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Flower Mound Highland Village Argyle Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4 FEB. 11MARCH 10, 2025
Stars align in Northlake
Dallas Stars ocials are looking to expand the brand’s footprint in North Texas with a 225,000-square-foot indoor youth multisports BY JACOB VAUGHN Ocials say sports complex could drive regional economy
southern Denton County, Lori Walker, president of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce, said. “This state-of-the-art multisport facility will be an incredible asset to the residents of southern Den- ton County, providing opportunities for recreation, community engagement and economic growth,” Walker said.
center called the StarCenter Multisport Northlake. Northlake Town Manager Drew Corn called the center a catalyst for planned adjacent develop- ments, which will help spur economic growth in the town and attract people from surrounding communities. “Council’s vision was to create a kind of destina- tion, a draw and an economic center,” Corn said. The center could be an economic driver for
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The StarCenter Multisport Northlake is expected to open in December.
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2025 Private School Guide
Also in this issue
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Development: Read the latest about Flower Mound’s Monarch development (Page 22)
Dining: Learn more about Cerulean Blue Coee House’s eorts to give back, build community (Page 24)
Education: Check out private schools in Flower Mound, Argyle, Bartonville
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FLOWER MOUND HIGHLAND VILLAGE ARGYLE EDITION
Impacts
NORTHLAKE
T E A S L E Y L N .
4 Los Caminos The restaurant features modern Mexican and coastal- inspired cuisine, according to a news release. Customers can choose from menu options including seared scallops, lobster fajitas, hand-cut steaks, fresh fish and moles. The restaurant is currently open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner, but there are plans to expand the operating hours in the coming weeks. • Opened Jan. 28 • 880 International Parkway, Flower Mound • www.loscaminoscocina.com 5 Sakhuu Thai The restaurant has a special lunch menu Monday through Friday, which includes a house salad and an egg roll. Diners can customize menu options with their choice of protein, including duck, chicken, beef and seafood, along with vegan and vegetarian options and four levels of spice: non-spicy, mild, medium and spicy. • Opened Nov. 13 • 2600 Lakeside Parkway, Ste.120, Flower Mound • www.sakhuuthaiflowermound.com 6 Texas Paint & Wallpaper The business sells a selection of Benjamin Moore paints, window coverings and wallpapers, according to its website. Customers can also purchase more specialized interior finishing services. • Opened mid-November • 2550 Cross Timbers Road, Ste. 136, Flower Mound • www.texaspaint.com 7 Dragon Kim’s Taekwondo Dragon Kim’s Taekwondo will offer martial arts classes for people ages 4 and up. Classes are taught by several instructors, such as Grand Master Dragon Kim Jin Young who holds a 9th degree black belt in taekwondo. • Opened Feb. 1
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• Opened Jan. 24 • 870 Parker Square Road, Flower Mound • www.divadancecompany.com
Now open
1 Chase Bank Chase Bank will offer all of its banking services at this new location, including opening checking accounts, mortgages and auto financing. • Opened in December • 1055 Market Way Road, Argyle • www.chase.com 2 DivaDance DivaDance offers dance classes for adults along with membership deals. The business opened within Shine Fitness.
3 Exceed Physical Therapy & Performance The business offers physical therapy services focused on movement and function, strength and conditioning programs, and health and wellness resources, owner Dominic Cho said. The practice also has space and equipment to work with athletes of all levels, which differentiates Exceed Physical Therapy & Performance, Cho added. • Opened Jan. 13 • 3370 Long Prairie Road, Ste. 625, Flower Mound • www.exceed.rehab
• 4160 Bryce Lane, Flower Mound • www.dragonkimtaekwondo.com
Coming soon
8 Bonchon Korean Chicken Bonchon Korean Chicken is planning to open a location on Cross Timbers Road. The spot will be a full dine-
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BYJONATHAN PERRIELLO, CONNOR PITTMAN & JACOB VAUGHN
in restaurant with carry out and third-party delivery service. The restaurant will offer Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, donuts and other dishes. • Opening early 2025 • 2450 Cross Timbers Road, Ste. 100, Flower Mound • www.bonchon.com 9 Cold Stone Creamery Cold Stone Creamery offers ice cream, sorbets and drinks. The business also sells signature cakes, according to its website. • Opening February • 1450 Long Prairie Road, Ste. 120, Flower Mound • www.coldstonecreamery.com 10 Drybar Ro Rynd, the owner of Drybar, a California-based chain of hair salons that specializes in blowouts, plans to open in the second half of 2025. Renovations on the new Drybar location are expected to start in February and wrap up in June, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • Opening in mid- to late 2025 • 1400 Shoal Creek, Ste. F120, Highland Village • www.drybar.com 11 Tumbles FloMo Tumbles is a gymnastics center that offers gymnastics
and science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics classes, and hosts parties and summer camps for children 4 months-12 years old. • Opening Feb. 19 • 1121 Flower Mound Road, Ste. 520, Flower Mound • www.tumbles.net
Now open
Relocations
12 Fifth Gear Automotive Fifth Gear Automotive offers services and repairs to all domestic, import and European vehicles, according to its website. The business has locations in Argyle, Lewisville, McKinney and Cross Roads.
