Lots of people apparently didn’t realize that Hearne has had a commercial real estate webpage for the past couple of years.  Indeed, prospective business owners of all shapes and sizes have been accessing this webpage, calling the economic development office to obtain additional information, going on driving tours around town with yours truly, and using the list themselves to find available properties.  The result (mentioned in last week’s report) is that many retail properties along TX 6 & US 79 in Hearne are no longer vacant and are now realizing productive use (some, for the first time in years).

The goal of the webpage is give online visitors fingertip access to Hearne’s available properties and to make as much information as possible about Hearne’s commercial real estate available to as many people as possible.  Most towns the size of Hearne don’t have a comprehensive list of commercial real estate offerings online.  In fact, College Station only recently developed such an online listing of available business locations.  Yes, some realtors do have websites of their own.  But (except in Hearne’s case) it is usually next to impossible to get a “lay of the land” and see all available properties in a town at one website.

The Hearne commercial real estate webpage suits two diverse needs.  It lets local people who are interested in opening a business view available sites.  It also provides access to information for businesses from afar which may be considering locating in central Texas.  This very well could include companies that would never receive information about Hearne and its offerings (but for this webpage).

Here’s an example of how this webpage might help bring new economic development to Hearne in the future.  Hearne ISD will soon have three vacated school campuses.  The Blackshear Alumni Association will likely use part of the old Blackshear campus.  The economic development office is trying to get Blinn to start offering trade and vocational classes at Blackshear, Eastside, or the junior high campuses after they are vacated. 

What else might these buildings be used for?  The buildings on these campuses might be sold or leased and converted into apartments, office space (perhaps for some of the oil and gas exploration companies doing business in the county), or call centers (which are moving back to the U.S. from abroad).

Placing information about these buildings online might attract the attention of a property scout looking for a new call center location or someone who is interested in building apartments to accommodate new power plant employees.  Alternatively, the economic development office routinely disseminates information to prospective new businesses.  A link to the website page containing pictures and other information about these buildings and campuses might be forwarded to interested parties.  The chance of a prospective new Hearne business learning about the availability of these buildings is significantly enhanced when this information is featured online.

In addition to finding productive new uses for these school properties, three thriving existing businesses in Hearne are for sale.  A major building with significant adjoining property is available on the north end of town.  Another office/warehouse facility is for sale or lease just outside the city limits to the south.  Quite a few retail spaces are available in downtown Hearne.  A strip mall containing several retail spots is available on North Alamo Street.  There’s land galore out at the Hearne Industrial Park. 

The economic development office is working with Union Pacific to see if some of the vacant lots and buildings that the railroad owns throughout town can be freed-up.  If these efforts are successful, these properties will soon be listed on the webpage. 

So, what can this webpage do for local folks?  Have you been dreaming of opening a business in Hearne but didn’t know where to start?  Finding just the right spot to locate your business might be a logical first step for many prospective business owners.  Just go to www.hearnetexas.info and click on “Commercial Real Estate” to access the commercial real estate listings.  Once there, you can see view the many privately-owned, city-owned, and Union Pacific Railroad-owned lots and buildings that are available for sale or lease for retail, office, trade/technical, or light industrial purposes in the Hearne city limits. 

On an on-going basis over the past couple of years, I have been looking at appraisal, deed, & tax records, asking around, and tracking down the owners of unused commercial properties all over town.  The leg work has been done so potential business owners don’t have to do it.  Now there’s one easy-to-use source to see who owns which available commercial properties within the Hearne city limits.

Two by three foot red, white, and blue signs promoting the commercial real estate webpage have been placed in several empty storefronts and on several vacant lots around town.  These signs were purchased by Hearne’s 4A Sales Tax Board.  More signs are on the way.

If you are interested in opening a business in Hearne and find a property that may be suitable to your needs, contact the local realtors or property owners who are listed on the website.  Or, call me at 979.279.9870 to schedule an up-close and personal tour of one or several available Hearne properties.  If someone owns a piece of property that is appropriate for commercial use and it’s not listed, please let me know.  I would be happy to add your property to the list.  It won’t cost you a penny!

At present, the commercial real estate page contains addresses and descriptions of known properties that may be appropriate for a variety of commercial purposes.  In the future, maps may be added so people can determine where properties are located and whether they are on major highways or have railroad access.  Photos of major properties may soon be placed online at the site as well.