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2012 | ImagesmCaLLen.COm
Texas
Imagine That
City has vibrant arts scene
sPOnsORed By The mcaLLen ChamBeR OF COmmeRCe
Fly McAllen!
McAllen
2012 | ImagesmCaLLen.COm
Texas
co nte nt s F e atu r e s
10 LeTs PLay!
City parks provide fun for the entire family
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ImagIne ThaT
McAllen has a vibrant arts scene
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d e Pa r tm e nt s
8 almanac 20 Biz Briefs 22 Chamber Report 23 economic Profile 26 Local Flavor 27 arts & Culture 28 health & Wellness 30 sports & Recreation 31 education 32 Community Profile 33 Through the Lens
On The COveR The Three Graces: Faith, Hope & Charity, by Mick Reber Photo by Brian McCord
all or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
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i m aG e s m C a l l e n . C o m
McAllen
2012 | ImagesmCaLLen.COm
Texas
Imagine That
City has vibrant arts scene
sPOnsORed By The mcaLLen ChamBeR OF COmmeRCe
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i m aG e s m C a l l e n . C o m
McAllen
Texas
COnTenT dIReCTOR LisA BAttLes PROOFReadIng manageR RAven Petty COnTenT COORdInaTOR JessiCA WALkeR sTaFF WRITeR kevin LitWin COPy edITOR JiLL WyAtt COnTRIBuTIng WRITeRs MeLonee HuRt, PAuL LAdd, BRAndon LoWe, kARen sCHWARtzMAn, CARson o sHoney, BRAxton sHooP, tiffAny WiLLiAMs senIOR gRaPhIC desIgneRs LAuRA GALLAGHeR, JAnine MARyLAnd, kRis sexton, vikki WiLLiAMs gRaPhIC desIgneRs RACHAeL GeRRinGeR, tAyLoR nunLey senIOR PhOTOgRaPheRs Jeff Adkins, BRiAn McCoRd sTaFF PhOTOgRaPheRs todd Bennett, Antony BosHieR COLOR ImagIng TeChnICIan ALison HunteR InTegRaTed medIa manageR BRyAnt GRAntHAM ad PROduCTIOn manageR kAtie MiddendoRf ad TRaFFIC assIsTanTs kRystin LeMMon, PAtRiCiA MoisAn ChaIRman GReG tHuRMAn PResIdenT/PuBLIsheR BoB sCHWARtzMAn exeCuTIve vICe PResIdenT RAy LAnGen senIOR v.P./saLes todd PotteR senIOR v.P./OPeRaTIOns CAsey HesteR senIOR v.P./CLIenT deveLOPmenT Jeff HeefneR senIOR v.P./BusIness deveLOPmenT sCott teMPLeton senIOR v.P./agRIBusIness PuBLIshIng kiM HoLMBeRG v.P./BusIness deveLOPmenT CHARLes fitzGiBBon v.P./exTeRnaL COmmunICaTIOns teRee CARutHeRs v.P./vIsuaL COnTenT MARk foResteR v.P./COnTenT OPeRaTIOns nAtAsHA LoRens v.P./TRaveL PuBLIshIng susAn CHAPPeLL v.P./saLes HeRB HARPeR, JARek sWekosky COnTROLLeR CHRis dudLey senIOR aCCOunTanT LisA oWens aCCOunTs PayaBLe COORdInaTOR MARiA McfARLAnd aCCOunTs ReCeIvaBLe COORdInaTOR diAnA GuzMAn OFFICe manageR/aCCOunTs ReCeIvaBLe COORdInaTOR sHeLLy MiLLeR saLes suPPORT COORdInaTOR ALex MARks I.T. dIReCTOR yAnCey Bond sysTem admInIsTRaTOR dAnieL CAntReLL WeB COnTenT manageR JoHn Hood WeB PROJeCT manageR noy fonGnALy WeB desIgneR II RiCHARd stevens WeB deveLOPeR I yAMeL HALL, neLs noseWoRtHy WeB aCCOunT manageR LAuRen euBAnk PhOTOgRaPhy dIReCTOR JeffRey s. otto medIa TeChnOLOgy dIReCTOR CHRistinA CARden medIa TeChnOLOgy anaLysTs BeCCA ARy, CHAndRA BRAdsHAW audIenCe deveLOPmenT dIReCTOR deAnnA neLson maRkeTIng CReaTIve dIReCTOR keitH HARRis dIsTRIBuTIOn dIReCTOR GARy sMitH exeCuTIve seCReTaRy kRisty dunCAn human ResOuRCes manageR PeGGy BLAke ReCePTIOnIsT LindA BisHoP
McAllen
Digital Edition
Imagine
THAT
M C ALLEN HAS VIBRANT ARTS SCENE
Helping Artists Grow The McA2 Creative Incubator provides low-cost studio space and technical assistance for artists. Its a sister of the Chamber and encompasses all types of art in its 12 available studios. Artists in residence at the Incubator include a guitar teacher, oil and watercolor artists, a voice coach, and an actor. Theres even a radio station, as well as exhibition and performance space. Live, Local Music Music After Hours, held monthly, features live and local artists from various genres of