• Reopening early 2025 • 1612 E. FM 407, Argyle • www.fifthgear.biz
14 Code 58 Venezuelan Restaurant The restaurant serves up authentic Venezuelan dishes with entrees ranging from tequenos, pastelitos, empanadas, hamburgers, arepas, cachapas, parrillas and more, according to the company website. The menu also includes cakes, flans and soft serve ice cream mixed with candies. • Opened Dec. 20 • 2250 Justin Road, Ste. 112, Highland Village • www.code58restaurant.com/
Closings
13 SK Arms The business opened the Flower Mound spot in 2020. It offered a variety of firearms and firearm accessories. SK Arms still has a website and a storefront in Midland. • Closed Nov. 30 • 1221 Flower Mound Road, Ste. 140, Flower Mound • www.skarms.com
Spring ‘25 schedule now online
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FLOWER MOUND - HIGHLAND VILLAGE - ARGYLE EDITION
Government
BY HEATHER MCCULLOUGH & JACOB VAUGHN
Flower Mound officials consider $112M bond A committee in Flower Mound has recommended a $112 million bond package to council. For the bond to make it on the May ballot, it will have to be approved by council. The details The proposed bond package includes $82 million for parks, trails and recreation projects in town, such as the expansion of the Community Activity Center, and $30 million to fix and maintain local streets. Flower Mound Mayor Cheryl Moore said the town’s strategy is to shift dedicated sales tax toward paying for operations and maintenance costs in town and pay for capital improvement projects through debt. “We have drastically aging infrastructure and amenities that we have to improve upon,” Moore said. “This places a strain on the town and our reserve funds.”
Argyle council calls for sales tax election A sales tax increase may be approved in the Belmont District if residents vote to increase the levy during the May 3 election. The overview Currently, Argyle levies 2% within the town limits, but only 1.25% within the Belmont Freshwater Supply District No. 2, which is within the town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. By approving the sales tax levy to allow Argyle to collect 2% in this district, Argyle can then gain the additional sales tax revenue, which is used for infrastructure projects or town service enhancements. Additional revenue from sales tax collec- tions is expected to grow by over $100,000, if the increased levy is approved, according to town documents.
Funding breakdown
Parks, trails, and other parks and recreation projects: $82M Streets projects: $30M
$112M bond total
SOURCE: TOWN OF FLOWER MOUND/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
Some context The Blue Ribbon Bond Committee, a group that recommended bond projects to council, went through months of public engagement, which included in-person meetings and an online survey. Generally, survey participants were in favor of infrastructure improvements and expansions to park and recreation offerings in town. However, some raised concerns about financial implications of the bond.
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Transportation
BY CONNOR PITTMAN & JACOB VAUGHN
Argyle • Anticipated completion: early March 2025 • Cost: $2.3 million for the whole project • Funding sources: sales tax, capital improvement project funds 4 Morriss Road Water Lines Phase 3 NORTHLAKE repairs of the concrete road panels, storm drainage improvements and ADA accessibility enhancements. The project is part of a six-phase eort to replace panels of Flower Mound Road between Long Prairie Road and Cross Timbers Road. 35W line will replace the existing 20-inch line. • Anticipated completion: summer 2025 • Cost: Around $7.44 million • Funding sources: impact fees, utility debt, grants and other funds 5 Highland Village Street Improvement Projects Phase 3 338 Details: The project includes the installation of about 4,400 linear feet of 30-inch water line along Morriss Road from Eaton Street to Waketon Road. This water 377 Bartonville Details: The city plans to nish a three-phase project, which aims to extend the lifespan of several roadways. The third phase includes asphalt repair for seven streets.
