Field Notes
Dispatches from the property and the Paris market.
A few short reads to help you get a feel for the area, the property, and the investment opportunity.
PEDC Names TxDOT Paris District as 2025 Industry of the Year
The Paris Economic Development Corporation honored the Texas Department of Transportation Paris District as the 2025 Industry of the Year at the 122nd Lamar County Chamber of Commerce Celebration, recognizing decades of regional infrastructure stewardship.
PEDC Receives Texas Economic Development Council State Award for Community Economic Development
The Paris Economic Development Corporation received the TEDC Community Economic Development Award in May 2025, recognizing the organization's collaborative work that drove nearly $100 million in 2024 capital investment.
PEDC Executive Director Maureen Hammond Appointed Chair of TEDC Workforce Committee for 2025
The Texas Economic Development Council appointed Maureen Hammond, executive director of the PEDC, as chair of its Workforce Committee for 2025, placing a rural Northeast Texas leader at the center of statewide workforce policy.
SH 19 / Loop 286 Bridge Repairs Underway: TxDOT Makes Structural Improvements
TxDOT began bridge repair work at the SH 19 at Loop 286 overpass in Paris, TX on July 8, 2026, involving concrete repairs and bridge beam work with temporary lane and shoulder closures.
SH 276 Rehabilitation Nears Completion: Center Turn Lane Paving Underway
TxDOT is paving the final surface on the SH 276 rehabilitation project from FM 751 to CR 3609 in Lamar County, adding a center turn lane to improve safety and traffic flow.
PEDC 2025 Year in Review: Preparation, Partnerships, and Progress
The Paris Economic Development Corporation characterized 2025 as a year of foundational work, with strategic land acquisitions, workforce partnerships, and infrastructure readiness projects positioning Lamar County for sustained growth.
Universal Fabricating USA Begins Operations in Paris, Texas
Universal Fabricating USA, a metal fabrication company, began operations in Paris in February 2025, adding to the growing roster of manufacturing employers in Lamar County.
PEDC Acquires 102 Acres on South Loop 286 for Future Industrial Development
The PEDC acquired a 102-acre industrial site along South Loop 286 in 2025, adding to its portfolio of development-ready land and strengthening Lamar County's ability to compete for manufacturing and logistics projects.
TxDOT Proposes US 82 West Widening: Four-Lane Divided Highway to Lamar County
TxDOT held a public meeting at Paris Junior College proposing to widen approximately 16 miles of US 82 West from the Fannin County line to CR 23900, converting the two-lane highway into a four-lane divided corridor.
US 82 Lamar Avenue Safety Project: Raised Center Median Coming to Paris Commercial Corridor
TxDOT is constructing a raised center median and turn lanes on US 82 (Lamar Avenue) from 33rd Street to 42nd Street in Paris, improving safety and traffic flow along the city's primary retail corridor.
SH 19/24 Resurfacing and Bridge Improvements Underway in Lamar and Delta Counties
TxDOT is performing resurfacing, bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance along SH 19/24 from the Loop 286 intersection to SH 19, with temporary lane closures in effect across Lamar and Delta counties.
Impact Church Back To School Bash — Free Community Event in Paris
Impact Church hosts its annual Back To School Bash on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at Travis High School in Paris, TX — offering free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, food, bounce houses, and games from 6 to 8 PM.
67th Annual Paris Texas Rodeo — Two Nights of Bull Riding and Barrel Racing
The 67th Annual Paris Texas Rodeo roars into town August 7-8, 2026 at the Paris Rodeo & Horse Club, featuring bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, mutton busting, and $14,500 in added money.
Paris Rodeo Parade — Saturday Morning Through Downtown
The annual Paris Rodeo Parade rolls through downtown Paris on Saturday, August 8, 2026 — line-up at 9:00 AM behind the courthouse, parade starts at 10:00 AM.
Downtown Paris Late Night Shopping — Friday, August 7
Downtown Paris stores stay open until 8 PM on Friday, August 7, 2026 for Late Night Shopping — a perfect complement to rodeo weekend with extended hours at local boutiques and restaurants.
Haven of Hope Maternity Home Ribbon Cutting — New Community Resource in Paris
Haven of Hope Maternity Home celebrates its ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 30, 2026 in Paris, TX — a new community resource providing a safe, nurturing environment for women facing unplanned pregnancies.
Shades of Blue — Community Event in Paris, TX
Shades of Blue brings a weekend of community, education, and entertainment to Paris, TX on July 24–26, 2026 — with morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday, July 25.
Paris Farmers and Artisan Market — Every Saturday at Market Square
The Paris Farmers and Artisan Market runs every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM at Market Square — featuring 35+ vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan items through October.
