DMB to Build 12,000-Plus Homes in Texas Hill Country

A master-planned community that’s been tied to rumors about a Walt Disney theme park is slated to take up a huge chunk of land in the Central Texas Hill Country.

Arizona-based DMB Development, led by CEO Brent Herrington, has plans for a neighborhood of 12,000 to 14,000 homes at a 7,000-acre ranch that straddles Williamson and Bell counties, north of Austin, near towns like Salado and Jarrell, the Austin Business Journal reported. Williamson County commissioners unanimously approved the project Tuesday.

The parcel is tied to Solana Ranch, a 9,000-acre cattle and wildlife ranch that stretches 13 miles and has been owned by the same family for about 50 years. There’s currently no timetable for the development.

No details have been revealed regarding the prices and sizes of homes. Other large communities from DMB include City Park in Houston. The developer began its first phase of last year, starting its plan for 520 single-family homes across 160 acres. DMB also built the 1,000-acre Kukui’ula family retreat in Hawaii and the 500-acre Forest Highlands in Arizona, the outlet said.

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell shut down rumors about a Disney theme park at Solana Ranch but didn’t rule out the possibility of Walt Disney being involved with the project. Disney and DMB are collaborating on the Cotino community in California, set to include restaurants, retail, a waterpark, a beachfront hotel and Disney-related entertainment and activities.

Williamson County commissioners also unanimously approved DMB’s proposal to create a municipal utility district that can raise tax funds for infrastructure.

—Quinn Donoghue