The highly anticipated Firefly Park development has encountered a setback as the Frisco Planning and Zoning Commission rejected several proposed site plans on Jan. 28, 2025. But maybe not for reasons you may think.
The commission unanimously voted against the plans (via WFAA), which were part of the ongoing development of the 217-acre site near the Dallas North Tollway. To pass site plans, the developer must do the following:
- Meet parking requirements
- Remove signage
- Fulfill development standards
- Show utilities/easements with dimensions
- Include 2-foot contour topography
- Provide landscape buffers/building setbacks
- Properly label utilities and remove duplicate hardscape sheets
Why The Hotel And Garage Plans Were Denied
The proposed plans included a parking garage, a hotel and office building and a plaza located at the southeast corner of Brixley Boulevard and Breezeway Boulevard. However, city officials expressed concerns over noncompliance with Frisco’s zoning ordinance and engineering standards, leading to the rejection.
"The plans were denied because the plans did not meet the city’s minimum development standards. We apply a 60-day process period," Director of Development Services John Lettelleir told Local Profile. "If the plans are not to the city’s standards, the applicant may withdraw the application and submit a new application; or have the plan denied and they resubmit later, but with a 15-day review period."
As Local Profile previously reported, the Dream Hotel Group announced plans in May 2022 for the hotel at the upcoming Firefly Park. Situated at the intersection of US Highway 380 and the Dallas North Tollway, the 200-room hotel will offer a fitness center, dining and beverage options, a nightclub, a rooftop pool and bar and more.
But don’t worry, the hotel will still happen… eventually.
What’s Next For Firefly Park
Despite this setback, the project is still moving forward. In October 2022, Wilks Development LLC, the developer behind Firefly Park, received approval for two other site plans. These plans allow for the construction of 191 living units on the southwest corner of Stromile Way and Breezeway Boulevard, as well as 233 living units along with retail space on the northwest corner of Stromile Way and Fireglass Way.
"The Firefly project is still a viable project where the applicant is still moving forward to developing," Lettelleir said.
Phase one of Firefly Park is currently underway, with construction in progress at the intersection of US 380 and the Dallas North Tollway along PGA Parkway. This phase will introduce 460,000 square feet of premier commercial space, including 120,000 square feet of high-end retail and dining curated by Kobalt Investment Co. and 150,000 square feet of class A office space managed by Transwestern.
Upon Completion, Firefly Park Will Be Great
Once completed, Firefly Park will be a vibrant destination featuring 3 million square feet of class-A office space, 400,000 square feet of upscale retail, dining and entertainment, 1,200 hotel rooms, 230 townhomes and 1,970 mid-rise and high-rise residential units.
At the heart of the development will be a sprawling 45-acre signature park featuring serene lakes, an immersive outdoor art walk, miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic fountains and family-friendly playgrounds. The park will also include an event lawn, an amphitheater and a unique wedding chapel, hosting year-round events and activities.
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