.5 million project. Coppell Fire Station No. 5 will be located at 157 S. Moore Road. The overview The city’s fifth fire station is expected to meet increased demands on the Coppell Fire Depart- ment because of growth and development. “The addition of Fire Station No. 5 will help ... safeguard the lives and property of residents,” Fire Chief Kevin Richardson said in the news release. Some context The site was the previous home to Fire Station No. 2, which then became the home of The- atre Coppell. Construction crews completed a

E. SANDY LAKE RD.

E. CORPORATE DR.

121

Coppell

Lewisville

SOUTHWEST PKWY.

35E

D OWCREST LN.

New $3M Glory Park opens in Lewisville Lewisville officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Glory Park, also known as Parque La Gloria, on June 15. The $3 million project features two playground structures, a fitness station, multiple shade structures and trails to the property. The walking trail at the park was still blocked off during the ceremony. The park’s creation helps fulfill Lewisville’s goal of providing a park within a 10-minute walk of every resident.

demolition of the existing building in late May, per the news release. Coppell City Council previously authorized spending over $600,000 for generators and other items that are expected to have long lead times. Looking ahead Construction on the fire station is expected to continue through next spring, according to the news release, with the new fire station becoming operational by next summer.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY JONATHAN PERRIELLO

Lewisville council considers city staff employee increases

Lewisville city employees could see raises in fiscal year 2024-25. In an effort to remain competitive in employee recruitment and retention, council members and city officials discussed pay increases for general government, dispatch and detention, and part-time employees at a July 1 workshop. In FY 2024-25, the city could spend between $4.7 million-$5.8 million on employee compensation increases, per city documents. Officials specifically focused on Lewisville police and fire department raises, targeting to be comparable to the top third of salaries from surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth cities, according to city documents. In FY 2023-24, general city employees received a 4% raise, and police and firefighters received a 6% raise. “In our market analysis, we compare ourselves against 17 nearby cities that share our labor pool,” Human Resources Director Tadd Phillips said. The details Despite aiming to pay 103% of the $102,150 market average last year for highest police officer salaries, Lewisville ranks 12th among its compet- itors for highest police salaries this year, Phillips said. For firefighters, pay ranks 12th and is below the $96,000 market average for the highest salaries. To rank in the top third among peer cities for both police officer and firefighter salaries, Lewisville would need to approve raises that bring both to at least 104% of the market aver- age, which would be salaries of $106,237 and $100,388, respectively, Phillips said. However, that average is always a moving target, he added.

Average highest police salaries

$99,995 Market average: $102,150

Lewisville

$95,171

Coppell

$105,935

Carrollton

$99,736

Flower Mound

Average highest firefighter salaries

Market average: $96,000 $94,074

Lewisville

$87,711

Coppell

$96,027

Carrollton

$93,356

Flower Mound

SOURCE: CITY OF LEWISVILLE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

workers, such as crossing guards and lifeguards, to reach between 103%-105% of the market average for each, Phillips said. Meritorious raises between 3%-4% of current salaries for general employees, which include building inspectors and librarians, were also discussed at the meeting. Going forward If City Council approves the recommended compensation plan and all proposed raises, officials hope to make salaries more competitive among peer cities. Changes would take place at the start of the fiscal year in October. Council members and staff will continue compensation discussions going into August with approval slated before the beginning of FY 2024-25, Phillips said.

