A Thriving Hub for Retail
More than 400,000 residents reside within the Longview retail trade area, which draws from many of the smaller surrounding communities in more than 13 counties. Many restaurants and retailers have found success in Longview, including local retailer, Barron’s (and Café Barron’s), and restaurants such as Papacitas, Jucy’s, Silver Grizzly and Edible Art.
Retail in Longview
Our Services
To support this growing sector, the Longview Economic Development Corporation’s staff is here to facilitate the decision-making process for retailers, real estate brokers/developers and other commercial operations by:
Providing data
Identifying available sites and spaces for development
Building relationships on the local and national levels
Facilitating the regulatory process
Identifying retail supply leakages in trade areas
Recruiting targeted retailers and retail developers to Longview
Location, Location, Location
Strategically positioned retail properties are prominent along the city's major thoroughfares and within key urban hubs. Longview's revitalized downtown district, anchored by the iconic Gregg County Courthouse and a diverse array of businesses, stands as a bustling epicenter for restaurants and retail establishments. This dynamic blend creates a magnetic pull for both local residents and visiting patrons.
Small Area Plans
The Longview Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2015, showing that Downtown and the Interstate 20 Corridor needed more detailed planning studies based on physical and market assessments. In 2016, the City of Longview partnered with the Longview Economic Development Corporation to conduct two “Small Area Plan” studies to further identify Longview’s development opportunities.
The two Small Area Plans are long-term planning documents that provide an overall strategy and guidelines for what future development could look like in these areas. This includes addressing the design of building form, streets, public spaces and branding strategies. The ultimate goal of these plans is to present an innovative yet realistic vision and strategy for strengthening Downtown and the Interstate 20 Corridor as an economic driver for the community.
Developments Exemplified on Estes
LEDCO has approximately 16 acres (6.5 ha) of land available on the west side of Estes Parkway, just south of Interstate 20, featuring 400 feet (122 m) of Estes Parkway frontage. The owner is open to subdividing. This location boasts excellent visibility with a daily traffic count of 33,000 cars on Interstate 20 and over 35,000 cars on Estes Parkway, both north and south of the Interstate. Situated in a prime development area, you'll find Longview's third Wal-Mart Supercenter within a mile, along with several thriving companies, some operating around the clock. Additionally, LeTourneau University, with a growing student enrollment averaging over 3,500, is less than 2 miles (3.2 km) away, and the Belcher Performing Arts Center, featuring over 2,000 seats, is conveniently located on the university campus, also just 2 miles (3.2 km) from this site. Plus, you're just about 4 miles (6.5 km) away from East Texas Regional Airport.
