The Sherman Planning and Zoning Committee voted unanimously to approve the Ridge at Stone Creek development, a 46‑acre mixed‑use project slated for the south side of Highway 75. At the heart of the plan is a 40,000‑square‑foot convention center that, if built, would become the largest facility of its kind in Grayson County.
Project details and local impact
The development will also include a 250‑room hotel, a selection of retail shops, and approximately 500 new homes positioned near the existing Stone Creek Golf Club. City communications manager Nate Strauch said the city has long sought a convention center of this scale, noting that smaller meeting spaces have recently opened in newer hotels but none match the size and ambition of the proposed venue.
“We’ve seen some smaller convention spaces open up in some of the newer hotels, but this would be on a scale that we don’t have anywhere in the community right now,” Strauch explained. He added that the project aligns with Sherman’s broader goal of transforming downtown into a tourist destination.
Community response
Local residents expressed enthusiasm for the project. India James, a Sherman employee who lives in nearby Van Alstyne, said the new convention center will bring additional opportunities for the community. “It’s about time we got a really good convention center in Sherman and I feel like the new growth will only add more opportunities for everyone,” she said. James also mentioned she looks forward to using the new retail and dining options for lunch breaks and evening meals.
Next steps
Following the committee’s approval, the proposal now moves to the Sherman City Council for final consideration. If the council gives its blessing, developers will set a timeline for breaking ground. The project is expected to generate construction jobs in the short term and, once operational, provide ongoing employment in hospitality, retail and event management.
City officials highlighted the economic benefits of attracting larger conventions and trade shows to the area. Such events typically bring out‑of‑town visitors who spend on lodging, dining and local services, boosting tax revenues and supporting small businesses.
Broader significance
Should the convention center be completed, Sherman will host the largest facility of its type in Grayson County, positioning the city as a regional hub for conferences, exhibitions and community gatherings. The development reflects a growing trend among Texas municipalities to invest in infrastructure that supports tourism and economic diversification.
“When you look at our downtown and what it is and what we hope it will become, we really want it to be a tourist destination,” Strauch said, underscoring the city’s long‑term vision for growth and prosperity.
Original reporting: KXII News 12 (Gray) — read the source article.
