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Since it first debuted in 1998, III Forks has set the standard for memorable dining experiences with its gracious service style and culinary excellence. The iconic brand will undergo a complete reinvention when it opens its new location in Addison’s Village on the Parkway during the first quarter of 2025.

Working in conjunction with its design partners at Harrison, III Forks plans an elevated dining experience that will truly raise the bar for Texas steakhouses. Every guest touchpoint has been reimagined to transport diners to a space that embodies grace, elegance and refinement.

III Forks president Curtis Osmond feels that Village on the Parkway will be an ideal location to introduce diners to the refined elegance of the new III Forks.

“The sophisticated dining scene that has evolved in Addison brings a diverse and well-travelled clientele to the restaurants in the area,” notes Osmond. “III Forks will bring a new standard of excellence to North Dallas diners in terms of both the well-appointed surroundings and the attention to detail provided by our team.”

 

From the moment of arrival, guests will experience luxurious design touches reminiscent of the world’s most exclusive boutiques. The exterior celebrates the brand’s commitment to quality, not only in ingredients but in materials and design. The dramatic entry features a folded metal panel screen artistically rising above a contemporary wood and glass façade. It truly sets the stage for the welcoming environment awaiting guests as they enter III Forks.

 

The gold-wrapped host stand is an opulent visual that stands out against the mosaic flooring and expertly crafted millwork. The entry allows guests a peek at the impressive wine wall and a glimpse toward one of two hidden private dining rooms, perfect for intimate gatherings.

III Forks is reinventing the bar experience for steakhouse diners with a design that offers a seamless blend of contemporary design and timeless elegance. The room’s warm lighting array both creates beautiful moments and highlights the restaurant’s unparalleled wine and spirits program. The combination of community tables and bar-height booths in tailored leather offer a convivial and comfortable spot to relax. The bar will be an inviting destination for those who would like to have a drink before dinner or those coming to spend the evening.

III Forks has long been considered a place to celebrate life’s most important moments, and the thoughtful new dining room design reinforces that role.  From anniversaries to birthdays, business dinners to bachelor parties, evenings out with friends to quiet dinners with loved ones, the intimate seating clusters provide a sense of place. Luxe leather booths, artistically inspired lighting and a curated expression of art provide a unique and beautiful dining experience. Yet another cloistered private dining room is tucked into this area.

The space’s lighting design is crafted to highlight culinary experiences at III Forks, including their classic presentation of flaming bourbon salt steaks, which creates a beautifully caramelized bourbon flavor on the flaked salt. 

 

Throughout the restaurant, the III Forks brand expression is designed to match and elevate the restaurant’s exceptional craft beef program and ocean-fresh seafood. From debossed leather menus to the curated selection of fine stemware, flatware and china, each color and texture was selected to reinforce that sense of masculine opulence.

The Addison location of III Forks will be the flagship for the reimagined brand and joins additional locations in Frisco, Austin and Jacksonville, Florida. 

 

 

About Consolidated Restaurant Operations

Consolidated Restaurant Operations Inc. (CRO) is a Dallas-based privately held company which operates restaurants including III Forks, Silver Fox, Cool River, Cantina Laredo, El Chico, Luckys Café and Black Oak Grill. More information can be found at www.croinc.com.

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EMPOWER is proud to introduce Dana Roberson as Permanency Director. Roberson brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role, having dedicated her career to child welfare and family services. 

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Roberson is a proud graduate of Dallas Independent School District’s Warren Travis White High School and Dallas Baptist University. Roberson began her career with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in 2007, as an investigator. Her passion for the work was reignited when she transitioned to a conservatorship worker role in 2012, where she found her calling. Throughout her tenure at DFPS, Roberson excelled in various positions, including Conservatorship Supervisor and Investigations Supervisor. 

In March 2024, Roberson accepted the position of Navarro County Permanency Supervisor with EMPOWER. Her journey has been shaped by the guidance of great mentors, hard work, and professionalism. 

