Category: Uncategorized

The Evolution of Capote International Park in Pharr

In Pharr, Texas, the transformation of agricultural land into the thriving Capote International Business Park marks a significant milestone in the region’s development. This evolution, the evidence of generational vision and entrepreneurial spirit, has been led by the City of Pharr and executed by the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) and key partners such as Ocotillo Capital Partners.

Park Main 2

On January 23, 2024, the PEDC celebrated the expansion of Capote Building H, the eighth structure in the business park, with a groundbreaking ceremony. Nick Dyer, Principal of Ocotillo Capital Partners, emphasized the importance of this addition to the Pharr-McAllen market, particularly for warehousing needs and facilitating cross-border trade in the Rio Grande Valley.

The new Class A Industrial building, adjacent to the Pharr International Bridge, is a state-of-the-art facility. Spanning 160,000 square feet, it features a concrete tilt wall design, 36’ clear height, Early Suppression, Fast Response (ESFR) fire protection, ample dock doors with pit levelers, and a full 180’ wide truck court. Its strategic location and advanced features cater to the increasing demand for logistics and international trade facilities, as highlighted by Victor Pérez, President/CEO of Pharr EDC.

The Capote Business Park’s inception is deeply rooted in the history of the Dyer family, who have been stewards of this land since the early 1960s. Phil Dyer, a key developer, recalls the area’s transformation from its agricultural past, where the community of Capote played a crucial role. The construction of the Pharr International Bridge and the strategic foresight of the Dyer family of this land transformation.

Originally a hub for agriculture, including vegetables, cotton, sugarcane, grain sorghum, and corn, the land has been in the Dyer family since around 1910. The park, now a modern architectural marvel, stands as a tribute to the area’s agrarian past and the family’s deep roots in the region. The latest addition to the park, a massive 160,000-square-foot building, represents the adaptability and forward-thinking design of the architects, the Warren Group.

The Capote Business Park is more than a commercial space; it’s the story of family, history, and community evolution. The park symbolizes a legacy of growth and adaptation, bridging the past, present, and future of the Capote community. For Phill, the business park is not just about buildings and infrastructure; it’s a living assortment of memories, honoring the land that once nurtured cotton and sugarcane fields.

This remarkable journey, from fertile fields to a successful business hub, showcases the dynamic and the amazing growth of Pharr, Texas. The Capote International Park demonstrates the region’s adaptability and economic resilience. It highlights the progress and blends the rich agricultural heritage with contemporary economic needs.

The Capote International Park has become a crucial element in the region’s economic landscape. It serves as a strategic node for businesses, especially those engaged in international trade and logistics, leveraging its proximity to Mexico and furthermore their unique location next to the Pharr International Bridge. This bridge is a symbolic gateway, enhances the city’s role in global commerce and reinforces its position as a key player in the North American trade corridor.

The park’s evolution reflects a larger trend in the Rio Grande Valley, where traditional industries are making way for modern economic ventures. This shift is driven by a growing recognition of the strategic location of Pharr, its access to international markets, and the need to diversify the local economy.

The foresight and commitment of the City of Pharr and the PEDC, along with the partnership of Ocotillo Capital Partners and other stakeholders, have been instrumental in this transformation. Their collaborative efforts have not only led to the creation of state-of-the-art facilities but have also attracted a diverse array of businesses, from logistics and distribution to high-tech industries. This diversification has created numerous job opportunities, fueled the region’s economic growth and enhanced the quality of life for its residents.

The story of Capote International Park is also a story of community engagement and development. The park’s growth has spurred numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the local infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and other public services. This development has had a ripple effect, benefitted the surrounding communities and contributed to the overall development of the region.

The buildings within this park, encompassing over 1.1 million square feet, primarily serve as distribution centers. They play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods between the United States and Mexico. This includes not only finished products manufactured across Mexico, such as those from Maquiladoras, but also raw materials. A significant aspect of this distribution involves southbound products, particularly in the oil and gas sector, supporting Mexico’s exploration efforts.

