Allen Economic Development Corporation Brings Big Business to Allen, Texas
ALLEN, Texas, Sept. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With over $500 million in new commercial projects finishing in 2018, the City of Allen has seen explosive growth. Numerous technology companies put their stake in the ground in Allen and now call the city home. These projects have boosted Allen's profile, creating a well-balanced business community. This activity helps spur demand for local amenities, such as desirable restaurants and shops, which enhances the quality of life for residents.
Allen Economic Development Corporation, who is charged with recruiting and retaining businesses that bring quality jobs to Allen, has seen tremendous growth in companies from the technology sector. Their efforts have had measurable impacts assisting the city's growth and lowering the tax burden on its citizens. As Michael Schaefer, AEDC Board President, explained, "The AEDC has been the catalyst behind several new office projects, including One Bethany at Watters Creek," the 17-acre, multi-phase, corporate office park.
One Bethany East is a 125,000-square-foot Class A office building that opened in Spring 2018 and immediately saw strong leasing activity. BossFight Entertainment, a world-class independent game development studio, was the first resident in the highly anticipated development. With their business growing from 15 employees to 90 employees, in a short time, they needed a space that could grow with them, giving them a boost in recruiting top talent. Their office offers new technology and impressive amenities for their employees.
"Allen is an amazing city and with the addition of One Bethany East at Watters Creek, it is everything you could ask for in a location," Scott Winsett, Chief Operating Officer, BossFight Entertainment, said. "It has great character and the proximity to restaurants and entertainment venues as well as access to great talent made it an easy choice for us to build our headquarters and establish permanent roots here."
The notable work of the AEDC continued with the highly anticipated opening of NETSCOUT Systems in August, bringing with it over 500 jobs to Allen. NETSCOUT Systems, a leading provider of business service assurance, cyber-security and business intelligence solutions, relocated its regional office from Plano to Allen with a 145,000-square-foot building within the One Bethany at Watters Creek office park.
"NETSCOUT isn't only investing in a quality facility — they are bringing a highly-skilled workforce to the Allen community," said Allen Mayor Stephen Terrell. "When their employees choose to live, shop or dine in Allen, our entire community will benefit." Their vision for the building was to be 'employee-focused.' Some amenities that the cutting-edge building features are efficient, open office spaces, outdoor courtyards, a fitness center, a cafeteria and a parking garage.
The completion of these projects represents the culmination of a monumental effort on the part of the AEDC, the developer, Kaizen Development Partners (KDP), NETSCOUT, the City of Allen, and the entire design and construction team, each of whom worked tirelessly to shepherd the project from groundbreaking to move-in in just 371 days.
Just north of One Bethany at Watters Creek, WatchGuard Inc., the leading provider of mobile video solutions for law enforcement, opened their new worldwide headquarters in June 2018. The 140,000-square-foot, two-story facility accommodates approximately 500 employees and all departmental work areas, including a 43,000-square-foot sophisticated manufacturing facility where all of WatchGuard's products are assembled. The engineering wing and its attached state-of-the-art laboratory is home to WatchGuard's in-car and body-worn camera systems designers.
"We designed our facility to attract and retain employee talent by creating a beautiful and comfortable environment that improves the work-life balance of employees," Robert Vanman, WatchGuard Founder and CEO, said. "Employee spaces were carefully planned for comfort and include sit/stand work surfaces, 100% dimmable LED lights, and speakers that generate white background noise to reduce audible interruptions."
Allen is set to become a hub for technology by providing state-of-the art facilities to businesses looking to relocate to the area, particularly in this rapidly growing sector. With 2019 approaching, the AEDC has its sights set on continued growth in the city, bringing more revenue and jobs, and continuing to enrich the lives of the entire community.
About Allen Economic Development Corporation
The Allen Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is funded through a citywide half-cent sales tax and charged with facilitating company relocations and assisting the expansion of existing businesses, which creates jobs and generates additional tax revenue to the community. To date, Allen's total ad valorem tax base exceeds $8.5 billion.
To learn more, visit www.AllenEDC.com.
SOURCE Allen Economic Development Corporation
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