Previously called The Oxbow at Frisco, the Frisco Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the development at a June 14 meeting. The commission conducted a public hearing to rezone the property at the southwest corner of US 380 and the Dallas North Tollway to allow office, retail and residential space.
A presentation from Wilks Development, The BFC Group and Sasaki showed that Firefly Park will have about 30 acres of park space, 2,200 residential units and 650,000 square feet of office space. A 200-room boutique hotel will anchor the development.
The residential units will be a mix of townhomes and high- and mid-rise apartments, according to city documents.
UNStudio, an Amsterdam-based architecture firm, is also a partner on the project. Wilks Development President Kyle Wilks said the firm was essential to the development of Firefly Park because Amsterdam “understands walkability better than anyone.”
Walkability was one of the main priorities of the plan, which featured hike and bike trails, a botanical garden and multiple ponds throughout the park. A half-mile pedestrian promenade overlooking the green space would contain multiple retail tenants.
Sasaki, which has offices in Boston, Denver, New York and China, worked with UNStudio to design the park area. Site plans include an event lawn, amphitheater, outdoor dining space and kid-friendly climbing structures.
The project is expected to be completed in multiple phases, according to city documents. Phase 1 will consist of the boutique hotel, office space and green space.
Comments from commissioners noted the potential challenges of construction at the same time as the proposed US 380 expansion. Wilks said he has talked with officials from the Texas Department of Transportation to understand the specifics of what could be coming, in addition to attending the community meeting held in May.
The commission, along with Frisco City Council and the Frisco Economic Development Corp., got a first look at plans for Firefly Park in October 2021. The Wilks family has owned the land for more than five years.
Chairman David Box commended the Firefly Park team, calling the plan a “huge improvement over what was originally going to be built.”
Commissioner Brittany Colberg also complimented the team on the vision for the development.
“With all vision, execution is key,” Colberg said. “I was really impressed with the phasing in all of this. I think it's very well thought out... I really see a place for everyone here. I think it's very special.”
Frisco City Council will vote on the development at a future meeting.
Editor's note: The original post has been edited to clarify that there are 2,200 residential units in the plan for Firefly Park.
