English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Grand Prairie, TX

Yet another single-home construction project is underway in Hockley, Texas, an unincorporated part of Harris County located near Highway 6 and U.S. Route 290.

Builder Lennar announced the construction of more than 200 homes in The Highlands at The Grand Prairie, the newest "village" of the massive 1,730-acre master planned development that was announced last year by developer EMBER Real Estate Investment & Development. Lennar will build on 40-50-ft lots with designs ranging from 1,325 to 3,244 square feet. The homes range in price from $250,000 to $370,000s.

The news of the new village comes as EMBER is also working on developing an additional 200 homes in the area, bringing the total number of homes in The Grand Prairie to over 400.

"Our goal in partnering with Lennar was to help provide homebuyers with a variety of price-point options within the overall master-planned community," said Jeb Kolby, director of development for EMBER, in a news release. "Between the two villages under development at The Grand Prairie, we're well on our way to achieving that. There are floor plans available for the first-time buyer, those with growing families who need more open space, as well as those desiring more luxury and quiet places."

The homes are slated to open in 2025. The development is one of many that are sprouting up in the area, 36 miles northwest of downtown Houston. This development, like Johnson Development's Jubilee (also in Hockley), markets itself as an ideal location to enjoy the outdoors and foster community. The Grand Prairie will feature waterways, green spaces, and an amenities complex called The Starlight. Johnson also has plans for a 318-acre community in the area that could start sales in 2026.

According to a previous report by Chron, prospective homebuyers are increasingly eyeing the suburbs as a good place to move due to its affordability and new construction. Nine of the 10 fastest communities were in the suburbs with Waller, just 5.3 miles from Hockley, one of the top-selling communities from July to September 2024.

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Imagine stepping into a dreamscape crafted with extraordinary attention to detail, where colorful lights guide you through enchanted forests, majestic dragons come to life and fairies seem to dance in the night air.

This winter, just outside the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie, the Tianyu Light Festival offers an immersive experience unlike any other — a magical journey through craftsmanship, imagination and cultural storytelling. The level of detail, creativity, and artistry is truly what makes this a unique and unforgettable adventure worth the drive from Plano, Frisco or anywhere in or near Collin County.

Key Details For Planning Your Visit

To make the most of your visit to the Tianyu Light Festival, here are the essential details:

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website.

A Night Of Wonder And Lights

The Tianyu Light Festival runs from November 8, 2024, to January 19, 2025, transforming an otherwise familiar space into a vivid wonderland. This isn't your typical Christmas lights display—it’s an experience that transcends the ordinary, blending art, technology and culture into a one-of-a-kind festival. Guests are greeted by dazzling arches of light and sound, starting at the entrance where princesses and festive music set an energetic, welcoming tone.

On VIP preview night, we attended with our children, and from the very first moment, we were swept into enchantment by salsa music floating through the crisp evening air, setting the stage for exploration. The kids couldn’t contain their excitement as we stepped into “Koda’s Magical Adventure,” and after several hours of exploring every corner, they were already asking us, “When can we come back?”

Koda’s Adventure To The Magical Forest

The entire experience centers around Koda’s Adventure to the Magical Forest, an enchanting storyline that guides visitors through the festival. Young explorers are invited to join Koda as he embarks on a quest to gather memory fragments scattered throughout various installations. Each section of the festival is a chapter in Koda’s journey, blending fantasy, light and interaction in a way that keeps families engaged throughout the night.

Along Koda's adventure, there are plenty of interactive elements that make the journey extra special for children and adults alike. Imagine swinging under the wings of a giant glowing butterfly, where your movements trigger a burst of colors and music. Or picture yourself riding a glowing seesaw that lights up with every motion, creating an ever-changing pattern of colors beneath you. There’s also the magical bubble experience, where children can stand among bubbles illuminated by the dazzling festival lights, turning an ordinary moment into pure magic. And let’s not forget the hands-on games, from pedal-powered fireworks to musical installations that invite visitors to create their own tunes. These interactive touches transform the festival from something you merely observe to something you actively participate in, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Magic Forest And Twirling Tunnels

The adventure begins in the magic forest, where towering trees wrapped in pink, purple and green glow with otherworldly luminescence. As Koda ventures through this mystical environment, glowing birds, enormous luminous flowers and owls add to the ethereal atmosphere. The children’s laughter echoes as they run along the illuminated paths, chasing the light and adding to the sense of a real fairytale coming to life.