he arts scene is thriving in McAllen largely due to partnerships between the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and city government, which nurture local talent in visual and performing arts. McAllens diversity and location play a part in local arts, according to Cultural Arts Coordinator Jamie Tabak of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. McAllen has attracted many diverse kinds of art and artists. We have art ranging from embroidery to graphics to music to style. Its a little bit of everything, Tabak says.
music. Performances typically take place at historic Archer Park on first Fridays, but are at Bill Schupp Park during summer months. Youre likely to hear anything at Music After Hours, from country to jazz to pop. Artists from all over the Rio Grande Valley have performed for the family-friendly free series, which is sponsored by the Chamber and City of McAllen. Art in Public Public art is making a visual impact on McAllen, too. The public art program, which began three years ago, commissions the works
Rosalina Balderas paints a portrait in Paul Pritchetts oil painting class at the McA2 Creative Incubator.
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IIM AG E S M C A L L E N ..C O M M AG E S M C A L L E N C O M
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McAllen is published annually by Journal Communications inc. and is distributed through the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. for advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com. FOR mORe InFORmaTIOn, COnTaCT: McAllen Chamber of Commerce 1200 Ash Avenue, McAllen, tx 78501 Phone: (956) 682-2871 fax: (956) 687-2917 www.mcallenchamber.com vIsIT Mc Allen OnLIne aT ImagesmCaLLen.COm Copyright 2011 Journal Communications inc., 725 Cool springs Blvd., suite 400, franklin, tn 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. no portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member the Association of Magazine Media Member Custom Content Council
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i m aG e s m C a l l e n . C o m
Almanac
Welcome to McAllen
an introduCtion to the areas people, plaCes and events
Birds of a feather
Mixing the scenery of a 1930s spanish Revival country estate with the sounds of the World Birding Center, Quinta Mazatlan makes for a peaceful escape in the heart of McAllen. the adobe hacienda is surrounded by tropical landscaping and native woodland, making it ideal as a conference and events center as well as a bird-watchers paradise. More than 15 acres of birding habitat attract many of the favorite valley species from around the country, including Black-bellied Whistling ducks, Green Jays, Plain Chachalacas and olive sparrows. the grounds also feature birdfeeding stations and a hummingbird lane.
time to Celebrate
McAllen celebrated a major milestone last february. the month marked the citys 100th anniversary, and to commemorate, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and McAllen Centennial Publications jointly published McAllens First 100 Years Leading the Way. Hailed as the definitive book on McAllen history, it discusses how the community was shaped, important people and remarkable events, legacies left and future growth. the book, written by accomplished local writer eileen Mattei, is available for sale at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
Art smarts
McAllen is home to the international Museum of Art & science, an educational community museum that preserves the past, records the present and provides perspective for the future. Affiliated with the smithsonian, it houses the nations largest collection of Mexican folk art, with more than 3,000 pieces. the museum, which opened in 1969, also houses several traveling arts exhibitions, its own impressive collections and new hands-on exhibitions.
