Going through the roof

BY HANK MURPHY

HERALD-BANNER EDITOR

Simply put, the stunning population and economic growth in North Texas is spilling into Greenville and Hunt County, and folks will need a place to live.

In 2000, Greenville’s population stood at 24,105. Today’s population is estimated at 29,000. Hunt County’s 2000 population was 76,932, and today’s estimated headcount sits at 104,105, making Hunt County the 42nd fastest growing of Texas’s 254 counties.

In Greenville, as well as in places like Caddo Mills and Royse City, large tracts are under development for housing projects. In the Royse City area, about 15,000 new homes are in some stage of development, according to the City of Royse City.

In Greenville, hundreds of new rooftops are in the planning or building phase in places like Ellis Estates and Stonewood Estates, Jacksons Run, Cottonwood and a 325-acre development called The Greenbelt, which is expected to launch this spring with a cottage home component along FM 1570 just west of State Hwy. 34. When fully built out, Greenbelt planners envision an estimated 1,200 units of new housing including single-family and multifamily. The development includes a 300-unit apartment complex called The Freestone at Greenville.

The Greenbelt will incorporate residential, commercial and entertainment elements with water features, green space and recreational amenities.

Ted Murphy, senior vice president of Wildcatter Realty Partners, has said previously that Wildcatter believes Greenville is a great place to be.

“It’s far enough away from the city but it’s close enough if you want to be there. It’s at the confluence of so many different roads. We really like Greenville in a big way,” he said.

Along with residential homes, The Greenbelt intends to have a commercial component with the possibility of bringing in a hotel, restaurants and an entertainment venue.

Scott Ellis, head of Scott Ellis Homes in Greenville, sees the housing market in Greenville as very strong. Scott Ellis Homes, he said, is working to keep up with the influx of families moving into Greenville.

Ellis Homes has developed four subdivisions: Stonewood Estates, Ellis Estates, Ellis View and Ellis Place. Ellis Homes offers single-family homes in the $300,000 to $450,000 range.

Of course the demand for new homes also presents a demand for skilled carpenters, masons, electricians, plumbers and HVAC specialist as well as others in the trades.

Ellis Homes has been fortunate on that score, said Ellis.

“We have great crews that we’ve had for several years,” he said. The company also is established with its vendors and has had little trouble from supply line disruptions.

As for the longterm, Ellis sees the presence of L3Harris (the city’s largest employer) and expansion east from Dallas- Fort Worth as key factors in keeping the housing market here strong.

“I think for the next three years with amount of jobs coming to Greenville, we’re definitely going to keep seeing this surge iron new homebuyers,” he said.

Construction continues on a multifamily project on Abilene Street, near the intersection of Lee Street in the rapidly growing residential area of Washington Heights in north Greenville.

Brad Kellar | Herald-Banner

Ground has been broken on The Greenbelt, a 325-acre development project along Monty Stratton Parkway in Greenville which is expected to bring an estimated 1,200 units of single family homes and multifamily rental housing when totally built out.

Brad Kellar | Herald-Banner