Council approves incentives for Crossroads entertainment venue 'Moby's' with public park component

The Terrell City Council on April 20 approved Resolution No. 2,219 authorizing incentives and a partnership agreement with Schulman Partners and Mobius (the operator) to develop an entertainment venue behind the Film Alley complex.

City staff described the proposal as a 9,000‑square‑foot indoor restaurant and bar with about 10,000 square feet of outdoor event space and an initial occupancy of about 1,000 that can be expanded for larger concerts. The plan includes a public City Park Plaza between the venue and nearby apartments and a new parking configuration; the developer agreed to contribute to construction of parking that the city would have otherwise funded.

Incentives in the resolution include a 10‑year program of sales‑tax reimbursement, reimbursement of certain maintenance/property tax components and a cooperative marketing fund; the city will receive a share of revenue from a planned interstate‑facing digital billboard the developer intends to build. City Manager Mike Sims said the arrangement leverages private development to deliver a public park amenity and parking infrastructure.

Developers Jacob and Nathan Schulman described the venue’s family and community focus and said the name “Moby’s” honors a family member. Council members praised Film Alley and the proposal’s potential to draw families downtown and to support dining and entertainment options. The resolution passed after a public presentation; Councilor Phil Robinson moved and Donna Renee Anderson seconded the motion.

City staff said detailed lease and maintenance terms will be negotiated and returned to council for approval of implementing documents.