City and development officials broke ground Dec. 15 on a 35-acre surf resort located at the corner of Stacy Road and SH 121. The development, called Cannon Beach, is expected to bring a hotel, a surf lagoon and a mix of dining, entertainment and business spaces.
Its first phase is projected to open in mid-2027, according to a news release.
What you need to know
The $200 million surf resort, announced in 2024, is being developed by the Cannon Development Group. The finished product will include a 3-acre surf lagoon, lazy river and a mineral hot springs circuit, according to the news release.
Developer Cole Cannon said officials were “fully committed” to building an environment where families can spend quality time together. Cannon said developers were building a “reservoir where memories are being deposited every day.”
“Think about these memories that are going to be born and bred here in McKinney,” Cannon said.
The development will also include a full-service resort hotel with cabanas and lounge areas that directly connect with the surf lagoon. The hotel will include space for events and weddings, and lounge areas with food service.
Plans also include a skate park, movie theater, bowling alley, health club and indoor recreation facilities.
Measuring the impact
Cannon Beach is projected to create more than 700 jobs and generate more than $2 billion in economic impact over the next 20 years, according to the news release. The development is projected to welcome 400,000 visitors annually.
Mayor Bill Cox said ground was being broken on a project that will “redefine recreation and entertainment in North Texas.” Cannon Beach is a “truly special” venue reflecting the kind of bold forward-thinking that “keeps McKinney moving in the right direction,” he said.
“This project fits perfectly in our long-term strategy to attract high-quality commercial investment that strengthens our economy and benefits our residents,” Cox said.
More information
The Cannon Development Group is partnering with the city of McKinney, McKinney Economic Development Corp. and McKinney Community Development Corp. on the development. MCDC officials awarded $4 million to the project in February for infrastructure improvements.
Brian Loughmiller, MEDC board chair, said MEDC purchased the land years ago to determine what would ultimately be built on the property. The groundbreaking is a “culmination” of that, he said.
“Cannon Beach is the kind of project that changes how a city is perceived,” Loughmiller said. “It strengthens the corridor, it drives tourism, it creates momentum that extends well beyond this site.”