“Dana has a deep knowledge in child welfare service and an amazing dedication to helping others, and we are proud to have her on our team at EMPOWER,” says Shirley Dwyer, Chief Operations Officer at EMPOWER. “Her focus is always on providing the best services and resources to the children and families in our region.”

Roberson is deeply committed to educating those around her about the importance of encouraging others and making a difference in the lives of the children and families she serves. She begins each day with a powerful mantra, “No matter how good or bad your life is, wake up each morning and be thankful that you still have one.” This practice of morning gratitude helps her approach each day with a positive attitude and a kind spirit.

Roberson transitioned into the new role on August 12, 2024. 

“I am excited to transition into this new at EMPOWER and continue working towards making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of the children and families in the Metroplex East region,” says Dana Roberson, Permanency Director at EMPOWER.. 

EMPOWER is a nonprofit child welfare collaborative and the Community-Based Care contractor for the Metroplex East region in North Texas. EMPOWER provides foster care case management, kinship and reunifications services for all children and families in the region.

Many local children in foster care need a safe, loving place to call home. To learn more about how you can help these children in need, please visit www.3empower.org/fosterfutures/. 

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EMPOWER is pleased to announce Ariel Jones as the newest Director of Permanency Support. Jones will office at EMPOWER’s Dallas office at 1820 Regal Row.

EMPOWER, a non-profit child welfare collaborative, serves as the Community-Based Care (CBC) contractor in Metroplex East. This nine-county region includes Dallas and surrounding communities. EMPOWER oversees foster care, case management, kinship, and reunification services. 

Jones is a proud graduate of Jackson State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She also holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Mississippi College. Jones brings a wealth of professional experience, having worked as a Counseling/Behavior Specialist with the Mississippi Department of Human Services, the Texas Department of Family Protective Services, and as a Supervisor at Our Community Our Kids.

Outside of her professional life, Jones enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. She has been married for eight years and is a devoted mom to two children who bring joy and excitement to her life. 

“We are thrilled to have Ariel join the EMPOWER family and we are eager to see her succeed in this role as she continues her service to families and children,” said Brittany Pearson, Vice President of Permanency at EMPOWER. 

Many local children in foster care need a safe, loving place to call home. To learn more about how you can help these children in need, please visit https://3empower.org/fosterfutures/. 

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Longtime, mission-oriented leader committed to providing services that empower individuals to lead independent lives

Calvin Moore, an experienced non-profit leader with a heart for serving others, has been named chief operating officer for Metrocrest Services, the award-winning social services agency on a mission to provide hope through programs that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence.

 Moore is honored to serve alongside the committed professionals and volunteers of Metrocrest Services in his new role as COO, which he began August 26.

“The opportunity to work directly with programs that impact people’s lives is what attracted me to Metrocrest Services,” Moore noted. “My role as COO is to empower the great team that’s already in place, coming alongside of them to enhance their work through operations and programming, serving as a sounding board and providing leadership. Together, we will find new ways to innovate, meeting a need that grows every day.”

Moore, a Gulf Coast native, grew up on a farm in Mississippi, helping his family raise horses, grow their own food and sustain the family timber business. He attended University of Southern Mississippi, graduating with a bachelor’s in political science. He continued his education at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, earning a master's in finance and business administration with a concentration in non-profit management, as well as a master’s of divinity in theology. Moore also has served his country as a soldier in the U.S. Army Reserves, specializing in both heavy construction and military intelligence. 

"I always knew I wanted to spend my life in service to others," Moore said.

Professionally, Moore has a demonstrated history of advancing organizations as a dynamic and purposeful executive with experience in strategic leadership and growth. Previously, he has served as CEO of Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa, director of Tulsa Community College Foundation and development director of Oral Roberts University.

"Adding Calvin Moore to our team will help us meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, bringing our community together to help those who need the assistance and empowerment that Metrocrest Services provides,” said Tracy Eubanks, CEO of Metrocrest Services. “We are pleased to welcome Calvin to our team, and look forward to many exciting new initiatives we will all accomplish together."

