intro paragraph 

Phase 1: Vision Study

The Collins/Arapaho Transit-Oriented Development and Innovation District Study was accepted by City Council on December 3, 2018. The Study, which was completed over a nine-month process, developed a vision for the District to be “the premier tech hub in Texas”. To achieve the vision, the District will:

  • provide a place where a range of businesses across industries at different points in their growth can thrive,
  • support existing businesses while attracting new ones,
  • continue to be a center for innovation and entrepreneurship,
  • be lively and active,
  • be visually unique and green,
  • be walkable and bikeable, and
  • the station area will serve as the principal gateway to the District

Input from a series of community meetings, pop-up workshops at businesses and the Arapaho Center DART Station, focus groups, and an online survey was incorporated and played an important role in shaping the vision for the District.

Project Background

The Brookings Institute defines innovation districts as “…geographic areas where leading-edge anchor institutions and companies cluster and connect with start-ups, business incubators, and accelerators. They are also physically compact, transit-accessible, and technically-wired and offer mixed-use housing, office and retail.” It is the City’s desire to maximize the potential for transit-oriented development in proximity to the Arapaho Center Station and reposition the area as a successful innovation district that is an economic driver within the City and DFW region.

The Collins/Arapaho area is one of six Enhancement/ Redevelopment zones identified in the City of Richardson's 2009 Comprehensive Plan. This area was chosen due to its overall character—large quantities of older, underperforming flex space with high vacancy rates—and because it has been challenged by changes in markets, technology, and user requirements.

Past Efforts

Portions of the approximate 1,200-acre study area have been the focus of multiple planning studies since 2000. A baseline market analysis completed and accepted by City Council in 2013 for the East Arapaho/Collins area, followed by the Chamber of Commerce East Arapaho/Collins Task Force Report completed in 2017. A list of all past planning studies for this area can be found below.

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