Redefining Class A

VOLUME X H 2010
A DEVELOPMENT OF HILLWOOD
Redefining
Class A
Changing market yields
big opportunities
at AllianceTexas
PLUS
LANDING FIRST CLASS
Big OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL OPERATIONS
A MODEL FOR SUCCESS
CONTENTS
VOLUME X H 2010
Departments
Features
2 Big Opportunities for
Small Operations
6 On-Site 24/7/365
8An Alliance of
Higher Education and Industry
4 Landing First Class
10 Redefining Class A
16A Model for Success
20Centered Around Making
All The Right Connections
10
For Information On:
Industrial, OFFICE and retail
development at AllianceHTexas
Contact: Bill Burton, Steve Aldrich,
Tony Creme, Mark Miller or Reid Goetz
817.224.6000
AllianceTexas.com
Ground support services and hangar
space at Fort Worth Alliance Airport
Contact: Alliance Aviation Services
800.318.9268
AllianceAirport.com
Property management services
Contact: Frances Broussard
817.224.6000
AllianceTexas.com
4 4
16
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
Contact: Jim Linden
972.201.2800
Hillwood.com
MONTERRA VILLAGE
Contact: Kelly Mayhew
817.431.3233
MonterraByHillwood.com
Welcome New Corporate Residents
AAA
JoS. A. Bank
Star Shoes
AGST
Kirkland’s Home Décor
Tutti Frutti
Candy Carnival
Kroger Marketplace
United Supermarkets /
China Express
Medifast
Cousin’s Bar-B-Q
Olive Garden
Ha-Na-Bi Hibachi & Sushi
Pizza Inn
IMDS
SAPA Asian Express
Exel
Upscale for Less
Employee recruitment services
Contact: Alliance Opportunity Center
817.548.5278
AllianceOpportunityCenter.com
CORPORATE TRAINING Services
Contact: Kay Lee, TCC
817.515.2513
AllianceTexas.com
Congratulations on Your Renewal or Expansion!
Andersen Logistics
Performance Team
Coca-Cola
Ryder
General Mills
SC Johnson
LEGO / Exel
Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse
LG Electronics
Tarrant County College
Lockheed Martin
Texas Instruments / Exel
O v er t h e past 1 6 mont h s ,
air cargo/Foreign-Trade Zone services
Contact: Tom Harris or Steve Boecking
817.224.6000
AllianceTexas.com
6
Motorola
Dear Friends,
1 Welcome Letter
Alliance HTexas magazine is published
in the United States by:
Hillwood Development Company, LLC
13600 Heritage Parkway, Suite 200
Fort Worth, TX 76177
817.224.6000
© Copyright 2010 Hillwood Development Company, LLC.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written
permission of the publisher. Hillwood, AllianceHTexas,
Victory Park, Alliance, Heritage, Circle T Ranch, Lone Star
Crossing, Alliance Town Center, Monterra Village and certain
other marks are service marks of Hillwood Development
Company, LLC, or its affiliated companies. Other proprietary
designations appearing in this publication are the marks
of third parties, as indicated.
“At Circle T Ranch, Deloitte
is well under way on the
construction of its over
700,000-square-foot Deloitte
University learning and
leadership
development
center that will open in 2011.”
AllianceTexas has seen unprecedented
leasing activity, as well as job creation
and construction, but what’s even more
exciting is how well the development is
positioned for the next wave of growth
as our economy rebounds.
Since the beginning of 2009,
Hillwood has leased close to 5.8
million square feet at AllianceTexas.
Previously the company had never
leased more than 5.7 million square
feet over a two-year period, and we
still have more than half of 2010 to go.
Much of the recent leasing
activity is due to renewals, which
are critical to a mature development
like AllianceTexas that celebrated
its 20th anniversary last December.
Renewals show that companies like
doing business here and are a reflection
of the tremendous job that the Hillwood
property management, customer service
and marketing teams have done.
These renewals also have retained
more than 4,600 jobs. Another 900
new jobs have been created since the
beginning of last year.
Because AllianceTexas is spread
across such a large area, many people
don’t see the amount of construction
that is taking place in the development.
At Circle T Ranch, Deloitte is
well under way on the construction
of its over 700,000-square-foot Deloitte
University learning and leadership
development center that will open
in 2011.
Construction also continues on
United Supermarkets’ 200,000-squarefoot distribution center that will open
later this year in the Alliance Global
Logistics Hub. Around the corner from
that project, Hillwood soon will begin
construction on a 190,000-square-foot
addition to the 670,000-square-foot
General Mills distribution center.
At Alliance Town Center, BJ’s
Restaurant & Brewhouse opened earlier
this year, while Kroger Marketplace,
Cousin’s Bar-B-Q, Rooms To Go and
Olive Garden are under construction.
Since AllianceTexas is only about
40 percent developed, Hillwood also
is preparing for future growth.
In April, the relocation of Highway
156 was completed. Agreements also
were recently reached to relocate
the BNSF main line from just north
of the airport to the west side of
the intermodal yard. That project is
scheduled for completion in 2012.
The relocation of 156 and the rail
line are not only the next steps in the
extension of the runways at Fort Worth
Alliance Airport, but will provide
better access from the airport and the
highway for property along the west
side of Alliance. With its $32 million
expansion in 2008, the BNSF Alliance
Intermodal Facility is also positioned
to almost double the number of
containers it currently handles.
