In 2013, the final pieces of Sienna Plantation began to fall into place with the opening of its newest communities off Sienna Ranch Road featuring 16 model homes. As the master-planned community nears build-out, Hillwood Communities sold 3,700 acres of a new section—Sienna South—to national luxury home builder Toll Brothers for residential development.
"With Houston's well-publicized shortage of available home sites in premier master-planned communities, we believe the project's timing, Sienna Plantation's stellar reputation, our experienced management team, excellent location, amenities, and highly rated schools will attract home builders and homebuyers across the price-point spectrum," said Karl Mistry, Houston Division president with Toll Brothers.
New rooftops
Sienna South is zoned for up to 10,000 single-family homes. Toll Brothers—in conjunction with global real estate private equity firm GTIS Partners—is expected to develop 6,500 homes—valued at about $2.6 billion in home sales once complete. New homes and lots will be sold to other builders. As development progresses, Toll Brothers may acquire up to 1,750 lots to develop and sell homes.
With site improvements slated to begin this summer, and sales to home builders expected to begin in late 2014, the first home sites should be available for purchase by spring 2015.
"This will be a continuation of our 16-year history of the successful development of Sienna Plantation, one of the nation's top-selling master-planned communities," said Doug Goff, chief operating officer with Johnson Development.
Amenities
Toll Brothers hired Johnson Development as the development manager of Sienna South in early 2014.
Sienna South is expected to feature about 140 acres of commercial property to include restaurants and retailers, along with a variety of amenities such as park space, water features and forested areas.
"We're investing a great deal of time and resources to examine which type of amenities are best suited for this new property," said Alvin San Miguel, vice president and general manager of Sienna Plantation.
Education
Johnson Development has been monitoring projected growth trends and is meeting with Fort Bend ISD officials in regard to future education needs.
FBISD owns an elementary school site within Sienna South, and land has been set aside for schools as needed. The district plans to continue reviewing its facilities master plan in the coming months to identify the future needs associated with new residents and development. District officials are expected to look at possible rezoning, additions or new construction to meet the needs of the growing region.
