Massive bi-county development under way
VAN ALSTYNE, Texas -- Phase one is in the works for a big project along US 75 in southern Grayson County and northern Collin County.
The Mantua development encompasses 3,000 acres of land between Van Alstyne and Anna. There are plans for commercial, residential and mixed-use sites, including playgrounds, swimming pools, dog parks and walking trails.
"This is truly a master plan where we will tie things together -- both look and feel -- making it a comfortable environment," said Michael Hanschen of Risland U.S. Holdings. "There's several examples of well done master plan communities around the DFW Metroplex."
The initial phase of the development will feature 222 different sized homes. The other phases will begin next year.
"We want to create more jobs; we want to create more of a social and cultural environment for Anna so we keep our residents there," Anna Mayor Nate Pike said. "This project is really going to encompass what our vision is, and the strategic plan states for the City of Anna."
When complete, Mantua is planned to have 6,000 homes and more than 25 miles of hiking, biking and walking trails.
"It's really an exciting time," Mayor Pike said. "One of the things that we have put heavy emphasis on has been economic development in Anna, and with this Mantua project and the commercial, retail and mixed use components, it fits right in."
The billion dollar Mantua development has a 15 to 20-year time frame for completion.