Rockdale MDD, city close on sale of former industrial park

The Rockdale Municipal Development District has announced that on Friday, Dec. 16, Ranch Road Development of Bastrop, Texas, closed on the purchase of the 166.9 acre property formerly known as the Rockdale Industrial Park.

“The RMDD has been working since April to market the property, find a buyer, work with a developer on a vision for the property, and complete the sale,” said RMDD Board President, Nathan Bland. “This was a team effort with the City of Rockdale, the RMDD, and the developers to get this over the finish line.”

Ranch Road proposed in July to partner with the RMDD, the City of Rockdale, and D.R. Horton to construct a 660 unit residential subdivision with a mix of 40 foot, 50 foot, and townhouse lots. Ranch Road is reserving green space for walking trails and pocket parks. 

“Ranch Road also set aside 13 acres for a future school site,” explained Rockdale City Manager, Barbara Holly. “What Ranch Road submitted is a quality development plan and D.R. Horton is a great builder. This will be transformative for Rockdale.”

Prior to closing, the City and Ranch Road had to negotiate and approve several agreements, and other items known as land entitlements. The Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council approved the area as a Planned Development District, which changed the zoning classification, negotiated a developer reimbursement structure, and approved the land subdivision.

“We have known for years that Rockdale is going to grow, it was just a matter of time,” said Rockdale Mayor, Brett Boren. “After the Samsung announcement and other growth in Central Texas, that time is now.”

The final infrastructure design for the subdivision will take place in 2023 with a Phase I groundbreaking later next year. The first houses will be available for purchase 24-30 months from now.