Ongoing projects
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5 T H S T . 1 Denton Creek Boulevard Bridge Details: A new multispan bridge is being built over Denton Creek, along with two 12-inch water lines, an 8-inch reuse water line and a multi-use trail extension. As of now, design and right-of-way acquisition of the project are complete. • Anticipated completion: summer 2025 • Cost: $7.06 million • Funding sources: impact fees, Denton County bond, project savings 2 Sidewalks Links and ADA Improvements Annual Program JUSTIN 1384 156 Details: Every year, Flower Mound ocials initiate projects to ensure it is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These projects can include construction of missing sidewalk and ADA ramps. This year, projects include improvements to FM 3040 at Tealwood Lane and FM 2499 at Market Street. • Anticipated completion: within the 2024-25 iscal year • Cost: $150,000 per iscal year • Funding sources: other, cash from general fund 3 Flower Mound Road fourth phase Details: Construction includes lane reconstruction,
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FLOWER MOUND HIGHLAND VILLAGE ARGYLE EDITION
FIRST EDITION!
A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT FEBRUARY 2025
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
EXCURSIONS: A Port Aransas Quest CRITTER: Black-Tailed Prairie Dog OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: A Western Wear Pair FEATURE PREVIEW: Panhandle Fires, One Year Later
Above: Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, in Port Aransas.
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FLOWER MOUND - HIGHLAND VILLAGE - ARGYLE EDITION
TEXAS MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2025
Dear Fellow Texan, WELCOME
I couldn’t be prouder and more excited to bring you this special edition of Texas Monthly ’s February issue within the pages of Community Impact . One great Texas institution meets another. Community Impact and Texas Monthly have shared goals: to equip you with the news and perspectives that help you understand your state and your neighborhood and inspire you to engage with the people and places that surround you. Each month, we’ll provide you a kind of sampler of what Texas Monthly has to offer. Food, drink, travel, critters, and a taste of some of the award-winning storytelling Texas Monthly is known for. Enjoy the next few pages, thank you for welcoming us into your home, and please consider subscribing to Texas Monthly. —ROSS McCAMMON
EXCURSIONS Among the Craniacs North America’s tallest bird stalks Port Aransas once again. Its fans are back too. BY ROSE CAHALAN
I'M LEANING ON the rail of the Scat Cat, a red-and-white charter fishing boat in Aran- sas Bay, when two bottlenose dolphins leap majestically out of the water alongside our wake. The midday February sun gleams on their fins as the pair chases us. “Look!” I shout. A few of my sixty or so fellow passengers turn to watch, but this is only a warm-up for the real stars of the show: the whooping cranes. Today’s tour is part of the Whooping Crane Festival, an annual four-day winter celebra- tion of one of the continent’s rarest avian
species—and its tallest. About two thousand birders have descended on Port Aransas, a Gulf Coast town of around 2,900 residents on Mustang Island, for the twenty-seventh iteration, which is packed with more than fifty events, including birding tours and lectures by scientists. (This year’s festival happens February 20–23.) Before the arrival of European settlers, more than ten thousand of these birds soared across the continent, but habitat destruction and overhunting drove them to the brink. By
EDITOR IN CHIEF, TEXAS MONTHLY
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Its Reputation As a Ranch Pest Is Changing. The most common of the five species of prairie dogs in North America, these charismatic creatures today inhabit only about 2 percent of their native range, which once covered roughly 100 million acres of the Great Plains. Agriculture and urban development have consumed much of that habitat, and some ranch- ers, worried that these prairie dogs were competing with cattle for grass, exter- minated them. It turns out, though, that they are beneficial for grasslands. SO HOW DO THEY HELP? Prairie dogs nibble down the woody shrubs that could hide their predators and that often take over grasslands. This preserves habitat for birds and animals such as pronghorn. Plus, the rodents’ digging mixes and aerates the soil, and their scat provides nutrients. HOW DO WE KNOW FOR SURE? Scientists collected data from a group of GPS collar–wearing cattle that grazed on three pastures within a pre- serve. In warm seasons, the herd spent more time on the prairie dog colony than in areas outside it. I HEARD THEY CARRY PLAGUE. IS THAT TRUE? Prairie dogs are susceptible to the syl- vatic plague, caused by the same bac- terium as the bubonic plague. But it’s primarily fleas, not rodents, that spread it. At a respectful distance, you can en- joy them without fear. —Robyn Ross CRITTER BLACK�TAILED PRAIRIE DOG
early efforts to revive whooping cranes with captive breeding. During several breeding seasons in the late seventies and early eight- ies, he even lived in a shed with a female crane named Tex, who had imprinted on humans after hatching at the San Antonio Zoo. “Cranes require a great deal of space,” Ar- chibald said. “Each species selects a different type of wetland or grassland.” Unfortunately, those are some of the most easily destroyed habitats: With no trees to cut down, develop- ers can simply pave them over. Captive breed- ing has played a crucial role in the comeback of the species. In the past decade, the Dallas Zoo has picked up the baton, as one of seven organizations in the U.S. and Canada to carry on Archibald’s legacy of breeding baby whoop- ing cranes to release in the wild.
