How four Tarrant cities are wooing economic development as land availability shrinks

While Lubbock still has plenty of undeveloped land, especially out past Woodrow or near the new developments along FM 179, prime commercial locations closer to Texas Tech or the Loop 289 corridor are getting harder to find. Our own economic development efforts will eventually face similar questions about infill and maximizing existing space within the city limits. This shift could mean a different, denser kind of growth for our city than weve seen in decades past.

For regular Lubbockites, this trend could mean fewer massive new businesses choose our city. We might instead see a stronger focus on revitalizing older commercial areas like parts of the Depot District or along 19th Street. It also might drive up costs for developers looking for prime spots, which could translate to higher prices for consumers or fewer everyday options closer to home. Expect to see more multi-story office buildings or mixed-use developments rather than just single-story complexes stretching for blocks.

Arlington is nearly built out. How long until Lubbock feels that squeeze?