la Frontera In the News

Round Rock Leader

February 12, 2001

Weingarten adds second shopping center to The Frontier

by Marcial Guajardo, Leader Staff

A “significant piece of the state’s economic engine” just received another cog to strengthen it.

Round Rock’s La Frontera multi-dimensional business development will add a “Lifestyle” shopping center to its long list of projects under its belt. Officials with Houston-based Weingarten Realty Investors announced plans to develop the outdoor shopping center, which will feature an atmosphere conducive to strolling, on Jan. 25.

“It’s a new term the industry has come up with,” said Weingarten Vice President of Leasing Patty Bender about the project’s “Lifestyle” tag. “It generally has a more pedestrian, friendly feel to it.”

The shopping center will be on 39 acres along the western perimeter of La Frontera, adjacent to an apartment complex already completed, in a triangular segment called “The Wedge.” The segment will be bordered on one side by the proposed Texas Highway 45.

Bender said construction on the project should begin by early 2002. She believes it will be completed in time for the 2002 holiday season.

Weingarten officials were hesitant to divulge much about the project’s size or stores they are negotiating to place in it. They did indicate planning to draw from the company’s expertise in developing centers such as The Village Arcade in Houston. One of Weingarten’s flagship properties, The Village Arcade is an upscale, open air facility encompassing 191,000 square feet near Rice University. It includes stores such as Gap, Eddie Bauer, Victoria’s Secret and Ann Taylor.

“Right now there is a great selection,” Bender said about the area La Frontera occupies, “for the power shopper, but I don’t think there is a selection of unique, specialty shops. I think we could add a component like The Arboretum added.”

The investment trust company has so far received interest in the La Frontera development from 12 nationally-prominent stores.

Weingarten also owns Brodie Oaks and Southridge Plaza shopping centers in Austin.

Round Rock City Manager Bob Bennett called La Frontera a “significant piece of the state’s economical engine” during the grand opening of the development’s first phase, which includes another shopping center. La Frontera spans 329 acres and includes two shopping centers, an apartment complex, a business park and a Marriott Conference Hotel.