Prosper’s Town Council gave unanimous approval on Oct. 27 to rezone a 143‑acre parcel at the busy Dallas North Tollway‑US 380 intersection, moving the $2 billion Marco development one step closer to reality. The vote cleared the primary zoning hurdle, though the project still requires agreements on economic incentives, building standards, impact‑fee waivers and public‑space provisions before construction can begin.
Italian‑Inspired Village Centered on a 15‑Acre Lagoon
The Marco is planned as an Italian‑style village anchored by a lagoon of more than 15 acres. The water feature will serve both as a scenic gathering place and as a storm‑water detention system. Boat‑friendly canals will wind through the development, and a 26‑foot‑wide pedestrian promenade—called a passeggiata—will circle the lagoon, offering residents and visitors a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.
Mixed‑Use Layout and Housing Options
Developers envision a vibrant mix of homes, offices, hotels and retail. The plan calls for up to 4,400 residential units, including up to 2,500 mid‑rise apartments, 1,000 single‑family homes or duplexes, 500 age‑restricted apartments and 400 high‑rise units such as condominiums. Office space will exceed 1 million square feet, with some buildings reaching 14 stories to help buffer traffic noise from the nearby highway.
Commercial and Hospitality Components
In addition to housing, the proposal includes restaurants, boutiques, a grocery store, a market hall and entertainment venues. Two hotels could line the lagoon’s western and eastern edges, providing lodging for visitors and business travelers. Office towers will line the Dallas North Tollway and US 380 frontage, creating a live‑work‑play environment that aims to keep residents on‑site for daily needs.
Developer’s Track Record
The project is being led by BlackStone Communities principal Jeffory Blackard, who previously delivered Adriatica Village in McKinney—a 45‑acre development inspired by the Croatian fishing town of Supetar. Blackard described the Prosper site as “the best piece of undeveloped real estate, maybe in the world,” emphasizing its strategic location at a major intersection.
Next Steps
While the zoning approval is a significant milestone, the council will still need to negotiate economic incentives, finalize building standards, secure impact‑fee waivers and confirm the layout of parks and open spaces. Those agreements will determine the final design, public‑space allocation and infrastructure commitments.
If fully realized, The Marco will add thousands of homes, a waterfront district, and extensive office space to Prosper, reshaping one of the town’s busiest corridors and potentially boosting local tax revenue and job opportunities.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