Hillwood also continues to work
with its customers and public partners
on improvements to area roadways,
particularly Interstate 35W, which is
critical to the growth of AllianceTexas.
Public investment in infrastructure
is what launched the economic success
of Alliance, so it is critical that we
continue to invest in infrastructure to
prepare for the next several decades of
growth in the region. n
Sincerely,
Michael K. Berry
President, Hillwood Properties
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s 1
COMMERCE
AllianceTexas’ location, amenities and business
opportunities are driving growth, but it is the sense
of community that is the real added benefit.
Opposite page: Heritage Commons I is one of many buildings at AllianceTexas that offer small space options for companies. Bottom left: Professional networking groups provide
opportunities to meet area business representatives and learn best practices. Bottom right: Fort Worth Alliance Airport accommodates all sizes of corporate aircraft. See article on page 4.
Big Opportunities
for Small Operations
AllianceHTexas offers small-business residents
opportunities that are just not available anywhere else
WITH 17,000 ACRES AND MORE
than 31 million square feet developed,
Hillwood can accommodate space needs
in a variety of sizes. Companies can find
office space as small as 900 square feet
or medium-sized locations from 5,000 to
10,000 square feet. On the flex/warehouse
side, there are opportunities as small as
10,000-12,000 square feet.
“The overall growth of the region is
providing unprecedented opportunities
for small businesses,” says Steve Aldrich,
vice president at Hillwood Properties.
“Each component of the master plan
for AllianceTexas is in place – with the
airport, logistics center, residential
and retail elements firmly established.
Today, we are seeing a service sector
emerging, providing support to more
than 240 companies, 28,000 employees
and 215,000* area residents that call the
AllianceTexas region home.”
The office market segment is adding
a new dynamic to the area’s already robust
business community. Smaller spaces
are filling with retail services, including
banks, physicians, dentists and office
support vendors. In addition, Hillwood
has provided space for staffing agencies,
law offices, software companies and
aviation offices.
2
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s
“Beyond physical amenities and
proximity to the airport, AllianceTexas
offers small-business residents opportunities
that are just not available anywhere else,”
says Aldrich. “Every company within the
Alliance development is encouraged to
tap into the job training and recruitment
services provided on-site at the Alliance
Opportunity Center and through Tarrant
County College, regardless of size.”
The nonprofit Alliance Opportunity
Center provides free services to
AllianceTexas-based companies and operates
as an extension of the company’s human
resources department. The center provides
a pool of job seekers and will search for
qualified applicants, deliver resumes,
conduct job fairs and even provide
interview facilities.
AllianceTexas’ location, amenities and
business opportunities are driving growth,
but it is the sense of community that
is the real added benefit. Each fall,
business residents are able to take part in
activities surrounding the Fort Worth
Alliance Air Show, which will feature
the U.S. Navy Blue Angels f light
demonstration team in 2010. There are
also special events and programs held
specifically for the business community,
like the AllianceTexas Corporate Challenge,
professional networking groups and the
AllianceTexas Advantage Program.
“The Alliance Corporate Challenge
has become one of the things that everyone
really looks forward to each year,” adds
Aldrich. “It’s a chance for companies to
build relationships with each other, while
enjoying some friendly competition.
The year-long event includes several
sporting leagues and tournaments. It’s just
a lot of fun.”
Reiterating that AllianceTexas has
something for everyone, Aldrich concludes
by focusing on the personalized service that
is the hallmark of Hillwood Properties.
“Hillwood offers our business residents a
world-class experience. Whether you’re
a blue-chip Fortune 500 company or a
family-owned business, we’re committed
to exceeding your expectations. I believe
we provide a level of service and flexibility
that is beyond equal in our industry.”
For more information on space
for small- to medium-sized companies
within AllianceTexas, please contact
Steve Aldrich, Tony Creme or Reid
Goetz at 817.224.6000. n
*
Source: April 2010 Sites USA
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s 3
COMMERCE
Opposite page: Fort Worth Alliance Airport (AFW) welcomes more than 400 jets during the NASCAR races at Texas Motor Speedway twice a year. This page: In addition to
leasing hangar space, companies can take advantage of the corporate aviation services at AFW, including fueling, pilot and aircraft services and concierge services.
Landing First Class
Alliance Aviation Services raises the bar
FOR CORPORATE AVIATION
Fort Worth Alliance Airport
is known as the world’s first industrial
airport and an international hub for air
cargo, but it is also home to one of the
finest corporate aviation facilities in the
nation. Providing customer service at the
highest level available in the industry,
Alliance Aviation Services has been
a recipient of ExxonMobil Aviation’s
PremierSpirit “Gold Award” (the nation’s
leading award for ExxonMobil-served
fixed-base operators – FBOs) every
year since opening. And it holds the
record for receiving the most
consecutive awards 14 years in a row.
The airport has also been recognized
on several occasions as one of the Top
20 FBOs in North America by Aviation
International News.
According to Tim Ward, president
of Alliance Air/Aviation Services, the
accolades are the result of an unwavering
commitment to exceed customer
expectations and focus on excellence
at every level. “We only have one
opportunity to make a first impression,
so our focus is a 100 percent commitment
to the total customer experience,” says
Ward. “Beginning with the outdoor
aesthetics, which include a nicely
landscaped entryway and private parking
area, to spotless lounge and pilot facilities
on the inside, our patrons will find
a warm greeting from the moment
they step inside.”
