Downtown Garland deserves better than the current proposed development of 519 W State Street. Our square should be more than just a place, it should be a destination - a vibrant, bustling hub that attracts neighboring communities to our city center. Creating unique experiences unlike what is found elsewhere could be a game-changer, sparking economic growth while preserving the charm of our beloved home. In Texas, private-public partnerships have been a catalyst for successful urban revival projects, driving job and business growth. This is an opportune moment to leverage this effective model here, at the heart of Garland.
The City is giving away 519 W State Street to an out-of-town bar group through a no-bid deal that includes $740,000 in incentives—without input from local businesses or the community. We're asking the City to pause the sale, honor its original public commitments, and reopen the process to include voices from Garland.
Sign the petition to help protect our downtown’s future.
PETITION TO THE CITY OF GARLAND
Opposing the Sale and Incentive Agreement for 519 W State Street to The Owl Icehouse, LLC.
We, the undersigned residents, business owners, and stakeholders of Garland, Texas, strongly oppose the proposed sale and incentive agreement of the city-owned property located at 519 W State Street to The Owl Icehouse, LLC, as detailed in the Contract of Sale and Economic Development Incentive Agreement dated April 2025.
OUR POSITION:
We believe this proposed transaction prioritizes short-term economic development at the expense of long-term community benefit. The agreement as it is, sale, and incentives provided to The Owl Icehouse fail to reflect the values, goals, and vision expressed by the Garland community; particularly those outlined in the 2024 Downtown Garland Public Survey, which emphasized transparency, local inclusion, and thoughtful placemaking. In the current proposed deal, the city is being promised it will be paid back in ten years, but there are no guarantees to hold this group to that timeline.
OUR PRIMARY CONCERNS:
1. A Public Asset Given Away for Private Benefit
The property at 519 W State Street is being sold for $740,000, only for the full amount to be rebated back to the buyer as a "performance incentive." This is, in effect, a free transfer of public land to a private, out-of-town business with the City absorbing all risk and the community seeing limited direct benefit.
2. No Competitive Process or Local Consideration
There is little record of this opportunity being opened to local businesses, despite Garland being home to many entrepreneurs with deep ties to the downtown district. The lack of a transparent, competitive bidding process undermines public trust and local equity.
3. Misalignment with Community Vision
The proposed concept, a large, alcohol-centered bar with an arcade and rooftop deck—does not reflect the top priorities identified by residents in the Downtown Garland 2024 Survey, which ranked the following as the most desirable new dining options:
• Breakfast/Brunch Restaurants
• Farm-to-Table Concepts
• Healthy Menu Options
• Elevated Culinary Experiences
An "icehouse" concept primarily featuring food that is already in surplus for the area runs counter to the desires voiced in public surveys.
4. Overly Generous and One-Sided Agreement
The contract:
• Rebates 100% of the sale price back to the developer
• Includes a clause allowing the developer to lease the building for two years even if they fail to meet the development timeline
• Includes no clawbacks if the business closes before 2031—only a vague promise to make diligent commercial efforts
• Includes no guarantees of economic impact or benefit
This is a dangerous precedent for how Garland handles its most valuable public assets.
5. Ignores Public Input and Pre Existing Agreements
This sale directly contradicts the spirit of the 2023 Disposition and Development Agreement, which intended this property to serve public benefit. Moreover, the Downtown Garland Survey shows that 83.4% of residents see downtown as improving, largely due to its existing businesses, historic charm, and walkability; not large-scale venues seen in more appropriate areas.
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WHAT WE WANT:
We urge the City of Garland to take a more thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive approach to the future of 519 W State Street. We respectfully request the following:
1. Pause the current sale to The Owl Icehouse, LLC until further community discussion can take place.
2. Honor the commitments made in the 2023 Disposition and Development Agreement that emphasize public benefit, historic preservation, and local inclusion.
3. Reissue an open call for proposals for the site, giving local business owners and community-driven developers the opportunity to shape the space.
4. Evaluate alternative uses that reflect the city’s long-term master plan, community values, and survey findings. Such as breakfast/brunch concepts, family-friendly cafes, community gathering spaces, more small businesses, and complementing the theater.
WE BELIEVE:
• Garland’s public spaces should not be given away behind closed doors.
• Garland’s local businesses should be part of the conversation, not left out.
• Garland’s future should be shaped by its people, not by private developers from outside the city.
This is about more than one building. It's about our values, our vision, and our voice in shaping the future of Downtown Garland.
By signing this petition, you are voting for progress, for preservation, and for our community's pride. Together, let's shape the future of our city. Please sign this petition now.
