B.F. Phillips Jr.: A Legend in Texas Horse Breeding
By Tricia White | Managing Editor
Phillips Creek Ranch is situated on what was once the renowned Phillips Ranch, which B.F. Phillips Sr. established in 1936 by acquiring the initial 640 acres. Over the years, the ranch expanded to encompass over 1,800 acres, stretching from the east side of Lake Lewisville to one mile east of FM 423.
In the late 1940s, B.F. Phillips Jr., the youngest of three sons, took over the ranch and managed the family’s cattle business until he shifted focus to raising quarter horses in the early 1950s. The main ranch house, known as “The Big House,” welcomed national and international political figures, Hollywood celebrities, sporting icons, and media personalities. The Phillips family sold the property in the late 1990s, and today, the Vista Park Welcome Center is located on the site of the former “The Big House.”
In 2008, Republic Property Group acquired the historic ranch, aiming to develop a thoughtfully designed, master-planned community that honors the land’s legacy while providing a place of lasting value for future generations.
Building a Community with Care
Republic Property Group is dedicated to meeting the needs of its residents, beginning with selecting the right builders. The community features homes from esteemed builders such as American Legend, Belclaire, Darling, Drees, K. Hovnanian, Lionsgate, Shaddock, Standard Pacific, Toll Brothers, and the latest addition, MainVue, which play an essential role in crafting homes that not only retain their market value but also resonate emotionally with homeowners.
A Park-Like Lifestyle
In addition to stunning residences, the amenities at Phillips Creek Ranch create a daily experience reminiscent of a leisurely stroll in the park. An open-air pavilion hosts free concerts, movie nights, and various exciting community events. Vista Park rises 80 feet above the community and presents breathtaking views, ideal for family sunset picnics. The newest feature, currently being developed, is the “Texas Backyard,” situated on a scenic hilltop behind the pool complex. This area includes beautiful live oak trees adorned with café lights, horseshoe courts, a sand volleyball court, a bocce ball court, outdoor barbecue grills, walking trails, benches, loveseat swings, and a fire pit.
Educational Excellence and Convenient Access
Phillips Creek Ranch is part of the Frisco Independent School District, recognized as one of the state’s most acclaimed school districts. With seven Frisco ISD schools located either on-site or adjacent to the community, children have the opportunity to safely walk or bike to school. The area also provides easy access to numerous restaurants, the vibrant downtown of Frisco, and Stonebriar Mall, while DFW Airport is a mere 12 miles away.
MainVue Homes: A Modern Touch
MainVue Homes is captivating buyers with its distinctive modern designs. Their six model homes within Frisco’s Phillips Creek Ranch start at 4,000 square feet, with prices ranging from the high $400,000s to the upper $600,000s. MainVue’s 161 homesites provide a sense of intimacy, nestled in the community’s southwest corner near Henley Park.
Craftsmanship and Design Features
MainVue incorporates Italian wood cabinetry in kitchens, engineered wooden flooring, and specially ordered modern fixtures in the bathrooms. The houses have open floor plans with 10-foot ceilings and expansive windows, furnished to resemble the latest luxury hotels. In the back, homes open up via large sliding glass panels leading to decks complete with fireplaces. “With the doors open, the outside comes in,” states Peter Hayes, managing director of Henley Properties, MainVue’s parent company. “We design indoor-outdoor spaces — it’s in our DNA.”
Embracing Diversity in Builders
“We consistently seek diversity among our builders,” says Jake Wagner, co-CEO of Republic Property Group. “This is a project we’re particularly excited about. It’s something you won’t encounter everywhere.” Republic Property Group is so impressed with MainVue that they have also selected them as a new builder for Light Farms, their master-planned community in Celina.
