Preliminary site plans for The Gate feature about 20 buildings.[/caption]

The Gate developers are a few steps closer to begin moving dirt.

During the Jan. 11 Frisco Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, commissioners approved preliminary site plans for the $700 million proposed mixed-use development at John Hickman Parkway and the Dallas North Tollway.

The detailed plans approved include four office buildings, two retail/restaurant building, nine urban living buildings, six retail buildings and one hotel building on 40 acres.

The planned development is being developed by Dubai-based Invent Group Oversees. Architecture firm Gensler has been designing the conceptual plans for The Gate.

“We’re excited about this great project,” said Barry Hand, principal at Gensler.  “It’s going to be a place where people can live, work and play."

Hand said at the moment, there is not a definite timeline for the project.

The preliminary site plan approved is the second of three zoning plans going before the commissioners. The next plans will the the final site plans.

“The site plan will basically state that this is moving along to start [moving dirt]” Commissioner Rob Cox said. “This is a preliminary step to enable that to happen.”

The Gate will be part of the $5 Billion Mile which includes Wade Park, The Star in Frisco and Frisco Station.