mcallen
Advanced education
McAllen enjoys a reputation for excellent education, thanks in part to the McAllen independent school districts international Baccalaureate Program. the international Baccalaureate organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education. the program is divided into three separate segments depending on grade and is available to students of all ages. Lamar Academy began offering classes in McAllen in 2001.
mcallen at a glance
POPuLaTIOn (2010 esTImaTe) McAllen: 129,877 Hidalgo County: 774,769 LOCaTIOn McAllen is in the Rio Grande valley of south texas, 70 miles west of the Gulf of Mexico. BegInnIngs the city of McAllen was unofficially founded in 1904 and incorporated in 1911. FOR mORe InFORmaTIOn McAllen Chamber of Commerce 1200 Ash Ave. McAllen, tx 78501 Phone: (956) 682-2871 fax: (956) 687-2917 www.mcallenchamber.com
Rio Gra
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Fast Facts
n the los ebanos Ferry is the last hand-operated ferry on the u.s.mexico border.
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n people come from all over the world to compete in the valley land Fund south texas shootout photo contest, held since 1994. n there are more than 600 restaurants within the city limits of mcallen. n more than 100 of the Fortune 500s global manufacturers have operations in mcallen or across the border in reynosa.
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Whats online
Take a virtual tour of McAllen, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagesmcallen.com.
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mcallen
S T ! E Y L A L P
CITy PaRks PROvIde Fun FOR The enTIRe FamILy
stoRy By BRandOn LOWe
rom lush golf courses to picturesque lakes, the Rio Grande Valley abounds with open-air recreation opportunities. But thanks to a network of beautiful parks, McAllen residents need not leave the city to discover a world of outdoor fun.
BRiAn M c CoRd
Firemans Park The McAllen Parks & Recreation Department currently oversees 25 city parks in McAllen, the new centerpiece of which is Firemans Park, which will be open to the public in early 2012. The 15-acre project broke ground in October 2010 and represents the city of McAllens firm commitment to public spaces. Perhaps the most unique element of the park will be its camping option, says McAllen Parks and Recreation Director Sally Gavlik. Unlike traditional urban parks, Firemans Park contains elements normally found only at a state or regional park, she says. That makes the park an excellent stepping stone for people who arent accustomed to the camping experience, including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Firemans Park will also boast a 5-acre lake that will be ideal for canoeing and kayaking. The lake will feature a beach area complete
a young man shows his skills on a bike at mcallens spray and Ground park.
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with a concession stand. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the lake, a fishing pier will provide park visitors with a chance to fish without having to leave the city. In addition to several playground areas, the park will have a circuit of stand-alone exercise equipment specifically designed for outdoor use, as well as several other amenities, including an on-site mini conference center for up to 75 people. hike and Bike One of the many things that makes the public park system in McAllen so progressive is its network of quality hike-and-bike trails. The trails were expanded in 2010 to help connect the entire city. Similar trail networks in larger cities like Austin inspired the expansion. We have been lucky enough to have a city government that realizes city parks are integral to bringing a community together, Gavlik says. Indeed, the vitality of McAllen is physically manifested through the citys elaborate system of trails and parks, something long-time McAllen resident Luis Fuentes can attest to. The parks here are nice and peaceful, says
79-year-old Fuentes, who has been using McAllen parks for nearly 30 years. I do all of my walking and exercising there. And I usually see many people I know while Im there. Family Fun Found here McAllens Spray and Ground Park has been a hit with kids and parents alike since it opened in 2010 and has become an especially popular site for birthday parties. In fact, the park has been such a draw for families across the region that McAllen will be adding a second splash park in 2012 near the Palm View Community Center. Local dog owners have been enjoying the citys new dog park located at Tamarack Ave. and 5th Street. Also new to the park system is Curtis Park, already a favorite for family reunions. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy Los Encinos Community Park. One of McAllens newest additions, the park is home to baseball, football, soccer and softball fields, in addition to basketball, volleyball and tennis courts. For a complete list of McAllens city parks, visit the City of McAllen website at www.mcallen.net.
