Historic Denton Ranch To Begin New Chapter With Major Industrial Project
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A stretch of Denton ranchland along I-35 is poised for a dramatic transformation, with developers preparing to capitalize on one of North Texas’ busiest logistics corridors by building a master-planned industrial campus.
Farmers Branch-based Urban Logistics Realty recently closed on the acquisition of 53 acres of Harris Ranch south of Loop 288. Work on the first phase of the upcoming Harris Ranch Urban District will kick off early this month. The initial development will comprise five Class A industrial buildings totaling roughly 656,000 square feet.
Developers envision an 80-acre business campus upon full completion, serving distribution, advanced manufacturing, and last-mile logistics tenants. The site’s location — near the split between I-35E and I-35W — makes it well positioned to serve companies seeking access to both Dallas and Fort Worth while remaining connected to the broader I-35 freight corridor.
Completion of Phase I is anticipated sometime during the third quarter of 2027.
“Harris Ranch has been part of Denton’s identity for generations,” Urban Logistics Realty chief development officer Drew Feagin said in a press release. “Our vision is to preserve that legacy while creating a business park that reflects where the community is headed, delivering exceptional space for businesses, creating lasting jobs, and becoming a place where people are proud to work.”
The 256-acre property traces its roots to 1952, when it was established by the Harris family. Over the decades, its Texas Longhorn cattle grazing alongside I-35 became a recognizable landmark for motorists entering the city from the south.
Much like a lot of North Texas, Denton County has been growing fast in recent years, fueling a wave of both commercial and residential development. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county’s population grew from about 906,500 residents in 2020 to an estimated 1.07 million in 2025 — an 18% increase in just five years.
The City of Denton annexed Harris Ranch in 2021 before approving light industrial zoning later that year, laying the groundwork for the site’s eventual redevelopment. Urban Logistics Realty plans to emphasize quality architecture, landscaped open spaces, and shared amenities designed to create a workplace environment that feels integrated with its surroundings.
Urban Logistics Realty has partnered with a real estate fund advised by Crow Holdings Capital to develop the project. Construction financing is being provided by First United Bank. Other members of the development team include Holt Lunsford as leasing agent, GSR Andrade Architects as architect, Kimley-Horn as engineer, and Bratjen Construction as general contractor.