4
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s
Beyond the day-to-day corporate,
military and cargo customers that the FBO
hosts, the facility also has earned honors
for the customer service it provides while
accommodating more than 400 jets during
NASCAR races at nearby Texas Motor
Speedway. “We’ve been told by NASCAR
officials that they have used the
Alliance FBO as the example of excellence
that should be achieved by other airport
facilities on their racing circuit,” says Ward.
“We take this as a very high compliment
because the volume of traffic that comes
through the facility during race weekends
can be very challenging for our staff.
When you receive positive feedback
year in and year out, while managing
the volume of traffic that a NASCAR
race brings to the airport, it really
validates our program.”
Not only have NASCAR officials
recognized the superior service provided
by Alliance Aviation Services, other
FBOs are benchmarking the Alliance
team and seeking to learn best practices.
In November 2009, the Exxon Esso
Avitat management team based at the
Vancouver International Airport visited
the Alliance FBO. The Vancouver team
shadowed operations at Alliance during
a NASCAR race weekend in preparation
for their influx of visitors attending
the 2010 Winter Olympics in Canada.
“Out of all the FBOs in North America,
the Vancouver team selected Alliance to
review as a standard for excellence,” says
Ward. “Achieving the respect of our peers
is a significant accomplishment.”
During the Fort Worth Alliance Air
Show each year, the airport hosts more
than 125,000 guests. The challenges of
coordinating logistics and meeting guest
expectations can be extreme. The Alliance
team has achieved excellence in this area
as well, earning recognition as one of the
best civilian air shows by the International
Council of Air Shows.
Ward also believes that patrons
benefit from Alliance Aviation Services’
joint management of the FBO and airport.
“At Alliance, we can coordinate the total
aircraft arrival, departure and service
requirements. This unique arrangement
is a significant benefit for our customer
because it expedites the turnaround time,
getting them back in the air and on to their
final destination.” In an industry where the quality of
facilities and service delivery can vary
throughout the spectrum, Ward believes
that the Alliance Airport FBO provides
real value to its patrons and corporate
residents at AllianceTexas. “It is the service
that our people provide to customers that
makes all the difference. Our employees
are driven to challenge the status quo every
day, and by giving more than is expected,
our team has elevated itself to the highest
standards in the industry.” n
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s 5
COMMERCE
On-Site 24/7/365
AllianceHTexas residents benefit from Hillwood’s
group of seasoned professionals WHO have
experience in numerous market segments
From the earliest years of
AllianceTexas to the present, Hillwood
Property Services has had an unwavering
commitment to exceeding customer
expectations. This commitment has led to
a remarkable success story and a growing
portfolio that today includes more than 50
properties, covering more than 14 million
square feet under management by the
group. Moreover, the portfolio is one
of the most diverse in North Texas and
features office, industrial, aviation, retail,
and multi-family properties.
According to Frances Broussard, vice
president of Hillwood Property Services,
AllianceTexas residents benefit from
Hillwood’s group of seasoned professionals
who have experience in numerous market
segments. “Customer service is only as
good as the professionals who deliver
it, and that is why we have assembled a
team with unmatched qualifications and
tenure within the industry. Each Hillwood
property management professional has,
at minimum, a decade of experience.
And because of the size of our portfolio,
each will have considerable experience
managing a wide array of property types
and meeting the unique needs associated
with each.”
In addition to providing typical
property management services like
building maintenance and landscaping,
the Hillwood team is able to work with
AllianceTexas corporate residents to
negotiate and manage vendor contracts
and utility services, as well as oversee
interior remodeling and construction
projects. “Hillwood Property Services’
on-site team offers 24/7/365 customer
service, and works with an extensive list
of vendors who can provide services
specifically designed to meet a client’s
individual needs. Each member of our
team brings a special area of expertise –
an expertise that we leverage on behalf
of our clients to provide full attention to
their requests.”
This unique approach to property
management has given the group one of
the highest renewal rates in the industry
and garnered national recognition for
Hillwood’s team. As a result, Hillwood
received a TOBY award from the Building
Owners and Management Association
(BOMA) for its efforts in 2002.
As one of the most experienced
property management teams in the
industry, Hillwood also provides thirdparty property management consultation
to interested developers and brokers.
These consulting services can include a
comprehensive analysis of a company’s
current practices, or developing a plan for
a specific tenant requirement.
“Hillwood Property Services is
committed to building long-term business
relationships with our clients,” adds
Broussard. “Through it all, our overarching
goal is to provide the best service in the
industry, while maximizing our customer’s
asset value and profitability.” n
Opposite page: Hillwood Property Services provides facility management for office, industrial, aviation, retail and multi-family buildings, including maintenance, landscaping,
vendor referrals and more.
Customer service is only as good as the professionals who deliver
it, and that is why we have assembled a team with unmatched
qualifications and tenure within the industry.
6
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s 7
FEATURE STORY
An Alliance of
Higher Education
and Industry
Aviation and logistics programs
thrive at area colleges
The growth of AllianceHTexas
during the past 20 years has boosted
the regional job market and provided a
paradigm shift for educational institutions,
as area universities and colleges develop
programs to meet employers’ workforce
needs. Two areas where there have been
significant demand are the aviation and
logistics industries, which have become a
core employment center at AllianceTexas.
To ensure a viable and educated
workforce remains in place to support
employers at AllianceTexas, Hillwood has
taken a leadership role in coordinating
programs for each of the region’s leading
8
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s
higher education institutions, including
Tarrant County College (TCC), the
University of North Texas (UNT), Texas
Christian University (TCU) and the
University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).
