When fully developed, the community will have approximately 4,365 single-family homes. It is expected to open for home sales in 2027.
The specifics
In addition to providing over 4,000 homes, Cole Ranch will preserve about 1,200 acres as green space with at least 26 miles of trails through the property, the news release states.
The community will feature two large lakes, a 32-acre waterway and a 13-acre lake. The master plan also includes 156 acres of commercial development; a 55-acre business park; and 206 acres for two Denton ISD elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. Two amenity centers and multiple parks, including a 50-acre city park, are also planned.
Johnson Development has two other active Dallas-Fort Worth communities: Viridian in Arlington and Trinity Falls in McKinney.
How we got here
Cole Ranch has been a fixture in Denton County for nearly 100 years and was purchased by Miner Thomas “MT” Cole in the 1930s, per the news release. The 3,100-acre ranch was used primarily for cattle, crops and other livestock.
The property was annexed into the city limits in 2006, according to city documents. It was rezoned to a master-planned community in 2008.
The Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Board adopted the conceptual master plan for the neighborhood park in 2022, according to the city’s website.
What they’re saying
“With the Cole’s family legacy as the foundation, Cole Ranch has all the elements to become one of North Texas’ most defining master-planned communities,” said Michael Smith, president and CEO of Johnson Development. “We look forward to building on that legacy by delivering the signature amenities and lifestyle of a Johnson Development community, raising the bar for master-planned development for the region.”
The comprehensive planning for the area will guide high-quality growth to support city services with new homes, businesses and employment opportunities while preserving green space, said Cassey Ogden, Denton's deputy city manager.
"The development of this area represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Denton and allows the city to strategically master plan a large portion of our land area, ensuring a cohesive design for roads, parks, school sites, and services," Odgen said in an email.
Editor's note: This story was updated with additional information.