From here, Koda takes us through the twirling tunnel, a whimsical space that seems to playfully challenge perceptions. Visitors are immersed in a swirl of colors, creating the illusion of walking through a kaleidoscope — an adventure that feels whimsical and surreal, almost as if stepping into Koda’s vivid dreams. Whether you're young or young at heart, it’s an area that brings a smile and a sense of wonder.

Enchanted Installations and Cultural Immersion

Next in Koda’s journey, visitors find themselves among installations of traditional Chinese dragons and bamboo. These installations add a culturally immersive dimension to the adventure, reflecting Koda’s exploration of magical lands and faraway cultures. The grand dragons weave in and out of the glowing lights, and children reach out to touch the bamboo structures, their faces lit by the ever-changing colors.

One of the most enchanting parts of Koda’s journey is the giant butterfly installation. Standing beneath the butterfly's 20-foot wings, visitors can hop on a swing, activating the lights and music that bring the butterfly to life. As Koda swings beneath the butterfly, its wings change colors, creating an unforgettable moment of magic and interaction — a reminder that this journey is as much about what you feel as what you see.

Throughout Koda’s adventure, he encounters traditional Chinese performances, including bian lian (face changing) and diabolo (Chinese yo-yo) acts. These performances offer Koda and the visitors moments to pause, learn and marvel, providing a rich cultural backdrop that makes the festival even more immersive.

Food Court And Marketplace

The food court at the Tianyu Light Festival is a bustling area filled with diverse food and drink options. The offerings range from classic comfort foods to international favorites, providing something for everyone. Indulge in Sonoran-style hot dogs, barbecue brisket and funnel cakes — perfect for those who crave hearty and traditional flavors. For dessert lovers, you can find deep-fried apples, cream puffs and cotton candy, all of which add a sweet ending to your magical journey.

The adventure also takes Koda through a marketplace where visitors can purchase handcrafted goods. This small but charming area provides an opportunity to take home a piece of the magic — unique gifts that add a personal touch to the holiday season.

Performance Schedule And Practical Details

If you’re planning to visit, make sure you time your arrival to catch one of the live performances held nightly at 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. Each performance is around 30 minutes, and they are well worth planning your evening around — adding an engaging live element that enriches Koda’s adventure.

A Magical Escape for Collin County Residents

The festival is located just outside the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie, and it’s about a 45-minute drive from most areas in Collin County. Paid parking is readily available, and the event is family-friendly, stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

For our readers in Collin County, the Tianyu Light Festival is an easy drive that leads to an unforgettable family adventure. It’s a way to break away from the holiday bustle and immerse yourself in an enchanting environment where every detail — from glowing dragons to shimmering mist forests — is designed to transport you to a world of wonder. This isn’t just another holiday event; it’s a chance to be part of Koda’s story, to slow down, and savor each light, sound and shared moment.

We spent hours exploring the glowing pathways, interacting with the installations, and marveling at the artistry on display. And as we left, our children were already asking when we’d be back — a testament to just how special this adventure is. Plan your visit soon — because the magic of the Tianyu Light Festival is calling, and Koda’s journey won’t be the same without you.

Now in its 10th year, the exhibit has traveled to 51 cities across the county, attracting over 10 million visitors worldwide.

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Summary: Lancaster Roofing successfully executed a three-day commercial roof replacement in Grand Prairie, TX, saving the client $80,000 by implementing Carlisle's VacuSeal Vent Secured Roof System, which avoids the need for adhesives or mechanical fasteners.

