A large-scale development in Denton is moving forward as Johnson Development, based in Houston, has partnered with The Cole Ranch Company and Denton Range to advance the long-anticipated Cole Ranch project. The master-planned community covers 3,100 acres and is located west of Interstate-35W and south of Denton Enterprise Airport.
The development will include 4,365 single-family homes, with sales projected to begin in 2027. Details regarding builders and pricing have not yet been disclosed. Michael Smith, CEO of Johnson Development, said the company has updated the original plans by increasing open space and recreational features.
Approximately 1,200 acres of the site will be preserved as green space. Plans also call for 26 miles of trails along Hickory Creek, two lakes, two amenity centers, a city park covering 50 acres, and a business park spanning 55 acres. In addition to residential areas, about 206 acres are designated for schools within the Denton Independent School District—two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. Another 156 acres are planned for commercial use.
Denton Range is managed by Silvestri Investments and serves as an investor in the project. Johnson Development already operates other communities in North Texas such as Viridian in Arlington and Trinity Falls in McKinney.
Public discussions about Cole Ranch began in the mid-2010s. The Texas Legislature approved a municipal management district for the site in 2019. Earlier this year, Denton City Council changed zoning on over 300 acres from light industrial to allow for residential and mixed-use purposes.
The land has belonged to the Cole family since the 1930s when it was operated as a ranch by Miner Thomas “M.T.” Cole. Jennifer Alexander, his great-granddaughter, said: “The family sought a partner that would honor the history and the beauty of the area.”