1941 only 21 whooping cranes were left in the wild. Today, after decades of extensive conservation work, there are about 700 wild whoopers left. Wherever there are cranes, there are crani- acs. The birders who visit Port Aransas—“We estimate the economic impact to be near $1 million,” says Brett Stawar, president and CEO of the town’s tourism bureau—bring with them an intense enthusiasm. The undisputed king of the craniacs is George Archibald, the 78-year-old cofounder of the International Crane Foundation. Archibald was a leader in
A birder at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, in Port Aransas, on December 14, 2024; birders in Port Aransas; a sign at the preserve.
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FLOWER MOUND - HIGHLAND VILLAGE - ARGYLE EDITION
January 18-February 14
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TEXAS MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2025
MADE IN TEXAS
All Loud on the Western Wear Front With its bold colors and modern designs, the Kennimer label is drawing the attention of pop stars and New York Fashion Week.
Meanwhile, In Texas OUT THERE
BY TAYLOR PREWITT
A video of a horse riding in the back seat of a pickup truck in Fort Worth went viral on social media, with one viewer commenting “living in fort worth this normal to me at this point.” A woman in Dallas booked a rental car for one day, then drove to Wash- ington State and continued to use the vehicle for 46 days , telling Spokane authorities that she didn’t return the car because she was too busy. Claiming to be a member of the U.S. Army’s Delta Force special opera- tions unit, a man from Manor de- frauded victims of more than $12 million by falsely telling them that they were at risk of violence from drug cartels and offering “protec- tion” in exchange for money. A Richardson resident was named CNN’s 2024 Hero of the Year for running a nonprofit in North Texas that helps people going into treat- ment for addiction find temporary homes for their dogs. Billionaire Tilman Fertitta became the first restaurateur in Texas to of fer A5 Wagyu bone-in ribeyes from the Kagoshima region of Japan, which he sells at one of his Houston steakhouses for $1,000 each. Researchers at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi detect- ed low levels of fentanyl and other pharmaceuticals in the blubber of dolphins swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. —Meher Yeda
while Ben, who hails from the small East Tex- as town of Latch and previously worked in graphic design, handles the hats. They jump in to help each other with tedious tasks such as adding rhinestones or handsewing when needed. “We’ve always just worked well to- gether,” Ben says, recalling early collabora- tive projects that included a hot dog–cart side hustle and a screen-printing business. They work as a team to conceive a collection’s overarching look and theme. The couple are motivated by their network of musician friends, many of whom have be- come clients. “We’re excited to show people it’s not a trend,” says Bonnie of Western style. “It’s a staple.” They’re looking forward to de- buting a few couture looks in New York. Some of the pieces, which incorporate subtle nods to the Victorian era (such as high collars and covered buttons), are so intricate that they required around seventy hours of detailed handsewing.
IN LESS THAN a decade, Ben and Bonnie Kennimer have gone from teaching them- selves hat making and clothing design to cus- tomizing looks for some of music’s biggest stars. Their eponymous Western wear label, which they founded in Houston in 2017, is fa- vored by Fort Worth songwriter and soul sing- er Leon Bridges, the Houston trio Khruang- bin, DJ and producer Diplo, and pop star Joe Jonas. One of Bonnie’s dresses, for renowned songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jenee Fleenor, is housed at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame. And this February the couple will take their creations to a New York Fashion Week runway for the first time. Now based in Bonnie’s hometown of Aus- tin, the married couple splits the work down the middle: Bonnie, who has a background in costuming and tailoring, designs the clothes,
Ben and Bonnie Kennimer.
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FLOWER MOUND - HIGHLAND VILLAGE - ARGYLE EDITION
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An estimated 15,000 head of cattle were killed in the Panhandle fires of February 2024.
flag warnings, an alert the National Weath- er Service issues a few dozen times a year in the Panhandle when a combination of strong winds and low humidity increases the risk of extreme wildfire. Though rain had been plentiful that winter and grass was thriving, unseasonably warm February temperatures had dried it out quickly. What should have beenarancher’sblessing—bountifulfieldsfor grazing—had instead turned into something ominous: “fuel load.” Adam, a 31-year-old with a slight build, shag- gy brown hair, and bright blue eyes, has the plumb posture of a man who takes pride in his work.He’dstartedpreppingforfireseasonthe week before, securing insurance for most of the 712 cattle he owned with his wife, Aubrie, a 30-year-old with sympathetic brown eyes and strawberry blond hair. They’d decided against paying the higher premiums to cover the full herd, largely because they’d made it through the previous five seasons unburned. Adam was no stranger to fire risks. The youngest of two boys, he’d known he want- ed to be in the cattle business since he was a five-year-old playing with a toy Ford pickup that was identical to the one his dad drove around their family’s ranch in Canadian, an almost utopian hamlet of 2,300 in the rolling sand hills and caprocks northeast of Amarillo. Adam earned a degree in ranch management at Texas Tech University. That’s where he met Aubrie, the daughter of an accountant and a rodeo competitor turned professor who’d given up horses when his children were born. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .
