Garland’s newest go-to for great food, drinks and atmosphere is coming soon to the Downtown Square. Development of The Owl Icehouse is underway at 519 W. State St. with demolition of several elements of the property’s structure wrapping up and construction now beginning.
What was once the historic Jones Hardware site established in 1915 is now poised to become a two-story, locally inspired restaurant and gathering place featuring a scratch kitchen, private event spaces, expansive patio seating and a vibrant connection to the nearby Plaza Theatre and Downtown Square. This project marks a major step in transforming a long-vacant storefront into a new destination for residents and visitors alike, while celebrating the rich history of Garland.
The venue will offer:
Family-friendly indoor and outdoor “open” seating, including a rooftop patio
Live music and community events
Home cooking, including some locally inspired fare
Spaces for private gatherings and celebrations
Memorabilia and themed elements paying tribute to the city’s culture, schools, and traditions
"This project is not just a redevelopment—it’s a celebration of Garland’s community spirit,” said Mayor Dylan Hedrick. “The Owl Icehouse will add new energy to the ongoing revitalization of Downtown and support the City’s efforts to boost economic activity and cultural engagement in the area.”
On May 6, 2025, the Garland City Council voted to sell 519 W. State St. to The Owl Icehouse in alignment with the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan. This plan supports goals to:
Activate long-vacant properties
Encourage destination-driven redevelopment
Strengthen Downtown Garland’s walkability and appeal
Drive new visitation and economic vibrancy
Expected to draw over 150,000 annual visitors, The Owl Icehouse is also projected to create new jobs and sales tax revenue for the City.
“Our mission is to create a more connected community by embracing the good ol’ days and creating more of them,” said Rae and Mike Luther, the creative and operational leaders behind The Owl Icehouse. “By honoring Garland’s history and leaning in to learn more about the people that call Garland home, we hope to provide a place that creates a sense of nostalgia and honors local legacies.”
Construction is expected to continue through early 2026, and project milestones will be shared along the way. The development team is also working with the City to plan a series of events to meet Garland residents and collect treasures or memorabilia they may have. The first event is being planned to coordinate with the 2025 It Came From Texas Film Festival this September. Please follow along on Instagram for updates.