Tom Harris, senior vice president at
Hillwood Properties, has been working
with both employers and colleges and
universities since the inception of the
airport and believes that it is one of the
key components to the overall success of
AllianceTexas.
“Our focus has been on developing
strong relationships with each of the
region’s higher education institutions and
facilitating dialogue with our employers
here,” says Harris. “With our long-term
vision of developing an employment
center at AllianceTexas, it is crucial
that an alignment between the goals of
business and educational leaders be in
place to ensure that a qualified workforce
is developed for the future.”
While area higher education
institutions have had logistics programs
in place for several years, aviation is an
emerging field that has recently been
getting a lot of attention. According
to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics and the U.S. Department of
Opposite page: Tarrant County College supports the area workforce with graduates of its two-year aviation mechanic degree. Above left: Students earn logistics undergraduate
degrees through the University of North Texas’ Center for Logistics Education and Research. Above middle: The University of Texas – Arlington is a strong research university and
offers the resources of the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center to area companies. Above right: Texas Christian University offers a logistics undergraduate degree through its
Supply and Value Chain Center. Many of the courses are held in the Smith Entrepreneur Hall, pictured above.
Transportation, Texas has more than four
times the number of aviation jobs than the
national average, and that annual wages
for aviation employment are consistently
17 percent higher than average U.S.
wages. Backed with this data, higher
education institutions are taking note
and developing programs to meet the
demand for a skilled workforce.
TCC currently provides students with
a two-year aviation mechanic (A.A.S.)
degree or certificate of completion in
four separate areas of specialization that
include airframes, power plants and
avionics. Once completed, the program
can lead students directly to positions
at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, such as
at the American Airlines Maintenance
& Engineering Base, FedEx or with Bell
Helicopter, among others. The program
has been very successful, and TCC is
considering a major expansion of the
program that would include building a
facility at Alliance to serve as its base.
AllianceTexas also has become
home to one of Texas’ premier aviation
and technology workforce development
initiatives – the NanoMaterials Design and
Commercialization Center (NDCC). With
its location centered directly in the heart
of the nation’s second largest Aerospace,
Defense and Advanced Manufacturing
(ADAM) sector, the NDCC is a consortium
of aerospace, defense and higher education
organizations whose mission is to facilitate
the creation and commercialization of
high-performance materials solutions for
the aviation industry. The organization
includes the leading aerospace and defense
companies in North Texas, like Lockheed
Martin and Bell Helicopter Textron, as
well as its leading research universities
(UTA, University of Texas at Dallas, UNT
and TCC, among others).
According to Joe Maly, director of the
NDCC, the initiative was benchmarked
against the North Carolina Research
Triangle, which has been a national model
for connecting research universities,
companies and workforce development
systems. “The NDCC will be an important
conduit for expanding research funding
for area universities that have been
pushing to become Tier One research
institutions,” says Maly. “However, the
program really goes beyond the research
component and will be a tremendous
boost to the regional workforce
development effort. One aspect of the
program is that first-year science and
technology college students will get the
opportunity to take advantage of the
NDCC Scholars program, which will
give them an opportunity to spend time
with ADAM companies at Alliance as an
intern and see real-world applications of
their classroom studies.”
In the fall of 2010, UNT is also
launching an aviation logistics degree
program that will focus on two career tracks
– one for students interested in becoming
commercial pilots and another for students
interested in careers related to passenger
and freight movement. Regardless of
the track, students will receive a broad
aviation background that can be applied to
numerous career opportunities in the field.
The program is part of the university’s
nationally ranked logistics program that
has benefited from its close association
with AllianceTexas through the years.
In fact, because of the growth of
the logistics industry at AllianceTexas,
logistics training has become an important
part of many university business degree
programs in the region. Today, UNT and
TCU each boast degree programs and
conferences that provide students and
professionals with state-of-the-art training
in this emerging field. In addition to
on-campus classes, students are also able to
get internships at adjacent AllianceTexas
facilities, where they can receive handson experience from the leading companies
in the industry.
Harris, who has worked with each
institution to establish the programs, sees
the growth of logistics training as the
catalyst for future efforts. “If you look
back at our earliest efforts more than
20 years ago, and see how far we have
come, I believe you’ll find it to be one
of the finest examples of cooperation
between higher education and industry
anywhere in the country. The success
that we have had in incubating the vital
logistics workforce that we have today
provides a great model for building
an even more diverse group of skilled
workers (like the aviation sector) for
the future.” n
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s 9
COVER STORY
The over 700,000-squarefoot Deloitte University
facility, opening in 2011,
will include 800 guest
rooms, multiple
conference spaces,
dining venues, a business
center, ballroom and a
fitness center.
Photo Date: May 2010
10 A l l i a n c e HTe x a s
Redefining Class A
CHANGING market yields big opportunities
at AllianceHTexas
While industrial companies have been the mainstay of the
AllianceTexas development for more than 20 years, a new look is taking hold within the project.
Beginning with Fidelity Investments’ decision to locate their Southwest Regional Headquarters
at the Circle T Ranch in 2000, through 2008’s announcement by Daimler Financial Services/
Mercedes-Benz to build a major service center at Heritage Commons, the past decade
has seen tremendous growth in the office market segment. Today, other office residents
that call AllianceTexas home include DynCorp International, Bell Helicopter Textron,
TD AMERITRADE, AT&T, IESI, Galderma Laboratories and more.