“By the time we do a change in October, there might be three or four other cities that [change salaries] at the same time as us,” Phillips said. City officials also recommended an $80 per month pay increase for police and fire field training officers, which would cost around $28,000 annually. Additionally, police officers, firefighters, and dispatch and detention officers who earn below the top pay grades are eligible for an annual 4% raise, Phillips said. Should the city approve all of the raises, it would come at a total combined cost of $3.4 million, according to city documents. Digging deeper Similarly, the city officials recommended pay increases for dispatch and detention officers, general government positions and part-time

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LEWISVILLE - COPPELL EDITION

Education

BY JONATHAN PERRIELLO

Bond-funded athletic facility upgrades set to begin at Lewisville ISD The Lewisville ISD board of trustees approved the rst set of projects from the 2024 bond pack- age, which includes football stadium upgrades and aquatic center maintenance, at a June 10 meeting. The projects are scheduled to begin construc- tion in 2025, Executive Construction Director Randy Fite said. The backstory The $101.8 million bond package featured three propositions that generate additional funding to conduct maintenance, repairs and renovations at various athletics and recreation facilities across the district. • Proposition A: $16.25 million for renovations at the Eastside and Westside aquatic centers

Coppell ISD trustees approve sta raises In an eort to keep pace with other districts’ pay and combat cost of living increases, the Coppell ISD board approved a 3% midpoint salary increase—the middle point between the highest and lowest salaries of a pay grade—for all sta at a June 24 meeting. In addition, ocials increased the starting pay for beginning teachers in the 2024-25 school year from $61,150 to $62,700. The 3% raise, which amounts to $2,050 for teachers, nurses and librarians, takes eect in September, per district documents. The details The district continues to face budgetary issues, including workforce attrition, enroll- ment declines and stagnant state funding. Ocials said they hope competitive pay will help recruit and retain employees.

The projects includes renovations to athletic facilities districtwide and are set to begin construction in 2025.

COURTESY LEWISVILLE ISD

• Proposition B: $65.59 million for renovations at athletics facilities • Proposition C: $20 million for renovations to existing stadiums at Hebron, Flower Mound, The Colony, Marcus and Lewisville high schools Voters approved all three propositions in the May election.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY COLBY FARR

NCTCOG eyes federal Cotton Belt Trail funds The North Central Texas Council of Govern- ments will partner with Dallas Area Rapid Transit in seeking more federal funding for the regional Cotton Belt Trail project. What happened? Regional Transportation Council members greenlit a federal grant application for up to $12 million to fund 3 miles of the trail project during a June 13 meeting. The proposed 57-mile Cotton Belt Trail will link several cities, including Grapevine, Coppell and Plano, according to the NCTCOG’s website. Part of the trail will run along the 26-mile DART’s Silver Line Rail project, which is under construction. The details If awarded, the grant would fund about 2.9 miles of trail construction in Addison, Coppell and

DCTA dissolves mobility corporation The Denton County Transportation Authority’s board of directors voted to dis- solve the North Texas Mobility Corporation during a June 27 meeting. What you need to know The move approves dissolution of the bus and shuttle service provider by Aug. 9 at the end of a 60-day termination period, according to the agenda. Any budget funds that were allocated to the NTMC will be transferred to the DCTA once all corporation employees transition to the DCTA. Looking back The corporation was created in 2019 when bus operations were transferred from a private operator. The agreement with the DCTA enabled bus operators to unionize.

Cotton Belt Regional Trail

Funded portion Planned portion

121

Coppell

COTTON BELT REGIONAL TRAIL

635

Dallas as part of the project’s third phase. Engi- neering and design is underway on portions of the trail that have not been constructed yet. The NCTCOG and DART are applying through the Active Transportation Infrastructure Invest- ment Program, according to a staff presentation. The Cotton Belt Trail is split into three phases. Construction on the first phase is already under- way while the second phase is slated to head to the procurement phase this fall.

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LEWISVILLE - COPPELL EDITION

Real estate

BY CONNOR PITTMAN

Home Edition

2024

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Home Edition! This guide features news ranging from key real estate trends and new developments unique to your neighborhood to an overview of the housing industry across Texas. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news—show them your gratitude by supporting local businesses. Each year, I look forward to putting together this edition that touches on something that affects nearly every resident in the community. While every month we provide a snapshot of the local real estate market, providing insights on year-over-year trends, the Home Edition allows us to dig even deeper into how that data is affecting residents. In this edition, our cover story looks at all of the development happening in the Castle Hills area since its annexation in 2021. Inside, readers can hear from real estate experts on the local and national trends shaping the housing market, as well as learn about how new changes to the Multiple Listing Service could affect brokers. In addition, readers can find out more about a Lewisville business that’s not only keeping residents’ homes clean but also partners with Cleaning for a Reason Foundation to clean homes of cancer patients.