Flower Mound, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - November 5, 2024) - Lancaster Roofing recently completed a Grand Prairie commercial roof replacement, overcoming structural challenges and saving the client approximately $80,000. The 35-year-old property, a combination of office space and warehouse, had suffered from persistent leaks and recurring repair costs. Seeking a long-term, budget-conscious solution, the client enlisted Lancaster Roofing to address the building's aging roof.

The project presented a significant challenge due to the building's gypsum roof deck, which could not accommodate traditional mechanically fastened systems. After a fastener pull test with OMG, Lancaster Roofing confirmed that the deck did not meet the necessary pull values for secure mechanical attachment. While a fully adhered system was technically feasible, it would have required extensive adhesive work, raising the project cost by $80,000.

Lancaster Roofing stands behind all inspections, services, and installations to deliver the highest-quality roofing and construction solution

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/228150_a62eb23ad49bba9e_001full.jpg

To address these issues, Lancaster Roofing selected Carlisle's VacuSeal Vent Secured Roof System, which avoids the use of adhesives or mechanical fasteners. The system uses strategically placed vents that harness wind power to create suction, securing the TPO membrane in place. This solution not only resolved the limitations of the gypsum deck but also minimized installation time and costs.

The entire installation was completed in just three days-half the time required for traditional systems-helping the client avoid extended disruptions. The VacuSeal system also provided additional benefits, including the absence of VOC emissions and reflective TPO membranes that reduce solar heat absorption, enhancing energy efficiency in Texas's climate.

Lancaster Roofing, a commercial roofer Grand Prairie TX, recommended ongoing maintenance to ensure the new roof remains in optimal condition. This includes regular inspections, quarterly debris removal, and gutter and drain cleaning to monitor for potential punctures or blockages.

This project exemplifies Lancaster Roofing's expertise in solving complex roofing challenges while delivering cost-effective solutions. With the VacuSeal system installed, the building is now better equipped to handle Texas weather, providing long-term protection and value.

A municipal water tank in Grand Prairie, Texas, is this year’s winner of the Tank of the Year competition presented by Tnemec Company, Inc. A panel of water tank enthusiasts selected the water tank based on criteria such as artistic value, the significance of the tank to the community, and challenges encountered during the project.

As the 2024 contest winner, the tank will appear in the most prominent position in Tnemec's annual Tank of the Year calendar alongside the other top finalists.

The winning tank was painted with Tnemec’s UV-resistant, long-lasting fluoropolymer finish, Series 700 HydroFlon, which will provide long-term color and gloss protection to the tank's intricate design for years to come.

"Once again, we here at Tnemec were overwhelmed by the number of entries in this year's Tank of the Year contest,” said Brian Cheshire, director of sales for the water tank market. “As has been the case in recent years, the entrants in the 2024 campaign highlighted the creativity and ingenuity of our customers. Towns and cities all over the United States and Canada were able to utilize these structures not only for their functionality within their water infrastructure but also as a showcase for their local communities."

This year’s winning tank stands tall in Grand Prairie, Texas. This newly built water tank features a stunning three-part mural by renowned artist Eric Henn. The images depict local attractions in the Dallas-Fort Worth area: horse racing at Lone Star Park, Joe Pool Lake, and amusement center Epic Central. Located prominently right off Highway 161, this water tank serves as both a functional and artistic centerpiece in the city.

More than 320 water tanks were nominated, and over 17,000 online “People’s Choice” votes were cast this year from across the U.S. and Canada. College Station, Texas, was the winner of the People’s Choice competition, with a design that pays homage to the university and surrounding community.

“Since 2006, Tnemec has been recognizing municipalities for their aesthetic, creative, and innovative uses of our high-performance coatings on water storage tank projects,” Cheshire added. “This year’s finalists represent several different types of water tanks in various shapes and sizes, all of them impressive for one reason or another.”

The Tank of the Year will be featured as the month of January in Tnemec’s 2025 water tank calendar. All finalists and nominees will be included in the following calendar months. For more information on Tank of the Year and to request a 2025 Tank of the Year calendar, visit tankoftheyear.com.