Craig Ranch went bankrupt

[Loft18]

I heard Craig Ranch went bankrupt. Can anyone confirm the rumor. I also heard another developer will be taking over the project due to the continued growth. Thanks for the information

[da bears]

If this is true, it's a GREAT thing for Craig Ranch!!! I live in the ghost town, I mean Settlement of Craig Ranch. David Craig is shady AT BEST and the retail developers and builders know it and won't touch this place with a 10 foot pole. David Craig's name may still be on the community, but he "checked out" long ago. By all means, let someone else come in and take it over! It has amazing potential...just needs the right investors.

[finder]

Yes, I live there to and its a ghost town. David Craig has a bad name within the community. Now that he is gone a good developer can come in and make the place what its suppose to be. I mean anybody wanting to build Mainstay Hotels and fast food eateries in craig ranch needs to be gone. I wonder if the byron nelson backed out as well. I bet it did with the dumbass city leaders we have.

[da bears]

Ugh!! Finder- I wish someone could give me a straight answer about the Byron! But as incredible as it would be to have it here, could you blame them for backing out?
So whadda ya think about the auction? I think my husband and I are going to have several very stiff drinks and go watch it. Should be interesting...
The sad thing is that this could really be an amazing community. There was supposed to be an elementary school 100 yards from our house, which would have been perfect for our little one. I have my doubts about that EVER happening. And we're certainly holding our breath to see what retail is allowed to go into the area behind Texian ( after the storage facility and sh*tty hotel, there's no telling what could end up there!)
Sometimes I have to think that no construction just might be a good thing for now.
I just don't understand how such a beautiful area in such a prime location has become an absolute disaster ( see: David Craig) when areas like Watters Creek and the Shops at Legacy are thriving. Would be fantastic if one of those developers( or someone similar) was interested in this place...

[Melissa]

Why do people insist on living somewhere they don't like?!

Sounds like the authors of the previous comments should pack up and move to somewhere else, like the Shops at Legacy. I for one, would be excited (if I could afford it right now) to attend this auction. Who doesn't want a good deal these days?

[Melissa]

By the way, my husband and I will be moving to North Texas soon and are looking at all of our real estate options. It's hard to find a job in New York right now. We're so lucky for my hubby to have found a good job in Dallas.

I stumbled across this story when looking at McKinney news online. I personally love the location of Craig Ranch compared to other communities. Everything is so close or a short drive away.

[da bears]

If you're referring to my posts... 1) I never said I didn't like living here. As a matter of fact, I specifically mentioned how beautiful the area is and what a great location it is ( gee- kind of like you did). The conversation involving myself and another resident of Craig Ranch has focused on our disappointment with the developer and our fears of what the future holds for our community. Maybe you should research David Craig's original plans for this community and see how those plans have completely been abandoned, and you would understand our frustrations. 2) And if I DID want to move ( which I absolutely do not), how would you suggest I go about selling my $500,000 house that now appraises for almost half of that right now? So easy for YOU to have a love-it-or-leave-it attitude when YOU don't have the investment that my family does. and 3) Again- if you had a sizable investment in this community, you, too would be concerned about an auction where the starting bids on $450,000 homes were $125,000...especially when the developer's original standards were that no home was to sell for less than about $300,000.

And while I understand that the economy is a huge factor in many of these issues, it is not the only culprit when you have other nearby areas that are flourishing ( such as the ones that I mentioned FOR THAT PURPOSE).

[finder]

I really dont understand how other cities around us have so much new retail??? The city of McKinney always/everytime states "we are growing but with a sluggggggish economy" This gets very old especially with other cities are growing. We are three times the size of Allen, Texas and will be twice the size of plano. The city needs to wake up...money is being spent in other cities due to their growth. I wish the best for craig ranch...my community and want to see nice retail in our area. The city deserves it and so do we!!!

[Melissa]

At least we agree Craig Ranch is a great place to live! I've never lived where there is new development and seen it from inception to development to growth. Once I move (and hopefully it's to Craig Ranch), I will have an investment in the neighborhood and am only commenting because I am interested in the future of a place I'm hoping to call home in a few months. I can't wait to actually have space in Texas. It will feel like I'm truly living in luxury!

From my research and understanding, some of these houses in the upcoming auction have been on the market for over a year. Doesn't that look bad for a neighborhood and bring down all home values? I would assume you'd be happy to see people living in them and adding to the community. And I would think what ultimately matters is the selling price, not the starting bid price.

If there are more people and it's not a ghost town as you call it, don't you think the retail will come?

I'm trying to understand your frustrations, but am also thinking about the future (like you). I don't think your house will appraise for $250K for long. This economy will turn around. Retail companies will open new stores again soon. Hey- haven't the other retail areas you mentioned been around for a few years? I think they were established before the economy began to tank if I recall correctly. Investing in a new development is a risk and it sounds like Craig Ranch isn't to where you thought it would be by now. I never thought I'd leave New York, but hey, sometimes things happen and you have to remain optimistic.

