Where the Dallas North Tollway ends, a sought after new lifestyle now begins. The road to the recent debut of Light Farms, a best-of-breed master-planned community in Celina, began in 2006 when Dallas-based Republic Property Group purchased 908 picturesque acres of former agricultural land just 10 minutes north of Frisco in the Prosper Independent School District. At completion, approximately 3,000 residents will call Light Farms home.
Earlier this summer, the thoughtfully conceived project was honored as the Dallas area’s best single-family/planned community. Light Farms has officially opened the doors of its extraordinary information center, one of two resident-focused buildings, including a state-of-the-art fitness facility, created from early 19th century barn frames that were reclaimed from Upstate New York and reconstructed on site with a traditional barn raising ceremony.
Today, Light Farms officially welcomes guests with its first phase of property offerings, encompassing four distinctive neighborhoods, 267 sites and model homes from six of the area’s most respected builders: American Legend Homes, Darling Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Highland Homes, LionsGate Homes and Shaddock Homes. Prices start in the $240s, presenting a prime opportunity for buyers seeking enrollment at PISD schools without a Prosper address, as Light Farms offers smaller starting lot sizes than adjacent Prosper allows within its city limits.
“Light Farms represents one of the best [home] value propositions in Prosper ISD,” said Ted Wilson, local real estate expert and President of Residential Strategies, Inc.
As with its other award-winning endeavors, Republic Property Group has been equally considerate of establishing a sustainable infrastructure designed to foster community in the long term, while alleviating some of the typical burdens of ownership. The implementation of a strong on-site homeowner’s association is seen as paramount to the success of Light Farms, in addition to creating value for residents. Dues, which currently range from $125 to $139 per month depending on lot size, include the maintenance of common areas, alarm monitoring and front yard care with 40 mows, nine weed and trims plus three chemical applications each year.
Through the HOA, residents of all ages will enjoy multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, an event lawn, tennis center with four hard courts and lakeside aquatic complex with four pools ranging from a junior Olympic for the serious swimmer to a splash pool for those just getting their feet wet. With Republic Property Group’s initial support, the HOA will also be tasked to oversee an array of engaging, family-friendly programming featuring regular happenings such as movie nights, concerts, barbecues, pool parties plus seasonal festivals and events.
According to Republic Property Group Co-President Tony Ruggeri, “We feel incredibly fortunate to serve as the stewards for this phenomenal acreage that will eventually be directly served by the Dallas North Tollway. In this role, we have gone to great lengths to ensure a pristine community for generations to come by supporting sustainable building methods, preserving 132 acres for green space and creating pocket parks, micro gardens and a $13-million greenbelt with three miles of hike and bike trails.”
The company was also instrumental in laying the groundwork for the construction of a dedicated fire station to serve Light Farms and has donated land that will be utilized for Light Farms’ first on-site elementary school, which is slated to debut in 2015.
