Celina’s transformation into a booming development hub continues with a major land deal at the intersection of Preston Road and the Collin County Outer Loop. DFW LAND’s Vijay Borra secured 112 acres from the Choate Family, longtime landowners with historic ties to the region.
Flanked by two major retail developments, one anchored by Walmart and the other by a future H-E-B, the property sits at the intersection of three major thoroughfares and is set to become a key destination for commercial, residential and mixed-use development.
Deep North Texas Roots
The deal was brokered by David Davidson, Jr. of Davidson Bogel Real Estate (DB2RE), in partnership with his father, David Davidson, Sr. of Davidson Real Estate. The elder Davidson reflected on the historical significance of the land and his long-standing relationship with the Choate family.
"50 years ago, when Preston Road was a two-lane dirt road north of 635, I started building relationships along Preston and the Dallas North Tollway," said Davidson Sr. in an official statement. "I met Ben Choate in the late 80s and have been friends with the family ever since.”
The Choates have been part of Collin County’s fabric since 1855, when John and Margaret Choat helped found the county’s oldest town, Weston. Later generations farmed in Weston and Celina, opening the Choate Family Pharmacy in 1922 — famously burglarized by Clyde Barrow of Bonnie and Clyde.
Mixed-Use Vision for a Growing Market
DFW LAND tapped DB2RE to identify tenants and partners across retail, medical, hospitality and office sectors, and is considering a residential component as part of the project’s final master plan.
“The location on the Outer Loop at Preston Road places it at the epicenter of infrastructure investment, retail expansion and population growth,” commented Borra. “Working with a town like Celina is a breath of fresh air as they know how to successfully balance a pro-development mentality while prioritizing the community’s needs and history in a rapidly growing market, which is not easy.”
Planning is now underway, with more announcements expected in the coming months regarding project timelines and partners.
Celina’s Growth Story Continues
This latest acquisition comes as Celina cements its place among the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Just a decade ago, the population hovered around 8,000. Today, it has surged past 54,000.
As previously reported by Local Profile, Tom Cawthon, Dallas Division President of Taylor Morrison, emphasized the area’s appeal: “Celina is well-positioned to be the location of choice for those seeking to live in suburban DFW. The small-town feel and thoughtful growth by city leaders has positioned Celina as a true destination.”
Proximity to major employment centers along the Dallas North Tollway, like Toyota, PepsiCo, Ericsson and The Star in Frisco, continues to drive housing demand. And with infrastructure expanding, the intersection of Preston Road and the Outer Loop is quickly becoming the new heart of North Texas development.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.
