Hybrid Tech Center Slots Multi-Use Tenants

Construction is underway at Tech Center One, the first phase of an office/warehouse complex.

ALLEN, TX—In response to demand for warehouse space that includes office or showroom space, a hybrid facility is a viable alternative. Construction began this month on JaRyCo’s Tech Center One , the first phase of an office/warehouse complex at Greenville Avenue and Bethany Drive. A groundbreaking ceremony for the project is set for February 25 at 2:00 p.m. Completion of the 38,000-square-foot office/warehouse hybrid building is expected in August. Two additional building phases are planned, for a total of 94,000 square feet of alternative office/warehouse space. Bruce Heller , president of the Allen-based development firm, JaRyCo, tells GlobeSt.com: “We are comfortable this project will meet an unmet need in the Allen community. After starting construction just three weeks ago, we already are close to having two leases signed bringing new businesses to the Allen community.” Office/warehouse combinations are available in other areas, Heller explains, including Plano, TX and Richardson, TX. However, the majority of these complexes were built 10 to 15 years ago and lack modern appeal, as well as today’s efficiencies and amenities. “As we were in the leasing process for another office project in Allen, we heard from a number of businesses that were looking for an option that offered both office or showroom and warehouse space together. There just wasn’t anything like that in the city, and that’s when we saw the need,” says Heller. In addition to relocations, JaRyCo is targeting companies looking to consolidate offices and warehouse facilities. While the cost per square foot of the new facility may be higher, companies may still be able to save money by consolidating shared areas and equipment or existing in a smaller, better-designed footprint. “We’ve come up with a space that has an attractive look in front for the office user, along with that storage space they need in the back,” Heller explains. “We’re talking about simple overhead doors that come to the parking level so companies can drive vehicles in for easy loading and unloading, or parking service trucks at night.” This will be the tenth project in Allen for JaRyCo in the last 15 years. Heller says he expects that the Tech Center will attract a diversified group of businesses, including some that may not have previously considered the city because the option for a flex space wasn’t available. “There is strong demand from companies that are currently located in other cities, but their executives live in Allen,” says Allen EDC executive director Dan Bowman . “They’d prefer a shorter commute and access to restaurants just down the road at Watters Creek.” Lee & Associates’ George Tanghongs and Brett Lewis are marketing the property.