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s 11
COVER STORY
New DESTINATIONS AT
Alliance Town Center
In the past year, Alliance Town Center
has grown by more than 200,000
square feet, and with the first phase
nearly complete, the center boasts
more than 700,000 square feet in
total. Much of this growth can be
attributed to the opening of best-inclass retailers, such as Best Buy, Belk,
JCPenney, Sam Moon and more.
Building upon this success, 2010 will
bring several new dining options to
the project, as well as an upscale
grocery and lifestyle concept —
Kroger Marketplace.
“Many of the retailers continue
to outperform their sister locations
throughout the region and beyond,”
says Mark Miller, vice president with
Hillwood Properties. “Alliance Town
Center has not only filled a retail void
in north Fort Worth, it has provided
a strong mix of options not available
anywhere else in Tarrant County. In
particular, Sam Moon, which has been
a regional phenomenon, has really
made the center a focal point.”
One of the major changes to the
retail mix for 2010 will be the inclusion
of several new “stand-alone”
dining options. This February, BJ’s
Restaurant and Brewhouse opened
its very first Fort Worth location at
Alliance Town Center, which has
quickly become a “happy hour”
hotspot for the 28,000 employees at
AllianceTexas. And coming this fall
will be the long-time Fort Worth
institution, Cousin’s Bar-B-Q, which
was selected in 2009 as one of four
finalists in the ABC News Good Morning
America “Best Barbecue Challenge,”
and one of the Top 50 Barbecue
Joints in Texas by the publication
Texas Monthly. It was also announced
that an Olive Garden restaurant
would be opening in late summer
of 2010.
However, the biggest change to
the center will be the opening of the
Kroger Marketplace, which will likely
be completed by the end of 2010.
The mixed grocery/lifestyle concept
will occupy 123,000 square feet, just
adjacent to the Heritage neighborhood, and will feature a full-service
deli, as well as specialty and organic
food sections. The store will also
include areas devoted to furniture,
linens and apparel. The Alliance Town
Center location will be the second
Kroger Marketplace in the nation,
and unlike any other grocery store in
north Fort Worth.
“With Phase One nearly complete,
patrons are now beginning to experience
the long-range vision of the project,”
says Miller. “It’s not just the retail mix
that makes the property special. The
architecture of Alliance Town Center,
which features trellises, prairie-styledesigned buildings and continuous
access to other storefronts, is really
differentiating the center from others
in the region. These features contribute
to a master plan aimed at providing
a great shopping experience for
visitors, with connectivity to the
surrounding environment.” n
Top left: Alliance Town Center’s shopping
and dining destinations feature unique
architecture with trellises, prairie-style
designed buildings and Texas landscaping.
Above: BJ’s Brewhouse recently opened
in Alliance Town Center.
Top right: A rendering of Deloitte University.
12 A l l i a n c e HTe x a s
Deloitte University
will be one of the most
spectacular corporate
training centers in the
nation, boasting nearly
500 on-site employees,
abundant recreation
opportunities and
full-service guest
accommodations.
This growth reached a new peak in
2009 when Deloitte selected the Circle
T Ranch to serve as the home of its
learning and leadership development
center – Deloitte University. The
facility will be one of the most
spectacular corporate training centers in
the nation, boasting nearly 500 onsite employees, abundant recreation
opportunities and full-service guest
accommodations for Deloitte associates.
Moreover, Deloitte University represents
a $300 million investment in the North
Texas economy.
“This is truly a landmark deal for
the AllianceTexas project,” says Bill
Burton, executive vice president with
Hillwood Properties. “The facility can
only be compared with maybe one or two
other corporate training centers in the
nation. It brings a completely new dynamic
to the Circle T Ranch and represents a
major corporate commitment by Deloitte
to AllianceTexas, the Town of Westlake,
and the entire North Texas region.”
The over 700,000-square-foot facility,
opening in 2011, will include 800 guest
rooms, multiple conference spaces, dining
venues, a business center, ballroom
and a fitness center. Additionally, the
campus will be constructed according to
Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) standards established by
the U.S. Green Building Council.
“Deloitte has a corporate culture
that is dedicated to sustainable building
practices,” adds Burton. “In the many
deals that Hillwood has put together
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s 13
COVER STORY
Left and below: Daimler Financial
Services’ 114,000-square-foot office
in Heritage Commons features stateof-the-art facilities.
through the years, we have always been
out in front, putting a strong focus on the
overall quality of the projects. This deal
is unique because Deloitte was really out
in front with their expectations for the
project, putting an emphasis on the longterm sustainability of the facility and their
desire to provide a spectacular experience
for their employees.”
14 A l l i a n c e HTe x a s
According to Jon Eisele, Deloitte
University Project Leader with Deloitte
LLP, the facility will serve as a cornerstone
for the professional development of
Deloitte associates. “We want this to
be a five-star experience for our team
members from the moment they enter the
gate. This facility will serve all of Deloitte’s
associates, from senior leadership to each
and every new hire, and we want them
to use their time at Deloitte University
to build lasting relationships with their
fellow employees. The campus will really
reinforce our strong corporate culture.”
Eisele also points to shared
philosophies with Hillwood as a major
factor in the company’s decision to locate
at the Circle T Ranch. “Working with
The Staubach Company (now Jones Lang
LaSalle), we initially reviewed over 300
locations. Some were raw pieces of land
and others were business parks. Our
criteria for the site needed to include the
following things: close proximity to the
rest of the United States; a great climate;
strong labor pool and a spectacular
location. Brad Selner, our representative
with Staubach, had known about the
Circle T Ranch at AllianceTexas and
immediately added it to our shortlist.