Bikers take advantage of the citys 2010 trails expansion. Left, Top: softball practice at mcallens new spray and Ground park. Left, Bottom: Kids play at the citys new spray and Ground park.
JeffRey s. otto
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Imagine
that
m c aLLen has vIBRanT aRTs sCene
helping artists grow The McA2 Creative Incubator provides low-cost studio space and technical assistance for artists. Its a sister of the Chamber and encompasses all types of art in its 12 available studios. Artists in residence at the Incubator include a guitar teacher, oil and watercolor artists, a voice coach, and an actor. Theres even a radio station, as well as exhibition and performance space. Live, Local music Music After Hours, held monthly, features live and local artists from various genres of
he arts scene is thriving in McAllen largely due to partnerships between the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and city government, which nurture local talent in visual and performing arts. McAllens diversity and location play a part in local arts, according to Cultural Arts Coordinator Jamie Tabak of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. McAllen has attracted many diverse kinds of art and artists. We have art ranging from embroidery to graphics to music to style. Its a little bit of everything, Tabak says.
music. Performances typically take place at historic Archer Park on first Fridays, but are at Bill Schupp Park during summer months. Youre likely to hear anything at Music After Hours, from country to jazz to pop. Artists from all over the Rio Grande Valley have performed for the family-friendly free series, which is sponsored by the Chamber and City of McAllen. art in Public Public art is making a visual impact on McAllen, too. The public art program, which began three years ago, commissions the works
rosalina Balderas paints a portrait in paul pritchetts oil painting class at the mca2 Creative incubator.
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of area artists for display at various locations around town. Artists dream of having their work displayed in a community their own community, says Keith Arney, who chairs the citys Public Art Committee. One of the more talked-about pieces is a sculpture called The Three Graces on Main Street in the Arts District. Artist Mick Rebers work represents the graces of faith, hope and charity. Other new works include the Irrigation Worker sculpture by Douglas Clark; Jackrabbit, a joint work by Nancy Moyer and Clark; and Joe Taylors two-dimensional history of McAllen in graphite. Arney reports funding for the public art has come from public funds and several private sources. Were really excited about how
much support weve received. Its making this beautiful community more beautiful, Arney says. Theatre and Film McAllens theatre scene is also growing. Plays and musicals are often performed on the University of Texas-Pan American and South Texas College campuses. In addition, the historic Cine El Rey theater on South 17th Street hosts live performances, including concerts, comedy shows and plays, along with classic movies. McAllen is also attracting interest from movie and television producers. Visitors and locals alike are pleasantly surprised at McAllens strong arts scene, says Tabak, who adds that its no longer necessary to travel to other larger cities to enjoy the visual or performing arts.
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mcallen
Antony BosHieR
Left: Cine el rey lights up 17th street with its neon glow. above: the art village on main
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Business
hile other areas continue to feel the effects of a struggling economy, McAllens local businesses are seeing successes in a local economy thats earning national accolades. For example, McAllen landed atop the Forbes magazine list of Best Cities for Jobs again in 2011. The McAllen metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which includes all of Hidalgo County, ranked No. 4 in the list of mid-sized cities, up from No. 6 the previous year, showing a 1.5 percent increase in non-farm employment. In compiling its annual list, Forbes ranks all 398 MSAs in the U.S. based on employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rankings are based on recent growth trends, mid-term growth, long-term growth and momentum. Business Comes north of the Border Local businessman David Martinez attributes much of McAllens success to its neighbors to the south in Mexico. He says on any given day, certain shopping-area parking lots will contain as much as 80 percent Mexican license plates. This is a great place for small business, and its because of the uniqueness of the market. We arent as affected by whats going on in the country as much, as long as theres money in Mexico, Martinez says. Among Martinezs eight businesses, five of which
are in the McAllen area, are bookstores, Ben & Jerrys Ice Cream, and Russos New York Pizzeria, which opened in January of 2009. Of the 32 U.S. Russos franchises, his McAllen location ranks No. 2 in sales. Martinez says he feels the effects of the nations economy woes much more in other states where he does business, such as Florida. We have a warehouse in Florida where we wholesale to bookstores, he says. They are hardly buying anything. Texas is different. The bookstores we sell to in Texas are fairly strong. Big and small Businesses Feel the effects That strong business climate is being felt on a larger scale as well. FibeRio Technology Corp., a company that commercializes Forcespinning (tm) technology, won an R&D magazine 100 Award for the development and launch of a high-end piece of production machinery. The annual R&D Awards recognize the 100 most technologically significant products introduced into the marketplace. As for Martinez, he is continuing to grow his business portfolio in the McAllen area. I already have some things in the works, he says. I get calls pretty often from people looking for franchisees. I think with my track record and what I can show that businesses do here, I can continue to bring new things down here.
