Commission OKs Holiday Inn Express at Crossroads; developer outlines link to nearby entertainment area

The Terrell Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 25 approved a specific-use permit (SUP25-04) allowing a Holiday Inn Express on about 2.62 acres at the Crossroads development.

City planning staff said the applicant proposes an 87-guest-room hotel and a 3,500-square-foot freestanding restaurant. The site is currently zoned retail and listed for future mixed-use neighborhood development; staff found the applicant had supplied conforming preliminary construction and architectural plans and had complied with SUP application requirements. Six abutting landowners were notified; staff reported no written responses as of the hearing.

A representative of MTGA Development Corporation, the property owner and master developer, spoke at the hearing from an address in Dallas and said the project is designed to connect to nearby attractions. "This is a limited service hotel," the developer said, and added the hotel is part of a broader mixed-use plan that includes an outdoor entertainment venue and a city park with pickleball, a dog park and a playground.

Commissioners questioned how the hotel would relate physically to the neighboring "Mobi's" entertainment site and Film Alley. The developer said existing sidewalks around the lake, a dedicated linear trail and a planned pathway across the culvert will connect the hotel, the park and nearby venues; he said a pedestrian bridge would be coordinated with the Mobi's owner if built. The commission also discussed the rendering's depiction of green space vs. paved areas and the developer acknowledged the rendering was illustrative rather than literal.

After public comment, the commission voted to approve the SUP. The motion passed on a voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.

Next steps include review of construction plats and building permits under the city's building standards before any construction begins.