Denton County is in the middle of one of the most significant construction cycles in its history. If you've been watching from a distance, summer 2026 is the moment the plans become reality—model homes are open, builders are breaking ground on new phases, schools are preparing to welcome students, and infrastructure is catching up to the growth.
Whether you're relocating to North Texas, considering new construction for the first time, or simply trying to understand what's happening in the market, this is the update I'd want to read. I'm going to walk you through the major milestones happening right now and what they actually mean for buyers making decisions today.
Landmark by Hillwood: Model Homes Are Open and First Move-Ins Are Starting
The biggest development story in Denton County is no longer a future concept. Landmark by Hillwood—Denton's 3,200-acre, $10 billion master-planned community at I-35W and Robson Ranch Road—has reached a major milestone: model homes from multiple builders are now open, and the first residential move-ins are beginning this summer.
After breaking ground in late 2025 and paving roads through the winter and spring, Landmark's Phase 1 is becoming tangible. Here's where things stand:
- Nine builders are active in Phase 1: American Legend Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Highland Homes, M/I Homes, Perry Homes, Toll Brothers, and Tri Pointe Homes
- 747 single-family lots are part of the initial phase, with pricing ranging from approximately $450,000 to over $1 million depending on builder and lot size
- Model homes from multiple builders opened in spring 2026, giving buyers their first opportunity to walk floor plans and evaluate construction quality in person
- Highland Homes is offering homes on 50-foot lots starting in the high $500s (2,200–3,600 sq ft), and American Legend Homes lists pricing from approximately $497,990
What this means strategically: Landmark is no longer theoretical. If you're a buyer who's been waiting to see what this community actually looks like, the model homes are open and ready to walk. That said, this is still early-stage. Phase 1 is the beginning of a 40-year build-out, which means the community you see today will look dramatically different in five years. For buyers who want to get in at the ground floor and ride the appreciation curve, this is the window. For buyers who want a more established community with proven resale data, the established Northlake communities like Pecan Square and Harvest remain strong options.
Toll Brothers at Furst Ranch: A New Luxury Option in Argyle
Furst Ranch, the 2,000-acre master-planned community in Argyle, has been generating attention since it was first announced. Now, one of the nation's premier luxury builders has confirmed it's coming.
Toll Brothers announced earlier this year that it will offer single-family homes at Furst Ranch on 70- and 80-foot lots, with sales expected to begin this summer. David Weekley Homes has also announced plans for the community. As part of the broader Furst Ranch vision, the development is expected to include a mix of home sizes and price points, along with community amenities.
What this means strategically: Furst Ranch represents a significant addition to Argyle's new construction landscape. For buyers who want luxury-level construction in Argyle ISD with larger lot sizes, Toll Brothers' presence here is worth watching closely. The 70- and 80-foot lot offerings are larger than what you'll find at many of the Northlake communities, which can be a meaningful differentiator for move-up buyers who prioritize space and privacy. I'd recommend watching for the builder's official pricing release before making comparisons.
Two New Schools Opening in August 2026
New schools are one of the most important indicators of community growth in North Texas, and two significant openings are happening in August 2026. If you're a family evaluating where to buy, these matter.
Barksdale Middle School (Northwest ISD) — Pecan Square, Northlake
Floyd Barksdale Middle School is the newest addition to Northwest ISD and the eighth middle school in the district. Located within the Pecan Square community in Northlake, the school is scheduled to open for the 2026–2027 school year in August 2026.
Principal Michelle Jennings was announced in April 2026, and the school's identity—the Barksdale Broncos, with gold, white, and dark gray colors—has been established. For families living in or considering Pecan Square, this is a significant development. Having a middle school directly within the community means shorter commutes for students and stronger neighborhood cohesion.
Scott Gibson Middle School (Argyle ISD) — Argyle
Argyle ISD is also adding capacity with Scott Gibson Middle School, located on 50 acres on the north side of FM 407 in Argyle. The school is expected to open in 2026 to serve the district's growing student population. Argyle ISD has also purchased land for a future elementary school (Michael Ball Elementary) planned for 2027.
