The city of Allen’s technology industry is making quite an impression as it continues to expand its network of technology employees and employers around the community.

Daniel Bowman, CEO of the Allen Economic Development Corporation, said the industry really began to see movement in Allen over the past few years.

He said Allen’s technology jobs have grown by nearly 6% every year for the past three years. Now, Allen ranks 28% higher in technology job concentration than the national average, and Dallas-Fort Worth has the seventh-largest concentration in the country.

In Allen, Bowman said, several technology companies are already utilizing office space — ranging from cybersecurity firms and video-game developers to software programmers and data centers. Hoping to optimize the industry’s success, Bowman said there will soon be a lot of new opportunities and facilities around the city that he expects tech employees will be drawn to.

Among these new opportunities is the Allen Tech Hub: a 105,000-square-foot mixed-use development, designed specifically for midsize to large technology firms. The building will offer a conference center, a tenant lounge, a fitness center, covered parking and four floors of Class A office space with open lighting and large collaborative spaces.

Located in Watters Creek, the tech hub is the perfect spot for employees to spend their day, Bowman said. Watters Creek has walkable amenities and dining and entertainment options when the workday ends, which is important to people who work long hours.

In February, Mutts Canine Cantina — a combination dog park and restaurant — will open adjacent to the tech hub. Bowman said this will be a huge benefit to tech employees, who he finds take great pride in their pet ownership.

“If you know anybody working in technology, they like to bring their dogs to work,” Bowman said. “Dog ownership is pretty important often for tech employees, so when you have to leave eight or 10 hours a day, you’ll want to take your dog outside to play.”

Developed by Heady Investments, the Allen Tech Hub’s plans are currently being reviewed by the city, and finances are being locked into place. Bowman said they are trying to break ground as soon as possible. After site-plan reviewal and permits are issued, he expects this will take place in the first quarter of 2021, with a tentative opening date in summer 2022.

While Allen’s economy is mainly boosted by retail space and restaurants, Bowman said it’s important to recognize who’s spending the money at these places.

“Technology is a net exporter,” Bowman said. “It’s not only used in Allen. It’s mainly used across the country and globe. The dollars come here for them to go out and shop or eat. … What I would say is, tech is such a great export good, and it boosts our economy from the outside.”