The Preserve took center stage at October's Founder's Blend, presenting their 173-acre development project to a community of business owners, investors, entrepreneurs, and local supporters. Held once a month, Founder's Blend offers a platform for new businesses to share their visions and gain insights from experienced professionals.
Adam Cunyus, co-founder of The Preserve, presented the team's innovative plans for retail, office spaces, parks, and dining establishments. Cunyus talked about their commitment to enhancing Midland's landscape, fostering community growth, and addressing the challenges of the project.
The Preserve is set to become a family-friendly environment with retail, office spaces, dining options, parks, and hike-and-bike trails. The development will also feature a central water feature, expected to span 15-16 acres, with restaurants and shopping along the edges.
The road to realizing The Preserve's vision has not been without challenges. One of the hurdles the team faces is attracting national tenants to Midland. “National brands have very certain demographic boxes that they have to check off. If they’re interested in the market, then we have a shot,” said Cunyus. The team is focused on both showcasing Midland’s potential to national brands and prioritizing local businesses for initial development phases.
Cunyus also said The Preserve has already secured a key component for the project: Zoo Midland. "We knew that Zoo Midland would wind up being a major regional attraction," he said. The zoo is expected to become an anchor for The Preserve, offering visitors a synergistic experience of dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities.
The project’s timeline is set to unfold over the next 10 years. The first vertical phase, which includes restaurants, office spaces, and retail, is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026. However, the entire development will evolve based on demand, as Cunyus said in an interview with Midland Times.
“The bigger it gets, the more complex it gets, and the more we are at risk. But, the bigger the victory if we win it,” Cunyus said.
The Preserve master plan