materials engineer Bharath raghavan inspects nanofibers at Fiberio technology Corp. in mcallen.
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Business
Biz Briefs
Businesses Both larGe and small that help deFine mcallens eConomiC Climate
scorecard
BusIness aT a gLanCe
$3.6 billion
annual retail sales
$28,682
Retail sales per capita
$357.5 million
annual hotel and food sales
15,161
Total number of firms
Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts
FRIdas gRILL & CanTIna Biz: Restaurant Buzz: Fridas Grill & Cantina opened in McAllens entertainment district in September 2010. Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 until 11 p.m., Fridas has a relaxed, upscale atmosphere, traditional Mexican cuisine as well as Mediterranean food and USDA prime steak. Guests also enjoy live, Latininspired music on Friday and Saturday nights. www.fridasgrillandcantina.com 20
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PICkLes & ICe CReam Biz: Maternity clothing store Buzz: Pickles & Ice Cream offers maternity apparel and merchandise such as diaper bags, nursing and skincare items, and gifts for mothers and babies. Located in the Trenton View Shopping Center, the store is part of the largest and oldest maternity clothing franchise in the United States. Pickles & Ice Cream is open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. www.picklesandicecream.com The shOPPes aT RIO gRande vaLLey Biz: Retail development Buzz: Expected to open for business in 2012, The Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley will include stores such as Annas Linens, GNC and Petco. The shops will be anchored by JCPenney, Academy Sports + Outdoors and Burlington Coat Factory and will be part of a pedestrianfriendly outdoor mall. (860) 646-6555 maRIPOza BOuTIque Biz: Jewelry and gift shop Buzz: Maripoza Boutique provides unusual jewelry, accessories, home decor and assorted gifts from various locations around the world. Customers can visit the shop at its primary location on North 10th Street and can also check out the boutiques booth at the Saturday morning farmers market at Alhambra. Maripoza Boutique is open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. (956) 686-4438 deBORah Case danCe aCademy Biz: Dance studio Buzz: Deborah Case Dance Academy offers a variety of classes, such as ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop, for dancers of all ages. Owned by Deborah Case, the academy is home of the Rio Grande Valley Ballet, which has been performing in the area for nearly four decades. www.dcda.com
682-4515
682-4515
www.familyphysiciansclinic.com
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Business
chamber report
Five prototypes evolve From networKinG Group
upporting McAllens innovative spirit, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce has created an inventors & entrepreneurship network designed to encourage members to share ideas and work together as a group to move those ideas forward.
McAllen Chamber of Commerce vice President of Business development and Governmental Affairs eduardo Millet says that although the networking aspect of this group is very important, the group is devoted to seeing action and success for its participants.
got Ideas?
fernando Ramirez and Jorge Garcia brought an idea for an automated baby-bottle washing system to the group and are working on preparing their prototype to be market-ready. We hope to have a finished design in the next few weeks, Ramirez says. if it wasnt for the i&e network we would not have gotten as far as we are now. Millet says that almost everyone has some business idea but isnt sure how to get to the next step. this group shows you that its possible. By networking and knowing others, you start actually making connections, learning that you need to act, and making progress with your idea. Melonee Hurt
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6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1
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eCOnOmIC PROFILe
eCOnOmIC OveRvIeW
McAllen consistently ranks among Forbes best mid-sized cities for jobs. it enjoys a strong, diverse economy, with the most significant strength seen in its retail sector.
