ROWLETT, TX—Bayside is a $1 billion master-planned development encompassing 262 acres that is planned to feature a variety of retail, restaurants, residential units, recreational amenities and a resort hotel in the Lake Ray Hubbard area on Interstate 30, less than 20 minutes from Dallas. Designed as a pedestrian-friendly, open-air resort destination, Bayside will encompass more than 1.5 million square feet of commercial space, 3,000 residential units, 1,000-slip marina and 700 hotel rooms.

The master-planned community is being developed by Bayside Land Partners LLC. The development will feature the first Crystal Lagoon in Texas, as previously reported. Construction on the lagoon will start in March and the project is expected to be open by spring 2019. Architectural firm Lifescapes International has been selected to design the landscape environment for Bayside.

“The Bayside master-planned development will be the ultimate destination,” says Julie Brinkerhoff-Jacobs, president of Lifescapes International. “The development team of Kent Donahue and Wilks Development are bringing beachfront property to a Dallas submarket, and doing so in a way that is iconic. Guests and residents will enjoy the 8-acre crystal lagoon and fountain, as well as over four miles of lakefront trails, an open-air trolley and a Town Center Park, all surrounded by the most high-quality office, retail, residential and hospitality product in the market.”

According to Brinkerhoff-Jacobs, Lifescapes was selected for this project based on its international experience in designing mixed-use and resort destinations, including The Grove in Los Angeles, The Americana at Brand in Glendale, CA, the Bellagio resort in Las Vegas, and a number of other resorts along the Las Vegas Strip.

“The concept for this project is centered on an immersive experience. For example, the fountain is planned to deliver the most visual water entertainment show in the United States. This fountain will span one acre of land, and will be comprised of 250 water nozzles, 29 fire nozzles and two laser-projected video mist screens, resulting in an entertainment experience like no other,” says Brinkerhoff-Jacobs.

In addition to the fountain, Lifescapes International will design the landscaping for the entire 116-acre peninsula, including 25 acres of parks, a variety of retail rooftop gardens and beach zones, and the perimeter of the 8-acre crystal lagoon.

“Bayside is a game-changing development that will not only drive hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue but also significantly energize the Dallas-Fort Worth area,” Brinkerhoff-Jacobs tells GlobeSt.com. “Based on our work in designing iconic resorts along the Las Vegas strip and around the world, coupled with our masterfully designed, livable communities, office, retail and mixed-use projects, we have been entrusted by Bayside Partners to design the entire 262-acre landscaped environment for Bayside, a billion dollar entertainment destination-inspired development. By creating such an environment where people can live, shop, work and play all in one place, we are delivering the ultimate destination that will attract guests, engage residents and provide businesses with a beautiful and unique setting in which to thrive. From waterfront promenades to 'beach zones,' to retail, restaurant villages to rooftop gardens, to acres of parks and a fully amenitized resort hotel, we are creating an experience that will take the integrated, recreation-inspired development to the next level.”

According to Al Amador, senior principal and lead designer for the project, Lifescapes is planning a series of outdoor amenities surrounding the lagoon, including private beach clubs, cabanas, poolside areas and terraced gardens overlooking the lagoon. At the water level, Lifescapes will design amenities such as swim-up bars and floating fire pits.

“Our design concept centers on the water feature,” explains Amador. “We plan to create a series of terraces and rooftop gardens, giving all restaurants and retail shops a clear view of the spectacular water show.”

In addition to the beach zones, Lifescapes will landscape design the project's Town Center Park, a gathering area for concerts and family events, bordered by retail and residential product on either side.

“The project's central park will give guests and residents a memorable destination to gather and socialize, while providing the project owner with an additional revenue stream from event programming,” notes Amador. “In addition, we will incorporate a pathway of lush trees and plants to evoke a feeling of Americana nostalgia for people riding the open-air trolley through the park.”

Additional amenities at the Bayside master-planned community include a waterfront zip-line, electric boats and small cruisers for sailing on the lagoon, a surf machine and water day beds.

Instant Insights /

Mega-Landscaping in the Works for Resort Oasis

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