The first half of 2026 moved fast, but if you’re in construction in Texas, you already know that. Now we’re asking what the second half will hold?
From where we sit, we’re watching five trends that are reshaping how owners in Texas plan, finance, and deliver projects. Some are creating new opportunities. Others are adding pressure. Most are doing both at once.
That’s what this edition is about. We’ll share what we’re seeing, where we think things are headed, and what’s keeping our teams busy across DFW and Austin.
As always, thanks for letting us be part of what you’re building.
Sincerely,
Taylor Hale, President
FIVE KEY INSIGHTS
FIVE KEY INSIGHTS
Material pricing, tariff uncertainty, and labor challenges continue to shape project decisions well before construction begins. Owners are engaging construction partners earlier to improve cost certainty, reduce procurement risk, and position projects for long-term success.
As financing and operating costs remain elevated, more owners are choosing facilities designed around their long-term operational needs. That shift is driving greater interest in build-to-suit projects that provide more control, flexibility, and long-term value.
AI continues to fuel unprecedented demand for data centers across Texas, increasing the need for power, infrastructure, and skilled labor. As investment accelerates, these projects are influencing development decisions well beyond the industrial sector and creating new business opportunities.
More faith-based organizations are evaluating how existing campuses can better serve their communities through housing, mixed-use development, and expanded community services. These evolving partnerships are creating new opportunities to maximize existing properties while strengthening the communities they serve.
Fort Worth is outpacing much of the region in permit activity, with multifamily leading the charge. For owners and developers watching where capital is moving, the signal is clear. Demand for housing and mixed-use development in Fort Worth isn’t slowing down, and the window to get ahead of that pipeline is now.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM M&F’S 2ND QUARTER
LAS COLINAS DUAL BRAND HOTEL
The hotel is moving through final inspections, punch list items, and owner turnover activities as it approaches completion. Interior systems, elevator inspections, landscape work, exterior lighting, and site improvements are progressing, with remaining final details being addressed to support hotel opening preparations.
ONCOR
Construction continued to advance across Oncor’s Farmers Branch and Northeast Dallas facilities this quarter, with both projects reaching important milestones. At Farmers Branch, exterior building work and roof preparation progressed to get interior trades started alongside fire protection and site paving as the team prepares to transition into Phase 2. Meanwhile, the Northeast Dallas project advanced site infrastructure, underground utilities, and foundation work, positioning the development for continued vertical construction in the coming months.
COTA T11 CAR COMMUNITY PHASE 2
Circuit of the Americas T11 Car Condos Phase 2 continues to progress on schedule despite several months of heavy Central Texas rainfall. Foundations are complete for all three Phase 2A buildings, steel erection is underway, and MEP systems are following close behind. The team remains focused on drying in the buildings and preparing for an October turnover ahead of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
MOUNTAINCREEK MULTIFAMILY
Mountain Creek continued to make significant progress this quarter as structural framing advanced across multiple buildings, reaching key milestones in roof decking, truss installation, and wall framing. As exterior enclosure and interior rough-ins continued throughout the development, the team remains focused on preparing for the project’s first building turn.
TARRANT COUNTY PROJECTS
Following the successful completion of the Tarrant County Law Enforcement Center and Plaza Parking Garage, the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center Elevator Addition has entered its final phase. Interior finishes, building systems, and exterior improvements continue to advance as the project moves toward completion.
HYATT HOUSE DFW
Construction continues to make significant progress with the building structure, as cold-formed metal framing, and masonry work advance to the upper floors. At the same time, MEP rough-ins are expanding across multiple floors, supporting continued vertical construction and preparing the project for the next stage of work.
MCKINNEY AIR BUSINESS PARK
McKinney Air Business Park is off to a strong start following groundbreaking, with crews making steady progress on site preparation. Building pad work is advancing, underground water line installation is underway, and the team is preparing for the next phase of construction as additional trades mobilize.
LA MESSA BILINGUAL MINISTRY
La Mesa continues to make strong progress as roofing nears completion, stucco work advances, and major MEP rough-ins approach completion. With drywall set to begin, the project is reaching another important milestone as interior work ramps up.