To the Red River: The Northward March of North Texas | Part 5, A Likely Successor to Legacy
This five-part series delves into the dynamic northern migration of people, businesses, and commercial real estate in North Texas, exploring how this shift is reshaping the region toward the Red River. As DFW’s growth continues its steady northward march, there are key areas like “The Sister Cities” (Anna, Melissa, Celina, Prosper, Aubrey), Grayson county (Sherman, and Denison), that are driving developments and infrastructure projects. From the evolving cityscapes of Legacy and Legacy West to the rise of Fields West and other major contenders, this series provides an in-depth look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities that are redefining North Texas and setting the stage for its next phase of growth.
Fields West: The Next Big Development by Karahan
The dynamic landscape of North Texas is set to welcome another transformative project: Fields West. This upcoming development by Fehmi Karahan, the visionary behind Legacy West, promises to further elevate the region’s economic and commercial profile.
A Visionary Development
Fields West is poised to be one of the most ambitious developments in North Texas. Spanning over 180 acres, this mixed-use project will feature a blend of office spaces, retail centers, residential units, and green spaces. Strategically located near the Dallas North Tollway and U.S. Highway 380, Fields West is ideally positioned to attract both businesses and residents, further bolstering the area’s reputation as a hub of growth and innovation.
Commercial Space: A New Corporate Magnet
Fields West with its initial phases is designed to accommodate approximately 3 million square feet of office space, catering to a diverse range of businesses—from established corporations seeking to relocate or expand, to burgeoning startups looking for a dynamic environment. This development will enhance the northern suburbs’ standing as a prime destination for corporate relocations, building on the success of nearby Legacy West.
Retail and Entertainment: Creating a Vibrant Community Hub
The development plans include over 1 million square feet of retail and entertainment space, making Fields West a premier destination for shopping, dining, and leisure. High-end shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues will create a vibrant community hub, reminiscent of the atmosphere found at Legacy West, but with its unique flair. This area will serve not just the residents of Fields West but also attract visitors from across the region, contributing to the local economy.
Residential Growth: Diverse Housing Options for a Growing Population
Fields West will contribute significantly to the residential landscape of North Texas, with plans to add thousands of new homes. These will range from luxury apartments to townhomes, offering a variety of housing options that cater to young professionals, families, and retirees alike. This residential growth is expected to attract a diverse population, drawn by the promise of a dynamic living environment and the convenience of proximity to major commercial centers.
Green Spaces: Promoting a Balanced Lifestyle
In keeping with Karahan’s vision, Fields West will incorporate extensive green spaces, including parks, walking trails, and communal areas. These green spaces are designed to promote a balanced and sustainable lifestyle, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities to connect with nature. The emphasis on green spaces is not only a nod to environmental stewardship but also enhances the overall quality of life in the development, making it an attractive place to live, work, and play.
A Catalyst for Further Growth
Fields West is more than just another development; it is a catalyst for further growth and transformation in North Texas. By attracting businesses, residents, and visitors, it will contribute to the region’s economic vitality and enhance its reputation as a premier destination for living, working, and leisure. The development is expected to spark additional projects in the surrounding area, creating a ripple effect that will drive growth throughout the northern suburbs.
City Within a City: The Fields Master Plan
Fields West is at the heart of the broader Fields development, a 2,545-acre project that aims to create a city within a city. This master-planned community will include up to 11 million square feet of corporate office space, 1 million square feet of retail, restaurant, and entertainment space, 5,000 single-family residences, 8,500 urban living residences, and 1,000 student residences. With amenities like Universal Studios (set to open in 2026), the PGA of America’s headquarters, a 550-room Omni Resort, and seven planned Marriott-branded hotels, Fields is set to be a world-class destination.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fields West and North Texas
As Fields West takes shape, it represents the continuing evolution of North Texas. With each new development, the region solidifies its position as a dynamic and prosperous area, driven by innovation, strategic planning, and a commitment to creating thriving communities. Fields West is set to be the next major milestone in North Texas’s journey, promising to shape the region’s future for years to come.
This development not only reflects the growth and ambition of North Texas but also sets a new standard for mixed-use developments in the region. Fields West is more than just a successor to Legacy; it is a bold step forward in the ongoing story of North Texas’s rise as a national leader in business, lifestyle, and community development.
