This week’s big deal involves a big manufacturer of high-volume, low-speed fans setting up shop in the Metroplex. Kentucky-based Big Ass Fans formally opened a new manufacturing plant in Fort Worth last week with plans to expand production of evaporative coolers and large fans. Big Ass Fans’ 210K SF facility at Fort Worth Commerce Center will serve as the company’s central U.S. distribution hub, putting it in its top market and closer to many suppliers. The company with an interesting story behind its name will employ 100 people to start. Read more here. Best Of Bisnow Houston loses a real estate icon. Howard Rambin, who died at 79 last week, was one of the co-founders of Moody Rambin, a Houston-based commercial real estate firm known for developments like Town & Country Village. Rambin is remembered as a mentor and community advocate, pouring time into coaching up-and-comers and beautifying the city.
Building a better life sciences ecosystem in DFW will start with critical mass. Collaboration is key for the Metroplex’s life sciences stars to shine, according to panelists at Bisnow's Future of DFW Life Sciences Summit last week. The region has some built-in advantages, but fostering clusters will make or break its ability to compete with top hubs like Boston and San Francisco.
Frisco leaders mull chipping in as Toyota Stadium prepares for its close-up. City officials are considering a plan to kick in $198M for improvements at the home of MLS team FC Dallas ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The field will serve as a home base for a visiting team during the tournament, and a 130K SF expansion is on the drawing board.
Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. heads back to The Woodlands. The 135-year-old designer and manufacturer of storage facilities, tanks and terminals has a new HQ, leasing 43K SF at 1725 Hughes Landing Blvd. This will be a return to The Woodlands for the company, which moved away in 2018 when it merged with McDermott.
It’s getting harder for regular office buildings to compete against those in mixed-use and master-planned districts. Enhancing traditional office buildings with comparable amenities won’t lead to a wave of new leases or higher rents, but it could help them stay relevant in a world where tenants are flocking to places like The Woodlands and CityCentre, panelists at Bisnow’s Future of Houston Office event said.
Best Of The Rest German Tire-Maker Rolls Into Fort Worth (DMN): Continental Tire is set to open a $69M, 752K SF facility in southern Fort Worth, according to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration. The Hanover, Germany-based manufacturer will build on land purchased from Hillwood in 2023 in its Risinger/35 Logistics Park.
No Doom And Gloom In Howard Hughes’ World (Houston Chronicle): Howard Hughes CEO David O’Reilly sat down with the Houston Chronicle to talk shop, including why billionaire investor Bill Ackman is interested in taking it private and what keeps the company going during a slowdown. Notable quotes include, “He believes there’s the long-term ability to create incredible value,” and, “I know we’re going to get paid.”
Data Center Boom Launches DFW To Nation’s Second-Largest Market (TRD): Following a 20% jump over last year, DFW's data center market now ranks only behind Northern Virginia. The Metroplex had 591 megawatts of inventory at the end of June, and there were 472 MW under construction.
New Castle, Same City (HBJ): Castle Biosciences is developing a new four-story headquarters in Friendswood, where it has been based for 20 years. The building will be less than 5 miles from its current office, and the groundbreaking is slated for October. Partners Real Estate and Tramonte Design Studios are involved in developing the building.
Austin Developers Turn To Art To Boost Visits (NYT): Public art has long been part of urban planning, but developers in Austin and elsewhere are increasingly commissioning artwork for private projects as a means of generating foot traffic. Studies show murals and sculptures can triple traffic, including at Turnbridge Equities’ Music Lane along Austin’s South Congress Lane.
Quote Of The Week “I said, ‘I hate it here. I wouldn't go back to work either. I'd stay home.’ My mindset was just totally screwed up because I was used to an amenity-rich environment. I came to one that is void of that, and my outlook was just, ‘This sucks.’” — Midway Chairman and CEO Brad Freels on moving to a traditional office building after working in a mixed-use district for years. *** So how's the Tea? As we brew up next week's edition, send us your feedback, including what kind of content you'd find valuable in this newsletter. And don't forget, we love news tips. | 
