The History & Planning of the
Pecan Square Community
Denton County History:
Our Roots
The story of Pecan Square begins with a bit of Denton County history. Before being established by the first Texas legislature in 1846, Denton County was home to a variety of indigenous peoples, including the Kichai and the Lenape. Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, Denton County saw significant growth and development, with the construction of railroads and the establishment of notable institutions such as the Texas Woman’s University (originally known as Girls Industrial College) and the University of North Texas, then known as the Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institute.
While the majority of the county’s land had long been dedicated to agriculture, its economy began to diversify with the advent of the automobile and the construction of roads. Today, Denton County boasts a thriving population of over 900,000 people and is home to a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, and education. Denton County is also a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy the county’s many attractions, including museums, sporting events, 28 playgrounds, 38 parks, and the 29,000-acre Lewisville Lake.
Northlake Development:
Preserving the Legacy of the Land
In 2012 and 2017, we purchased tracts of land for Pecan Square from the Young, Gibbs, and Thompson families. The 1,182-acre property has a rich history tied to Northlake’s agricultural and equestrian past. The Young property was once home to the renowned hunter-jumper equestrian center Woodhill Farm. The stables included several barns, a large covered horse show arena, and an outdoor riding ring.
In designing Pecan Square, we carefully preserved significant elements of the property’s history, including an alley of over 200 majestic pecan trees which give our development its name. And the architectural style of the original buildings was intentionally incorporated into the community’s design. Our award-winning 22,000-square-foot covered event pavilion, The Arena – a multi-use sports and entertainment venue – takes its shape from the old show arena, in a nod to the property’s equine heritage.
At every juncture, we’ve endeavored to build a bridge from the land’s past to its future, honoring its history while creating a vibrant, modern community. We firmly believe this commitment sets Pecan Square apart from other Northlake developments in ways that become obvious the moment you arrive.
Pecan Square:
Phases of Development
Our Northlake development efforts began in May 2018 with Phase 1 and the construction of 675 lots, which were delivered to our group of select builders in Spring of 2019. Employing 10 builders, Phase 1 offered six unique home product types, including townhomes plus new construction homes on 40’, 50’, 60’ and 70’ lots. We also set aside 76 acres of the property for future commercial development and 163 acres for onsite schools and a stadium complex for the highly rated Northwest ISD.
Additionally, Pecan Square was set up as a Municipal Management District (MMD) to benefit both homeowners and the community as a whole. A board of directors oversees the management of the district and provides for the financing of community improvements, such as parks, infrastructure, and public facilities. (MMD funding allowed for the creation of an onsite wastewater treatment plant that will ensure seamless operation of utilities for the entire development in perpetuity.) This arrangement ensures that the community remains well-maintained and attractive to new residents, making it a desirable place to live for years to come.
Pecan Square by Hillwood in Northlake, TX:
A Bright Future
As Pecan Square grows and changes, the future we imagined for it continues to shine brighter and brighter. In 2022, we were again awarded both Master-Planned Community of the Year and People’s Choice Community of the Year by the Dallas Builders Association, honors we proudly recognize as signs that we’re on the right path.
Awards aside, when it comes to creating a modern new home community with so much to offer our residents, Pecan Square is second to none. In addition to our brand new fitness center, there are plenty of amenities that encourage an active lifestyle including two pools, multiple parks, walking paths, a dog park, sports courts at The Arena, and much more. And with a lifestyle program schedule that’s packed with events and activities for the whole family to enjoy, life at Pecan Square is never dull. And we’re just getting started: we’ve got more exciting developments to come in the near future!
So whether you’re a homebuyer relocating to Denton County, or just looking to create your new home in a community with all the perks of small-town living, Pecan Square by Hillwood is a perfect place to start. If you’re interested, you can explore new homes online, or stop by the Greeting House to take a community tour today.