InCOme
$19,047
per Capita income
mcallen heart of the City 220 s. 17th st. McAllen, texas 78501 (956) 686-4357 www.mcallenheartofthecity.com
$41,864
median annual household income
TRansPORTaTIOn
mcallen-miller international airport 2500 s. Bicentennial Blvd. McAllen, texas 78503 (956) 682-9101 www.mcallenairport.com mcallen express transit 1500 W. Business Highway 83 McAllen, texas 78501 (956) 688-3500 mcallen/hidalgo international Bridge 1023 international Blvd. Hidalgo, texas 78557 (956) 843-2471 www.mcallen.net/bridge Greyhound/valley transit Company (956) 686-5479 www.valleytransitcompany.com www.greyhound.com amtrak www.amtrak.com
2%
City sales and use tax
6.25%
state sales tax
8.25%
total sales tax
WORkFORCe
39,362
total workforce
80%
percentage white Collar
maJOR emPLOyeRs edinburg Consolidated i.s.d. 3,600 3,595 3,000 2,850 2,800 2,211 2,140 1,801 975 811
20%
percentage Blue Collar
McAllen independent school district edinburg Regional Medical Center university of texas Pan American McAllen Medical Center Hidalgo County Mission Consolidated i.s.d. City of McAllen Columbia Rio Grande Regional Hospital south texas College
eduCaTIOn
21%
associate degree
29%
Bachelors degree
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The Water Walk subdivision was designed by acclaimed film director and mcallen native Catherine hardwicke.
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ts always a good day in the neighborhood when you live in one of McAllens most uncommon subdivisions. Known as Water Walk, the 10-acre housing development was created by Hollywood director Catherine Hardwicke, famous for films such as 2011s Red Riding Hood, 2008s Twilight and 2005s Lords of Dogtown. She designed the neighborhood during her time as an architecture student at The University of Texas at Austin in 1979, and turned it in as an assignment for a class project. Her work didnt only impress her professor. Her father, John B. Hardwicke Jr., thought enough of the design that he and fellow developer Tommy J. Daniel made the first phase of Catherines development come to life. Water Walk was a cotton field, says Mike Blum, who was McAllens city planner when the housing project began and now lives in the development. Now, its a uniquely master-planned environment thats unlike any place in the region.
Words cannot do it justice, says resident Elvie Davis, who serves as secretary of the Water Walk Board of Directors. Davis also created the Water Walk website, which she continues to manage and maintain. It was an instant legend, the desirable place to live, the new cool neighborhood, Davis says. I recall driving by and looking at this phenomenal place, and fantasizing about living here. Convenient, safe Location Davis says she enjoys the neighborhoods zen-like ambiance, an aspect that appeals to many residents, but Water Walk is also located near north McAllens thriving shopping, business and entertainment districts. Residents enjoy a feeling of safety and security inside the development. Everybody kind of watches out for one another, Blum says. Its not gated, but it is a secure environment. Famously desirable Once only an idea on paper, Catherine Hardwickes college masterpiece is now one of McAllens most popular neighborhoods that continues to draw the attention of area residents and visitors alike. Its like a work of art thats also a residential haven for those of us living here, Davis says. Its a creative design brought to life by a young artist and her family, born and raised here.
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Beautiful homes, amenities Composed of more than 120 Mediterranean-style townhomes, Water Walk includes a one-acre lake with fountains and a waterfall, tennis courts, sitting areas, swimming pools and other amenities. While each home is unique, they all are finished with white stucco and have red tile roofs.