What's inside

Check out how changes to the Multiple Listing Service affect brokers’ pay (Page 11)

Cathy Williams General Manager cwilliams@ communityimpact.com

Local mortgage expert discusses current housing market (Page 14)

Lewisville-based Rag Mops Cleaning Services focuses on quality, consistency (Page 15)

Coppell funds 13 home rehabilitation grants in pilot phase • Exterior improvements worth at least $1,000 • Must be a primary residence of a homeowner • Residence must be at least 30 years old Number of applications by age of homes

The first residential rehabilitation grants have been awarded to 13 Coppell homeowners. Director of Community Development Mindi Hurley presented the results from the pilot phase of the city-funded rehabilitation program during Coppell City Council’s May 28 meeting. Two-minute impact During the initial phase, Hurley said 12 of the 13 grant recipients received full funding, with the final grant partially funded. Applications received were funded on a first-come, first-served basis with the initial allocation of $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds. The goal of the residential rehabilitation program is to help renovate the city’s housing stock—about 45% of which is more than 30 years old—as outlined in the Coppell 2040 plan. “This was all designed to protect the integrity of Coppell neighborhoods so that everyone in the neighborhood would benefit from improvements made to a property,” Hurley said. Zooming in The program was designed to provide a match in funding for exterior renovations for homes provided they met the following criteria:

In total, the city received 696 applications after the pilot phase launched May 1. Despite several homeowners not receiving grants, Hurley said staff heard many property owners planned to complete renovation projects anyway. To qualify, applicants were required to submit construction plans before the start of the project along with bids that were reviewed by the city’s Community Development Department. Work was required to be completed within six months after approval and a rebate of 50% of construction and material costs was available up to $10,000. In addition, homes needed to be at least 30 years old and a primary residence for a property owner. Improvements that could qualify include door replacement, irrigation repair and facade updates, among others. “In our mind, it was the catalyst that got some people to invest in their property, which is exactly what we were wanting to do with the program,” Hurley said.

Under 30 years old (ineligible)

30-39 years old

445

40-49 years old

191

50-59 years old

Over 60 years old

0 5 10 100 200 300 400 500

Applications received

SOURCE: CITY OF COPPELL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Looking ahead Several council members said they would be supportive of continuing the program with greater funding. Hurley said council has budgeted $200,000 annually for the next five budget forecasts should the program be continued.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

BY COLBY FARR CONTRIBUTIONS BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Multiple Listing Service changes could affect how real estate brokers are paid

Updated MLS policies The changes outlined by the NAR settlement in March that go into effect in August include:

Compensation disclosures to sellers, and prospective sellers and buyers, are required. MLS participants can’t filter or restrict listings to clients based on the level of compensation offered to the agent. Listing agents can no longer make compensation offers to buyer agents on the MLS.

After announcing a $418 million settlement in March, the National Association of Realtors is implementing policy changes for Multiple Listing Service platforms across the country later this year. The changes are expected to take effect Aug. 17 and could change how real estate brokers are paid. Officials from the Collin County Area Realtors association, which is affiliated with the NAR and tracks data across the region, explained how the settlement and policy changes can affect licensed brokers, buyers and sellers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The background The MLS is an online platform where licensed real estate professionals can list homes for sale or view homes that are already listed. Shana Acquisto, real estate broker and former president of the CCAR, compared the platform to Carfax, an online database that compiles vehicle information for buyers and sellers of used cars. Listing a property on the MLS platform gives it the best exposure, which typically leads to homes selling at higher prices, she said. Individuals have to hold a real estate license to access the applica- tion, MLS Director Terry Smith said. More than 800 MLS platforms are managed by realtor associations across the country, including the CCAR. For realtor associations affiliated with the NAR, the MLS policy changes must be implemented in August, according to a May 3 news release by the NAR.

