Schilling Farms Maintains Collierville’s Rich Heritage

Schilling Farms, a $350-million, 443-acre planned development on the western edge of Collierville, is beginning to emerge.  The project, which includes 3,000 feet of Poplar frontage and 9,305 feet of Winchester frontage, is a joint venture between Boyle and Harry Smith, chairman of Schilling, Inc.   The extensive, multi-use development includes significant retail space, 1.5 million square feet of office space, and 90 acres of distribution space, as well as a a variety of residential neighborhoods which will be served by a new Schilling Farms Middle School.   In addition, Shilling Farms has donated the parcel of land on which a new Collierville YMCA is being built.

Schilling Farms is reminiscent of a bygone era, with strict building codes and attention to the smallest details.  The development maintains the small-town atmosphere and architectural heritage of Collierville.  Many streets in the new development are named after key individuals who played a special role in the history of Collierville.  For example, Hoyahka Street is named for the Indian who received the land, now Schilling Farms, from the Chickasaw Land Treaty.  McGinnis Park, located adjacent to Schilling Farms Middle School, is named after W. W. McGinnis, Who was the first to landscape Collierville Square.  The grandson of W. W. McGinnis, Herman Wright Cox, Jr. is currently Mayor of Collierville.

Lighting for the entire site includes antique light poles, similar to the ones currently being used on Collierville’s town square. “Residents of Collierville have said that when they see the district light poles, they know they are home, and Schilling Farms aims to create the same effect,” said Russell Bloodworth, executive vice president of Boyle.

Extensive landscaping and mature trees unify all aspects of the mulit-use development. “The residential are and Schilling Farms Middle School are centered around the main axis of Schilling Farms Boulevard, and the park as the center,” said Bloodworth. “The virgin trees that line the entire park area visible from Poplar, 4,000 feet away.”  In fact, the entire design of the project, including the road plan, was modified to save the trees that make up the focal point of the park.   In addition, Schilling Farms will be connected to the Collierville greenbelt system.  The first phase of the residential neighborhood consists of 87 lots and should be ready for home construction in November.  A tree-lined boulevard presents an impressive entrance and uses sidewalks and park benches to create a pedestrian-friendly environment.  Lots are enhanced by large, existing trees to create beautifully wooded surrounding.  Both the new YMCA and Schilling Farms Middle School are carefully integrated into the neighborhood concept at Schilling Farms.  A variety of lot sizes from $250,000 to $350,000.

Plans are underway for a 63,000-square-foot office service building at Schilling Farms.   The  facility will have an attractive brick-and-glass exterior, surrounded by extensive landscaping and a large parking lot that will accommodate 300 cars.  This parking ratio will support high-density users to accommodate up to 100 percent office finish for the spaces available.  Overhead rear doors for truck service also will be available. 

Plans for the construction of a distribution facility at Schilling Farms have been approved by the Town of Collierville.  The 120,000-square-foot building will offer 7,600-square-foot bays, a 24-foot clear ceiling height, drive-up parking, and a dramatic glass front.  Boyle has begun preleasing activities for both buildings.  Architectural plans and rental rates are available upon request.

The master plan for Schilling Farms was developed in conjunction with Cooper, Robertson & Partners of New York City and Looney Ricks Kiss Architects of Memphis, both of which developed the master plan for Celebration, Disney’s new-town development outside Orlando.