There Could Be Other Contenders
While Fields West is undeniably one of the most ambitious developments on the horizon, it’s important to acknowledge that it may not be the only contender for the title of Legacy’s successor. The rapid expansion of North Texas has given rise to several other significant developments, each with its unique attributes and potential to shape the region’s future.
The Emergence of Rival Developments
In addition to Fields West, other large-scale projects are emerging across North Texas, each vying to become the next major hub of economic and commercial activity. Developments like Frisco’s The Star District and the Frisco Station project represent alternative visions of what the future of North Texas could look like. These areas, with their focus on integrating office, retail, and residential spaces, are rapidly becoming sought-after locations for businesses and residents alike.
The Star District: A Destination for Sports and Business
Located in Frisco, The Star District is home to the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and offers a unique blend of sports, entertainment, and business. The development has already attracted a significant number of businesses and continues to expand its retail and dining offerings. Its strong branding and association with the Cowboys make it a powerful draw for visitors and corporate relocations, positioning it as a formidable competitor to Fields West.
Key Office Tenants at The Star Business Park
The Star Business Park has quickly become a sought-after location for corporate offices, thanks to its strategic location and high-profile environment. Major tenants include Keurig Dr Pepper, which relocated its headquarters to a 350,000-square-foot office space within the district, 300,000 sq. ft. of medical office operations for Baylor Scott & White and FM Global, a leading commercial property insurer. Additionally, Bank of America occupies a significant amount of office space, further underscoring The Star’s appeal to prominent businesses. These key tenants highlight the business park’s role as a premier destination for corporations seeking a dynamic and prestigious environment.
Frisco Station: The Tech-Savvy Hub
Adjacent to The Star District, Frisco Station is emerging as a tech-savvy development with a focus on connectivity and smart infrastructure. With plans for millions of square feet of office space, hotels, residential units, and green spaces, Frisco Station is quickly becoming a magnet for technology companies and innovative startups. Its emphasis on creating a connected community with advanced technology integration could make it a preferred choice for companies seeking a modern work environment.
Key Office Tenants at Frisco Station
Key office tenants at Frisco Station include Fiserv, a global leader in financial services technology providing solutions for banking, payments, and risk management; Thomson Reuters, known for delivering trusted business information to professionals in the financial, legal, and media sectors; Stifel, an investment banking firm offering services in brokerage, investment management, and financial advisory; and Kimley-Horn, a prominent engineering and planning firm specializing in civil engineering, transportation, and land development. These prominent tenants underscore Frisco Station’s reputation as a hub for technology and innovation, enhancing its status as a leading destination for modern corporate needs.
The Race for the Next Legacy
While Fields West stands out due to its scale, strategic planning, and the pedigree of its developer, the landscape of North Texas is one of rapid change and constant competition. Other developments, like The Star District and Frisco Station each offer unique value propositions that could appeal to different segments of the market. The race to become the next Legacy is not a straightforward one, and the region’s future could see multiple hubs of activity, each catering to different industries and lifestyles.
A Future Shaped by Multiple Centers of Growth
The possibility of multiple contenders succeeding Legacy is a testament to the strength and diversity of North Texas’s growth. Rather than one single successor, the region may witness the rise of several key developments, each contributing to a decentralized but interconnected network of economic powerhouses. This multifaceted growth approach could lead to a more resilient and dynamic North Texas, where innovation and opportunity are spread across a wider area, benefiting a broader range of communities.
Click below to read the previous installments in this series:
Part 1: Migration North
To the Red River: The Northward March of North Texas | Part 1 – Migration North
Part 2: The Sister Cities Are Growing Up
To the Red River: The Northward March of North Texas | Part 2 – The Sister Cities Are Growing Up
Part 3: Grayson County, The Red River Valley’s Rise
Part 4: Legacy’s Rise as a Quasi-Central Business District
Interested in investing in Texas?
If you’re an accredited investor, you can sign up and invest in Texas-based opportunities directly through our online investment platform, Partners Finance—the capital-raising division of Partners Real Estate.*
*Securities offered through Partners Finance, member FINRA / SIPC. Investing in private placements is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. Some of the risks of investing in real estate include changing laws, including environmental laws; floods, fires, and other acts of God, some of which may not be insurable; changes in national or local economic conditions; changes in government policies, including changes in interest rates established by the Federal Reserve; and international crises.
Click here to request supplemental material.
Steve Triolet
Senior Vice President of Research and Market Forecasting
[email protected]
tel 214 223 4008