Moore is now a resident of Carrollton, where he lives with his wife, Tangelia Sinclair Moore, a licensed therapist, who previously has worked in young adult ministry. The couple was married in Carrollton in 2000, and has fond memories of the community. Their daughter, Jessecca, is serving in the U.S. Air Force.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Moore is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, snowboarding and chess. He is also a big fan of movies and loves to travel.

Metrocrest Services promotes well-being and independence through programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence. In 2023, to serve the growing need for services, Metrocrest Services opened its new home in the heart of Carrollton, at Belt Line Road and Josey Lane. Today, the 48,000-square-foot facility is a welcoming hub for all of the agency’s daily operations, including providing access to nutritious food, homeless outreach services, workforce development and financial literacy, rent and utility assistance, senior services and other programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence. The campus also includes shared space for complementary service providers to support clients from one central location and a volunteer center offering greater access to opportunities for community engagement. 

Founded in 1971, Metrocrest Services, Inc., is dedicated to helping individuals, families and seniors navigate crisis situations and guide them on a path to self-sufficiency. To accomplish this, Metrocrest Services offers a wide range of services, starting with those that meet basic needs, including access to nutritious food, resources for homelessness, and short-term financial assistance. Other Metrocrest Services programs focus on helping clients build long-term economic stability through financial education workshops and employment coaching. In addition, Metrocrest Services is committed to enhancing well-being through nutrition education and healthcare guidance, and by providing specialized services to help seniors age in place with dignity and comfort. Seasonal Metrocrest Services programs include holiday gifting for families in need and for seniors to help them share in the joy of the season, and programs that address families’ additional food access needs during summer break from school. From its headquarters at 1145 N. Josey Lane in Carrollton, the award-winning non-profit agency services clients in the Metrocrest areas of Carrollton, Addison, Farmers Branch, Coppell, and residents of Dallas who live in Denton County (75287). Metrocrest Services, Inc. is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges and build a better future. For more information about our programs and how you can support our mission, please visit metrocrestservices.org or call 972.446.2100.

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Centurion American Development Group’s innovative new master-planned community, Collin Creek, is preparing to welcome its first homeowners. The award-winning $1 billion Plano project is set to define the U.S. 75 corridor in Collin County as a premier place to live, work and play.

 

Single-family townhomes are currently selling, with move-in available as soon as October.

 

Ashton Woods is offering two- and three-story townhomes ranging from 1,572 to 2,413 square feet. The three- and four-bedroom designs each offer an open concept kitchen-living-dining area, expansive walk-in closets and a two-car garage. Prices for these homes begin at $495,000.

 

 

 

Brightland Homes offers a variety of different floorplans and sizes, with square footage ranging from 1,522 to 2,222. These elegantly appointed two- and three-bedroom townhomes feature open-concept living areas, two-car garages and a variety of upgraded décor amenities. Prices of these homes start at $479,990.

 

 

 

Mattamy Homes is bringing a variety of three-story floorplans to Collin Creek. All their ample homes have between 2,325 and 2,362 square feet and have at least 3½ baths. Many of these units offer a first-floor bedroom, Energy-Star® appliances and options including large game rooms and studies. These homes start at $594,950.

 

Centurion American’s CEO Mehrdad Moayedi recognizes the excitement this development has brought to North Texans.

 

“Collin Creek will be one of the most unique communities in North Texas,” said Moayedi. “Partnering with the city of Plano has allowed us to reimagine a significant Collin County landmark in a way which retains the history of the original mall while creating a forward-looking community designed to

bring Plano into its next century.”

 

Visitors hoping to tour the open models can tour Collin Creek seven days a week. The Collin Creek community is located on Alma Drive between Plano Parkway and 15th Street.

 

Upon its completion, the project will include 500 single-family homes, 2,300 multi-family units and 300 independent living residences. In addition, Collin Creek will be home to 300,000 square feet of retail space which includes more than 60,000 square feet planned for restaurants. The pedestrian-friendly community will have eight acres of park space with 1.6 miles of walking trails.

