Silver lining

High-profile splits sure help the real estate market: Dallas divorces and thehomes left behind

Madeleine and T. Boone Pickens recently announced they were ending theirmarriage.
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Rhonda and Troy Aikman split in late 2010.
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Willa Ford and Mike Modano filed for divorce in August 2012.
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Now that the economy is pepping up, is everyone booking appointments with their divorce attorneys? All I know is the D-word delights the luxury Realtors in Dallas: cha-ching, a home sale! Let's take a look at the most memorable divorces in Big D and how their collective real estate fared:

Madeleine and T. Boone Pickens announced this week they are calling it quits. First I said, "Oh no." Then I checked MLS; the Pickens home on Alva Court has not yet hit the market.

Troy and Rhonda Aikman split in late 2010. Their house was on the market and just went off. Rhonda bought a home in Preston Hollow.

Mike Modano and Willa Ford — what in the world? All I can say is, if being a hot model, having a gorgeous Preston Hollow home and owning those precious golden retrievers isn't enough, then what is? Modano and Ford filed for divorce in August. As of this writing, their home has not hit the market.

Ed and Lee Bailey split in 2011. If I ever get a divorce, Lee Bailey is the first person I'm calling. She dumped Ed and bought Braden Power's party mansion on Turtle Creek — and promptly put the swimming pool back in the foyer. You go, girl! (Much better trade.)

Nancy and Norman Brinker divorced in 2003 after 20 years of marriage. Norman kept the house the dynamo couple shared on Alva Court, just up the street from the Pickens' manse. He lived in Alva Court with wife no. 3 until the day he died; now she still can't seem to shed it.

Meanwhile, over in Tarrant County, Sean and Beth Peytonfiled for divorce in June. I just have to wonder if that disco had anything to do with it. Recall the Peytons bought a 7,785 square foot home on Brazos Drive in Vaquero with everything, including pool, master study, gameroom, and disco with a lighted floor and glass ball. Too much living on the wild side?

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Mixed Use News

West Grove center in McKinney signs on slew of new restaurants

Whole Foods Market flagship store in Austin

Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market

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A mixed-use center coming soon to McKinney has already lined up more than a dozen tenants: According to a release, West Grove, a new development at the intersection of US-380 and North Custer Road has signed on a supermarket, a coffee shop, ice cream shop, and a Chick-fil-A.

West Grove is from De La Vega Capital and Development and designed through a public-private partnership with the city of McKinney. It'll span more than 500,000 square feet and be a walkable mix of retail, restaurants, and entertainment options, as well as 420 residential units, 55,000 square feet of office space, and two acres of green space, with a 2-acre park, plus open-air spaces, lively outdoor decks, lush landscaping, and thoughtful lighting details, that sounds intriguing.

West Grove will be anchored by Whole Foods Market, which broke ground in November 2024. The center is scheduled to open in 2025. Miraculously, the Chick-fil-A opened in March.

Without further ado, the businesses making their West Grove debut include:

Food & Beverage

Whole Foods Market. A 45,082-square-foot Whole Foods Market will anchor West Grove.

Oak & Stone. A modern eatery specializing in wood-fired pizzas, craft beers, and artisanal dishes made from freshly sourced ingredients. This will be the first Oak & Stone location in Texas.

Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A opened at West Grove in March 2024.

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar. Japan chain is a unique revolving sushi bar experience where customers can select dishes from a conveyor belt. The West Grove location will be the first Kura Sushi in McKinney.

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe. This breakfast chain is the Denny's sibling known for its breakfast and lunch. This will be their first location in McKinney.

Velvet Taco. Dallas fast-casual chain specializing in globally inspired tacos will open its first McKinney location at West Grove.

Sweet Paris Crêperie. Originally from Houston, Sweet Paris specializes in crêpes, waffles, and other French-inspired dishes. This is their first location in McKinney.

Chipotle. Popular fast-casual chain specializing in customizable burritos, tacos and bowls, Chipotle has a strong presence not only nationwide but also in McKinney.

La La Land Kind Cafe. Quickly-growing Dallas coffee shop chain is dedicated to supporting and creating opportunities for youth and individuals in need. This will be the first La La Land in McKinney.

Paciugo Gelato. Founded in Dallas, Paciugo is the Italian-inspired gelato shop offering a variety of handcrafted flavors. The West Grove location is an anticipated addition to McKinney, making it the only active Paciugo in the area.

Health & Beauty

Sephora. Largest prestige beauty omni-retailer in the U.S. and Canada offers a wide range of high-end makeup, skincare, hair, and fragrance products. This will be the first stand-alone full-service location in McKinney.

Orange Twist. California-based med spa specializing in non-invasive aesthetic treatments like body sculpting and skin rejuvenation. This will be Orange Twist’s first location in McKinney.

Reformed Pilates. Boutique Pilates studio offering reformer-based classes focused on strength, flexibility, and overall wellness. This will be the first Reformed Pilates studio in McKinney.

Services

Resort Nail Spa. Luxury nail spa offering premium manicure and pedicure services, dedicated to creating a relaxing and affordable experience. Originating in Dallas, this will be the first Resort Nail Spa location in McKinney.

Chewy Vet Care. Chewy Vet Care is a branch of the popular online pet retailer Chewy, providing veterinary services for pets. This facility is one of the first Chewy Vet Care locations in Texas, alongside one in Fort Worth.

PNC Bank. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PNC Bank is one of the largest financial services groups in the U.S.

“We’re excited to continue expanding West Grove with a diversified selection of tenants that complement our vision for the development,” said De La Vega President and CEO Artemio De La Vega. “West Grove is a space where people can gather, connect and enjoy experiences that enrich their daily lives.”

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