Old Town Coppell project ahead of schedule

The entire project must be completed in 10 years.

With the beginning of construction on Old Town, the signs are up and construction crews are directing traffic. While it can be frustrating for drivers and homeowners around the area, the end result will be worth the hassle.

The overall construction will take years to complete. However, Mayor Pro Tem Marsha Tunnell said at last week's Coppell Chamber of Commerce Luncheon that the project is ahead of schedule. The city council's vision for Old Town is to make it one of the main attractions of the city.

"This project is near and dear to my heart and has been a really long time coming," she said at the luncheon. "Even though it is well under construction, we want to let all residents know that businesses are still open in that area."

Old Town Coppell will feature a variety of new attractions intended to bring people to the area. The city will have a pavilion to host events and an interactive water feature for children to play in. The Coppell Farmers Market will also make the area its new permanent location.

Other features will include cottages for local business, restaurants to bring more people to the area, and patio homes.

Mindi Hurley, economic development coordinator for the city, said Old Town is being bought in phases. Phase 1 will take four lots of the patio homes. In addition, one cottage and one retail service building will be built.

"We wanted to have a mix of what will eventually be offered down there," Hurley said. "It will also begin to frame the square."

Hurley and the city's hope is that the framing of the square will bring interest from businesses to place their shop or restaurant in Old Town.

"I am hoping that land could be purchased by the end of February, but it does not have to be," she said. "However, we are a bit ahead of schedule and that is a possibility."

Patio homes in the area may begin to go vertical by the end of the year, but Hurley does not think residents could begin moving in by the end of 2012.

"I would say a year from now," she said. "It would be pretty aggressive to say that someone would be occupying a patio home by the end of the year. However, it could be a possibility a year from now."

Hurley said the city does not know who will occupy the patio homes once they become available. Other city officials see the patio homes being a place for empty nesters, however, Hurley said it is too early to tell.

"The lots will be small with a small yard to maintain," she said. "My guess is there will be some variations on how many bedrooms will be in each home. As far as who occupies them, we will have to what and see."

Hurley said it has still not been determined when the other phases of the project will be built. However, the entire project must be completed in 10 years.

"The synergy and the way things are moving right now -- I do not see this project taking 10 years to complete," she said. "The developer has said they have no intentions of taking 10 years. With Phase 1, it will really get the ball rolling and everything will begin to fall into place. We ask residents to please be patient with the current road work and thank them for their support."

For information on the construction Old Town, call town hall at 972-462-0022.