Frisco, a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, has seen an influx of new business, corporate relocations and tech companies over the last few years, driving new development in the area.

Fort Worth-based real estate development and investment company Wilks Development noticed the potential of Frisco in 2015, when it first began to plant some seeds in the bustling city before starting its latest master-planned community, Firefly Park, in 2024.

“When we acquired the land in 2015, there was virtually nothing around — no shopping, dining or entertainment,” Wilks Development CEO Kyle Wilks said. “Since then, the area’s developed rapidly, but what was missing was a thoughtful integration of nature within the urban fabric. That's where Firefly comes into play.”

The company has invested $500M into the project, with the horizontal infrastructure scheduled for a second-quarter completion, while all of Phase 1 is expected to wrap up in late 2027.

Firefly spans 217 acres with a 45-acre central park. It is Wilks Development’s second master-planned community, following Willow Park North, west of Fort Worth.

The site’s eight natural ponds and native Texas trees and grasses have been preserved and thoughtfully incorporated into the design to connect people with the outdoors in a way that feels organic and restorative, Wilks said. The park will feature hike and bike trails that tie into Frisco’s trail system, encouraging mobility, wellness and a connection between Firefly Park and the city around it.

Instead of bringing big-city amenities to a rural community like its Willow Park project, Wilks flipped the concept with Firefly to introduce a “natural, parklike atmosphere into a rapidly urbanizing area,” he said.

“Unlike other developments, where green spaces are often minimal and get overlooked, Firefly Park truly connects to the heart of the community,” Wilks said. “It connects seamlessly with retail, residential, office and hospitality components.”

Wilks said Frisco is a prime location for Firefly Park because of its business-friendly environment and strong school system, two things he noticed when his firm originally bought the land. Since then, the city has attracted more Fortune 500 companies, establishing itself as a major hub for corporate headquarters. Also, the growth of neighboring Prosper Independent School District, innovation in tech and healthcare, and the halo effect of the PGA of America’s relocation to Frisco have made it one of the most desirable locations in North Texas, he said.

“The recent addition of the new Baylor Scott & White hospital directly across from Firefly Park only adds to the appeal — bringing with it a need for housing, office space and the kinds of retail and lifestyle amenities that support a thriving, modern community,” Wilks said. “Firefly Park is in an excellent position to meet this growing demand in Frisco.”

Wilks said the initial plan for Firefly Park was to create a small shopping center, but the rapid growth of Frisco altered this vision. The firm had to go back to the drawing board more than once and balance its original vision with the evolving expectations of the city and its residents.

“It requires flexibility, creativity and, above all, patience,” Wilks said. “Rather than rushing to build, we’ve taken the time to ask the right questions, listen closely to stakeholders and shape a development that will add lasting value to Frisco.”

Wilks added that with each development the firm creates, the mission is to enhance the communities it works in. He said that Firefly is a reflection of that commitment.

Taking this approach has also helped Wilks keep the community’s identity in mind, because he said he believes that it isn't just the “bricks and sticks that make the development” but also the people that occupy that space, he said.

Wilks hopes Firefly Park becomes a legacy project for the organization and serves Frisco for generations to come, he said.

“The 45-acre park isn’t an afterthought. It’s the anchor that connects every aspect of the community, creating a true sense of place and purpose,” he said. “Our hope is that Firefly Park becomes a model for how development can support both growth and livability, leaving a lasting, positive impact on Frisco and influencing the future of development throughout the region.”

This article was produced in collaboration between Studio B and Wilks Development. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.