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Local flavor
ith over 600 eateries within the city limits, the diversity of the local flavor in McAllen is a real perk for visitors. from upscale dining delicacies to exotic indian, Mediterranean, thai and korean cuisine, McAllen offers a variety to please every palate.
tex-mex
kokos Mexican Restaurant, created by Albert and Jorge suarez, is a local legend in the McAllen area. kokos original downtown location was a hole in the wall that could only accommodate ten tables. despite its diminutive size, by 2004 kokos had become so successful that the suarez brothers were able to move it to its current uptown location. With this new site, kokos is now able to provide catering services and a more upscale atmosphere.
of an italian eatery. in addition to an ample wine selection, Capellinis features such signature dishes as salmone affumicato, fettuccine capellini and fusilli al pesto genovese. kohnami Restaurant and sake Bar is a refreshing change of pace from common dining establishments. kohnami offers high-quality seafood in both traditional and custom-created preparations, as well as a bountiful selection of sakes and wines and a full-service cocktail bar. Bayou Grill brings a taste of Louisiana spice to McAllen. Bayou Grill serves items like poboy sandwiches, oysters, crab cakes, gumbo, crawfish salad and fried pickles. However, Bayou Grills true value lies in its specialty items like its bayou chicken and voodoo shrimp, its blackened mahi-mahi florentine and crawfish etouffee.
steakhouses. While santa fe features live entertainment and a stylish, upscale atmosphere, its true passion lies in its finely cut meats and seafood. to complement these culinary favorites, santa fe offers a massive wine list and a diverse menu that features such unique items as quail, chicken zia and filet oscar.
classic steakhouse
santa fe steakhouse and Cantina represents the finest tradition of American
BRiAn M c CoRd
Capellini con Gamberi allo Zafferano served at Capellini ristorante Galleria in mcallen
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entertainment in mcallen
McAllens downtown 17th street entertainment district is filled with lounges, restaurants, nightclubs and more. Located at its center is the historic Cine el Rey theater, which opened in 1947 and operated for 40 years before functioning as it does today as a live music and performance venue which also screens spanish and english language independent features. McAllens diverse culture influences much of the music performed by the valley symphony orchestra & Chorale, which was established in 1952 with the Chorale joining later in 1984. similarly, the south texas Lyric opera offers a yearly slate of productions and an annual opera gala, and Rio Grande valley Broadway brings the most popular shows to town.
May and is free to the public. in october, the Chamber presents the Green Living festival to encourage environmentally friendly lifestyles. then, two months later, folks enjoy Candlelight Posada, offering food booths, luminaries, a parade, live entertainment, caroling and a live nativity scene the first friday and saturday nights in december.
historic sites
the Museum of south texas History and McAllen Heritage Center are just two locations to learn about the rich history of this bicultural city. Quinta Mazatlan, a 1930s hacienda, embodies the spanish Colonial Revival architecture of arches, adobe and beams, and provides an intimate look into south texas history. set in formal tropical landscaping this 10,000-square-foot mansion sits on a 15-acre plot hosting a mix of native and exotic plants and wildlife, making up McAllens wing of the popular World Birding Center. Tiffany Williams
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healthy living
mCallen hospitals, mediCal Centers FoCus on CarinG For the Community
cAllen is home to major health-care facilities that offer a wide range of services. in addition to traditional hospitals, McAllen has its own heart hospital and surgical centers, all of which aim to provide excellent care to area patients.
24-hour emergency Center, and services such as diagnosis and treatment, heart catheterization, surgery and education. in 2009, the society of Chest Pain Centers Accreditation Review Committee granted the hospital Cycle ii Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Percutaneous Coronary interventions (PCi), making it one of only two hospitals in the Rio Grande valley to be awarded the designation. HealthGrades has awarded both McAllen Medical Center and McAllen Heart Hospital with several awards, including the distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical excellence in 2011. HealthGrades also has ranked McAllen Heart Hospital no. 1 in texas for overall Cardiac Care and Cardiac surgery from 2007 through 2011.