 

About Centurion American

Since 1990, Centurion American has developed well over 100,000 single-family lots in dozens of premier communities surrounding North Texas. Centurion has demonstrated the ability to effectively work with investors, landowners, financial institutions, and vendors to acquire over 35,000 acres of land inventory, resulting in a diverse mix of developments varying in size and scope. Delivering award-winning communities with impeccable amenities such as parks, golf courses, and hiking and biking trails, Centurion has successfully designed master-planned communities that have been recognized across the real estate industry.

Centurion has set the standard in purchasing and developing land in prime locations. Their developments have the right combination of natural land settings, strong job growth, good school systems, and access to local community shopping. Over the past 25 years, it is this proven track record of achievements that has consistently created excellent value and ROI for Centurion American partners, investors, builders, and homeowners. For more information visit CenturionAmerican.com.

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JumpShot Inc., a pioneer in basketball-themed entertainment, is poised to transform the eatertainment industry with the launch of JumpShot Live. This innovative entertainment venue combines a full-service restaurant, sports bar, and event offerings where basketball permeates every part of the experience. JumpShot Live allows every guest to feel like an All-Star, regardless of their basketball acumen.

 

The concept of a technologically superior basketball experience coupled with chef-driven dining and craft cocktails is one with a massive potential audience, both in the United States and abroad. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, 28 million Americans age 6 and up play basketball, making it one of America’s favorite sports to play. Furthermore, FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, reports that more than 450 million people around the world play basketball.

JumpShot Live locations are designed to span 50,000 square feet, though some venues may vary in size, accommodating approximately 50 custom-designed gaming bays. Each bay will accommodate up to 6 players. Guests can choose from a variety of games to customize their experience.

JumpShot Live utilizes patent-pending technology that allows the hoop and net to move dynamically along the 40-foot by 10-foot lane, which enables guests to shoot almost anywhere on the court without moving from their player bay. The bays and basketball lanes will be surrounded by projectors and LED screens creating a digitally immersive environment. Bays will be clustered into unique neighborhoods, creating connected experiences for groups, sporting events and other activations. 

JumpShot Inc. has compiled an exceptional roster of acclaimed corporate innovators to lead the start-up. CEO Derrick Mayes brings decades of experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and corporate development to JumpShot Inc. Additionally, Mayes played for the Green Bay Packers when they won Super Bowl XXXI in 1997 and was an All-American and co-captain when playing for Notre Dame. Mayes sees the growth potential of the JumpShot Inc. brand, which includes JumpShot Live.

 

Football legend and corporate innovator Derrick Mayes will serve as JumpShot Inc.’s CEO.

 

“This is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced entertainment experiences in the world,” notes Mayes. “We believe that JumpShot Live will redefine the industry and bring basketball fans something beyond their imagination.”

Additionally, JumpShot Inc. has secured Brian Birckbichler as President and COO. Birckbichler, who has an extensive portfolio of leadership and real estate development experiences with notable companies such as Atomic Golf, Topgolf, Drive Shack and Bloomin’ Brands, brings a wealth of global expertise. Having advised on numerous high-profile sports entertainment projects worldwide, he is recognized for delivering exceptional hospitality services, outstanding food & beverage concepts, and optimizing business operations for maximum efficiency and success.

JumpShot Live has ambitious growth plans, with its first location set to open in 2025, followed by three more in 2026. The company envisions a national expansion, targeting key markets for future openings. JumpShot Inc. will establish its corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas.

About JumpShot Live:
JumpShot Live is the next generation of basketball entertainment, redefining experiential dining with top-tier hospitality and technology. Led by a team of industry experts, JumpShot Live combines basketball culture, cutting-edge design, curated cuisine and cocktails, and patent-pending technology to deliver unforgettable moments for guests.  Discover more at JumpShotLive.com.