Even though The Staubach Company is
based in Texas, we looked throughout
Top: A courtyard offers a place for employees to relax within Heritage Commons. Above left: DynCorp International offices in two buildings within the Heritage Commons
complex at Alliance. Above right: More than 3,000 employees work at Fidelity Investments’ office campus located within Circle T Ranch.
the central part of the United States. It
just so happened that the overwhelming
beauty of the Circle T Ranch exceeded
our expectations in every way. Once we
met with the Hillwood team, and we
reviewed their experience and long-term
goals for the Circle T Ranch, we knew that
they would be the right choice to put the
deal together.”
Two key factors that put the Circle
T Ranch over the top was Ross Perot,
Jr.’s vision for the ranch and Hillwood’s
ownership of not only the Deloitte site,
but the adjacent land in every direction.
Adds Eisele, “When a company is making
a $300 million investment into a project
this important, it is crucial that the
investment is protected. What really set
the Hillwood proposal apart from the
rest was their effort to set-up a design
and review board that included a spot
for Deloitte (as well as Hillwood and
the Town of Westlake). Going forward,
each stakeholder will have a direct hand
in determining the future of the ranch,
which ensures that each project on the
ranch meets strict design guidelines and
maintains the beauty of the property.”
Burton feels confident that the
Deloitte project is just the tip of the
iceberg. “When you are able to land a
deal on the level of the Deloitte project,
it really validates what you are trying to
accomplish as an organization. During
the past 20 years, each part of our master
plan that has been implemented has
added a new component to the dynamic
diversity that AllianceTexas offers. Office
development is a natural maturation process
built on sound development principles.
Office requires high-quality infrastructure,
like housing, well-performing school
districts and adjoining retail. These
elements have been implemented into the
development program. In the future, we
expect increased office density from worldclass companies like Deloitte that are
seeking a comprehensive, master-planned
location for their office or headquarters.
We’re just getting started.” n
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s 15
FEATURE STORY
“Our culture thrives on an
entrepreneurial spirit that
permeates throughout the
company, regardless of the
specific focus of each
Hillwood group.“
— Mike Berry, president of
Hillwood Properties
Opposite page: Hillwood Investment Properties develops industrial product across the United States, including this facility in AllianceCalifornia. Top: Hillwood Residential is the top
lot-developer in the DFW metroplex, known for building unique, community amenities such as the Heritage clubhouse and pool, pictured above.
A Model for Success
HILLWOOD REPLICATES ENTREPRENeuRIAL SPIRIT AND FOCUSES
ON SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE COMPANY WIDE
Beginning with a vision to
create the world’s first industrial airport
in 1989, Ross Perot, Jr.’s Hillwood
Development Company has grown
to become an entrepreneurial, multidisciplined real estate venture that is now
ranked among the top 10 developers in
the nation. With Fort Worth Alliance
Airport as its catalyst and flagship project,
Hillwood has not only developed the
AllianceTexas region into the premier
employment center in North Texas, but has
also developed itself into an international
real estate and energy holding company
with broad interests throughout the globe.
Today, Hillwood’s interests are spread
across several business units that boast
ties to AllianceTexas through shared
operations and a culture that understands
the true concerns of investors, businesses
and the public sector. Each unit is focused
on the goal of bringing all key stakeholders
16 A l l i a n c e HTe x a s
to a consensus – a hallmark of the
AllianceTexas project.
Hillwood
Investments,
which
includes Hillwood Residential, Hillwood
Investment Properties — the industrial
property group outside of Alliance,
and the Investments division, has also
benefited from the Alliance Project. The
strength of the Hillwood brand and
reputation that continues to be shepherded
by the AllianceTexas program has made
Hillwood a trusted and sought after
investment partner. Led by CEO, Todd
Platt, Hillwood Investments has joint
ventured with some of the nation’s leading
real estate and financial institutions,
including Prudential and ING. These
valued relationships have enabled all
of Hillwood to grow its business and
capitalize on numerous opportunities. “In
today’s economy, having a credible business
platform and reputation is critical to long
term success,” says Platt. “As I have said for
13 years, Alliance is Hillwood’s anchor.
We have all benefited tremendously from
the foundation Alliance gives us. Alliance
has presented Hillwood Investments with
many opportunities such as building for
Alliance customers around the United
States, having other large land projects
on which to work, and creating other
investment opportunities.”
According to Fred Balda, president
of Hillwood Residential, the early success
of Hillwood’s first residential project, Park
Glen, set the course for a company portfolio
that now includes 30 communities located
throughout the continental U.S., Hawaii
and Costa Rica.
“AllianceTexas is where we really
cut our teeth as a company,” says Balda.
“When Park Glen was first conceived, the
North Texas real estate market had been
in decline for several years. It was during
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s 17
FEATURE STORY
“We’ve been able to expand the Hillwood brand and portfolio coast to coast, replicating a
proven model that is focused on the customer experience.“
— Tal Hicks, president of Hillwood Investment Properties
Opposite page: Hillwood International Energy utilizes state-of-the-art technology in its drilling operations within the Barnett Shale at AllianceTexas and worldwide. Above left: Hillwood
Residential’s development efforts not only span coast to coast but also internationally, including development of a community in Costa Rica. Above right: Hillwood Investments developed
this industrial facility for Mattel in AllianceCalifornia.
the peak of the 1980s banking slump,
which was coupled with major layoffs in
the defense industry at General Dynamics
(today Lockheed Martin). At first glance,
it would seem like the worst time to enter
the residential market. However, with
Alliance Airport’s opening, we anticipated
a growing employment center that would
require quality housing options for its
employees. Park Glen, as it turns out, grew
along with the entire AllianceTexas region
and provided the residential component
essential for the project’s success.”