WHEN THE TOWERING black plume first sprouted on the western horizon, it wasn’t much cause for alarm. The sky in the north- eastern Panhandle is near-boundless, and from his Hemphill County ranch Adam Isaacs often spottedsmokefromfiresthatwereahundred miles away. Few of them ever threatened his property. This one, he knew, had gotten started roughly seventy miles west, and though the winds were blowing his way, the flames had a lot of ground to cover before Adam would allow himself to get concerned. His land, his livestock, his loved ones—none were at risk. Not right away. But the potential was there. That Monday morning, February 26, had brought one of the 2024 fire season’s first red
FEATURE PREVIEW
Where There’s Smoke After last year’s historic Panhandle inferno, Adam and Aubrie Isaacs are among the many ranchers in the region weighing how—and whether—to carry on. BY EMILY McCULLAR
READ THIS FEATURE AND MORE IN THE FEBRUARY ISSUE TK AUDIENCE SPACE
Enjoying what you read? Subscribe to Texas Monthly for just $9 and never miss a story! Join our proud community of Texans—written by Texans, for Texans, for over 50 years.
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FLOWER MOUND - HIGHLAND VILLAGE - ARGYLE EDITION
Stars align in Northlake From the cover
BY JACOB VAUGHN
The big picture
What’s next?
The overview
StarCenter development The StarCenter Multisport Northlake should
Funding sources The new center will cost $94.95 million over the next 30 years, paid for through multiple means.
Alberts said the brand wanted to get into the southern Denton County area. “[Northlake is] really building out their city core over there, both residential and commercial, and the mayor and city manager there wanted some- thing like this to really prop up their commercial business,” Alberts said. The facility itself costs about $45 million, Corn said. With financing costs, it will come out to about $94.5 million over the next 30 years. Around 70%, $66.6 million, will be paid for through rent pay- ments from the Stars. The rest will be paid for by taxes in town. The town has essentially overbudgeted sales and hotel occupancy tax contributions compared to what the project actually needs. The remaining funds will go toward future maintenance of the new facility as needed, Corn said. It will be owned by the town but operated and maintained by the Stars. Corn said hotels slated for the town and the taxes
The StarCenter is supposed to be wrapped up in September with additional infrastructure finishing out in September 2026. The StarCenter Multisport Northlake is expected to open its doors in December 2025. The sports courts will be open to the public but they will also be used for practices and tournaments for youth sports teams. Following the facility’s opening, town officials expect initial phases of the adjacent mixed-use development to begin welcoming tenants in at least another two years, Corn said. Walker said she’s excited about what the center will do for the area. “It’s an exciting addition to our region, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our local families and businesses,” Walker said.
open in late 2025. Infrastructure for the nearby Chadwick Farms development should finish next year.
The facility will have two National Hockey League regulation sheets of ice and eight basketball courts that can be converted into 16 volleyball courts. Construction on the center broke ground in April 2024 and should wrap up in fall 2025. It will border Chadwick Farms, which will include up to 900 multifamily units, entertainment, retail, restaurants and a hotel with a conference center, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Elise Mikus, development director for Chadwick Farms, said the project and the adjacent StarCenter is expected to draw 1.3 million people annually, including residents from Flower Mound, Highland Village and Argyle. These centers are multifaceted, said Brad Alberts, president and chief executive officer of the Dallas Stars. “Our primary goal is to increase ice capacity in the metroplex,” Alberts said.
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Hotel occupancy tax - $9.45M
Rent - $66.6M
Sales tax - $18.9M
Total $94.95M
SOURCE: TOWN OF NORTHLAKE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
generated from them will help pay for the facility. Northlake could have 12 hotels in the coming years, he said. The idea is for the town to become a sports tourism destination. “That’s the goal,” Corn said. “Have them stay at our hotels, have them eat in our restaurants.” An outdoor sporting facility is being built in Roa- noke near Cleveland Gibbs Road and State Highway 114 that will compliment the StarCenter, he said.
