What's Breaking Ground
in Denton County This
Summer: A 2026 Update

Denton County is in the middle of one of the most significant construction cycles in its history. If you have been watching from a distance, summer 2026 is the moment the plans become reality: model homes are open, two new schools opened their doors this month, new phases are actively selling, and infrastructure is delivering measurable results.

Whether you are relocating to North Texas, considering new construction, or preparing to sell a home in an area with active development, this is the update I want you to have. I am going to walk through the major milestones as they stand right now and what they actually mean for buyers and sellers making decisions today.

Quick Answers

Short, direct answers to the questions buyers ask most about Denton County's 2026 construction milestones, based on the verified details in this article. Builders, pricing, schools, and road schedules can change, so confirm current specifics before making decisions.

• Is Landmark by Hillwood selling homes now?

  Yes. Model homes opened in spring 2026 and homes are actively selling. Phase 1 includes approximately 750 homesites across nine builders, with pricing ranging from the high $300,000s to $1 million+.

• Which builders are at Landmark?

  Nine builders: American Legend Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Highland Homes, M/I Homes, Perry Homes, Toll Brothers, and Tri Pointe Homes. Pricing and availability vary by builder and should be verified directly.

• Is Floyd Barksdale Middle School open?

  Yes. Floyd Barksdale Middle School opened in August 2026 for the 2026-27 school year at 7273 Mulkey Lane in Northlake, near Pecan Square. Attendance boundaries are set by Northwest ISD and should be verified for any specific address.

• What major road projects are happening near Northlake and Argyle?

  The FM 407 micro-breakout at I-35W is essentially complete and delivering traffic relief. The broader FM 407 widening from Bill Cook Road to FM 1830 is still in planning, U.S. 380 widening through Denton County is substantially complete, and Highland Village Road reconstruction is in progress.

Landmark by Hillwood: Model Homes Are Open and Homes Are Selling

The biggest development story in Denton County is no longer a future concept. Landmark by Hillwood in Denton, a 3,200-acre master-planned community at I-35W and Robson Ranch Road developed by Hillwood Communities (a Perot Companies entity), has reached a major milestone: model homes from multiple builders are open and homes are actively selling.

Here is where things stand as of August 2026:

• 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
• Phase 1 includes approximately 750 single-family homesites (an earlier planning figure of 747 lots referred to the initial lot count within this first phase, not a separate or conflicting number)
• Model homes opened in spring 2026, giving buyers the opportunity to walk floor plans and evaluate construction quality in person
• Pricing ranges from the high $300,000s to $1 million+ depending on builder, floor plan, lot selection, and upgrades
• H-E-B is expected to open in early 2027, bringing Denton's first location of the Texas grocery brand to Landmark's commercial district
• The community encompasses approximately 1,000 acres of planned parks, natural areas, and trail systems and significant commercial development on approximately 900 acres, all within a ~40-year buildout timeline

What this means strategically: Landmark is no longer theoretical. If you are a buyer who has been waiting to see what this community looks like, the model homes are open and ready to walk. Phase 1 is the beginning of a 40-year buildout, meaning the community you see today will look dramatically different in five years. For buyers who want a more established community with proven resale data, the established Northlake communities like Pecan Square and Harvest remain strong options.

Furst Ranch: Actively Selling With Multiple Builders in Flower Mound

Furst Ranch, the 2,300-acre master-planned community in Flower Mound developed by a Starwood Land affiliate, has moved well beyond the announcement phase. As of August 2026, multiple builders are actively selling, model homes are open, and the first residents are arriving in the High Plains neighborhood.

Here is where Furst Ranch stands today:

• Highland Homes was the first to begin presales (January 2026) and is actively selling on 60 to 70-foot lots, with pricing from the high $700,000s to high $900,000s
• David Weekley Homes opened sales in early 2026 on 50-foot homesites, with models now open at 2112 Rangeland Way in Bartonville
• Toll Brothers is now actively selling in its first release, offering two collections (The Grove and The Meadow) on 70 to 80-foot lots with pricing from the low $900,000s
• Three planned neighborhoods: High Plains (active), Prairie Vista (future, ~200 lots on half-to-1-acre homesites), and Cross Timbers (future, 74 luxury estate lots on 1-to-2-acre homesites)
• The community is served by Argyle ISD, with 50 acres dedicated within the development for future on-site school campuses

What this means strategically: Furst Ranch is no longer a future prospect. With three builders actively selling and model homes open, buyers can evaluate floor plans, lots, and pricing today. The 70 and 80-foot lot offerings from Toll Brothers are larger than what you will find at many Northlake communities, which can be a meaningful differentiator for move-up buyers who prioritize space and privacy. The remaining neighborhoods (Prairie Vista and Cross Timbers) are expected to come online in future phases, giving buyers who want a wider selection of price points across the community additional options as development progresses.

