The Plaza Broadway Development

On October 9 a meeting was held at Garland’s City Hall between the principals of the Plaza Broadway Development, the City Manager and staff. Developer Carlos Quintanilla, along with an entourage consisting of investors, an engineer, architect and potential PB tenants, were there to discuss the delayed issuance of permits, resulting in the blocking of the completion of the project.

There was a meeting of the minds, according to Quintanilla, who is determined to have the PB open for business by Thanksgiving. City Manager Brian Bradford, deputy City Manager Martin Glen and city staffers agreed to issue the necessary permits after, minor adjustments have been made to the existing plan.

When complete PB will consist of approximately 110 small shops, a pizza restaurant and other businesses yet to be determined.  Individual business owners will be required to sign annual leases and conform to other regulations, according to Quintanilla. The sprawling building was originally a K Mart and had been vacant and decaying for years.  If all proceeds as currently planned, renovations will be completed bringing new life to the corner of Centerville and Broadway.

There’s been a lot of controversy regarding this development, but it’s difficult to understand why the objecting residents of South Garland or the COG would prefer an empty eyesore to the PB project. The demographics of the area will not support a Whole Foods, or any other upscale supermarket chain. There is no evidence that the COG did anything proactive to attract other development of the property, nor it’s Chamber of Commerce.  In spite of that we will have a sales tax producing megastore that promises to be similar to the Saigon Mall, according to Quintanilla.

When the project is complete and PB is open for business it will be up to the citizens of Garland to determine its success or failure.