42nd Annual Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally
Paris's longest-running cycling tradition returns for its 42nd year — the Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally sends riders through downtown, along the Northeast Texas Trail, and across Lamar County on Saturday, July 18.
Hell of the North Texas 2026 — Gravel Cycling in Paris
Inspired by Paris–Roubaix, the Hell of the North Texas brings gravel cycling to Northeast Texas with routes from 30 to 175 miles starting and finishing in Paris on Sunday, July 19.
903 Sunsets: Stoney LaRue Live in Downtown Paris
Free outdoor concert featuring Red Dirt country artist Stoney LaRue at The Square on Bonham Street in downtown Paris, TX — Thursday, June 18 at 7:00 PM.
903 Sunsets Season Finale: Animals — A Maroon 5 Tribute
The 903 Sunsets summer series wraps up with Animals, a Maroon 5 tribute band, performing live in downtown Paris, TX — Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 PM.
Back to Bethel Camp Meeting at Red River Valley Bible Camp
The annual Back to Bethel Camp Meeting runs nightly June 29 through July 2 at Red River Valley Bible Camp in Paris, TX, featuring guest speakers, special music by The Mylon Hayes Family, and free suppers.
Red, (Oliver) White, & Blues — Live Music in Downtown Paris
A July 4th weekend live music event — Red, (Oliver) White, & Blues — takes over 25 N Main Street in downtown Paris, TX on the evening of July 3, 2026.
Paris Fireworks Show — Independence Day Celebration at Love Civic Center
The 2026 Paris Fireworks Show takes place Friday, July 3 at Love Civic Center — featuring the Paris Municipal Band, a memorial unveiling, vendors, food trucks, and fireworks at 9:15 PM.
Living in Paris, TX
A look at Lamar County's county seat, the historic downtown, the commercial corridors, the Eiffel Tower with the cowboy hat, and what makes this small city worth investing in.
The property at 1905 E Price St
A walk through the features that matter on this 11,000+ SF commercial building, the layout, the rooms, the commercial kitchen, and the flexibility built into every square foot.
Investing in a Texas Opportunity Zone
How Opportunity Zone incentives work, why Paris TX is an appealing place to deploy capital, and the kinds of projects that thrive in multi-family dwelling districts.
Invest Lamar LLC Proposes 41 Energy-Efficient Homes for SE Paris
Invest Lamar LLC has proposed a $10 million development of 41 energy-efficient single-family homes on 5.1 acres in southeast Paris, addressing the city's housing shortage with walkable access to the Northeast Texas Trail.
Celebration Paris: 64-Unit Senior Housing Complex Under Construction
Construction began on Celebration Paris in December 2024, a 64-unit affordable senior housing complex financed with $11M in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, adding critical residential capacity near US 82 in Paris, TX.
Loop 286 Improvement Project Enters Construction Phase in 2026
TxDOT's Loop 286 improvement project enters its construction phase in 2026, adding frontage roads and expanding the Northeast segment from Stillhouse Road to Pine Mill Road in Paris, TX.
TxDOT Opens New Paris District Headquarters
TxDOT celebrated the opening of its new 120,000 SF Paris District headquarters in August 2025, anchoring 160 jobs in the Gene Stallings Business Park and signaling long-term state investment in Lamar County.
$600M Solar Portfolio Under Construction in Lamar County
Zelestra broke ground in January 2026 on two Meta-backed solar projects totaling 441 MWdc across Lamar and Hopkins counties, backed by $600 million in green financing and creating over 400 local jobs.
Paris Wastewater Plant Upgrade Nears Completion
The City of Paris is completing a multi-phase wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation backed by a $44M bond issuance, positioning the city for future growth and commercial development capacity.
New Retail Openings Signal Growing Commercial Demand
McAlister's Deli, Five Below, and other national retailers are expanding into Paris, TX, reflecting growing consumer demand and commercial corridor strength along Lamar Avenue.
Opportunity Zone 2.0: What It Means for Lamar County
The federal Opportunity Zone program was permanently extended under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act with new rural incentives, strengthening the tax advantages for investors in Lamar County, Texas.
TxDOT Proposes Major Highway Expansions on US 271 and US 82
TxDOT is proposing to widen both US 271 and US 82 in Lamar County, converting two-lane highways into four-lane divided corridors and improving regional connectivity for Paris and surrounding communities.
Huhtamaki's $85M+ Expansion Adds 80 Jobs in Paris
Finnish packaging manufacturer Huhtamaki is investing over $85 million to expand its Paris facility by 400,000 SF and create 80 new manufacturing jobs, one of the largest private-sector investments in Lamar County history.