[yankeegohome]

Melissa wrote:

Why do people insist on living somewhere they don't like?!
Sounds like the authors of the previous comments should pack up and move to somewhere else, like the Shops at Legacy. I for one, would be excited (if I could afford it right now) to attend this auction. Who doesn't want a good deal these days?

Melissa, please stay in New Yawk, the last thing this state needs is more rude new yawkers.

Craigs Ranch will come around, most don't realize that stonebridge ranch was in the exact same scenario in the 80's, and now it's pretty solid.

[Melissa]

And, I'm the rude one?!

My husband, who actually grew up in Texas, always says this idea of New Yorkers being rude is just plain wrong. I don't think it matters where you live, there are rude people everywhere. Luckily, I've only experienced nice people in my visits to Texas to house hunt. I also believe you can have discussions without assuming something about someone based on where they live.

And, thanks for the tip on Stonebridge Ranch. I'll have to check that out.

[da bears]

Melissa- I appreciate your optimism ( I could learn from you :)) and your taking the time to consider my frustrations. After reading your second post, I'm a little disappointed that you won't be snagging one of the auctioned houses. Sounds like you'd be great to have as a neighbor.( But hey- there's still all those empty lots waiting, right?)

Good luck in your move to Texas. I hope you will continue to consider Craig Ranch...

And PS- Some of the most wonderful people I've ever met have been New Yorkers.

[da bears]

But I still think David Craig is a snake.

[yankeegohome]

just promise me this melissa, that you won't start calling the cops the first day of dove hunting season.

Anyway, if I was in the market for a new home and desired to live in McKinney, I really wouldn't be too adverse to craig ranch. It is in a good location, especially with it's proximity to 121. Like I said, stonebridge went through this, and plenty of large communities all over the country have as well. It will eventually be completed, will likely not be what was originally envisioned, but will end up being a much more practical and just as enjoyable version of it. Good luck.

[da bears]

__________
And Melissa, you might find this helpful for your move...( it'll all make sense later)

Driving in Dallas

First, you must learn to pronounce the city name. It is DAL-LUS, or DAA-LIS depending on if you live inside or outside LBJ Freeway. Next, if your Mapsco is more than a few weeks old, throw it out and buy a new one. If in Denton County and your Mapsco is one-day-old, then it is already obsolete and really, there is no good reason to be in Denton in the first place.
Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Dallas has its own version of traffic rules... There is no such thing as a dangerous high-speed chase in Dallas. We all drive like that.
All directions start with, "Get on Beltline," which has no beginning and no end.(It REALLY DOESN'T!!!)
The morning rush hour is from 6 to 10. The evening rush hour is from 3 to 7. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning.
If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear-ended, cussed out and possibly shot.
When you are the first one on the starting line, count to five when the light turns green before going to avoid crashing with all the drivers running the red light in cross-traffic.
Construction on Central Expressway is a way of life and a permanent form of entertainment. We had sooo much fun with that, we have added George Bush Freeway and the High Five to the mix.
All unexplained sights are explained by the phrase, "Oh, we're in Fort Worth or maybe Denton!"
If someone actually has his or her turn signal on, it is probably a factory defect.
Car horns are actually "Road Rage" indicators - and remember,
it's legal to be armed in Texas ...
All old ladies with blue hair in a Mercedes have the right of way. Period. And remember,
it's legal to be armed in Texas ...
Inwood Road, Plano Road, NW Highway, East Grand, Garland Road, Marsh Lane, Josey Lane, 15th Street, Preston Road all mysteriously change names as you cross intersections (these are only a FEW examples).
The perfect example is what is MOSTLY known as Plano Road . On the south end, it is known as Lake Highlands Drive, cross Northwest Highway and it becomes Plano Road, go about 8 miles and it is briefly Greenville Ave, K Ave, and Highway 5. It ends in Sherman...
The North Dallas Tollway is our daily version of NASCAR. The minimum acceptable speed on the Dallas North Toll Road is 85 mph. Anything less is considered downright sissy. It also ends in Sherman .
If asking directions in Irving, SE Dallas or Garland (Garlando), you must have knowledge of Spanish.
If in central Richardson or on Harry Hines, Mandarin Chinese will be your best bet.
If you stop to ask directions on Gaston or Live Oak, you better be armed... and remember,
it's legal to be armed in Texas.
The wrought iron on windows near Oak Cliff and Fair Park is not ornamental!!
A trip across town east to west will take a minimum of four hours, although many north/south freeways have unposted minimum speeds of 75.
It is possible to be driving WEST in the NORTH-bound lane of EAST NORTHWEST Highway . Don't let this confuse you.
LBJ is called "The Death Trap" for two reasons: "death" and "trap."
If it's 100 degrees, Thanksgiving must be next weekend.
If it's 10 degrees and sleeting/snowing, the Fort Worth Stock Show is going on. If it has rained 6 inches in the last hour, the Byron Nelson Golf Classic is in the second round (if it's Spring) or it is TMS weekend- and it is the Texas State Fair if it's Fall.
If you go to the Fair, pay the $8.00 to park INSIDE FairPark . Parking elsewhere could cost up to $2500 for damages, towing fees, parking tickets, etc.
If some guy with a flag tries to get you to park in his yard, run over him.
Any amusement parks, stadiums, arenas, racetracks, airports, etc., are conveniently located as far away from EVERYTHING as possible so as to allow for ample parking on grassy areas.