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Hollow Out the Dark

by

James Wade

 

Gritty, genuine, historical crime fiction set in Depression-Era East Texas.

 

War hero Jess Cole is trying to make ends meet the best he can, including taking on his deceased brother’s widow and daughter and looking out for his best friend who’s gotten crosswise with the local bad guys, the Fenley brothers. Texas Ranger Amon Atkins has brought his small family to the small town of Enoch, Texas, as he investigates a murder tied to the Fenleys. It’s the midst of the Depression and Prohibition is on the outs. Still, times are getting dangerously difficult for everyone. And, when the last avenue of legitimate work, the local mill, closes, the local whiskey, gambling, and enforcement activities may offer the only source of salvation to good men needing to feed their families. 

Hollow Out the Dark by James Wade is a complex and compelling crime fiction novel set during the Depression, near the end of Prohibition, in sparsely populated deep East Texas. With its genuine characters, desperate storylines, and atmospheric setting, readers will feel transported almost 100 years into the past. 

I was immediately absorbed by this story and one of the first aspects that made this happen for me was that every character read like they were a real person, many of whom felt familiar and personally known. Their words, the cadence of the language, the small bits of humor, and the fears all combined to create a feeling that these were genuine people. For the most part these are sturdy people, toughened by life and circumstance. The men are hard, products of short childhoods and early responsibility. You had to be tough to last into adulthood and tougher still to stick around long enough to get old. Or someone really had to be looking out for you. 

The author gives us some truly evil characters, and the good guys are forced to choose between compromising their integrity and ideals or risking everything or everyone they love: impossible situations with impossible choices. But how far will good men go to protect those they love or do what needs doing? And at what cost? 

The action takes place in an atmospheric rural setting and small town in East Texas, small because most of the population is spread out over the surrounding farmed as well as unfarmable land. While everyone knows everyone else and their business, neighbors aren’t right next door, making it the perfect location for bootlegging and other activities that don’t suffer an audience well. The Depression comes alive in this story and just when you think the hard times can’t get any harder, they do. The plot twists were sudden and often shocking. 

I recommend HOLLOW OUT THE DARK for readers of historical crime fiction, especially those who would enjoy an East Texas or Depression Era setting. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.

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Veronica Beard in Highland Park Village hosted September 25 Seller Soirée

 

2024 Partners Card co-chairs Elizabeth Ward Creel and Tiffany Moon, along with honorary chair Nancy Bierman, The Family Place CEO Tiffany Tate and board chairman Harold Ginsburg, were joined by nearly 40 volunteers, sponsors, sellers and retailers to kick off the Partners Card selling season on Wednesday, September 25 from 5-7 p.m. at Veronica Beard in Highland Park Village.

Attendees, several of whom arrived donning Veronica Beard attire, enjoyed spicy margaritas and light bites while mingling and browsing the timeless fashion staples, with 15% of sales benefiting The Family Place. Those who volunteered to sell Partners Cards, including top sellers Paula Davis, Debbie Snell, and Cass and Sara Robinson, picked up essentials to begin selling, while other guests purchased their Partners Card in preparation for the shopping extravaganza, which takes place Friday, October 25 through Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Midway through the event, Ward Creel and Moon gathered guests for brief remarks, thanking all for attending and for supporting Partners Card, which is The Family Place’s largest annual fundraiser. They also added their gratitude to honorary chair and board member of The Family Place, Nancy Bierman; to Bank of Texas for serving as the presenting sponsor for the 16th year; and to Veronica Beard and Highland Park Village for their support. Moon also invited guests to purchase their ticket to the Partners Card kickoff brunch at Eataly on Oct. 25.

Tate wrapped up the comments by expressing her appreciation to all guests, including, “We are looking forward to a very successful year!”

Partners Card raises crucial funds for The Family Place, allowing the organization to continue its mission of building brighter futures for survivors of family violence. 100% of each individual $75 Partners Card purchase directly supports their programs and services that save lives. With the card, shoppers receive a 20% discount at participating retailers and a 10% discount at participating restaurants at 600+ locations during the 10-day event. Cards can be purchased online at partnerscard.org or through a community seller.