Amazon Delivers: Last-Mile Facility Opens in Paris
Amazon opened a 48,000 SF last-mile delivery station in Paris, TX, creating over 100 local jobs and marking the retail giant's first physical operational footprint in Lamar County.
PEDC Pursues Foreign Trade Zone Designation for Paris
The Paris Economic Development Corporation has engaged Ernst & Young to pursue a Foreign Trade Zone designation for Lamar County, a strategic move to attract international manufacturers and logistics operators.
Paris Regional Health Invests $11.5M in Facility Upgrades
Paris Regional Health completed more than $11.5 million in capital improvements in 2025, including a second da Vinci surgical robot and major facility renovations, strengthening the medical corridor near 1905 E Price St.
Casey's General Store Approved for Lamar Avenue
Casey's General Store has been approved for a new location at 3750 Lamar Ave, with construction starting July 2026, signaling continued national retail investment along Paris's primary commercial corridor.
PEDC Reports $100M in New Investment, 540 Jobs for 2024
The Paris Economic Development Corporation reported nearly $100 million in new capital investment and 540 direct jobs supported across Lamar County in 2024, earning the Texas Economic Development Council's Community Economic Development Award.
Rodgers Wade Expansion: 40 New Jobs via $12M in Financing
Rodgers Wade, a retail fixture manufacturer in Paris TX, added 40 new full-time jobs after securing $12 million in New Markets Tax Credit financing to acquire and expand its manufacturing operations.
Northwest Industrial Park Infrastructure Upgrade Completed
A $1.8 million road improvement project at the Northwest Industrial Park, backed by a $1.3 million federal EDA grant, has been completed — adding a deceleration lane, widening 34th Street, and extending J. Eagan Street.
Paris Zoning Update: City Expands Commercial District Designations
The City of Paris approved zoning changes in 2025 to transition properties from General Retail to Commercial districts, signaling a broader trend toward commercial densification along key corridors.
Commercial Market Snapshot: Paris TX Lease Rates and Investment Trends
Current commercial lease rates in Paris TX show retail space at approximately $22 per square foot annually and industrial space at $5.50 per square foot, with cap rates near 5% for retail.
Brakes Plus Opens New Location on Lamar Avenue
Brakes Plus opened a new state-of-the-art automotive service location at 4225 Lamar Avenue in Paris, TX on June 15, 2026, adding another national brand to the city's growing commercial corridor.
Fusion Manufacturing Launches Agricultural Equipment Facility in Lamar County
Fusion Manufacturing established a new agricultural equipment production facility on Highway 82 West in Lamar County, investing $1.25 million and creating up to 40 manufacturing jobs with salaries between $55,000 and $60,000.
Happy Trailers Breaks Ground on New Paris Headquarters
Happy Trailers broke ground on a new 8,434 SF headquarters on NE Loop 286 in Paris, TX in June 2025, signaling continued commercial investment and growth along the Loop 286 corridor.
Paris and Lamar County: Population, Demographics, and Growth Trends
Paris, TX holds steady at approximately 25,000 residents with a 0.58% annual growth rate. Lamar County's population tops 51,500. Median household income, workforce data, and demographic trends for commercial property investors.
Huhtamaki Expansion Complete: Ribbon Cutting Marks $85M Milestone
Huhtamaki celebrated the ribbon cutting on its completed 400,000 SF expansion in Paris, TX on June 3, 2026, marking the conclusion of an $85 million investment that has added 80 manufacturing jobs to Lamar County.
Opportunity Zone 2.0: New Rural Incentives Open for Lamar County Investors
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act permanently extended the Opportunity Zone program and created new Qualified Rural Opportunity Fund incentives, including a 30% basis step-up for rural investments held five years.
Happy Trailers Grand Opens New Paris Headquarters
Happy Trailers celebrated the grand opening of its new 8,434 SF headquarters on NE Loop 286 in Paris, TX on June 9, 2026, capping a year of construction and reinforcing the Loop 286 commercial corridor.
LionsHead Specialty Tire & Wheel Opens 122,000 SF Distribution Center
LionsHead Specialty Tire & Wheel opened a 122,000 SF distribution and warehouse facility in Paris, TX in March 2025, representing a $20 million investment that strengthens the region's trailer manufacturing supply chain.
Ametsa Packaging Expands Paris Operations With 50 New Jobs
Ametsa Packaging is adding 50 new jobs and a $2 million bottling line to its Paris, TX facility in 2026, building on its original 100-job investment from 2023 and reinforcing Lamar County's manufacturing growth.