What’s changing? Real estate brokers will still be paid for their services, but the way they’re paid could change in August. Compensation agreements will be reached through negotiation and consultation off of the MLS. “It’s just a change in our process,” Acquisto said. “Really nothing has changed because the fact is commissions have never been fixed.” Instead of a compensation offer being listed in the MLS, buyers’ agents now have to reach out to the seller’s agent through the MLS to inquire about compensation, she said. Buyers will have to sign a compensation agreement before touring any homes identified through the MLS. Interest rates and supply and demand will con- tinue to drive home prices in the post-settlement real estate market after the policy changes take effect, she said. “Nothing in NAR’s policies has increased costs for buyers or sellers, and this settlement preserves consumers’ choices regarding real estate services and compensation,” Acquisto said in an email. What’s next? After the policy changes take effect, a final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled later in November. More information about the settlement’s impact on real estate professionals can be found at www. nar.realtor/the-facts. For potential clients looking to buy or sell a home, Acquisto recommended they connect with

MLS users must enter an agreement with buyers before home tours.

SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

2024

March 15: Settlement agreement signed April 24: Preliminary approval of settlement review granted by the court Aug 17: Practice changes take effect, earliest day for class action lawsuit notifications to be issued to those impacted Nov. 26: Final approval hearing for the settlement

SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

a licensed real estate professional. “Maybe some of the conversations are different, but since the beginning of time we’ve changed our processes and they’ve improved,” she said. “Change is a constant. What hasn’t changed is the law of agency and how we represent our clients on both sides.”

LEWISVILLE - COPPELL EDITION

Real estate

More than 240 homes in the area were sold during May 2024. The 75077 ZIP code area saw the largest median home price increase. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

Average days on the market

Lewisville - Coppell

May 2023

May 2024

-22.2%

+1.25%

+35%

+45.45%

+4.5%

-31.43%

+308.33%

-34.38%

-50%

May

2023

2024

286 347

New listings

216 241

Closed sales

Homes under contract

204 209

Homes sold by price point

LEWISVILLE LAKE

75019

75056

75057

75067

75077

75019

75056

75057

75067

75077

SRT TOLL

75077

75056

May 2024

Median home sales price

Number of new listings

75057

$1 million+

75067

+19.4%

+24.51%

+15.09%

+27.27%

May

2023

2024

$691,000 $579,561 $367,000 $405,000 $492,500

$740,000 $625,000 $320,000 $381,500 $602,450

$700,000-$999,999

75019

35E

75056

107

$400,000-$699,999

635

75057

$100,000-$399,999

75067

MARKET DATA COMPILED BY COLLIN COUNTY AREA REALTORS • WWW.CCAR.NET

<$99,999

75077

75019

75056

75057

75067

75077

THE COLONY 4901 Hwy 121 (214) 469-2113

LEWISVILLE 2416 S Stemmons Fwy (214) 488-0888

IRVING 1900 Market Place Blvd (214) 379-4695

Real estate

BY JONATHAN PERRIELLO

InstaMortgage-Dallas Director Sal Ali talks local housing trends Sal Ali is the director at InstaMortgage-Dallas and operates the branch with his brother from an office in The Realm at Castle Hills. A Lewisville native, Ali and his brother began in real estate in 2012. In 2021, they joined national mortgage brokerage firm InstaMortgage and opened their own branch. The company focuses on housing markets in Lewisville, The Colony, Frisco, Plano and Dallas. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. What are some trends you are seeing in Lewisville and the surrounding housing markets? After years of inflation and high interest rates, banks have begun opening mortgage programs to make loans more affordable. As soon as banks started marketing programs like down payment

