Wilks Development and the Frisco Economic Development Corp. have signed a development agreement that launches Phase One of construction and development for Firefly Park, a 242-acre mixed-use, master-planned development including 159 acres owned by Benbrook-based Wilks and 59 acres owned by Frisco EDC.
The Firefly Park site is at the intersection of U.S. 380 and Dallas North Tollway along PGA Parkway, one of the most prominent gateways to the neighboring PGA of America Headquarters and Omni PGA Frisco Resort.
“When Wilks Development purchased this land back in 2015, its plans were modest,” Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney said in a statement. “Wilks upped its game when the PGA of America announced it was coming to Frisco. It’s exciting to see the vision evolve into a world-class development. Firefly Park will be one of the premier destinations in North Texas.”
Rendering of Firefly Park and its walkable, European-flavored vibe. [Image: UNStudio/CIty of Frisco]
Ultimately, Firefly Park is slated to feature 3 million square feet of Class A office space, 400,000 square feet of upscale retail, dining, and entertainment, along with 1,200 hotel rooms, 230 townhomes, 1,970 mid-rise and high-rise residential units, plus many other “world-class” amenities.
Wilks said the heart of the development will be a 45-acre signature park and open space featuring a chain of lakes, an illuminated and immersive outdoor art walk, miles of hike and bike trails, fountain views, and family-friendly playgrounds.
According to Wilks, the development is expected to attract tourists and residents with an aesthetic wedding chapel, event lawn, and amphitheater that will be fully programmed and activated throughout the year.
Rendering of Firefly Park in Frisco. [Image: UN Studio/Dream Hotel Group]
The ‘PGA halo effect’
The Frisco EDC and Frisco North Development LLC, a subsidiary of Wilks Development, will collaborate to construct the initial phase of public infrastructure, including streets and roads, medians, driveways, turn lanes, fire lanes, water lines, wastewater mains, drainage, electric utilities, gas utilities, and telecom/fiber networks, Wilks said.
Wilks added that upon completion, Mahard Parkway will be built out to a divided four-lane boulevard that connects PGA Parkway to US 380. A new bridge for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles will be built across a lake and open space along Shearwater Boulevard, creating “stunning views” for users.
The first phase of the development agreement requires the construction of the Dream Hotel, 650,000 square feet of Class A office, upscale dining and shopping, and the 45-acre park, the company said.
In May 2022, Dallas Innovates told you about the planned Dream Hotel anchor for Firefly Park.
“Firefly Park is part of the ‘PGA halo effect’ accelerating development in north Frisco,” Frisco EDC President Jason Ford said in a statement. “The infrastructure partnership creates ready-to-build sites to help attract major headquarters to Frisco. There is a high demand for more walkable, mixed-use environments with a blend of premier corporate and lifestyle facilities – Firefly Park will offer exactly that. The immersive art walkway will make it unique from every other mixed-use development in North Texas.”
Frisco’s qualities attracted Wilks Development to build there.
“It’s no secret why Frisco has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.,” President Kyle Wilks said in a statement. “It embodies everything we want in a community: one of the lowest tax rates in the region, leadership that’s responsive to the businesses and residents, and an overall culture of success. We expect Firefly Park to continue the success and further stimulate the growth that began in Frisco several decades ago. We appreciate the Frisco EDC’s partnership and commitment to bringing this project to life.”
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