It was touted as a destination that would draw visitors and boost tax revenue. But a decade later, Rowlett’s embattled ‘Sapphire Bay’ development along Lake Ray Hubbard remains unfinished.
City leaders took a big step in trying to jump-start progress, telling developers they’re in default of the agreed-upon deal.
“We view that the developer has not fulfilled their obligations, and ultimately, what we’re looking to do is get activity going on the peninsula. Up to this point, there hasn’t been noticeable activity,” said Mayor Jeff Winget.
While apartment complexes and homes have popped up over the last several years, Sapphire Bay’s website promises a 500-room resort, a 7-acre lagoon, and a surf village that all remain just land.
“Really there’s a core heart of the development that’s designed to be a commercial core, that’s designed to have condos, that’s designed to have office space, that’s designed to have a hotel, things that are really going to diversify the tax base in the city, and those are things that have not come to fruition on the peninsula,” he said.
Originally known as Bayside, the development was split into two parts following a lawsuit from the city in 2019. NBC 5 reported on unfulfilled promises back then.
Now six years later, neighbors like Melissa Hailey, across the highway in Bayside, are still waiting for change.
“It was a big draw of, you’ll be able to use the pool over there, or you’ll be able to ride your bike over and maybe take company,” said Hailey.
While her side of the highway shows signs of development, she said the other side has become an eyesore. She wonders if today’s notice from the city goes far enough to spark change.
“I mean, we’ll see what happens, right? I don’t know how much teeth they have in it. But I think they probably should’ve done it a long time ago,” she said.
Sapphire Bay Land Development’s president told NBC 5 that he did not have a comment about the notice and that the company’s lawyers were working on a response.
Winget points to other destinations, like the Universal Kids Resort to Rowlett’s north, that have developed in the years they’ve waited.
He said while the land is privately owned, Sapphire Bay still has a commitment to hold up its end of the deal.
“The land is incredibly valuable, we recognize that. It’s incredibly valuable for both the developer and the city,” he said.
Winget said while the city can’t compel development, zoning does limit how much of the land can be used for residential development.