On Tuesday, May 1, 2018, Frisco City Council voted 5-0 to approve a master development plan that will bring a University of North Texas campus to Frisco. The campus is being touted as a “Next Generation Research University.”
The project will happen in 3 phases, will cost at least $100 Million, and construction will begin prior to March 2022.
The Importance of Bringing UNT to Frisco
Higher education in Frisco is a Top 10 priority for the Frisco City Council. Besides adding opportunities for students, the campus will also attract more businesses to Frisco.
Mayor Cheney said, “What will you do to train my employees?” is one of the most common questions among businesses interested in relocating to Frisco.
With the addition of UNT, Frisco will now have a world-class research university inside its borders.
“We (FCDC) saw this as a major opportunity to invest in a four-year, top-notch university which has always been part of the City of Frisco’s long-term vision,” said Wren Ovard, chair, Frisco Community Development Corporation.
Location & Amenities for New UNT Campus
The campus will be a research university offering Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees for up to 5,000 students. The location for the campus is at the southwest corner of Preston and Panther Creek, a part of the Brinkman Ranch land acquisition purchased by the City of Frisco in February 2018.
Phase One of development will cover 50 acres and include housing, a library, student life, laboratory, wellness, and administration buildings.
Phase 2 will open up 50 additional acres pending “substantial completion” of phase one. The University of North Texas will then have the option to acquire 47 acres for a third phase.
The master development plan includes the purchase of the EDC building on Research Blvd (currently LaunchPad City) by UNT to house classrooms, laboratories, and incubator space.
UNT President Neal Smatresk stated that in the 127 years UNT has been in existence, “This [partnership] is in the top 3 events in the university’s history.”
