Channel 8 News - 08/02/2007    Listen to the video clip *

It's the biggest deal to hit Denton in decades. 
Rayzor Ranch Town Center, an outdoor shopping center featuring shops, restaurants, a museum
and an amphitheater. Debbie Denmon reports from the groundbreaking ceremonies.

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DENTON — Not long ago, longhorn cattle grazed on the historic hill at the corner of Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 380.

The 415-acre property on Denton's north side will soon be home to Rayzor Ranch Town Center, an $850 million open air shopping mall,
similar to Firewheel Town Center in Garland. Dillard's and JCPenney have signed on to anchor the mall.

"This is the biggest project we've ever worked on," said Linda Ratliff, director of Denton Economic Development.
| "It's going to change this side of Denton. The face of Denton is going to change because of this."

All the more reason to celebrate. Rayzor Ranch will also be home to high-end homes and another shopping center right across the street.

Denton Mayor Perry McNeill is hoping that Rayzor Ranch will make Frisco's Stonebriar Centre—30 minutes away—less of a regional attraction.

"This project itself is going to put us on the map, particularly as far north as Norman, Oklahoma," Mayor McNeill said.
"I have friends and relatives in Oklahoma, and what they've been doing is, they drive by here and go either to Frisco or to Lewisville.
Well, they can stop now."

Plans for Razor Ranch include a hotel for out-of-town visitors, department stores like Belk, Dillards, and JCPenney,
a public park for children, an outdoor amphitheater and the Museum of Texas Art.

Charles Ames, CEO of Allegiance Development, is pleased with the progress being made in Denton.
"We go all over the country developing, but to find a town like this where they understand what's going on and the growth
that they need—it was refreshing," he said.

Denton City leaders sowed the seed for growth at a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday. Rayzor Ranch Town Center is expected
to generate $9 million in sales taxes and $5 million in property taxes every year.

"We're the ninth-fastest growing city, and it's time for us here," Ratliff said. "We're excited about it!"

The first phase of Rayzor Ranch Marketplace is scheduled to open in October of next year.