The development and construction of CedarView Center, a 118-acre multi-use complex in Cedar Park, Texas, is moving forward with great enthusiasm from the city and the business community.
Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM), the Omaha, Neb.-based home furnishing company, is building CedarView, and will have a major retail presence there when the work is completed.
Great Lakes Capital (GLC), an Indiana-based real estate and private equity firm, is partnering with NFM and the city of Cedar Park to develop a full-service Marriott hotel and convention center there.
Violet Crown Management LLC is overseeing the project and the multiple contractors onsite.
CedarView is located at 750 E. New Hope Drive in Cedar Park, about 20 mi. northwest of Austin's city center. It is considered to be the largest retail development in the region to date.
CedarView has been in the planning and development stage for several years. In December 2021, the Cedar Park City Council voted to approve a development agreement for the project with the city allocating $45 million in performance-based rebates funded by taxes; these include taxes generated by the development itself, sales taxes, hotel taxes and property taxes.
In compliance with the agreement, the developer is obliged to invest $400 million, create 725 jobs in the first year of operations and undertake all required infrastructure upgrades in advance of CedarView's opening. Some of these infrastructure improvements include major road and intersection renovations.
Arthur Jackson, chief economic development officer of the city of Cedar Park, described the impact this project will have on the region.
"The CedarView development marks a significant step forward for Cedar Park, not only as a hub for economic growth but also as a destination for retail and entertainment," he said. "Along with the addition of our city's first full-service hotel, CedarView will provide much-needed accommodations and amenities, enhancing our ability to attract corporate visitors, events and tourism. This project is a testament to Cedar Park's continued evolution, bringing new opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors alike."
Before breaking ground, the site underwent a native plant rescue project in which 14 species of plants were rescued and donated for replanted and propagation. The rescued plants included the prairie pinkroot, coastal germander, Missouri foxtail cactus and purple star milkvine. The rarest of the varietals were sent to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and, once the plants were rescued, plans and progress for CedarView continued.
The construction of CedarView is underway; the grading process began in December 2024.
The construction is now moving through the horizontal infrastructure phase. This stage focuses on ground-level elements such as roads, water lines, sewer pipes, drainage systems, sidewalks and some low-rise structures that sit at or near the base of the complex.
The horizontal infrastructure phase involves significant earthwork and uses heavy equipment such as bulldozers and excavators. Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed and open for business in 2026.
The Marriott Hotel construction is expected to begin in May. The hotel will comprise 300 guest rooms, a 30,000-sq.-ft. event and meeting space, a restaurant, café and an expansive pool area. The anticipated completion and opening is slated for early 2027.
"The development of the hotel and convention center in CedarView underscores our commitment to creating vibrant, connected communities that elevate the standard of hospitality," said Ryan Rans, managing partner of Great Lakes Capital. "We are thrilled to partner with NFM and the city of Cedar Park to bring this transformative project to life."
Cedar Park City Manager Brenda Eivens anticipates benefits for the city with the arrival of the Marriott hotel and convention center.
"The city of Cedar Park is excited to see the realization of a long-standing strategic goal — a full-service hotel and convention center that will serve our community and attract visitors," she said. "Our partnership with NFM and Great Lakes Capital has been instrumental in bringing this impressive Marriott project to life, further establishing the CedarView development as a premier vibrant, regional destination for economic growth and tourism."
Ryan Blumkin, executive vice president of NFM, added, "We are excited to collaborate with GLC and the city of Cedar Park to create a destination that blends convenience, sophistication and community."
In terms of retail, along with NFM, Scheels, a sporting goods chain based in Fargo, N.D., will occupy a sizeable location in CedarView. These two retail giants will serve as anchors for the multi-use complex, and late 2026 openings are anticipated for both.
Additional tenants will include a 30,000-sq.-ft. city-owned convention center, which is under construction, a 250-room 4-star luxury hotel, 700,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space and 250,000 sq. ft. of retail space.
Public-private partnerships (PPP) on major construction projects like this one involve collaboration between public entities such as the city of Cedar Park with private-sector companies like NFM and GLC. These arrangements leverage public assets such as land, tax benefits and subsidies with private sector expertise and capital to create synergies. CEG
Keri White
Keri White has been a writer and journalist for several decades, covering topics spanning asphalt to zucchini. Her work has appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Style and the Jewish Exponent. She is the author of an award-winning book, “The Mommy Code,” and has freelanced for diverse clients in the areas of construction, finance, food, manufacturing, fashion, supply chain, architecture, health and wellness and real estate. She lives in a very old house in Philadelphia, and loves to travel, cook and throw parties.
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