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mcallen
Improving Your
(956) 618-4414
also undertakes procedures such as cochlear implants and electrophysiology. the hospital itself opened in 1982 and is well known for patient safety and clinical excellence. its 320-bed, full-service acute care medical facility has more than 500 physicians representing over 35 specialties, and serves as the only area American diabetes Association accredited diabetes Management Center.
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weather generally stays in the 70s in the coldest months, making it a perfect place for winter golfing.
sPectator sPorts
sports fans in the Rio Grande valley have plenty to cheer for, with minor league or semipro basketball, football, baseball, hockey and soccer teams. Hockey fans have cheered on the semiprofessional Central Hockey League Rio Grande valley killer Bees since 2003. those looking to skate themselves can stay cool at the Rio Grande valley ice Center, which offers ice skating, hockey, broomball and more. Basketball fans have the Rio Grande valley vipers to root for. founded in 2007, the vipers are currently associated with the Houston Rockets in the nBAs development League. Both the vipers and the killer Bees play their home games in state farm Arena. the Rio Grande valley Bravos have been the valleys pro soccer team since 2008. Playing in the usL Premier development League, the Bravos have already drawn a large following in the region. the area is also home to two baseball teams: the McAllen thunder, a member of the independent professional north American League, and the united Leagues edinburg Roadrunners. stock-car racing fans can also get their fix in McAllen at the Rio Grande speedway.
Parks
the McAllen Parks & Recreation department currently oversees 25 city parks. Ranging from historic parks established in the early 1900s to more modern facilities, there is a wide array of outdoor facilities for the whole family. McAllens oldest, Archer Park, opened in 1912. serving as a historic landmark in the city, it also plays host to many of the citys annual special events, including the Candlelight Posada and shakespeare in the Park. McAllens largest city park is springfest Park, which hosts many special city events and is home to McAllens Winter Polo League from January through March. Carson OShoney
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education
ducation in McAllen is defined by excellent options. from elementary school through college, McAllen boasts numerous institutions designed to prepare students for success.
Baccalaureate curriculum as well as the Road to College curriculum, which begins in the sixth grade.
Public schools
McAllen independent school district is composed of three high schools, seven middle schools and 20 elementary schools. Among these schools, the district offers an advanced placement college-level curriculum and a dual-enrollment program for students who can obtain high school and college credit simultaneously. the district also features an international Baccalaureate program that provides students with an advanced curriculum geared toward global standards.
idea academy
ideA Academy is an innovative institution that offers a fully scaled curriculum from kindergarten through high school. to prepare its students to be collegiate scholars, ideA provides international
Jeff Adkins
i m aG e s m C a l l e n . C o m
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COmmunITy PROFILe
COmmunITy OveRvIeW
McAllen is an area with a burgeoning arts culture. the city is known statewide for the quality and quantity of its artists.
hOusehOLd InFORmaTIOn
129,877
total City population
46.7
COsT OF LIvIng
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median resident age
$44,612
median household income
TIme zOne
Central
54%
married
$103,321
median home price
CLImaTe OveRvIeW
McAllen has a semi-tropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 74 degrees. its mild winters and warm summers make it a perfect destination for both tourists and retirees.
$600
median rent for a two-Bedroom apartment
35.27%
age 19 and under
47.37%
age 20-54
49 F
winter low temperature
17.36%
age 55 and over
96 F
summer high temperature
TRansPORTaTIOn
23
annual rain Fall (vs. national average annual rain Fall of 37)
17 minutes
median travel time to work
advertisers
Family Physicians Clinic www.familyphysiciansclinic.com Magic Valley Electric Cooperative www.magicvalley.coop McAllen Bone & Joint Clinic PA McAllen Country Club www.mcallencountryclub.com McAllen Independent School District www.mcallenisd.org
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visit our
McAllen International Airport www.mcallenairport.com South Texas Health System www.southtexashealthsystem.com Springhill Suites by Marriott www.marriott.com/MFEMA Valley International Airport www.flythevalley.com
mcallen
more online
See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.
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