What this means strategically: New schools signal two things for buyers. First, they confirm that the community growth is real and accelerating—school districts don't build new campuses unless enrollment projections demand it. Second, new schools in established master-planned communities like Pecan Square tend to strengthen property values over time, because families want to be near quality schools, and having one within walking or biking distance is a premium feature.
If school quality and proximity are high priorities for your family—and for most relocating families, they are—these openings make Pecan Square and the Argyle corridor more compelling heading into the 2026–2027 school year.
Road and Infrastructure Improvements Underway
Growth in Denton County isn't just about homes and schools. The transportation infrastructure is also being upgraded to support the expanding population.
The most visible project right now is the FM 407 micro-breakout at the I-35W interchange. Funded by Denton County at approximately $3 million, the project adds right-turn lanes and improves traffic flow at one of the busiest intersections in the corridor. Construction began in February 2026 with an approximately 100-day build timeline.
While the broader FM 407 widening project remains in the planning stages at the state level, this targeted improvement addresses one of the most immediate pain points for commuters in the Northlake and Argyle area. Additional road projects in the county include Highland Village Road reconstruction (expected to begin later in 2026) and ongoing U.S. 380 widening.
What this means strategically: Infrastructure improvements lag behind residential growth in most fast-growing Texas communities. The fact that Denton County is funding targeted intersection improvements now is a positive signal—it means the county is investing to keep the corridor functional as the population increases. For buyers evaluating commute times and daily convenience, these improvements matter.
Forestar's 281-Acre Community: Approved and On the Horizon
In April 2026, Forestar—a subsidiary of D.R. Horton—received city approval for a 281-acre master-planned community on the east side of FM 156, south of Downe Road, near Northlake. The approved plans call for up to 843 single-family homes on lots at least 30 feet wide, with approximately 158 acres dedicated to open space and floodplain preservation.
This community is still in the early planning and entitlement phase, so it won't impact your immediate buying options. But it's worth understanding for two reasons:
- It signals continued developer confidence in the Northlake growth corridor, which supports long-term property values
- When it does come to market, it will add another option for buyers seeking new construction in this area, potentially at a different price point than the Hillwood-developed communities
What This All Means for Buyers Right Now
When I look at the full picture—Landmark opening, Toll Brothers entering Furst Ranch, two new schools, road improvements, and Forestar's approval—what I see is a growth corridor that has passed the tipping point. This isn't speculative development anymore. The infrastructure, schools, and builder investment confirm that Denton County's western corridor is becoming exactly what it was planned to be.
For buyers, here's how I'd think about it:
If you're ready to buy now: The established communities—Pecan Square, Harvest, Canyon Falls, Wildflower Ranch—offer proven track records, active resale markets, and communities that already feel lived-in. Builder incentives are still available on inventory homes, and these remain the strongest options for families who want certainty.
If you can wait 6–12 months: Landmark by Hillwood offers a ground-floor opportunity with competitive pricing and nine builders to choose from. But you'll be buying into an early-stage community, which means construction activity, evolving amenities, and the trade-offs that come with being among the first residents.
If schools are your top priority: Barksdale Middle School opening in Pecan Square in August 2026 makes that community even more compelling for families with middle-school-age children. Scott Gibson Middle School in Argyle serves a similar role for families in the Argyle ISD zone.
If you're focused on long-term value: All of these developments—new builders, new schools, new roads—point to sustained demand in Denton County. Communities designed with strong amenities, good schools, and thoughtful planning (like Pecan Square, Harvest, Canyon Falls, and Landmark) tend to appreciate well because they attract families who stay.
The Bottom Line
Summer 2026 is a milestone moment for Denton County. The plans, approvals, and announcements of the past two years are now becoming model homes you can walk, schools your children can attend, and roads you can drive. The corridor is transforming in real time.
The families who make the best decisions in a market like this are the ones who understand what's happening beyond the model home—they look at schools, infrastructure, builder track records, and long-term community design. That's where the real value lives.
I'd love to help you navigate these options and understand which community, builder, and timeline makes the most sense for your family's next chapter.
Want to talk through what's happening in Denton County right now? Schedule a consultation.
Theresa De La Rosa
Broker · New Construction Specialist
Covenant Heritage Realty, LLC
