Tired of driving to Padre Island to see waves on a beach? Well, a beach is about to come to you—if you live anywhere near McKinney, that is.

The city of McKinney announced that it’s partnering with an Arizona-based developer to bring a $200 million multi-use development to the northeast corner of Stacy Road and S.H. 121. The main attraction:  A four-acre “surf lagoon” lapping toward a full-service resort-style hotel plus dining, entertainment, and business spaces. 

Developer Cole Cannon and his team just opened a similar Cannon Beach development this month in Mesa, Arizona. That project is anchored by Revel Surf, “the first surf park development in the world to feature both a large traveling wave and a stationary rapid surf wave in one park.”

The McKinney project will also include a Revel Surf attraction. The project is expected to provide more than 700 local jobs, generate over $2 billion in economic impact over the next 20 years, and welcome 300,000 visitors annually, the city said.

‘Bringing the ocean’ to McKinney—with cliff jumping and a surf wave

“We cannot be more excited to bring a beach paradise to McKinney, whose leadership shares our unparalleled vision for a world-class, family-friendly destination that will quite literally bring the ocean to its backyard,” Cannon said in a statement. “Cannon Beach promises to offer something for everyone, from families and thrillseekers to professionals and entrepreneurs.” 

Cannon Beach will feature a resort-style hotel with a rooftop pool—complete with event and wedding spaces—overlooking a “pristine” sandy beach. Lounge areas and cabanas with food service will offer access to the surf lagoon and a host of water-focused attractions, including cliff jumping and a stationary surf wave. The city said the vision is to surround all that with additional attractions “like a skateboard park, movie theater, bowling alley, health club, indoor recreation facilities, and more.”

“This project is truly transformative, answering our community’s call for more family-focused activities while positioning McKinney as a premier destination for one-of-a-kind recreational experiences,” Mayor George Fuller said in a statement. “Cannon Beach perfectly reflects our city’s unique spirit, seamlessly combining innovative attractions with purposeful urban planning to drive economic growth.”

McKinney EDC and CDC collaborating on the project

The city’s side of the project involves a collaboration between the city of McKinney, the McKinney Economic Development Corporation, and the McKinney Community Development Corporation. The city said conceptual terms are being finalized, with the site plan and incentive agreements for infrastructure assistance, tax rebates, and land acquisition to be considered in early 2025.

The first phase of Cannon Lake McKinney is slated to open as early as 2026, the city said.

“Cannon Beach perfectly reflects our city’s unique spirit, seamlessly combining innovative attractions with purposeful urban planning to drive economic growth,” Mayor Fuller added. “In addition to the tourism component of this project, Cannon Beach plans to deliver 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art office space, positioning itself as a hub for top talent and innovation, from global corporations to ambitious startups.”

The developers are bringing a beachy brand voice that sounds a bit like Sean Penn’s Jeff Spicoli character in the movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” 

“We could not be more stoked to be partnering with a city that has already shown how they wish to share the stoke, and make Cannon Beach TX the next big thing!” the team wrote on LinkedIn.

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