In 2023, Partners Card raised over $1.37 million, which equates to 18,275 nights of shelter and safety for survivors of domestic violence. The impact Partners Card has had since it started in 1993 has been tremendous, raising more than $22 million for the cause.

To purchase your 2024 card or for more information on upcoming Partners Card-related events, visitfamilyplace.org/partnerscard.

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Thompson Dallas Chef Jeramie Robison; Pete Hodges of Porsche Dallas, artist Costa Christ and wife Jackie; and Park Place Porsche General Manager, Patrick Huston.

Porsche afficionados had a rare treat recently when Park Place Porsche Dallas hosted a Porsche Exclusive event featuring artist Costa Christ’s fine art photography printed on vintage Porsche hoods. Costa Christ is a Porsche Dallas client and his magnificent black Porsche 911 Carrera 4S was also on display alongside his art. 

Costa Christ’s artworks included classic and modern Porsches in front of everyday locations such as a convenience store and McDonald’s and In-N-Out Burger restaurants. He also showcased Porsches in front of iconic Dallas landmarks like Campisi’s Restaurant. Guests even had the opportunity to commission custom artwork by Costa Christ with sales benefitting The Children’s Tumor Foundation and Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.

The event featured exquisite cuisine and fabulous cocktails from Thompson Dallas Chef Jeramie Robison and his team who created a delicious charcuterie bar with crudites, pickles, olives, shaved broccoli slaw, tabbouleh, grilled garlic-herb pita, lavash, hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki ranch. An ice sculpture seafood display offered poached shrimp and crab claws, with ceviche sauces: remoulade, cocktail sauce and mignonette. On the service drive, guests enjoyed a Yakitori grill cooked up cumin-chile lamb lollipops, Zatar filet tips and Harissa chicken. 

Meanwhile, the dessert station offered an array of sweet delights including Pomelo Rosemary Shortbread Sandwich Cookies, Chocolate Pot de Crème, and Pistachio, Mango and White Chocolate Macaroons. Guests also enjoyed custom Socorro margaritas and sampled Soledad Tequila.

Porsche Dallas gifted each guest with a leather mousepad embossed on-site with the iconic Porsche logo and a swag bag with Porsche and Costa Christ branded items. 

Porsche Dallas is the only Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in North Texas which allows for unlimited personalization options for clients to build a Porsche that is unique to the owner.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. For more information, visit parkplace.com. 

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The Links on PGA Parkway located at 15950 Paramount Way, Frisco, TX 75033.

The Links on PGA Parkway, a luxury apartment community in Frisco, offers a variety of floor plans to fit a range of unique needs, state-of-the-art amenities, luxury interiors, and an unbeatable location. The apartment community is located at 15950 Paramount Way, Frisco, TX 75033, near the intersection of PGA Parkway and the Dallas North Tollway. There are several different 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartment floor plans available for rent.

The Links on PGA Parkway offers a level of luxury that sets it apart from most apartment communities. Each residence is crafted with high-end finishes, stunning views, and distinctive amenities. For a limited time, The Links on PGA Parkway is offering up to 2 months of free rent upfront. Contact us today at (469) 529-6293 for more details.  

Residents benefit from complimentary weekly golf lessons with a PGA Pro, access to an on-site golf simulator suite, free weekend yoga classes in the courtyard, two luxurious swimming pools, community centers with game rooms, and two fitness centers — one specifically outfitted and dedicated to spin and yoga workouts. The Links on PGA Parkway offers workspaces in the common areas for residents, complete with a complimentary coffee and latte machine. If you’re working remotely and need a private space outside your apartment, you'll find several options across different buildings in the community.

The Links on PGA Parkway is located just minutes away from the best Frisco golf courses, shopping centers, and local attractions.   

Discover your living options on PGA Parkway today. Contact us to schedule a tour.