Big Changes In Store for Prosper

Destined to become the "Diamond" of Collin County between by 2035 there are big plans in store for the master-planned city of Prosper.

How much can you improve on a town that throughout years of steady growth, still maintained its small town charm, and provided quality amenities to its residents. This includes one of the most sought after public school systems with s student-teacher ratio of 12:1.

A large growth spurt is in the cards for Prosper. In fact, it's estimated that the current population of 7,116 will reach almost 85,000 by year 2035. Reports at a recent Economic Development Meeting in Prosper outlined a number of planned enhancements and additions in the budget for the next few years.

Highlights of these developments include:

1. The Gates of Prosper is a 475-acre town center being developmed by Dallas Cowboy owner, Jerry Jones and Lincoln Prperty, Co. Located at the intersection of U.S. Hwy 380 and Preston Road (289), this will be the beginning of major retail developments in this area. In fact, this is expected to be one of the largest retail corridors in Collin County.

The town center (with a projected cost of $500 million), will have 2.5 million square feet of retail space, office space, banks, apartments, condominiums and will be the home of the new Prosper municipal center. Also planned are various recreation areas, green space, parks and lakes. Stage one will include the opening of 500,000 square feet of retail space in 2011. All four corners at the intersection of U.S. Hwy 380 and Preston Road (289) are expected to be developed.

2. A modern 12,000 seat high school Football and Athletic Stadium to go with the new High School (heralded as one of the most modern in the state).

3. A multi field sports complex for soccer, baseball and softball.

4. The Jack Nicklaus designed, BearsBrook Golf Club. Expected to open the Fall of 2010, the 225 acre course sits in the center of a 1,400-acre development that will inlcude three gated communities and 223 acres of mixed-use property along Highway 380.

BearsBrook will utlilize the many natural features in its course design, and will be laid out on either side of Rutherford Creek, situated amongst a hardwood forest. Golfers won't ever cross a road to get from tee to tee, and estate properties will be set back 250 feet from the holes. This is considered a "pure golf club" with no swimming pools or tennis courts, and members won't require tee times. A more traditional country club for families will be constructed nearby. BearsBrook members will have automatic access, but country club members will not have access to BearsBrook.

5. Numerous road expansions are planned to accommodate the commercial expansions. Hwy. 380 will extend to 6 lanes, Prosper Trails will expand to 4 lanes, and the Dallas North Tollway will extend through Prosper. Not only will this make travel easier for residents of Prosper, but will encourage commuting for neighboring cities.

6. A $22 million big box retail development is planned for the 40-acre site northwest of U.S. 380 and North Custer Road. The 355,000-square foot "Prospect Plaza" with a major clothing store plus many smaller retailers is expected to serve Prosper, Frisco and McKinney..