Q1/26 Newsletter

From market volatility to emerging demand, what we’re seeing across the industry.

Happy April 1st—

I’ll admit, after a team member suggested it, I thought about starting this note with an April Fools’ joke, but decided it was better not to test my luck!

Instead, I’ll say this. 2026 is already proving to be a year that keeps us thinking. Between global events, shifting policies, and evolving demand across sectors, the landscape continues to change in ways that require a bit more attention and intention.

Projects are moving forward with more discipline, more early alignment, and a greater focus on long-term outcomes. In many cases, that is leading to stronger decisions and better results.

In this issue, we’ve highlighted a few of the trends we’re seeing across the market and what they may mean for the months ahead. As conditions continue to evolve, we remain focused on helping move projects forward with clarity and purpose.

 

Sincerely,

Taylor Hale, President

FIVE KEY INSIGHTS

FIVE KEY INSIGHTS

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01. COST CONTROL IN AN UNCERTAIN ENVIRONMENT

With global supply chains under pressure and pricing shifting week-to-week, early engagement with trade partners and proactive procurement strategies are becoming essential. What was once a cost-saving measure is now a critical tool for managing risk, protecting schedules, and maintaining budget certainty.

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02. RETAIL STABILITY IN CURRENT MARKET

While other sectors navigate cost pressures and uncertainty, retail across Texas is showing sustained strength. Record occupancy, disciplined development, and demand tied to population growth are positioning retail as one of the most resilient asset classes in today’s environment.

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03. NEW CONSTRUCTION DEMAND EMERGES

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is transforming computing into one of the most infrastructure-intensive industries in the world. Large-scale data centers require power and resources comparable to small cities, creating both new opportunities and new constraints as demand continues to accelerate.

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04. NAVIGATING SB 840 ACROSS TEXAS MARKETS

While SB 840 aims to streamline multifamily development and unlock new opportunities, implementation is varying widely by city. As municipalities adjust their regulations, understanding local responses and engaging early in the entitlement process will be key to realizing the full potential of this legislation.

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05. HOSPITALITY ENTERS MORE DISCIPLINED GROWTH CYCLE

Hotel demand is improving in 2026, but rising costs and uneven recovery across markets are reshaping how projects move forward. As operators balance growth with profitability, development is becoming more selective, reinforcing a disciplined approach to expansion.

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM M&F’S 1ST QUARTER

01.

Welcomed nine new team members in Q1, including Joey Martin, our new Director of Technology, who joins the leadership team to help advance our technology and AI strategy. Also joining us is John Holiman, Preconstruction Manager in Central Texas, who brings over 30 years of industry experience.

02.

Launched our quarterly M&F Vision Check survey, a dual NPS program designed to measure both team member (eNPS) and client (NPS) experience, achieving a world-class score of 80 across both.

03.

Awarded eight new projects across industrial, multifamily, hospitality, private education, office, and faith-based sectors in North and Central Texas.

04.

Completed two projects, one for the City of Denton and one for the City of Austin, with several more projects progressing toward completion later this year.

05.

Celebrated several of our team members participating in industry events, including the Panther Den Urban Design Competition and winning an AIA Dallas Bark & Build award for “Modern Pooch.”

06.

Spoke, hosted, and connected with partners, peers, and future talent through events including Leader Xchange, RECA Knock Out Night in Austin, and career fairs across Texas.

PROJECT UPDATES

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Town Lake Center

Construction is complete at Town Lake Center in downtown Austin, with the owner finalizing interiors ahead of a mid-April move-in. The project marks a strong addition to the downtown landscape and continued momentum in Central Texas.

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LAS COLINAS DUAL BRAND HOTEL

Interior and exterior work continues to advance across the project. Room finishes, public space buildout, and site improvements are progressing in parallel, with FFE installation underway as the team moves closer to summer completion.

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DENTON SOLID WASTE

Construction was successfully completed in February, with the Certificate of Occupancy delivered to the City of Denton. The project reflects a strong partnership supporting essential community infrastructure.

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MOUNTAIN CREEK MULTIFAMILY

Site and infrastructure work continues across the development, with paving, utilities, and grading progressing. With groundwork nearing completion, the project is preparing to transition into vertical construction in the coming weeks.

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TARRANT COUNTY PROJECTS

Progress continues across multiple Tarrant County projects, including the Law Enforcement Center, Plaza Parking Garage, and Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center. Interior finishes, structural work, and system installations are advancing as these civic projects move toward substantial completion in the next few months.

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CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS T11 CAR COMMUNITY PHASE 2

Construction is underway on Phase 2 enhancements at COTA T11 Car Community. Underground Plumbing and Site Utility work is progressing, marking the next phase of growth at this premier destination.

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HYATT HOUSE DFW

The project continues to gain momentum with steady progress across paving, utilities, and underground MEP systems. With slab-on-grade work approaching and preparations underway for cold-formed metal framing, the team remains focused on maintaining quality and coordination as construction advances.

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COLLIN COUNTY PROJECTS

Progress continues across multiple Collin County projects, including McKinney Air Industrial Park and the City of McKinney RBPS (D-B). The industrial park is preparing for groundbreaking as preconstruction advances, while the RBPS project has reached design development and continues coordination with the City as it moves toward the next phase.

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SENDERA SPRINGS LIBRARY

The project reached a major milestone this quarter with the slab pour and topping out celebration. Construction continues to move forward as this new community resource takes shape.