H-E-B Expands With Site Purchased in Celina, No Timetable For Construction Announced

The San Antonio-based grocer H-E-B purchased land along the southeast corner of Preston Road in Celina, as it continues to expand in North Texas. 

Matthew Kiran, a broker with REX Real Estate, said the site is about 30 acres on the southeast corner of Preston and the outer loop. This site is in close proximity to the Costco location on the southwest corner of Ownsby Parkway and Preston. 

Kiran said Costco should be “moving dirt” in March on its 160,000-square-foot facility, which is phase 1 of a larger 105-acre development at the intersection of Ownsby and Preston.  

“They wish it was yesterday.”

Celina residents are eager for H-E-B to call Celina home, Kiran said, adding that “they wish it was yesterday.” H-E-B also purchased land in Prosper for an upcoming location and has locations in Frisco and Plano.  

The store also has plans for a second Frisco location along US 380. City documents state the grocery store is planned to sit on 22.7 acres on the west side of FM 423. Those documents also show this project was submitted in December 2022 and the commission approved a 30-day extension during the Jan. 10 meeting. 

Marbie Jackson, senior director of public affairs for H-E-B said earlier this year there was currently no timetable for construction on this location. H-E-B recently broke ground on its Mansfield location.  

Celina is a Boomtown

Celina is the latest boomtown in North Texas, experiencing both residential and commercial growth. Celina City Manager Jason Laumer noted in his Fiscal Year 2022 City Manager’s Report there are 600,000 square feet of available retail space in the city. 

Additionally, the Methodist Health System announced last year plans to build its newest hospital in Celina, with its board of directors approving the $200 million facility. Methodist says the 200,000-square-foot facility will open in 2025 and will initially bring over 220 jobs to Celina.