[da bears]

And Melissa, hopefully this will help when you move ( don't worry...it'll all make sense later)

Driving in Dallas!

First you must learn to pronounce the city name. It is DAL-US, not DAL-ISS.

Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Dallas has its own version of traffic rules...."Hold on and pray". There is no such thing as a dangerous high-speed chase in Dallas. We all drive like that.

All directions start with, "Get on Beltline"... which has no beginning and no end.

If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear ended, cussed out and possibly shot.

When you are the first one on the starting line, count to five when the light turns green before going to avoid crashing into all the drivers running the red light in cross-traffic.

Construction on Central Expressway is a way of life and a permanent form of entertainment. We had sooo much fun with that, so we have added George Bush Freeway and the High Five to the mix.

All unexplained sights are explained by the phrase, "Oh, we're in Fort Worth."

If someone actually has their turn signal on, it is probably a factory defect. Car horns are actually "Road Rage" indicators.

All old ladies with blue hair in Mercedes have the right of way. PERIOD.

Inwood Road, Plano Road, NW Highway, East Grand, Garland Road, Marsh Lane, Josey Lane, 15th Street, Preston Road... all mysteriously change names as you cross intersections (these are only a FEW examples). The perfect example is what is MOSTLY known as Plano Road. On the South end it is known as Lake Highlands Drive, cross Northwest Highway and it becomes Plano Road, go about 8 miles and it is briefly Greenville Ave, Ave. K, and Highway 5. It ends in Sherman, TX.

If asking directions in Irving or SE Dallas, you must have knowledge of Spanish.

If in central Richardson or on Harry Hines, Mandarin Chinese will be your best bet.

If you stop to ask directions on Gaston or Live Oak, you better be armed.

A trip across town (east to west) will take a minimum of four hours, although many north/south freeways have unposted minimum speeds of 75. The minimum acceptable speed on the Dallas North Toll Road is 85. Anything less is considered downright sissy.

It is possible to be driving WEST in the NORTH-bound lane of EAST NORTHWEST Highway. Don't let this confuse you.

The North Dallas Tollway is our daily version of NASCAR. It also ends in Sherman.

If it's 100 degrees, Thanksgiving must be next weekend. If it's 10 degrees and sleeting/snowing, the Fort Worth Stock Show is going on. If it's rained 6 inches in the last hour, and it is Spring, the Byron Nelson Golf Classic is in the second round. If it is Fall, the Texas State Fair is going on.

If you go to the Fair, pay the $5.00 to park INSIDE Fair Park. Parking elsewhere could cost up to $2500 for damages, towing fees, parking tickets, etc.

If some guy with a flag tries to get you to park in his 'yard', run over him.

All amusement parks, stadiums, arenas, race tracks, airports, etc., are conveniently located as far away from EVERYTHING as possible so as to allow for ample parking on grassy areas.

Please try and keep up :)

[Elmo]

Melissa wrote:

By the way, my husband and I will be moving to North Texas soon and are looking at all of our real estate options. It's hard to find a job in New York right now. We're so lucky for my hubby to have found a good job in Dallas.
I stumbled across this story when looking at McKinney news online. I personally love the location of Craig Ranch compared to other communities. Everything is so close or a short drive away.

My God...not another New Yorker for this area. Please change your mind and remain in New York.

[Elmo]

Melissa wrote:

And, I'm the rude one?!
My husband, who actually grew up in Texas, always says this idea of New Yorkers being rude is just plain wrong. I don't think it matters where you live, there are rude people everywhere. Luckily, I've only experienced nice people in my visits to Texas to house hunt. I also believe you can have discussions without assuming something about someone based on where they live.
And, thanks for the tip on Stonebridge Ranch. I'll have to check that out.

Stonebridge Ranch has all the New Yorkers it needs. Please look/relocate elsewhere.

[Elmo]

Melissa wrote:

And, I'm the rude one?!
My husband, who actually grew up in Texas, always says this idea of New Yorkers being rude is just plain wrong. I don't think it matters where you live, there are rude people everywhere. Luckily, I've only experienced nice people in my visits to Texas to house hunt. I also believe you can have discussions without assuming something about someone based on where they live.
And, thanks for the tip on Stonebridge Ranch. I'll have to check that out.

You should look in the Red Oak and Desoto areas south of Dallas.

[Great idea]

Great idea Elmo. Melissa and family need to check out Red Oak and Desoto. Duncanville too. Beautiful upscale living not to mention fine fine school districts.