Coldwell Banker Apex Blog

Construction slated to begin in March on Lake Ray Hubbard’s $1B Bayside development, Crystal Lagoon


Posted: January 11, 2017 by Natalie Arnold

ROWLETT, Texas — Construction is slated to begin in March on the $1 billion Bayside development and Crystal Lagoon on Lake Ray Hubbard in Rowlett, Texas, according to Lifescapes International, the landscape architectural firm selected to design the overall landscape environment of Bayside.

The Bayside development will encompass 262 acres and will feature, among other things, a variety of retail, restaurants, residential units, a resort hotel, a 300-foot long fountain, and will feature Texas’ first Crystal Lagoon. 


“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 eight-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.” 

Lifescapes International was selected, in part, because of the firm's extensive experience designing iconic mixed-use and resort destinations throughout the world. Lifescapes International has designed other mixed-use and resort-style destinations including The Grove in Los Angeles, The Americana at Brand in Glendale, and a several resorts along the Las Vegas Strip including the Bellagio Resort. 

“The concept for this project is centered on an immersive experience,” stated Brinkerhoff-Jacobs. “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.” 

“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 eight-acre crystal lagoon,” states a Monday release from the company. 

Lifescapes is planning a series of outdoor amenities surrounding the lagoon including private beach clubs, poolside areas, cabanas, terraced gardens overlooking the lagoon, and a variety of themed, Las Vegas-style “beach zones” which feature amenities such as swim-up bars and floating fire pits, according to Lifescapes Senior Principal and lead project designer Al Amador. 

“Our design concept centers on the water feature,” stated 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.” 

“Additional amenities at the Bayside master-planned community include a water front zip-line, electric boats and small cruisers for sailing on the lagoon, a FlowRider® surf machine, and day beds in the water, all of which will create an immersive resort-style experience,” states the release. 

The development is proposed to include more than 1.5 million square feet of commercial space, 3,000 residential units, a 1,000 slip marina, and 700 hotel rooms. 

The project is expected to open by spring of 2019. 

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