Prosper’s Town Council announced Tuesday that it will postpone its scheduled vote on The Marco, a 143‑acre mixed‑use development at the northeast corner of the Dallas North Tollway and U.S. 380. The council had planned to consider the project on Sept. 22, but after council members submitted additional questions and feedback to town staff, the matter has been moved to Oct. 27.
Project Overview
The Marco is being promoted by BlackStone Communities, the same developer behind Adriatica Village in McKinney. The plan envisions an Italian‑inspired village centered around a more than 15‑acre lagoon with canals large enough for boats. A 26‑foot‑wide pedestrian promenade, called a passeggiata, would circle the water, creating a walkable waterfront district that also serves as storm‑water detention.
According to the proposal, the lagoon‑front core would include a public square, ground‑floor retail, restaurants, a hotel, and a performing‑arts venue. Taller buildings—mid‑rise apartments, high‑rise condominiums, and office towers—would be concentrated around this central district, while residential neighborhoods and additional commercial space would extend outward.
Housing and Commercial Components
The development would cap at 4,400 residential units. The mix includes up to 2,500 mid‑rise apartments, 400 high‑rise condos or apartments, 500 retirement‑community units, and roughly 1,000 single‑family homes, villas, or duplexes. The exact composition could shift as the project moves through the approval process, but the overall caps are set in the current plan.
Beyond housing, The Marco would add more than 1 million square feet of office space, a grocery store, a market hall, additional retail, up to two hotels, and entertainment venues. The frontage along the Tollway and U.S. 380 would primarily accommodate offices, retail, and hospitality, while the waterfront area would remain pedestrian‑focused.
Council and Planning Commission Actions
Prosper’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4‑2 in August to recommend the project to the Town Council. While the recommendation moves the proposal forward, it does not constitute final approval. The council’s decision to delay the vote provides officials additional time to review the feedback and questions raised by council members.
BlackStone Communities principal Jeffory Blackard, who also spearheaded Adriatica Village, emphasized the importance of the site’s location. “That is the best piece of undeveloped real estate, maybe in the world,” he told council members. “If somebody’s better than me, then somebody else can go do this, but take care of this corner.”
Community Impact and Concerns
Residents and local stakeholders have expressed both enthusiasm for the economic boost and concern over traffic, infrastructure, and the scale of new housing. The council’s postponement reflects a desire to balance growth with the town’s character and to ensure that storm‑water management, transportation, and public services can accommodate the projected increase in population and activity.
Should the zoning request ultimately receive approval, Prosper could see a significant addition of homes, jobs, and amenities along the U.S. 380 corridor, reshaping the town’s northeast corner into a vibrant, walkable village.
Next Steps
The Town Council will reconvene on Oct. 27 to consider the revised agenda. Town staff will present additional information and address the council’s outstanding questions before any final vote is taken.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