Stars facility Multi-family Retail Hotel New roads
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SOURCE: TOWN OF NORTHLAKE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Education Private School Guide
BY GABBY BAILEY, CONNOR PITTMAN & JACOB VAUGHN
2025
Grace Christian Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: basketball volleyball, choir, speech, drama Enrollment: 136 Tuition: $1,000-$10,500 • 3200 Firewheel Drive, Flower Mound • www.gcapatriots.org Temple Christian Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: volleyball, basketball, soccer, music, drama
Argyle
Argyle
Selwyn School Type: traditional Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: archery, soccer, basketball, tennis, performing arts Enrollment: 140 Tuition: $13,700-$31,850 • 2270 Copper Canyon Road, Argyle • www.selwynschool.org
Bartonville
Liberty Christian School Type: religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: dance, musical and technical theater, baseball, football Enrollment: 1,317 Tuition: $5,293-$22,378 • 1301 US-377, Argyle • www.libertychristian.com
Harvest Christian Academy Lantana Type: religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: baseball, football, volleyball, music, drama
Enrollment: not available Tuition: $6,410-$11,600 • 2501 Northshore Blvd., Flower Mound • www.templechristian.com •
Enrollment: not available Tuition: $3,150-$11,450 • 2200 Jeter Road E, Bartonville • www.lantana.hcasaints.org
Lewisville
Lakeland Christian Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-11 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, cheerleading Enrollment: 283 Tuition: $2,530-$8,830 • 397 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville • www.lakelandchristian.org
Flower Mound
Coram Deo Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: band, theater, soccer, football Enrollment: 717 Tuition: $8,190-$13,495 • 4900 Wichita Trail, Flower Mound • www.coramdeoacademy.org/campuses/flower-mound
Extracurricular activities: drama, Spanish Enrollment: 80 Tuition: $11,825 • 1310 S Steemons Freeway, Lewisville • www.pinnacleprepschool.com
Pinnacle Prep School Type: traditional Grades served: Pre-K-8 Religious orientation: N/A
This list is not comprehensive.
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19
FLOWER MOUND - HIGHLAND VILLAGE - ARGYLE EDITION
Education
BY JONATHAN PERRIELLO
Lewisville ISD trustees amend policy for rezoned students
Amid school closures and boundary adjust- ments, more Lewisville ISD students will be eligible to remain at their current campus after the board amended a grandfather policy Jan. 13. The resolution impacts students and their sib- lings affected by the board’s decision to close five schools and adjust boundaries for seven others in December, a decision prompted by inadequate funding and enrollment decline, according to district documents. The changes will go into effect in the 2025-26 school year. The details The board amended the policy to allow elemen- tary students and their siblings entering kinder- garten through fifth grade, and middle school students and siblings entering seventh and eighth grades in the 2025-26 school year, to request to stay at their zoned campus, Superintendent Lori Rapp said. These grade levels are affected by the closures and boundary adjustments.
Closing elementary campuses
Operating below capacity was among evaluation criteria for closing LISD facilities ahead of the 2025-26 school year. 2024-25 capacity Maximum capacity
100%
B.B. Owen Creekside Garden Ridge Highland Village Polser STEM Academy
39.77% - 280 58.03% - 383 58.25% - 346 65.21% - 373 63.38% - 502
704 660 594 572 792
SOURCE: LEWISVILLE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
The policy doesn’t cover incoming sixth graders who are siblings of grandfathered students. These students will need to apply for a transfer request to remain at their current zoned campus, Rapp said. Families exercising this option must provide their own transportation for students, according to district documents.
Zooming in Rising inflation, a lack of adequate state funding and an anticipated enrollment dip by over 3,000 students in the next decade prompted the decision to close schools. Schools operating below capacity was also among the evaluation criteria.
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Illuminate the path to success by supporting Lewisville ISD students and teachers.
Learn how you can make a difference at WWW.LISDEF.COM/COMMUNITY
20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY JONATHAN PERRIELLO
Argyle ISD has acquired 35 acres of land along US 377 in the 2,300- acre mixed-use development Furst Ranch, according to a news release. The land purchase includes the option to accept an additional 15 acres, which would bring the land for future schools to 50 acres, all of which is within the town of Flower Mound. AISD paid $9.6 million for the 35 acres, which was funded through the 2022 bond, per the news release. “We are grateful to those in our communities that voted for the 2022 bond that helped make this land purchase for school facilities possible,” AISD School Board President Sam Slaton said in the news release. “We are also grateful for Jack Furst’s generous 15-acre land donation to the district. As we continue to grow and look towards the future, it is exciting to know that this partnership has helped secure a site location for many future Argyle students.” Jack Furst is the owner of the 2,300-acre mixed-use develop- ment, Furst Ranch. AISD pays $9.6M for 2 school sites in Furst Ranch
407
377
35W
Future school development
N
The details All of Furst Ranch is zoned for AISD schools, and the district plans to build a new elementary school and middle school campus within the up-to-50-acre tract. The new schools are expected to help AISD meet its growing enrollment projections for future years. This is the second time in two years the district purchased land for new schools. It acquired 50 acres along FM 407 in 2023 for AISD’s Middle School No. 1, which is expected to open in August 2026. Going forward District officials expect the first students to enroll in the new schools within Furst Ranch in 2026 or 2027, according to the news release. “We are very excited to continue our support of AISD,” Furst said.
