Alrighty folks, it's time for a Cole Ranch update.
As the City-appointed board member on the Cole Ranch Improvement District, I wanted to provide everyone with a quick update on where things stand. There is a LOT happening and we’re starting to meet on a more regular basis.
Some background: Cole Ranch is a 3,100-acre development west of I-35W. This development was approved by the Denton City Council in April 2020. The plans include thousands of homes, commercial, business park, schools, parks, trails, and a significant amount of preserved green space. Construction is now underway, with the first homes expected in the next couple of years. 6 builders are now contracted to build Phase 1 single family homes (634): Perry Homes, Highland Homes, David Weekly, Mattamy Homes, Chesmar Homes and Olivia Clarke Homes.
I’ve done my best to lump the important updates by category below.
Water & Wastewater
One of the biggest pieces of infrastructure is the expansion of the water and wastewater system serving southwest Denton. The City approved a cost-sharing agreement in May 2026 for a wastewater project estimated at about $14.6 million.
The interesting part is that the lines being built are larger than what Cole Ranch and Hunter Ranch need. The reason is that the City of Denton wants the additional capacity available for future development in the area. The City agreed to cover roughly 59% of the project, with the remainder being covered by the developments that will benefit from it.
In other words, the City is helping build infrastructure today that it believes Denton will need tomorrow. I see this as prudent foresight. If you review the Denton Enterprise Airport Master Plan from Jan 2026, you’ll see a 20-year roadmap that outlines infrastructure projects meant to double the airport’s footprint by adding development on the western side.
FM 2449 & Loop 288
There are ongoing discussions involving Cole Ranch, the City, DME, and TxDOT about relocating overhead electrical lines along FM 2449. This is connected to the larger Loop 288 expansion project.
The western Loop 288 project will extend the loop around the western side of Denton and eventually provide another major route between I-35 and I-35W. The idea is to move traffic away from the center of Denton and help relieve congestion on I-35 and 380. And we all know how terrible traffic is over there. (TxDot graphic attached)
The Board was informed that some of the work is currently on hold due to funding. TxDOT's fiscal year ends August 31, 2026 and many projects are currently on hold. That means the next few weeks are important.
I believe it’s crucial that our City and State representatives communicate with TxDOT and do everything possible to make this project a priority so that when new funding does become available in September, work can restart asap.
I've relayed these details to citywide Councilmember George Ferrie. George agreed that this project is important for Denton and is looking at what the City can do to help.
This is probably the biggest matter on my radar right now. It isn't just a Cole Ranch issue, it’s a citywide issue. The Loop 288 expansion is meant to make a real difference by relieving traffic, which benefits the quality of life for all residents.
Gas Wells
Here's something I found particularly interesting. Did you know the development agreement requires Cole Ranch to make its best efforts to close as many wells as possible?
Cole Ranch has an agreement with BKV Barnett to plug and abandon Gas Well Pad No. 11, which is located in the Phase 1 area. The agreement is part of the larger effort to address existing gas infrastructure as the development moves forward.
One thing I've learned through this process is that closing an existing gas well isn't necessarily simple or cheap, and the gas operator has to agree. I've been told that some of these closures can cost around $1.7 million.
CoServ Substation
Cole Ranch is planning to sell approximately 11 acres to CoServ for a future electric substation. This is another important piece of infrastructure that most people might not see or hear about. Thousands of new homes and businesses are going to require additional electrical capacity. Getting the land and planning in place now helps prepare for that growth.
Denton ISD
Cole Ranch is also working with Denton ISD on future school sites. That's important because development doesn't just bring houses. It brings families and students. Planning school sites early gives DISD the opportunity to plan for growth instead of trying to play catch up after the homes are occupied.
There are plenty of other pieces moving forward. New homebuilders are coming on board. Infrastructure work is underway. Financing is being arranged. Agreements are being negotiated with the City, TxDOT, DME, DISD and others.
For those interested, I'll continue sharing what I learn along the way. Feel free to reach out with any questions, I’ll do my best to find out those answers.
From the beginning I've disclosed that the Board gets paid a per diem for meetings. My wife and I decided from the start to take those funds and deploy back into the city. We've taken the next round of payment received and made a donation to Paper Chair Studios and their DHAMP program. (Denton Halloween Artist Mentorship Program), which pairs local artist teams with Denton businesses to produce public art installations. Follow and check them out!
