Southern Dallas developer shares plans for grocery store, hospital, more in Wilmer

WILMER, TX – On the heels of Wilmer City Council’s recent recognition of southern Dallas developer Mike Rader’s ongoing development and support of the city, last week, the President of Prime Rail Interests, LLC and Prime 45 Development, LLC spoke to the council about his upcoming projects.

Rader told the Wilmer City Council he has been working for the “last 30 years” in the southern Dallas corridor. Over that time, he has helped facilitate the inevitable growth in Wilmer and the surrounding cities.

Rader said the area is now known as having the best logistics in North Texas due to the proximity of two interstate highways and three railroad systems.

“I had a vision for the area,” Rader said. “I worked with Hutchins, Wilmer, Lancaster, and a little bit of Dallas. Over the years, I have talked to people about this vision and ask them what they wanted to see.”

He said one part of that vision has been the need for a grocery store.

Rader acknowledged a grocery store has been a “long time coming,” but he explained first, there was a need for a base highlighting both residential and commercial.

With that base in mind, Rader has been a key part of the city’s ongoing development in what is now known as the Dallas County Inland Port.

The Dallas County Inland Port, according to Rader, comprises 75,000 acres and is still growing.

“The City of Wilmer has seen 25 million-plus square-feet of industrial development, thousands of jobs, and new apartments added to the city,” he said. Wilmer’s name has spread all over the United States and we even had the governor of Texas support bringing John Paul Mitchell corporate headquarters to Wilmer from California.”

With the momentum at an all-time high, Rader shared with the Wilmer City Council “We have placed in the city’s hands a plat for a 10-acre site for a hospital. So, get ready there will be a groundbreaking event soon.”

He added, in addition there are two Marriott hotels coming to Wilmer, multiple restaurants, and there is a site for a grocery store.

Rader also commended Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price who he said, “Did not ask me for anything, he just ask how he could help.”

Former State Representative Carl Sherman also spoke at Wilmer’s city council meeting, and he too was excited about the new grocery store site.

“Just look at Wilmer today, the growth, the development, the opportunities,” Sherman said. “With all the city’s progress we must make sure we are not leaving anyone behind. Wilmer residents should not have to drive to another city just to buy fresh produce. I know we can do that because Wilmer has always had a heart.”

As the council acknowledged the city’s ongoing progress and growth, Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta thanked both men for speaking during public comments.

“We are indeed a city with a heart,” Petta said. “Wilmer will always have a sense of community keeping that small town feel, however we will keep improving the lives of our citizens too. As Mr. Rader said, it is going to happen, there is no other way.”