The dining and entertainment venue under construction at the northwest corner of FM 740 and FM 1140 will be anchored by an expanded Standard Service restaurant, Heath resident and project partner, Elias Pope, reported to the Heath Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) and Heath Municipal Benefits Corporation Board (HMBC) at its October 16 meeting.

The existing Standard Service in Rockwall will relocate to the site, enabling the popular restaurant to double in size and offer a full dinner menu, take away family meals, and possibly breakfast. Pope also reported the venue’s distinctive name will soon be announced and that exciting amenities include:

• A weekend market with eight to 10 vendors
• A food truck court
• A public stage for live music, community events and a jumbo outdoor LED screen for family movies and sports
• Two large turf areas for gaming and relaxing with family and friends, plus a few more family-driven activities
• Five fire pits with seating for 20 each
• 220 parking spots

“I live four minutes away, and want to be able to enjoy it all with my own family,” said Pope, who is expects to open in the first quarter of 2019, weather permitting. “It’s been a labor of love to create something very special for Heath.”

The Heath City Council approved an Economic Development Assistance Agreement at its December 13, 2016, meeting for the project. The Council’s action followed approval of an agreement by the HEDC and HMBC Board on December 7, 2016.

The mission of the HEDC/HMBC is to retain and attract distinctive economic development that meets the City of Heath’s vision for a premier community, expands the City’s sales tax base and enhances the quality of life enjoyed by citizens.

“We are charged with re-investing citizens’ sales tax dollars to sustain our Heath lifestyle with funding generated through upscale and targeted development that retains the look and feel desired while continuing to enhance our community,” said David Lane, president of the HEDC/HMBC.

Recent Projects of the HEDC/HMBC include:

• Funding for a new picnic pavilion at Antigua Bay Park in its FY 2018-2019 budget.
• Funding for new lights for practice fields at Towne Center Park in its FY 2018-2019 budget.
• Continued assistance in funding upscale street signs citywide in its FY 2018-2019 budget.
• Appraisal and branding of 25 acres of land owned by the HMBC along Chris Cuny Parkway and adjacent to the 50 acres of city-owned land.
• Ground lease agreement on HMBC-owned land with the Hidden Creek Special Events venue.