A major development in Denton is moving forward as Johnson Development, based in Houston, has joined forces with The Cole Ranch Company and Denton Range to advance the long-anticipated Cole Ranch project. The 3,100-acre master-planned community, located west of Interstate-35W and south of Denton Enterprise Airport, will include 4,365 single-family homes. Sales are expected to begin in 2027, though specific builder and pricing information has not yet been released.
Johnson Development CEO Michael Smith stated that the company has updated the original plans for Cole Ranch by increasing open-space and recreational amenities. Approximately 1,200 acres—close to 40 percent of the property—will be preserved as green space. The development will also offer 26 miles of trails along Hickory Creek, two lakes, two amenity centers, a 50-acre city park, and a 55-acre business park.
In addition to residential and recreational features, about 206 acres have been set aside for educational facilities including two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school within the Denton Independent School District. Another 156 acres are designated 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.
The origins of Cole Ranch date back to public hearings held by the city during the mid-2010s. In 2019, the Texas Legislature approved a municipal management district for this area. Earlier this year, Denton’s City Council adjusted zoning on more than 300 acres from light industrial use to residential and mixed-use purposes—a move that reflects Denton’s focus on community-oriented growth.
The land has belonged to the Cole family since the 1930s when Miner Thomas “M.T.” Cole ran it as a ranch. Jennifer Alexander, his great-granddaughter, said: “The family sought a partner that would honor the history and beauty of the area.”
The site is situated just south of Hillwood’s Landmark project.