Interestingly, while distribution is the primary use, some buildings also engage in light manufacturing, applying final touches to end products. However, the heart of the park remains rooted in distribution activities.

The journey of this business park began in 2007 with the delivery of the first large-scale building. Since then, consistent development has led to a full occupancy rate, with the exception of a current construction project offering available space.

The vision of the park was initiated by the founding family, where a father’s idea transformed into a partnership with his Phill, marking the beginning of this ambitious project. Over time, the family’s involvement deepened, with the next generation, represented by Nick and Ocotillo Capital Partners, taking forward the legacy. This new chapter sees them developing adjacent buildings and maintaining the family’s philosophy in the business.

The family’s hands-on approach is evident in their direct involvement in project management and maintenance, ensuring a deep personal connection with every aspect of the business park. This blend of family values with professional growth encapsulates the essence of Capote’s evolution, from a simple agricultural landscape to a thriving, family-run business park that seamlessly integrates distribution and light manufacturing, fostering economic growth and cross-border trade dynamics.

Josh Pollock, one of the general partners of Ocotillo Capital, brings a wealth of experience to the project. With over 13 years of expertise in real estate and real estate development, Josh has primarily focused his career on Texas but has also undertaken projects across the United States. His involvement in this venture stems from a shared belief with his partner, Phil and Nick Dyer, in the successful international trade, particularly between the U.S. and Mexico. They recognized the growing demand for dry warehouse facilities, driven in part by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

While Ocotillo Capital’s journey into industrial building began in San Antonio before this project, the team’s formation in 2022 signaled a strong commitment to the industrial sector. Josh envisions the Rio Grande Valley as a strategic hub, comparing it to a blend of El Paso and Laredo, with growing potential in manufacturing, maquiladoras, and produce transport. He is enthusiastic about working in Pharr, acknowledging its business-friendly environment and promising prospects for the future.

The Park centers around the collaborative spirit and community involvement that have been key in the park’s development. A strategic figure in this narrative is Jose Manuel, the superintendent responsible for the upkeep of the buildings. His role extends beyond mere maintenance; he is regarded as a vital member of the team. His dedication and vigilance are indispensable, especially in the absence of Phil Dyer and his son Nick. This effort, where responsibilities are shared, allows each member to focus on their strengths, with Nick handling more challenging tasks and Phil enjoying the construction aspects he is passionate about.

The relationship with the local government and organizations has been a cornerstone of the park’s success. The partnership with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (PHARR EDC) and the City of Pharr has been instrumental. Compliance with city planning, zoning, and utility requirements underscores the park’s commitment to adhering to local regulations. The support from these entities, particularly in the early stages, was crucial. Initial infrastructure assistance, like water and sewer services, provided the necessary foundation for the first buildings. As the business park became self-sufficient, this financial support was redirected to aid other emerging ventures, reflecting a sense of community and mutual growth.

As Phill said, the ongoing collaboration with Victor Pérez and his team at the PHARR EDC has been beneficial, not only in terms of infrastructure but also in networking and attracting tenants. The business park maintains an open dialogue with various stakeholders, which has been a key factor in achieving full occupancy for the buildings.

Written by Roberto Hugo González, The 2009 SBA Journalist of the Year Award Winner & The 2009 and 2012 Paul Harris Award recipient.

Nearshoring: A Game-Changer in Global Trade and Geopolitics

Nearshoring, the practice of relocating business operations to neighboring countries, is revolutionizing global trade. This strategy offers benefits like reduced logistics costs and enhanced supply chain resilience. Mexico is emerging as a prime nearshoring partner for U.S. companies due to its proximity and trade agreements. Geopolitically, nearshoring is reducing reliance on China, triggering legislative actions, and reshaping global trade dynamics.

However, nearshoring faces challenges like border infrastructure and trade complexities. Investments in infrastructure, supply chain transparency, and cooperation are crucial to navigate this landscape. In conclusion, nearshoring is a transformative force with promising U.S. and Mexican trade prospects.

