The long time buzz appears to have come true... Frisco's own Brinkmann Ranch (the original Southfork Ranch from the Dallas TV show) has sold off another 330+ acres of their prime real estate. It appears that Landon Homes (most recently of Richwoods, Frisco fame) may be looking to develop another gated community here in East Frisco. As one of the last large land "hold-outs" here in Frisco it will be shocking to many to see another part of this icon finally in the hands of developers. With current low inventory levels, the continued sharp rise in land prices, and the expansion of Main st (east of Preston) it was only a matter of time. While this isn't the first parcel Brinkmann has sold, nor is it the iconic corner property (part of the original, smaller ranch) at Main & Preston - it is still an interesting development bound to capture the interest of many Frisco residents.
For those who may be short on their Frisco TX history, or the history of the Brinkmann Ranch - it is owned by Baxter Brinkmann, the founder, owner & CEO of Brinkmann Corporation (grills, outdoor recreational equipment, & more). The Ranch is a true working ranch and had held well over 5500 acres. The ranch runs a Black Angus & Longhorn cattle operation, as well as breeding program which has garned world recognition & offered multiple award winning horses. Prior to Brinkmann's ownership, the ranch was know as the Cloyce Box Ranch (Box Ranch). To the general US population, the Cloyce Box Ranch became know as "Southfork" in the original season of Dallas. After the first production season, the show was moved (at the Box family's request) off the property, where it settled to the west in Parker at the now more recognized Southfork location (previously called Duncan Acres). The Cloyce Box ranch became not only an icon in Frisco, but became a symbol of the "bigger in Texas" attitude that the nation came to assume of a Dallas cattleman. The site offered the perfect setting for local & national events. The Ranch (under both Brinkmann & Box ownership) hosted the famous Cattle Baron's Ball on several occasions. Cloyce Box, a former NFL player turned oil-man & entrepreneur, was as interesting a character as the ranch itself. Cloyce's son Doug Box wrote a very well regarded book, "Cutter Frisco", which chronicled life growing up on the ranch. Tragically, in 1987 the original & grand home (storied to have built in the 1940's to replicate Scarlett O'Hara's plantation home) caught fire & burned down - you can watch news reel footage on the internet about the tragedy. Sadly, Mr.Cloyce Box passed away prior to being able to reconstruct the home (hence the structure you still see standing as a frame today). Amazingly, the original staircase of the house survived the fire & can be found, along with an amazing exhibit, at the Frisco Heritage Museum.
Moving forward it will be interesting to see how the large remaining tracts are treated. Long has been an expressed desire to see a large corporate campus, but with the competing interest of rising home prices & land values - only Mr. Brinkmann & the future buyer may know for sure!
One thing is for sure, the "original Dallas" is (or perhaps soon to be "was") truly a Frisco original.
- Have some history to add? Have some history to correct? - We are happy to hear from you. - Kevin Cannon - 214-714-4032
