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The Northern Gateway: How the New 141-Acre Multifamily Development in McKinney Signals the Next Boom

The following report was generated using Gemini Deep Research, with "Industrial, multifamily development planned along US 75 in McKinney - Community Impact" as the initial source.

An industrial and multifamily development is proposed for 141 acres of land located along US 75 in McKinney. (Colby Farr/Community Impact)
An industrial and multifamily development is proposed for 141 acres of land located along US 75 in McKinney. (Colby Farr/Community Impact)

On December 2, 2025, the McKinney City Council quietly approved a deal that fundamentally alters the trajectory of Northern Collin County. The annexation and zoning of 141 acres at the northeast corner of U.S. Highway 75 and Spur 195 (Laud Howell Parkway) isn't just another construction project—it is a geopolitical signal that the "frontier" of DFW has officially shifted north.


For those of us tracking multifamily development in McKinney, this project serves as a critical case study in how infrastructure, zoning, and "smart money" converge. Here is the breakdown of the deal and what it means for your portfolio.


The Anatomy of the Deal


The project is spearheaded by One Longhorn Corporation—an entity sharing an address with legendary land broker Rex Glendenning—and North Texas Natural Select Materials. The approved agreement entitles the land for:


  • 900 Multifamily Units: A massive injection of residential density.

  • 25 Acres of Light Industrial: A mandatory commercial component to diversify the tax base.

  • Protective Zoning: A strict "horizontal separation" that prohibits residential units from being built inside industrial zones, mitigating future noise complaints.


Why This Matters to You


1. The "Infrastructure Play" is Real This development is not happening in a vacuum. It sits squarely at the future interchange of the massive U.S. 380 Bypass ("Blue Alternative") and U.S. 75. Just as the Dallas North Tollway turned frisco fields into "The Billion Dollar Mile," this new bypass will transform Northern McKinney from a gravel-heavy industrial zone into a high-density urban gateway. For investors, this confirms that the "path of progress" has jumped University Drive (U.S. 380) and landed at Spur 195.


2. Counter-Cyclical Strategy Current data shows the DFW multifamily market is softening, with vacancies hovering around 11.8% due to a surplus of deliveries. Why build 900 units now? Timing. By the time this project breaks ground and delivers (likely 2028–2029), the current supply glut will be absorbed. This is a lesson for my investor clients: the best time to plan for the next boom is during the current lull.


3. The "Gap" Opportunity This massive anchor project creates a "Gap" of opportunity along SH 5 (McDonald Street) between Downtown McKinney and Spur 195. As the northern node develops, the older industrial properties in this gap will become prime targets for redevelopment.


The Bottom Line


Whether you are a residential buyer looking in Willow Wood, an investor scouting raw land, or a renter waiting for better options, the One Longhorn development is a positive indicator of McKinney's long-term economic health. Multifamily development in McKinney is evolving from simple apartment complexes to sophisticated, mixed-use infrastructure plays.


Are you looking to position your portfolio ahead of this infrastructure wave? Let’s connect.



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