The intersection of SH 121 and IH 35E is a major architectural and land-use regional gateway into Lewisville. Efforts should continue to support the strengthening of this district through new investment in existing buildings, new development, and area landscaping. Specifically, this is accomplished by the addition of a denser pattern of mixed-use development on the southern portion of the retail strip east of IH 35E, and the densification of land use on the mall property.

The adoption of the Southern Gateway Plan in 2017 provided a clear vision to guide decision-making in the overall area. The IH-35E Corridor Overlay District, adopted in 2018, provided additional design requirements and a framework plan to reinforce the urban vision for this gateway. The Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) Hebron 121 Station situated on the eastern side of this gateway will continue to play an important role as a catalyst for higher-density urban infill development. With over 1,800 urban residential units now complete on the west side of the station, the focus shifts to the 43 vacant acres on the east side of the station.

Current discussions for this area include a mixture of hospitality, entertainment, sports-focused and nature-focused venues, creating further synergy for redevelopment on both sides of IH-35E.

The former Vista Ridge Mall, renamed Music City Mall in 2018, saw its first phase of redevelopment in 2019 when one of the closed anchors was converted into an international marketplace. Since then, nearly all of the other anchors have closed, bringing the possibility of a large-scale redevelopment of the entire mall property closer to reality. A partnership between the two current owners, the City and outside developers will be essential to transform the mall property into a mixed-use urban village.

Available economic development incentive tools must be used to jump-start all of these projects that will reinvent and redefine the character and identity of the Southern Gateway.

The Northern Gateway Plan created in 2015 established a vision for an urban village on approximately 300 acres along the west side of IH-35E. Tower Bay Lofts (located on the east side of IH-35E) and the Village at Lewisville (on the west side) have been developed based on this plan. They offer mixed-use, transit-oriented residential and business locations, linked together with large open spaces, water features and trails. Together, they provide 6 acres of commercial uses and 1,108 residential units in a variety of designs and densities. The IH-35E Corridor Overlay District adopted in 2018 added development standards and framework plans to standardize the desired urban form. Fronterra, a 36-acre development on the north side of Justin Road (FM 407) is expected to contain approximately 700 urban multifamily units, 200 townhome units and 40,000 square feet of commercial uses. This Gateway has additional
opportunities for new development. Economic Development incentive packages have been critical to the success of these projects and will be necessary components of plans for significant hospitality and entertainment development envisioned along the lakefront east of IH-35E.

This Gateway is at the eastern entrance of SH 121 (Sam Rayburn Tollway) into Lewisville. Added as part of the Lewisville 2025 update, it becomes an important gateway into Lewisville with the annexation of Castle Hills, anticipated in late 2021.

This Gateway is on the south side of SH 121, west of Plano Parkway and east of Castle Hills Drive. It is already a major destination with a mix of urban uses including large-scale retail developments at the southeast and southwest corners of Josey Lane, industrial developments south of Plano Parkway along Tittle Drive, residential developments along the southern limits of Josey Lane and high-density mixed uses within the Realm at Castle Hills west of Josey Lane. Approximately 200 acres of vacant property remain available east of Josey Lane and south of the existing industrial developments.

The Realm and the retail areas along SH 121, covering about half of the Eastern Gateway area, will be part of the Castle Hills annexation. The other half of the Eastern Gateway, with industrial, residential and vacant areas to the southeast, is already within the City limits.

The portion of this Gateway in Castle Hills is strongly identified with that community. Except for the water tower bearing the Lewisville logo on Windhaven Parkway, the Gateway currently provides little to associate it with Lewisville. Planning efforts moving forward should focus on steps needed to unify all portions of this Gateway as development continues and annexation is completed. One challenge that will have to be overcome is the fact that the City of The Colony has a strong identity and character on the north side of SH 121. Continued and focused planning efforts can provide the tools necessary to solidify the identity of the Eastern Gateway.

The southwestern entrance of SH 121 into Lewisville marks the Southwestern Gateway, which was identified in the Southwest Lewisville Small Area Plan as an important entrance into the city from DFW Airport and points beyond within Tarrant County. The close proximity of DFW Airport also contributes to the important role of this area as a gateway for international visitors coming to Lewisville for business or pleasure.

The predominant land use in this area consists of distribution warehouse facilities, manufacturing and professional office with supporting retail and service uses along West Round Grove Road (FM 3040). Many international companies have a presence in this area, particularly along SH 121 Business, solidifying the area as a major employment center and location for businesses involved in international trade and distribution. The large expanses of right of way at the SH 121 Business interchange with West Round Grove Road (FM 3040) provide an opportunity for a substantial Gateway design and identity statement, such as the creation of an urban forest, that reflects the community’s character as a green city.

Moving forward, the city should continue the use of economic development incentives to attract additional companies to this area and continue to implement the various recommendations of the small area plan to reinforce the identity of the area with special landscaping, public art and other placemaking strategies.