Waco Greenlights Mega-Retail Center at I-35 New Road Intersection

Driving through Waco on I35 is a nightmare due to road construction that never seems to end. Many people, myself included, take the 340 loop around Waco to avoid the excessive traffic. Soon, the traffic on the loop will also be a beating.

Waco Approves Large-Scale Retail Hub Along Interstate 35 Corridor

The Waco City Council approved a public-private partnership designed to transform one of the city's final remaining undeveloped stretches along Interstate 35. According to KWTX, the large retail and commercial project will be located on a 252-acre site near the intersection of New Road and Loop 340.

Infrastructure Funding and Development Phases

Under the terms of the newly approved arrangement, the City of Waco is prepared to allocate up to $33 million toward critical infrastructure and road improvements. The money will fund two specific projects:

The Northern Roadway Phase: Dedicated to unlocking access for a warehouse-style retail tenant.

The Southern Roadway Phase: Focused on laying out the groundwork for a broader cluster of national big-box retail establishments.

Confidential Branding and Mitigation of Taxpayer Risk

While city officials have confirmed that high-profile national brands are already tied to the project, the specific names of the retailers remain under non-disclosure agreements. In real estate transactions, keeping brand identities confidential is a standard practice during early negotiations, as corporations are hesitant to expose their intellectual property before finalizing contracts.

Capitalizing on the I-35 Footprint

While some Texans appreciate seeing green spaces within the city limits, The City of Waco is viewing this deal as an economic victory. City officials say the addition of these new businesses within the city limits ensures sales and property tax money for city services. The city hopes to capitalize on the I35 traffic that moves through Waco.