assistance or grants towards closing costs, they were allowing a new wave of buyers to come into the market, ... which has helped make housing affordable again. Since these changes, the housing market has increased substantially. How are trends differing in other cities? One of the biggest impacts of moving north that I’ve noticed is the property taxes are higher. That’s because it’s all of these new areas and new developments. The taxes are high to support all the construction that’s happening. How would you describe the health of the market? The health of the market for Lewisville is above average. It’s such a healthy market because we’re so central and connected to the highways. It’s in the middle of the highest tax rates in the north and the lower ones further south, and residents don’t have to sit through hours of traffic to commute. Do you think mortgage rates will increase? I can’t guess further than the rest of this year. As we approach the election, historically speaking, the markets improve and interest rates get better. I do

COURTESY SAL ALI

anticipate interest rates to go down, whether that is a quarter percent or a half percent at most. Is there anything else buyers should know? It’s important to contact not just one mortgage broker so you can get different perspectives. That’s very important because this is likely the largest investment of your life, and you want to go into that investment feeling comfortable.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY KAREN CHANEY

Rag Mops focuses on relationships, consistency

Debi Bascue said interacting with people is her favorite element of owning Rag Mops Cleaning Services, Inc. She added that customers have been with her since she and her mother started the business in 2001, and that some employees have been with the company for the last 10 years. “We want everyone to feel this is the best job they’ve had as long as they need it,” Bascue said. “Sometimes they’re here for 6 weeks, sometimes 6 months, sometimes 6 years. My biggest achieve- ment personally is watching them grow, nish that degree, buy a home, and maybe send their daughter to college.” How it started Bascue started cleaning houses when she was a teenager. “I babysat and back in the olden days, there was no TV after 10 so I would start cleaning out of bore- dom,” she said. “I was a pretty good babysitter, you’d get home and I had cleaned your kitchen.” She continued cleaning houses into her 20s. When she and her mom started toying with ideas of starting a business together, they entertained a few options but landed on doing something they were familiar with. “My gift is cleaning and organizing, I've always been that way,” Bascue said. The approach Rag Mops has 24 employees, who receive insurance benets and paid time o. Each cleaner undergoes approximately 100 hours of training per year and follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. “There is extensive training [to learn] how to clean in a professional way,” Bascue said. “We have a very strict routine. We always start with the kitchen and work our way around the house.” Bascue said cleaners typically clean the same houses so they can learn customer preferences. However, if an employee takes time o, others have been trained the same to oer consistency. Also of note Rag Mops has partnered with Cleaning for a Rea- son Foundation since 2010. The foundation vets cleaning companies throughout the United States and Canada to clean homes of cancer patients currently undergoing treatment. “We’re very conscious of people going through

Debi Bascue is the co-founder and CEO of Rag Mops Cleaning Services, which started in 2001.

KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Rag Mop cleaners are employees of the company. Background checks are performed annually.

Rag Mops oers a variety of service levels including standard and deep cleaning.

COURTESY RAG MOPS

an illness," Bascue said. "We wear foot covers, a mask and we ask if they want us to wear gloves. We cater to who we serve in the area.” Quote of note Although Bascue has shifted from cleaning houses to a management role, her interests remain the same. “I love cleaning, I love organizing,” she said. “I love coming up with new ways to make our job better and exciting.”