Lewisville ISD could install its first solar panels this summer. LISD could see a return on the investment within 10 years and reap up to $500,000 in future energy cost savings. In addition, Jason Hughes, LISD executive director of facilities, said solar panels at Downing Middle School could save $50,000 annually. Solar panels in LISD could save $50K In a nutshell Staff identified the school as the ideal location for this project due to scheduled maintenance that will include roof resurfacing. Installation of the panels is expected to cost up to $800,000, but a $280,000 rebate could bring the cost down to around $500,000, Hughes said.
21
FLOWER MOUND - HIGHLAND VILLAGE - ARGYLE EDITION
Development
BY JACOB VAUGHN
Monarch development planned for west Flower Mound
which had townhomes being built first. He was worried about getting stuck with the townhomes without the commercial aspect of the project. Development regulations require 150,000 square feet of commercial space must be built out before the first 150 townhomes can be built. Another 150,000 square feet of developed com- mercial space will unlock the developers ability to build the rest of the townhomes. Town officials also agreed to some exceptions for the project, such as reduced setbacks and increased maximum lot coverage. Looking ahead Schmitz said that some of the development may be complete by 2027 or 2028. “Previously, deals have had a tough time getting through Flower Mound,” Schmitz said. “They’re known to be tough but ... we’re going to do our part to make it an A-plus development.”
A new 200-acre mixed-used development, called Monarch, is slated for Flower Mound. The details Flower Mound Town Council unanimously approved the development in early January. The Monarch project will sit near the intersection of Denton Creek Boulevard and Cleveland Gibbs Road. It will include more than 270 townhomes, over 470,000 square feet of retail and restaurant development, park land, pollinators and deten- tion pond areas. The developer and applicant behind the proj- ect, Eric Schmitz and the design firm McAdams, were seeking some changes, including a rezoning to allow residential and certain commercial uses. Diving deeper Town Council member Adam Schiestel said he had concerns about the phasing of the project,
278 townhomes
472,470 square feet of retail and restaurant space
Park space
New roads
35
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
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22
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Events
BY HEATHER MCCULLOUGH
• Feb. 22, 5-8 p.m. • $80 • Argyle Party and Gift, 409 US 377 S., Argyle • www.facebook.com/events/1154458082696499 Cooking Thyme Learn how to enhance dishes with flavor and nutrition. Participants will also have the opportunity to make a personalized spice blend to take home. • Feb. 24, 7-8:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Flower Mound Public Library, • 3030 Broadmoor Lane, Flower Mound • www.fmlibrary.libnet.info/event/12490742
February
Paint Together Aspen Trees This is a two-hour, step-by-step painting class to create an aspen trees forest. Painting supplies will be provided. The event, which is catered toward adults, is BYOB. • Feb. 14, 7-9 p.m. • $25 per individual, $40 per couple • Art House Studio Art Classes, 6100 Long Prairie Road, Ste. 800, Flower Mound • www.studioarthouse.com/workshops/ • workshops-highland-village Murder Mystery Dinner and Dancing The Cross Timbers YMCA is hosting a murder mystery fundraising dinner. • Feb. 15, 6-10:30 p.m. • $5-$4,000 • Cross Timbers YMCA, • 2021 Cross Timbers Road, Flower Mound • www.betterunite.com/singleparentadvocate- murdermystery2025-giddyup Chunky Yarn Blanket Knitting Workshop Attendees could learn how to hand knit chunky yarn blankets from BGs Blankets and Co.
