Overview:
The Landmark project in Denton County could see impact equal to that of Alliance, leaders say.
An area that was reputed to be a hideout for Texas desperado Sam Bass, eventually will become a more reputable master-planned community spanning 3,200 acres.
The stagecoach and railroad bandit will find it hard to recognize the place that is home to Pilot Knob, the highest point in Denton County.
Located just west of the intersection of Interstate 35W and Robson Ranch Road in far southeast Denton, the Perot family has owned the area since 1987, when it was purchased during an economic downturn that also saw the family invest in what is now the AllianceTexas development. But the property, which was known as Hunter Ranch, has remained the home to cattle, deer and goats until now.
Now named Landmark by Hillwood, it is located just up the road from the developer’s AllianceTexas project.
Plans include 6,000 single-family homes, 3,000 multifamily units and 1,100 acres of parks, trails and habitat as well as about 900 acres of commercial space for shops, restaurants and more.
The first 120 acres are being leased for retail, dining and entertainment. Last, but certainly not least, is Denton’s first H-E-B, currently under construction. The legendary Texas-based grocery chain is expected to open in Landmark in 2027.
Model homes should be open by spring. About 1,100 acres of the project will be parkland, open to residents and the public.
“You think back when we bought Landmark. You had about 3 million people living in this region, and now we have eight,” said Ross Perot Jr., chairman of The Perot Companies, which includes developer Hillwood.
Speaking to a crowd of Denton-area leaders and partners at an event on Nov. 13, he said no one predicted such growth would occur.
“It’s because of this great attitude we have here, the public, private partnerships and optimism,” he said.
Nine home builders have purchased lots to begin projects on lots ranging from 40 feet wide to 70 feet wide, said Andrew Pieper, vice president of Hillwood Communities. Those companies include American Legend Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Drees Homes, Highland Homes, M/I Homes, Perry Homes, Toll Brothers and Tri Pointe Homes. Prices should range from $450,000 to $1 million, Pieper said.
Mike Berry, president of Hillwood, said the Landmark development and other projects along Interstate 35 up to Highway 114 in Denton will have a huge economic impact.
“For the last 35 years, AllianceTexas has generated $130 billion of economic impact, 66,000 jobs, 60 million square feet of commercial and industrial space,” Berry said. “We now believe that this segment of I-35 — from 114 to Denton — has the chance to do that and more. That’s why we are so excited about this opportunity.”
Email Bob Francis, business editor for the Fort Worth Report, at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org.
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