A North Texas developer has introduced plans for a massive, Italian-themed village in Prosper, situated at the junction of State Highway 380 and the Dallas North Tollway. Jeff Blackard, founder of Blackard Companies, described the location as a prime opportunity for large-scale development.
Blackard characterized the site as one of the most valuable undeveloped parcels available, noting that the corridor along the tollway represents a critical market area. He aims to transform the current grassy field into a dense community featuring homes, condominiums, apartments, retail spaces, dining establishments, and a performing arts center within five years.
The proposed project, named Marco, includes a mile-long promenade encircling a central lagoon and canals designed for water taxi service. A key component of the development is a performing arts center operated jointly by the city and the local school district. Blackard argued that such infrastructure would provide long-term value beyond typical real estate cycles.
To demonstrate the feasibility of his vision, Blackard pointed to his previous projects, including Entrada in Westlake, Seaside Village in Corpus Christi, and Adriatica in McKinney. He highlighted that these developments successfully integrated various housing types, from senior living facilities to high-end residences, creating mixed-income environments.
Prosper Mayor David Bristol expressed support for the proposal, stating that he welcomes the vision for the Marco project. Bristol noted that if the Town Council approves the necessary zoning changes, the development could serve as a generational asset for the community due to its strategic location.