March
Mardi Gras Party Celebrate Mardi Gras with a pop up bar at Shoal Creek Tavern. Enjoy cocktails and bites for $10. Attendees are welcome to wear masks, beads and more, according to the event page. • March 4, 5-10 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1701 Shoal Creek, Highland Village • www.shoalcreektavern.com/ highland-village-shoal-creek-tavern-events
Mario Kart Tournament The Mario Kart event is designed for children ages 9-12. Registration opened Feb. 6 and is preferred, but not required. • March 6, 4:45-5:45 p.m. • Free (admission) • Flower Mound Public Library, 3030 Broadmoor Lane, Flower Mound • https://fmlibrary.libnet.info/event/12249684
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Due to high interest, only those who attend our February 15th event will have the opportunity to make an appointment to pick their lot and purchase in our first phase of only 20 homesites. Learn how to be one of the first homebuyers, with a ground floor opportunity for best selection and pricing. Learn all about the Ladera Living 55+ lifestyle, what makes our community in Timberbrook special, the available homesites and home designs for this community in the beautiful City of Justin – and what it means to be a founding homeowner!
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23
FLOWER MOUND - HIGHLAND VILLAGE - ARGYLE EDITION
Dining
BY CONNOR PITTMAN
Cerulean Blue creates community, gives back A local coee house is committed to providing a dierent coee house experience, while supporting nonprots along the way. “Everyone that walks through the door should feel welcome in our space,” said Paul Dietzler, co-owner of Cerulean Blue Coee House. Dietzler, who co-owns Cerulean Blue with his wife Jackie, said the coee shop’s name pays hom- age to a place they both enjoy: Destin, Florida. What they oer Cerulean Blue strives to serve the best cup of coee, which is sourced from Guatemalan and Honduran farmers, Dietzler said. The menu also includes homemade baked goods, sandwiches, teas and salads. The impact As part of its eort to give back, the business
Cerulean Blue Coee House sells homemade baked goods, including cookies.
PHOTO COURTESY CERULEAN BLUE COFFEE HOUSE
donates a water lter to a family in Guatemala or Honduras for every 10 pounds of coee sold within Cerulean Blue, with over 300 given to date. The coee house also provides a $25,000 matching donation to spotlighted nonprots on a quarterly basis. “We’re just really here to bring awareness to critical problems and issues that are happening right in our own communities,” Dietzler said.
R C R E
T
1171
PARKER SQUARE RD.
FIRESIDE DR.
C R O S S
N
420 Parker Square Road, Flower Mound www.ceruleanblue.com
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FREE Tastings • $5 Flights • $10 Bottles
FREE ESTIMATE 469-436-9106 Serving Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville & surrounding communities
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24
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
BY COLBY FARR
In 2024, commercial vacancy rates decreased by nearly two percentage points across the Flower Mound, Highland Village and Lewisville areas, according to Texas-based real estate firm Weitzman’s latest annual report. The report was published after the 2025 Weitzman Annual Forecast held Jan. 7. During the event, Weitzman Executive Managing Director Robert Young presented a look at how the retail market performed in 2024 with a forecast for 2025. The report’s data is gathered by surveying more than 1,440 shopping centers across the Dallas Fort Worth area including centers in Flower Mound and Highland Village. “DFW’s retail market has never been stronger in terms of balanced supply and demand,” Young said. “Retail development today is truly based on Retail vacancy falls in Flower Mound
Zooming out
2023 square feet 2024 square feet
Gross leasable space 10,140,539 10,140,539
Dallas-Fort Worth finished 2024 with a retail occupancy rate of 95.1%, 2.4 million square feet of space absorbed and 1.5 million square feet of new construction, according to the report.
0%
Vacant space 616,807 438,767 Vacancy rate 6.08% 4.33%
-28.86%
DFW occupancy rate
2020
91.7% 93.5% 94.4% 95.1% 95.1%
2021 2022 2023
-1.75%
SOURCE: WEITZMAN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
2024
the fundamentals of population growth, housing growth, job growth and economic viability. This is clearly a recipe for sustainable high occupancy.”
25
FLOWER MOUND - HIGHLAND VILLAGE - ARGYLE EDITION
Real estate
In December 2024, over 230 homes were sold across the market, according to data from Collin County Area Realtors. Residential market data
Number of homes sold
December 2023
December 2024
-12.5%
+21.21%
+38.46%
+16.98%
+48.28%
75022
75028
75077
76226
76247
35W
35E
76247
76226
75077
377
Median home sales price
December
2023
2024
75022
75028
$840,000 $500,000 $488,000 $629,000 $424,560
$962,500 $548,970 $492,500 $604,500 $437,455
75022
N
GRAPEVINE LAKE
75028
Homes sold by price point
75077
December 2024
76226
14
$1 million+
76247
22
$700,000-$999,999
149
$400,000-$699,999
Average days on the market
-2.38%
+66.67%
-4.26%
-40.77%
+50.62%
38
$100,000-$399,999
0
<$99,999
MARKET DATA COMPILED BY COLLIN COUNTY AREA REALTORS • WWW.CCAR.NET
75022
75028
75077
76226
76247
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