Marshalls, Ross and Burlington will open next year at a plaza off West Interstate 2 and Farm-To-Market Road 493 in Donna.
The retail stores will be located in the Shops at 493 plaza where Dunkin’ Donuts, T-Mobile, Dollar Tree, dd’s DISCOUNTS and Wingstop are also expected to locate.
The approximately $53 million investment will create about 200 part-time or full-time jobs, city officials said.
The city purchased 25 acres for approximately $4 million and city workers continue to install water and sewage infrastructure near the property. The Donna Economic Development Council borrowed the funds necessary to purchase the land, said Donna EDC Executive Director Lyle Garza.
The infrastructure upgrades attracted a developer for the property, San Antonio-based Terracor.
“When the city decided to go out and invest in the infrastructure, it reduced the cost of development for the developer,” said Donna interim City Manager Ernesto Silva.
Officials expect to make a profit of approximately $2 million when the deal is closed in the coming weeks, according to Garza.
City council members Tuesday voted to approve $556,824 in waterline improvements for The Shops at 493 subdivision. They also awarded a $144,252 contract for paving and drainage improvements.
Infrastructure was lacking surrounding the empty land off the expressway prior to the council’s move to improve the tract.
“I kinda thought it was incredibly courageous that the administration and the city council saw the potential in investing in a business like this,” Garza said. “From the very beginning, they’ve worked together.”
A Circle K gas station opened within the last month near the Shops at 493 site location.
Silva attributes some of the economic growth to the amount of passenger traffic crossing through the Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge.
“Donna, right now, appears to be one of the most attractive areas in the Valley,” Silva said. “Primarily because of the ability for the city to invest in itself and to improve the quality of life and the infrastructure in the community while reducing taxes.”