Whitehouse EDC: retail coach reports multiple leads; hotel interest in 110 corridor

The Whitehouse Economic Development Corporation heard on Jan. 16 that the EDC’s retail recruitment contractor, Retail Coach, has generated several prospective leads for the city, including a quick‑service restaurant seeking 2 to 5 acres, a communications retailer and a smaller home‑improvement store, and that a hotel operator is pursuing sites along the 110 corridor.

Susan, an EDC staff member, said Retail Coach will attend the ICSC Red River networking event later this month and has been maintaining frequent contact with potential tenants. "They remain optimistic that in just the few short months since we began this effort, that we've generated as much interest as we have," Susan said.

Why it matters: The EDC framed the activity as part of a long‑term recruitment strategy and emphasized that site readiness — roads, sewer and water hookups — is a more durable public investment than direct business grants. "Any infrastructure projects that we need to do to make sites more developable are much more appealing than us just putting money into the business itself," Susan said.

Board members discussed specific prospects and site considerations. One board member said the hotel contact expressed interest in partnering with a developer, with site selection and proper partners being key variables. Board members noted the hotel lead is being shown properties in the city along Highway 110.

EDC staff reported Retail Coach also used recent demographic and trade‑area data to highlight a higher‑than‑average household income within the trade area and to show sporting events and school activities that could support hotel demand. Susan said Retail Coach identified a threshold retail trade area population of about 75,000 for some prospects; the EDC’s current estimate cited in the meeting is roughly 60,000.

The board discussed the benefit of clustering, with one member noting it is common for hotels and restaurants to follow one another once a market is proven. Staff also said a promising hotel site might require a driveway or road connection from the highway; the EDC indicated it would be willing to discuss assisting with that infrastructure.

Members said the retail outreach has saved staff time in making initial contacts: Retail Coach has contacted roughly 20–30 restaurant and retail decision‑makers on Whitehouse’s behalf, identifying quickly which prospects are not a fit so staff need not "spin our wheels." Susan said she and Retail Coach are coordinating meetings at ICSC to pursue leads further.

The EDC also discussed limited interest so far along FM 346 and noted one local developer, identified in the meeting as Vishal, plans to build a gas station/grocery option as part of his phased commercial buildout once nearby residential construction is completed.

The meeting record shows no formal action taken on the retail items during the session; board members asked staff to continue recruitment efforts and to report updates at future meetings.