Johnson Development is set to bring new life to one of Denton, Texas’ most storied properties through a partnership with The Cole Ranch Company, L.P. and Denton Range LLC.
The collaboration will transform Cole Ranch, a 3,100-acre property west of Interstate 35W, into a master-planned community blending modern living with ties to local history. Planned for approximately 4,365 single-family homes, Cole Ranch is expected to open for home sales in 2027.
Cole Ranch has been part of the Denton landscape for nearly a century. Originally purchased by Miner Thomas “MT” Cole in the 1930s, the land served as a working ranch supporting cattle, crops, and other livestock, including buffalo to preserve a small herd.
“The ranch was integral to the local landscape back then,” says Jennifer Alexander, great granddaughter of MT Cole. “He was known for helping drive cattle through the night and for quietly giving back to churches and civic causes in both Denton and Dallas. He provided for so many people without ever seeking recognition.”
The Cole family’s vision for the property carries forward MT Cole’s love of the outdoors and community spirit. The development plan includes preserving approximately 1,200 acres of green space, along with 26 miles of trails winding through scenic areas like the heavily treed Hickory Creek areas.
Courtesy of Johnson Development
Two large lakes—including a 32-acre waterway and a 13-acre lake originally constructed by MT Cole using mule-drawn plows—will serve as natural focal points. Plans also call for 156 acres of commercial development, a 55-acre business park, and 206 acres dedicated to Denton ISD schools, including two elementary campuses, a middle school, and a high school.
Recreational amenities will include two amenity centers, multiple parks, and a 50-acre city park designed to foster wellness, connection, and outdoor living.
“We want to do this the right way,” Alexander adds. “Cole Ranch is very near and dear to the family, and Johnson Development is the perfect partner to carry this vision forward — creating a timeless community that honors our history and the beauty of the land.”
Johnson Development, which also has Viridian in Arlington and Trinity Falls in McKinney under development, sees Cole Ranch as a natural continuation of its commitment to creating distinctive, sustainable communities.
“With the Cole family’s legacy as the foundation, Cole Ranch has all the elements to become one of North Texas’ most defining master-planned communities,” says Michael Smith, president and CEO of Johnson Development. “We’re excited to build on that legacy by delivering the signature amenities and lifestyle that define a Johnson Development community.”
The project also includes an investment from Denton Range LLC, a privately held real estate firm managed by Silvestri Investments, which has assets concentrated in the greater Houston and Orlando areas.
“Cole Ranch is well positioned to serve the growing Dallas-Fort Worth market,” says Dan Silvestri, president of Silvestri Investments. “We’re proud to be part of such an inspirational community.”
