Back to Investments

Investment + Infrastructure

Kalahari Resorts

Allen · Commercial · Kalahari Resorts (Nelson Family)

1.2M sf resort with 912 rooms, indoor/outdoor waterpark, 165K sf convention center

Sofee’s read

Buy near, not next to. Properties 1-3 miles from the site get the appreciation without the noise and traffic.

Investment

$950M

Timeline

2025–2030

Status

Incentives Approved Feb 2025

Affected ZIP codes

75013

What could happen

If it goes well

If Kalahari delivers as promised (2030), Allen becomes a regional tourism hub. The 165K SF convention center draws corporate events, filling nearby hotels and restaurants. Home values in Lucas, Fairview, and north Allen see sustained 5-7% annual appreciation. The city's tax base diversifies beyond retail, reducing pressure on residential property taxes. Restaurants and retail follow the foot traffic, and the 121 corridor rivals Legacy West for dining options.

Watch out for

The biggest risk is delay, not cancellation. Kalahari has a strong track record, but construction costs have ballooned since 2023. If groundbreaking slips past 2027 or the project scales back, the speculative premium already baked into nearby home prices could stagnate. The site sits empty for years, becoming an eyesore rather than an anchor. Worst case: another failed mega-project that makes buyers skeptical of Allen's grand promises.

What this means if you buy nearby

Property Values: Homes within 3 miles of the resort site could see 8-15% appreciation above baseline once construction begins visibly. The 121 corridor is already hot, and a destination resort adds legitimacy.

Traffic Reality: Expect significant congestion on US 75 and SH 121 during peak seasons. Weekend traffic patterns will shift dramatically. If you commute south, factor in 15-20 extra minutes during resort events.

Lifestyle Perks: A 1.2M SF waterpark resort means year-round entertainment without driving to Grapevine or Galveston. Date nights, birthday parties, staycations—all walkable for nearby residents.

Where it stands

Announced
2024-10
Zoning & PermitsCurrent
2025-02

Incentives approved

Groundbreaking
2027
Construction
2027-2030
Complete
2030

For this project, verify next

What is daily life like in 75013?

Kalahari Resorts touches this ZIP. The profile covers price, schools, commute and the honest tradeoffs.

Open ZIP profile

Sources

$950M of Allen’s $7.0B tracked (13.5%)Allen trajectoryAll Allen projects

Other Allen projects

Timelines shift. Every figure carries a source and a verified date.