Two New Schools Opened in August 2026

New schools are one of the most important indicators of community growth in North Texas, and two significant openings happened this month. If you are a family evaluating where to buy, these matter.

Floyd Barksdale Middle School (Northwest ISD)

Floyd Barksdale Middle School, Northwest ISD's eighth middle school, opened in August 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year. The school is located at 7273 Mulkey Lane in Northlake, near the Pecan Square community, and has a capacity of 1,200 students. Michelle Jennings was named principal in April 2026 for the school's opening, and the school's mascot is the Broncos with gold and black colors.

While Barksdale Middle School is located near Pecan Square, attendance assignments depend on the specific address and current Northwest ISD attendance boundaries. Not all Pecan Square residents are automatically assigned to Barksdale. School attendance boundaries, feeder patterns and ratings can change. Buyers should verify current assignments for the specific property directly with the applicable school district before making a purchase decision. Northwest ISD's school zone locator is the reference tool.

Scott Gibson Middle School (Argyle ISD)

Scott Gibson Middle School opened in August 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year, serving grades 7 and 8. The school is located on the north side of FM 407 in Argyle on approximately 50 acres. The school feeds into Argyle High School and adds capacity for Argyle ISD's growing student population.

Argyle ISD has also approved a reconfigured long-range plan. Michael Ball Intermediate School (formerly planned as an elementary school) is now designated to serve grades 5 and 6 and is expected to open in the 2027-2028 school year. The school was named after retired Hilltop Elementary School counselor Michael Ball, who served the district for 31 years.

What this means strategically: New schools confirm that community growth is real and accelerating. School districts do not build new campuses unless enrollment projections demand it. For families evaluating where to buy, school location, district boundaries, and commute convenience are important considerations. However, attendance boundaries can change, and proximity to a school does not guarantee assignment. Buyers should verify current district boundaries for any specific property they are considering.

Road and Infrastructure: What Is Complete and What Is Still Ahead

Growth in Denton County is not just about homes and schools. Transportation infrastructure is being upgraded to support the expanding population, and several key projects have reached meaningful milestones.

The FM 407 micro-breakout at the I-35W interchange is essentially complete. Funded by Denton County at approximately $2.06 million, the project added right-turn lanes and improved traffic flow at one of the busiest intersections in the corridor. Construction began in April 2026 (not February as initially reported). By late July 2026, lane striping beneath the I-35W bridge was finished, creating two lanes of eastbound traffic through the underpass and a short westbound lane. Northlake officials confirmed the project is providing meaningful traffic relief, with through traffic now able to continue under I-35W even when left-turn lanes are backed up.

The broader FM 407 widening project (reconstructing FM 407 from Bill Cook Road to FM 1830, approximately 11.5 miles from two lanes to six lanes) remains in the planning and environmental review phase. TxDOT held public hearings in April 2026, and Argyle has formally requested adjustments to protect the town's rural character. No construction start date has been announced for the full widening.

U.S. 380 widening through Denton County is substantially complete. The $135.9 million project widened 10.5 miles of U.S. 380 from four to six lanes, built five grade separations (overpasses), and added raised medians, turn lanes, and sidewalks. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the project's completion, with final work including turn lanes, continuous lighting, permanent traffic signals, and sidewalks wrapping up through early 2026.

Highland Village Road reconstruction, funded through $7.4 million in certificates of obligation split between Highland Village and Denton County, is still in progress. The project will reconstruct Highland Village Road from the Municipal Complex entrance to the KCS Railroad Crossing, including widening, sidewalk and drainage improvements, and a dedicated left-turn lane. As of August 2026, the project appears to be in pre-construction or early construction phases.