Hillwood Residential built upon the
success of Park Glen, using the project as
an incubator for the future developments
of Heritage, Saratoga, Chisholm Ridge
and Creekwood, each located within the
AllianceTexas corridor.
“The success of our early projects
has given us a model that we are able to
replicate in numerous markets throughout
the nation,” says Balda. “Today, we seek
out locations that have the critical mass
and employment center to support a
strong residential development, as well as
locations where we have a customer base in
place – customers that include some of the
nation’s leading builders like D.R. Horton,
Pulte Homes and Toll Brothers, to name
a few. ”
Hillwood Investment Properties,
Hillwood’s industrial component, has
also extended the company’s reach well
beyond the AllianceTexas region. Since
its inception in 1998, the company has
developed more than 26 million square
feet, including large-scale projects like
AllianceCalifornia in San Bernardino, and
the Desoto Trade Center in Southaven,
Miss. In total, the company has facilities in
eight states across the continental United
States. Though the company manages
Hillwood’s industrial projects outside of
AllianceTexas, it shares the culture and
business model that have made Alliance a
success. Hillwood Investment Properties
18 A l l i a n c e HTe x a s
President Tal Hicks says that the two
also share similar customers and regularly
consult with each other about market
conditions. “While Hillwood Properties
manages the AllianceTexas project, we
both work together to provide real estate
solutions for clients of either group. What
we’ve been able to do with Hillwood
Investment Properties is expand the
Hillwood brand and portfolio coast to
coast, replicating a proven model that is
focused on the customer experience.”
Hicks adds, “As we pursue prospective
deals in other parts of the country,
AllianceTexas affords us the opportunity
to point to a success story unlike any
other in the nation. So often, economic
development groups and site selection
managers know the project and are
interested in working with us to develop
the same kind of opportunity within their
region. It’s a track record that we have had
tremendous success building upon.”
Hillwood Energy also has strong ties
to AllianceTexas. Today, it serves as the
NORTH TEXAS
HOST TO
holding company for the Perot Family’s
oil and gas ventures throughout the
world. Although not initially purchased
specifically for its mineral rights, the Perot
Family’s investment in the AllianceTexas
TEXAS
NORTH
region has yielded
large
energy dividends
as technological advances in natural gas
drilling have made the Barnett Shale one
of the nation’s most abundant natural
gas fields.
While Hillwood has grown to become
an international real estate development
company, its heritage is deeply rooted
HOST TO
in North Texas soil. Hillwood takes
leadership roles in numerous civic groups,
including the Fort Worth and Greater
Dallas Chambers of Commerce, the North
Texas Commission and Vision North
Texas. Company officials are often sought
to provide insight regarding the current
state of the real estate market and the
Texas economy in general.
Highlighting this commitment to the
North Texas economy, Hillwood became
a founding sponsor of the North Texas
Super Bowl Host Committee. Joining
NFL Hall of Famers Roger Staubach
and Troy Aikman, Ross Perot Jr. and
Hillwood Properties President Mike Berry
have played an influential role in bringing
the world’s most televised single event to
the DFW metroplex, which is expected to
carry more than $500 million in economic
impact and reach more than 100 million
viewers. “I believe that Super Bowl
XLV is the result of decades of regional
cooperation in the North Texas area, and
we’re proud to be playing an important
part in the effort’s success,” says Berry.
“It will elevate our region onto the world
stage like never before, and highlights
what can be accomplished when business
and civic leaders work together.”
In summing up the company’s growth
and expansion during the past 20 years,
Berry notes the cooperative environment
that exists between each of the company’s
business units. “Our culture thrives on
an entrepreneurial spirit that permeates
throughout the company, regardless
of the specific focus of each Hillwood
group. Together, we’re always evaluating
the market and searching for new
opportunities. When those opportunities
present themselves, we move quickly to
capitalize on the moment. I suspect that
20 years from now, we’ll see an even more
diversified Hillwood than we do today, but
I feel confident that our culture will still be
our strongest asset.” n
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s 19
COMMUNITY
AVAILABLE PROPERTIES
AVIATION
OFFICE
Alliance Air Trade Center 99,000 SF Fort Worth, Tarrant County
Now Available
INDUSTRIAL
Alliance Gateway 72
472,500 SF Now Available
Fort Worth, Denton County
Alliance Gateway 53
450,000 SF Now Available
Roanoke, Denton County
Alliance Gateway 62
402,500 SF Now Available
Fort Worth, Denton County
Alliance Gateway 18
399,000 SF Now Available
Fort Worth, Tarrant County
Above: Job applicants can apply for skills training and available job openings at AllianceTexas through the Alliance Opportunity Center.