D G E

911 Mill St., Lewisville www.ragmops.net

LEWISVILLE COPPELL EDITION

From the cover

Mixed-use projects in Castle Hills aim to spur future growth

BY CODY THORN

The outlook

LEWISVILLE LAKE

Jeerson Castle Hills

Three upcoming projects in Castle Hills will boost the number of residents and tax dollars coming to Lewisville, said James Kunke, community relations and tourism director for Lewisville. Development in The Realm at Castle Hills will soon feature a 760-unit apartment complex. Construction company JPI and retail developer Weitzman will create a mixed-use development on a 12-acre piece of land near Kroger, a $225 million project that will be next to The Realm. According to Weitzman Executive Vice President David Palmer, the addition will bring an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 residents to the area. Jeerson Castle Hills, located at SH 121 and Josey Lane, will start with retail, which should be completed by February, according to Weitzman. Retail will be in two of the residential buildings and total 20,000 square feet, according to a news release. Leasing for the rst apartment units will happen next summer. Completion of the new phase of retail space is set for February. The development will be another opportunity to shop and walk home in the Castle Hills area, Kunke said.

SRT TOLL

Crown Centre Castle Hills

Lewisville

The Realm at Castle Hills

35E

121

Castle Hills

SRT TOLL

N MAP NOT TO SCALE

Addition by annexation

18,000 people added to population, up to 131,000 in 2021 324 acres in The Realm at Castle Hills development in 2021

133,533 Lewisville population in 2023

4,000 homes annexed in 2021

3,000 acres annexed in 2021

SOURCE: CITY OF LEWISVILLECOMMUNITY IMPACT

should open later this year.” She added that oce space rental has increased from 67% to 97% in the last four years.

“Since January of 2020, we’ve signed more than 40 new retailers to The Realm, and 28 of those retailers are currently open for business,” Bright Realty Marketing Manager Kat Schrantz said. “The others are building out their spaces and

Looking ahead

By the numbers

Another project at Castle Hills is the Crown Centre. This is a 140-acre project that is located near SH 121 and SH 121 Business. Kunke said the Crown Centre at Castle Hills will deliver the vision of “new urbanism” to Lewisville with apartments that could be up to 10 stories or higher. In addi- tion, there will be a mix of commercial space, oces, restaurants and entertainment options. “The new retail development in Castle Hills will enhance the local shopping and dining experience while also increasing property and sales tax revenue,” said Marichelle Samples, director of economic development for the city of Lewisville. According to Bright Realty documents, Crown Centre could include up to 2,000 multifamily units, 3 million square feet of oce space and up to 500 hotel rooms when completed. According to previous reporting, the project is expected to be a $1.3 billion mixed-use development. Like Castle Hills, Crown Centre is a mas- ter-planned community that will have outdoor amenities, according to Bright Realty. It is the last remaining undeveloped land in Castle Hills,

Despite a dip during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, property tax revenue for the city has increased by nearly $5 million since scal year 2020-21 as property values have increased and more homes have hit the market. In addition, the city’s budget has gone up each year since the annexation, per city documents. In the FY 2020-21 budget approved by council, the city document stated adding Castle Hills would add $2.5 billion to the property tax rolls. There are 17 new businesses set to open this year at The Realm. Crown Centre II, a $50 million investment, is a four-story oce building that is set to open in August. “The revenue generated [from increasing property and sales taxes] will be reinvested into city services and infrastructure, improving the quality of life for all residents in Lewisville,” Samples said.

The Crown Centre I building opened in August 2020.

RENDERING COURTESY BRIGHT REALTY

according to Lucas Patterson, Bright Realty’s exec- utive vice president. Kunke said the development is about a decade away from completion. The 20-year plan for the development would feature 35 buildings, of which six or seven will be multifamily. “Crown Centre is wonderful for commuting,” Patterson said. “It oers employers and residents access to Dallas’ airports, shopping venues ... [and] all kinds of entertainment in the area. It’s an ideal place to mix work and leisure.”

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY KAREN CHANEY

The rst Hunes dealership was opened by J.L. Hunes, Sr. in Denton in May 1924.

Hunes Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Lewisville.

