McALLEN — After months without a strong street‑level visual on the progress of Tres Lagos development, the IDEA school has broken ground, steel is up and there’s something to see.
The construction has been best seen through drone footage, and that will still be the case for the subdivision for some time as it’s a 20‑ to 30‑year project.
The 2,500‑acre mega community in north McAllen broke ground in March and is set to have its grand opening on July 3, 2017, with a fireworks show the night before Independence Day so the city can still have its regular fireworks display.
A park and amphitheater will be ready for the fireworks display, as will a couple playgrounds and courts for tennis, basketball and sand volleyball.
Tres Lagos also hired a salesperson three weeks ago, who has sold 10 homes so far. Mike Rhodes, the developer, said at a Wednesday meeting that his goal is to have sold 100 homes by the grand opening. Construction on residences will likely begin in the spring.
At the previous couple meetings, Rhodes hadn’t given as extensive of an update because the construction was more monotonous — moving dirt, underground type of work, not as tangible.
Now, the IDEA school campus is making progress and boulevards are being “cut,” which is essentially an outlining or shaping of a road or area, in this case so people will know where the roads and lots will be. Gold’s Gym, Tru Fit and Crunch are bidding to be the big gym across from the Texas A&M campus, Rhodes said.
The retail area across from A&M, which would be by the potential gym, will actually be the first retail area completed, Rhodes said. Originally, the retail area by Ware Road was expected to be the first retail area. But this land across from A&M is now expected to be ready in 36 months, Rhodes said.