Landmark by Hillwood — Denton TX Buyer's Guide 2026

$10 billion, 3,200 acres, Hillwood (Perot Company). Nine builders: American Legend, Coventry, David Weekley, Drees, Highland, M/I Homes, Perry, Toll Brothers, Tri Pointe. Model homes opening spring 2026 — first move-ins summer 2026. 1,100-acre permanently protected green ecosystem around Pilot Knob, Denton's highest point. Owner-occupancy required — no investor portfolios. Denton's first H-E-B opening early 2027.

Landmark's Nine Phase 1 Builders

The Pilot Knob Green Ecosystem

Landmark's defining natural feature is Pilot Knob — Denton's highest point at 839 feet elevation — sitting at the center of an 1,100-acre permanently protected green ecosystem that Hillwood has already secured with a conservation easement. "One third of this project, 1,100 acres, is going to forever be open," said Hillwood Communities President Fred Balda at the November 2025 groundbreaking. The community will feature 35 miles of hiking and biking trails, a 300-acre park and entertainment district with three post-oak-shaded hills, and STEAM-focused learning parks integrated throughout — rather than one massive central amenity center, Hillwood is building a network of nature-focused amenities spread across the development, anchored by the elevated Hilltop Amenity Center.

The Commercial Anchor — Denton's First H-E-B

Construction is already underway on Denton's first H-E-B grocery store, located at the northwest corner of I-35W and Robson Ranch Road — expected to open in early 2027, around the same time as Landmark Phase 1's initial completion. The first phase includes 120 acres of retail, dining, and entertainment space currently being leased, providing immediate commercial amenities for early residents rather than requiring years of waiting for retail to catch up with rooftops. At full buildout, Landmark's commercial footprint reaches 900 acres and 5 million square feet — positioned to serve not just Landmark residents but the broader southwest Denton quadrant.

Owner-Occupancy Requirement — No Investor Competition

Hillwood requires owner-occupancy at Landmark — buyers are not competing against Wall Street investment funds or single-family rental portfolio buyers for inventory. This is a deliberate developer policy, distinct from many Texas new-construction communities where institutional buyers have driven up entry-level pricing and reduced availability for owner-occupant buyers. For buyers who have been frustrated by investor competition in other DFW new-construction markets, this is a genuine and verifiable differentiator at Landmark.

The Six-Mile Sewer Line — Catalyzing Southwest Denton

A six-mile sewer line beginning construction in January 2026 serves Landmark directly but also opens up the entire southwest Denton quadrant for broader development — Hillwood is essentially funding regional infrastructure that will catalyze growth beyond Landmark's own boundaries. City data shows Denton's single-family-zoned land is only about 48.6% developed, while multifamily-zoned land is nearly built out at 96% — meaning Landmark and the infrastructure it's bringing represent a significant unlock for the city's remaining growth capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ryan Brown — Principal Broker & CEO · FL BK3626873

Landmark's nine-builder Phase 1 release this spring is the kind of moment buyers wait years for — genuine builder choice, owner-occupancy protection from investor competition, and a $10 billion developer with four consecutive Developer of the Year awards behind it. I track all nine builders' releases, pricing, and incentives in real time, and I help buyers compare them honestly before they commit to a lot. Call me.