COURTESY HUFFINES

Hunes Auto Dealerships celebrates 100 years

As the current president and CEO of Hunes Auto Dealership, Ray Hunes represents the third generation of the 100-year old family-owned and operated business. Hunes says while some things have markedly changed over the century, such as technology and the amount of employees, others have remained the same. “Our core values are RISE—respect, integrity, seless service and excellence,” Hunes said. The backstory J.L. Hunes, Sr. opened the rst dealership in Denton in 1924. That was a Willy’s-Knight, Over- land dealership. In 1927, he opened a Chevrolet dealership in Lewisville. Ray said trips to his grandfather’s dealership in Lewisville, when he was around six years old, make up his rst memories of the family business. Ray’s dad, J.L. Hunes, Jr., owned a dealership in Commerce. When Ray got his driver’s license, he drove his rst car, a 1968 Camaro from Green- ville, where his family lived, to work at Hunes Chevrolet Pontiac Buick Company in Commerce. Over the years, he worked as a mechanic’s helper and in the parts and sales departments. In 1984, Ray became the dealer of the family’s newly opened Chevrolet dealership in Plano. The framework Ray said he was around his dad and grandfather a lot and absorbed their interaction skills.

“My dad always taught us to be generous, not to brag,” he said. “It’s about valuing people and relationships. That would be the number one thing, respect for other people.” Marking a milestone To celebrate the company’s 100-year anni- versary, receptions were held at all 10 locations throughout North Texas on May 6. Going forward Ray said he knew from a young age he would follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps. “It is dicult for a family business to go three generations,” Ray said. “First o, you have to have someone who is willing and capable.” Ray has three daughters and one son. His son, Sam Hunes, is the only child who has shown interest in continuing the family business. Notable quote Ray points out that North Texas’ growth has contributed to their longevity. However, he spotlights his faith when explaining the company’s staying power. “Ultimately, it’s God who has done this,” Ray said. “I can see many things that happened where I wanted to do this and I didn’t because God had a dierent plan and it worked out a lot better.”

Ray Hunes (right) with his son Sam Hunes in the Hunes Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Plano.

KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

PURNELL ST.

121

1024 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville www.hunes.net

BENNETT LN.

121

STEMMONS FREEWAY

1400 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville www.hunes.net

LEWISVILLE COPPELL EDITION

Events

BY KAREN CHANEY

• Free • Life Safety Park, 820 S. Coppell Road, Coppell • www.coppelltx.gov/182/life-safety-park

July

Dallas Zoo program As part of Cozby Library’s 50th anniversary celebration, staff members of the Dallas Zoo will provide an educational program featuring live animals. • July 20, 2-3 p.m. • Free • 177 N. Heartz Road, Coppell • www.coppelltx.gov Buck full moon hike Participants will join guides for a hike along the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area’s Cottonwood Trail while viewing the buck full moon. Registration for the event is required. • July 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m. • $15 • 201 E. Jones St., Lewisville • www.llela.org Basic Jr. Fire Academy Students will learn how to be ambassadors of fire safety by learning about prevention tools from firefighters, then put to the test. This program is for children in grades 2-4. Registration is required. • July 22, 1-3 p.m.

August

River clean-up Volunteers will help clean the Elm Fork of the Trinity River shoreline. • Aug. 10, 8-11 a.m. • Free • Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E. Jones St., Lewisville • www.visitlewisville.com Perseid meteor shower viewing party Attendees will view the 2024 Perseid meteor shower on the field at the Cicada/Cottonwood Pavilion where light pollution is minimal. This viewing party is for ages 5 and older. Registration is required. • Aug. 10, 10:30 p.m.-Aug. 11, 1 a.m. • $25 • Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E. Jones St., Lewisville • www.visitlewisville.com

Texas Gypsies This live music performance incorporates elements of vintage swing jazz, western swing, Django Reinhardt-style gypsy jazz and rock n’ roll with violin, horns, guitars, upright bass and drums. • July 20, 7:30 p.m. • $35 (plus fees) • Coppell Arts Center, 505 Travis St., Coppell • www.coppellartscenter.org

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