Prosper's Pradera project: 35 acres of luxury living and business hub

Prosper - In a key move, Prosper Town Council has approved the zoning requirements for "Pradera," a sprawling 35-acre development project, Dallas Metro News reported. The project will not only feature apartment complexes, but will also make room for various businesses and high-end townhomes.

Located at the intersection of Prosper Trail and the extended Dallas North Tollway's western side, Pradera is a joint venture between Cornerstone Projects Group and Frisco's Orion Real Estate Capital.

Set to include an impressive 730 apartment units, the project hits the maximum allowed under the local area's existing land-use plans. The project has sparked debate among important community members, especially about its compliance with current zoning rules.

Council member Chris Kern has expressed reservations about the development, as reported by The Dallas Morning News. Kern is concerned that the project's large number of apartment units could limit future growth opportunities, particularly in the southern parts of the town.

“I continue to have heartburn with the overall number and the longevity of this project,” Kern said during the meeting. “It’s not an objection to multifamily in general because I feel like that’s always a thing. I just have a little bit of concern. It feels like we’re allowing our max at the furthermost point of the Tollway district.”

Council members first reviewed the draft plans for the project on August 8, 2023, but decided to postpone the agenda item for more discussion. At this initial meeting, the developer received several suggestions to alter the original design.

One notable recommendation was to remove the large lettering on the front of the project's central five-story buildings. Additionally, the council advised reducing the maximum height of office buildings from the originally proposed 12 stories to a more modest eight stories. A three-story limit was also set for the townhomes in the plan.

“They continued to reduce their count to get to where we wanted them to be,” council member Amy Bartley said during the meeting. “They mixed in for-rent and for-sale, which was a big deal to me because I wanted people to be able to purchase condos or other kinds of lifestyle housing and live here and be invested here.”

While zoning approvals have been secured, the construction timeline is extensive. Work is set to begin in 2024, but full completion is not expected until 2043. This underscores the long-term commitment both the developers and the town council are making to the community's future.

Credit: Dallas Metro News, Dallas Morning News, Prosper Town Council