PEDC Acquires Over 225 Acres of Industrial Land for Future Development
The Paris Economic Development Corporation has acquired over 225 acres of development-ready industrial land along Loop 286, positioning Lamar County to compete for the next wave of manufacturing and logistics projects.
City of Paris Launches $2M Street Repaving Project
The City of Paris has awarded a $2 million repaving contract to resurface streets across all four city quadrants, addressing deferred maintenance and improving commercial corridor access.
SE 1st Street Downtown Revitalization Underway in Paris
The City of Paris is transforming SE 1st Street with a multi-phase downtown revitalization project backed by a $500,000+ CDBG grant, including utility relocation, street reconstruction, brick pavers, and traffic calming features.
Circle K Rezoning Approved at HWY 218 and HWY 79 S in Paris
The Paris Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning request for a Circle K development at a recently annexed property at HWY 218 and HWY 79 S, signaling continued commercial expansion into Paris southern corridors.
60-Unit Apartment Complex Approved for Paris
The Paris City Council approved a 60-unit, multi-story apartment complex on an eight-acre site, targeting Section 8 families and private-pay residents with associated tax incentives.
Magnolia: An 80-Lot Single-Family Subdivision Comes to Paris
Magnolia, a new 80-lot subdivision zoned for single-family homes in North Lamar ISD, came to market in April 2024, signaling growing residential demand and homebuilding activity in Lamar County.
BonFire Named #2 Best New Restaurant in Texas by Texas Monthly
BonFire, a French-meets-Texan restaurant in downtown Paris TX, was named the #2 best new restaurant in Texas by Texas Monthly in its 2026 rankings — a signal of the city's rising cultural profile.
Paris Towne Center Sold to Corsair Property Company in $292K SF Deal
The 291,958 SF Paris Towne Center was sold to Corsair Property Company by Culpepper Realty in June 2026, with the grocery-anchored center 96% occupied — a signal of institutional confidence in Paris retail.
US 271 Widening: Construction Begins on Four-Lane Expansion
TxDOT has begun construction on the US 271 widening project from Loop 286 in Paris to SH 37 in Bogata, converting the two-lane highway into a four-lane divided corridor.
US 75 Reconstruction Advances Through Paris District
TxDOT is rebuilding and widening US 75 from the Collin County Line to FM 902 near Paris, expanding the highway from four to six lanes and reconstructing major bridges.
TxDOT Launches Sidewalk Project on BU 271 North Main Street
TxDOT has awarded a $727,000 contract to repair and install sidewalks on BU 271 (North Main Street) from Price Street to Martin Luther King Drive in Paris.
Delco Trailers Opens 550,000 SF Manufacturing Facility in Lamar County
Delco Trailers completed its 550,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Lamar County, projected to bring 300 new jobs over five years and an estimated $140 million in direct payroll over the next decade.
Forestbrook Estates: Wyldewood Homes Brings 44 New Home Lots to Paris
Wyldewood Homes is building on 44 new lots at Forestbrook Estates in Paris, TX, offering affordable single-family homes with modern floor plans.
Paris Housing Market 2026: Median Price Hits $178K, Up 9.8% Year Over Year
Paris, TX home prices rose 9.8% year over year to a median of $178,000, with homes averaging 85 days on market and 65 units sold in May 2026.
Paris ISD and PJC Secure $660K+ in Workforce Training Grants
The Texas Workforce Commission awarded $328,894 to Paris ISD and $332,450 to Paris Junior College through JET grants for vocational nursing and industrial mechanic training.
PEDC Partners with East Texas A&M for Industry Connect 2025
The Paris Economic Development Corporation partnered with East Texas A&M University to host Industry Connect 2025, connecting emerging talent with local industry leaders.
Sunraycer Breaks Ground on 620 MW Solar Portfolio in Lamar County
Sunraycer Renewables broke ground on Lupinus I & II in Lamar County and Eagle Springs in Delta County, a 620 MWdc solar-plus-storage portfolio backed by $901 million in project financing and power purchase agreements with Google.
Paris Creates $20M Forestbrook Public Improvement District for New Housing Development
The City of Paris established the Forestbrook Public Improvement District No. 1, a $20 million financing mechanism at 3375 Jefferson Road designed to subsidize infrastructure and support private residential development.
Cielos PTX Opens on Loop 286: New Upscale Restaurant Signals Corridor Growth
Cielos PTX, a new upscale restaurant and bar, has opened at 2845 Northeast Loop 286 in Paris, adding another dining destination to the city's growing commercial corridor and reflecting rising consumer demand along the Loop 286 development axis.