What this means strategically: Infrastructure improvements lag behind residential growth in most fast-growing Texas communities. The completed FM 407 micro-breakout is delivering measurable relief at a key choke point. The completed U.S. 380 widening adds corridor capacity that benefits the broader region. For buyers evaluating commute times and daily convenience, understanding which projects are complete versus still in planning helps set realistic expectations for the near future.

Forestar's 281-Acre Community: Approved but Still in Planning

In March 2026, the Town of Northlake approved rezoning for a 281-acre master-planned community on the east side of FM 156, south of Downe Road. Developed by Forestar (a subsidiary of D.R. Horton), the approved plans call for up to 845 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 pre-development and entitlements stage. No groundbreaking or construction has been reported as of August 2026. The developer activity demonstrates continued interest in the Northlake growth corridor, but it does not guarantee future appreciation for surrounding properties. Buyers should evaluate areas based on current comparable sales, builder inventory, and planned versus completed amenities rather than anticipated future development.

What This Means for Buyers Right Now

When I look at the full picture, Landmark opening, Furst Ranch actively selling, two new schools, and road projects delivering results, what I see is a growth corridor that has passed the tipping point. This is not 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 is how I would think about it:

If you are ready to buy now: The established communities like Pecan Square, Harvest, Canyon Falls, and Wildflower Ranch offer proven track records, active resale markets, and communities that already feel lived-in. These remain strong options for families who want certainty.

If you can wait 6 to 12 months: Landmark by Hillwood in Denton offers competitive pricing with nine builders to choose from. You will 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: Floyd Barksdale Middle School opened in August 2026 near Pecan Square. Scott Gibson Middle School in Argyle opened for the same school year. These are meaningful additions for families with school-age children, but verify attendance boundaries with the specific district before making a decision.

Note on builder incentives: Incentives vary by builder, specific home, financing program, and closing timeline. Some builders offer rate buydowns, closing cost contributions, or upgrade credits, but there is no standard offer. If you are comparing homes, check current incentives directly with each builder before making a decision. I help my clients evaluate whether an incentive package represents real value compared to the home's base price and market alternatives.

What Denton County Growth Means for Current Homeowners and Sellers

If you already own a home in one of Denton County's master-planned communities and are considering selling, the same growth dynamics that attract buyers to new construction also affect your resale value. Understanding builder competition is essential to developing a pricing and marketing strategy that works.

Here is what sellers in communities with active new construction need to evaluate:

• Builder inventory competes for the same buyers. Quick move-in homes and spec inventory from builders like Highland Homes, Toll Brothers, and David Weekley are direct alternatives to a resale listing. Builders can offer financing incentives that a private seller cannot match directly.
• Price based on closed sales, not builder asking prices. Your pricing should be anchored to recent closed resale transactions in your community, not the active asking prices of builder spec homes, which may reflect different market conditions.
• New-construction knowledge supports listing strategy. Because I work with buyers and builders across Denton County's new construction communities, I bring firsthand knowledge of builder pricing, incentives, inventory levels, and new phase openings. This helps sellers understand what they are competing with and develop an appropriate pricing and marketing strategy.
• Enhanced marketing options. For eligible listings, tools like Zillow Showcase may be incorporated into a comprehensive marketing strategy to help your listing stand out in a competitive search environment. Eligibility, performance, and results vary by property and market conditions.

The key takeaway for sellers: in a market with significant new-construction activity, pricing and presentation matter more than ever. I help sellers evaluate current builder competition alongside resale comparable sales so that your home is positioned competitively from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Summer 2026 is a milestone moment for Denton County. The plans, approvals, and announcements of the past two years are now model homes you can walk, schools your children attend, and roads that deliver measurable traffic relief. 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 is happening beyond the model home. They look at schools, infrastructure, builder track records, and long-term community design. And whether they are buying or selling, they work with someone who knows the full landscape, not just one side of the transaction.

I would love to help you navigate these options and understand which community, builder, and strategy makes the most sense for your next chapter.

Want to talk about buying or selling in this area? Schedule a consultation.

Theresa De La Rosa
Broker, REALTOR®
Covenant Heritage Realty | In DFW Living Group
License TX: 807294, FL: 3102580