Centered Around Making
All The Right Connections
Employers and Candidates Connect Through
Regional Workforce Partnership
Alliance Gateway 50
287,240 SF Now Available
Roanoke, Denton County
Westport 20
270,000 SF Now Available
Fort Worth, Tarrant County
Alliance Gateway 52
187,500 SF Now Available
Roanoke, Denton County
Westport 9
Haslet, Tarrant County
161,469 SF Now Available
Alliance Gateway 60
160,000 SF Now Available
Fort Worth, Denton County
Heritage Commons II
24,926 RSF
Fort Worth, Tarrant County
Now Available
Heritage Commons I
5,398 RSF
Fort Worth, Tarrant County
Now Available
Westlake Corporate Center Class A office and corporate campus
Westlake, Tarrant County
Build to suit
RETAIL
Alliance Town Center – 500-acre community retail center with
diverse lifestyle retailers. Anchored by JCPenney, Best Buy, Belk
and Sam Moon. Interstate 35W and Heritage Trace Parkway.
Fort Worth, TX.
Heritage Marketplace at ATC – Retail, restaurant and services
anchored by Kroger Marketplace and Cousin’s Bar-B-Q. Next to
Alliance Town Center. Fort Worth, TX.
Lone Star Crossing – 980 acres with destination, retail, dining and
entertainment, anchored by Cabela’s. Interstate 35W and Texas
Highway 170. Fort Worth, TX.
Westlake Corners – Retail, services and small office space
serving AllianceTexas corporate residents. Southwest corner of
U.S. Highway 377 and Texas Highway 170. Westlake, TX.
Alliance Crossing – Retail, services and small office space serving
AllianceTexas corporate residents. Interstate 35W and Westport
Parkway. Fort Worth and Haslet, TX.
Alliance Gateway 9
150,000 SF Now Available
Fort Worth, Tarrant County
Serving the AllianceHTexas
region for more than a decade, the Alliance
Opportunity Center has become one of the
premier workforce development centers
in North Texas. A partnership between
Texas Workforce Solutions, Workforce
Solutions of Tarrant County, Tarrant
County College District and Hillwood,
the center essentially serves as liaison
between Alliance area employers and job
seekers, providing employment services
that are typically reserved for human
resource consulting.
“We offer very unique employment
services here at the center,” says Janet
Benton, director of the Alliance
Opportunity Center. “Employers from
across the AllianceTexas region can tap
into our database of prescreened job
seekers, in addition to holding on-site
interviews at our office. Job seekers use
the center as a clearinghouse for available
jobs in the area, and can receive advice and
job tips from center staff. There are even
training options we can connect them with
20 A l l i a n c e HTe x a s
at Tarrant County College. It’s a win-win
for employers and candidates.”
More than 125,000 job applicants
have worked with the center since it
opened in 1998. In addition, the Alliance
Opportunity Center, along with Texas
Workforce Solutions and Hillwood,
hosts an annual hiring fair that attracts
nearly 1,500 applicants. The center also
has initiated biweekly “job club” events.
These events, which occur every other
Friday, give employers the opportunity
to come and present their current job
openings to potential applicants. It also
gives employers the ability to discuss
company hiring procedures and provide
applicants with other information about
what they consider when reviewing resumes.
“The job club program has been
a very successful effort for the Alliance
Opportunity Center and its participants,”
adds Benton. “The job club gives
employers the ability to personally meet
qualified candidates and streamlines the
hiring process.”
In addition to the job clubs and
employment services, the Alliance
Opportunity Center has also sponsored
wage surveys, which help area employers
determine appropriate pay scales and
benefit packages for their AllianceTexas
facilities. “As an employment center,
AllianceTexas has many different industry
sectors represented, and there is also some
overlap,” says Benton. “In many cases, we
are able to provide employers with bigpicture data that can help them in ways
that go beyond finding good candidates
for their companies.”
Finally, Benton reiterates that it
is not just hourly-wage positions that
are advertised at the center. “In just the
past two years, we’ve helped hundreds
of people find employment in the
AllianceTexas region. From call center
employees all the way up to seasoned
operations managers, we’ve been able to
help employers make successful placements
across numerous industries. It’s been a
terrific partnership.” n
Alliance Gateway 2
80,430 SF Fort Worth, Tarrant County
Now Available
64,500 SF
Now Available
Westport 3
Haslet, Tarrant County
FLEX
Alliance Gateway 23
71,250 SF
Fort Worth, Tarrant County
Now Available
Alliance Gateway 15
26,769 SF Fort Worth, Tarrant County
Now Available
For more information on industrial, flex or office,
please contact Tony Creme, Steve Aldrich or Reid Goetz
at 817.224.6000.
For more information on retail, please contact
Mark Miller at 817.224.6000.
AllianceTexas.com
A l l i a n c e HTe x a s
PreSorted
StD
U.S. Postage
Paid
Fort Worth, TX.
Permit no. 4327
Hillwood
13600 Heritage Parkway, Suite 200
Fort Worth, TX 76177
Return Service Requested
A Change of Address Could Save You Some Change
WESTPORT 20 has 270,000
SF available within the Alliance
heavy-load container area and
features triple Freeport inventory
tax exemption. The AllianceTexas
location provides direct
transportation access to BNSF
Railway’s Alliance Intermodal
Facility, Fort Worth Alliance
Airport, Texas Highways 170
and 114 and Interstate Highway
35W. Foreign-Trade Zone
status available.
Call us today to learn more.
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n, p l e a s e c o n t a c t
To ny C r e m e, S t eve A l d r i c h o r R e i d G o e t z .
136 0 0 He ri t age Park way, Sui te 20 0 | For t Wor th, T X 76177
817. 2 24.6 0 0 0 | Allianc eTexas .c om