Read more on the Texas Border Business website.

Nearshoring Trends, Advantages, and Geopolitical Implications

Economic Times Newsletter – 2nd Quarter 2022

Welcome to the 2nd Quarter Edition of the 2022 Pharr Economic Times Newsletter! On behalf of our board, staff, and members at the Pharr EDC, we thank you for your continued support and business. It has been another successful and busy quarter, and we are excited to share our many exciting economic development projects and news with you.

Pharr EDC Participates in A Groundbreaking Connectivity Project

When Pharr found itself labeled as one of the “worst connected” cities in the United States, while still unable to access federal funding to fix the problem, it took creating a solution into its own hands.

Pharr’s solution consists of creatively using many resources from right within the city to create connectivity for low-income houses, often for free or at a low cost. These resources include the following:

  • Marketing the federal Affordable Connectivity Program that provides certain households with free access to broadband
  • Getting funding for a financial feasibility study from BBVA Bank
  • Using a Cambium wireless network platform to connect 50 households
  • Developing a strong network of partners to implement a fiber-to-the-home connectivity plan

The fiber project is Pharr’s ultimate goal. And, in order to make it a reality, the city needed funding alongside the support of its many partners. In order to obtain that funding, the city used revenue bonds and money from the American Rescue Plan Act, preventing the city from needing to raise property taxes or the burden on the households it was trying to help.

Pharr’s partner in securing the funding for the FTTH project? The Pharr EDC.

“The City of Pharr is innovative, and when the idea came up, the Pharr EDC was happy to partner with the city to bring broadband to our residents,” says Victor Perez, Pharr EDC President/CEO in a BroadBand Community news article.

Thanks to the funding and partnerships obtained by Pharr, the city is now in the process of creating fiber access to the Internet in its third neighborhood and providing marketing to make residents aware of their access to the Internet.

Pharr’s connectivity solutions are supporting residents, are part of its efforts to attract new business to the city, and are inspiring other cities to pursue their own fiber network solutions to bridge the digital divide.

Pharr EDC Delivers 1 Million Square Feet of Warehouse Space in Pharr

Encouraged by the Pharr EDC’s business-friendly approach, incentives, and packages, produce companies Delta Fresh and Kaliroy Fresh have collaborated to build 1 million square feet of produce storage space in South Pharr.

In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, William Millan, project manager of the new space, called Dekal Industrial Park, credited Pharr’s location near Mexico and the Pharr EDC’s commitment to making business investments in the city easy, as the reasons the project chose Pharr for its location.

The project marks a massive addition of warehouse space to the refrigerated warehouses the two produce companies already own in Pharr. It will consist of a mix of dry, frozen, and refrigerated space to meet client needs. The first warehouse in the new space should be completed next year.

Victor Perez, Executive Director of Pharr EDC, in the same interview, also announced several new projects that the Pharr EDC has brought into the city. These include the following:

  • A 150,000 square foot warehouse
  • A Tractor Supply groundbreaking
  • A McDonald’s groundbreaking
  • A Triple H expansion

Perez noted that the Pharr EDC never refuses new business, and never stops striving to bring in the business and growth that benefits Pharr.

“We’re here to do business with them,” he said.” We don’t turn projects away. We incentivize as much as we can. That is what we are known for. We want to make sure they [Businesses] feel comfortable that they have been treated right and given the best opportunity for them to succeed.”

Santos unveils Pharr EDC Foundation’s new initiatives

PHARR, Texas – The Pharr EDC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarship opportunities for graduating students residing in the city of Pharr.

Its mission statement is to “support and promote endeavors that foster educational, occupational, and career opportunities for Pharr residents to advance their socioeconomic status and enhance their quality of life.”

Lilvette Santos is the director of the Pharr EDC Foundation. She recently sat down with Rio Grande Guardian International News Service editor and publisher Steve Taylor to discuss the foundation’s work. She unveiled some of the new initiatives the foundation will be embarking on in the coming months.

Top