Learn About Rowlett

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THEN & NOW...

History of Rowlett

The City of Rowlett was incorporated in 1952 by a vote of 84 citizens and is now home to more than 70,000 residents! At one time the Bankhead Highway came right through Rowlett. The Bankhead Highway was the second transcontinental highway, reaching from Washington DC to San Diego! In the 1960’s, Interstate 30 was built which bypassed Rowlett until a few short years ago when a large peninsula that was bisected by I-30 was annexed into the city limits. That peninsula is being developed and will be known as Sapphire Bay. It will include the features described above as well as multiple hotels and retail and office space.

Then...

The Bankhead highway was one of the first transcontinental highways built in 1916 that ran from Washington D.C to San Diego. The route included 850 miles through Texas, including a span through downtown Rowlett. You can even see the three original three bridges from the old highway peeking out of Lake Ray Hubbard, just south of Highway 66. One of the first of its kind, the Bankhead highway was a pioneering venture and proof of American ingenuity and progress.

Now...

Rowlett is home to over 70,000 residents and is nestled on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in far east Dallas County and a portion of west Rockwall County. Just 20 minutes east of downtown Dallas, Rowlett rests on two peninsulas reaching out into Lake Ray Hubbard with more than 30 miles of lovely shoreline. Here, you can kick back, relax and watch the sun set on the shimmering waters of the lake, kayak from Scenic Point Park, picnic with the family, or participate in any number of water sports, which makes us one of only a handful of communities in the region that can offer this type of lakeside living.

On the horizon...

There is much more to come to Rowlett! We are revamping our downtown district and along SH 66 to bring in more retail and dining, as well as, more housing communities that are coming to our city.

Sapphire Bay Resort

Located on the shore of Lake Ray Hubbard, Sapphire Bay is developing the newest master planned community in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The 116-acre development will be Texas’ first resort destination anchored by a state-of-the-art man-made lagoon. It will offer guests a luxurious stay along its shore at the 500 room Sapphire Bay Resort – operated and managed by Destination Hotels by Hyatt. The project will also feature a one-of-a-kind surf village and water park, 1,500+ residential units, 1.7 million square feet of mixed-use space, 20+ acres of parks and trails, and a 1,000 slip marina. The Fountains at Sapphire Bay are destined to become one of the most magnetic public art pieces in the United States.

For more information about Sapphire Bay Resort, click here.

The Plaza

The Plaza at Sapphire Bay is the epicenter of the Sapphire Bay Peninsula and sits alongside the tiered promenade of the Sapphire Bay Lagoon. The restaurants offer a front row seat to the Fountains at Sapphire Bay and with a variety of choices you are sure to find something to suit your taste.

The office towers at the Plaza offer the perfect blend of elegance and sophistication as your clients will be able to see the remarkable views of the iconic Fountains at Sapphire Bay. Employees will have special privileges to the Sapphire Bay Surf Village including access to the beach club and water features along with a special surfing happy hour every quarter for surf lessons with the team. What a fun place to work!

For more information about The Plaza, click here.

Surf Village

Nothing will beat watching the sun set as the waves roll in, crashing along the shores of a 600 ft long surf lagoon at Sapphire Bay’s Surf Village. The attraction is poised to become an iconic lifestyle experience complete with a state-of-the-art surf club surely to become a magnetic pulse for the development. Made possible with next-generation technology, the surf lagoon is fully programmable for all skill levels and will produce a new wave every 10 seconds allowing for multiple riders at one time.

Serving 7 ft barrels to advanced surfers or small lines to a Barney, it will always be time to hang loose at Sapphire Bay. Just steps away and perched above the surf lagoon, a beer garden and beach-front venue overflowing with craft beer and cocktails will serve a wide variety of menu options to satisfy every palette. The outdoor venue is set to become one of Texas’ top destinations for live music and will host some of the best acts from around the world taking the stage at our 3,200 capacity beach-front amphitheater.

For more information about the Surf Village, click here.

The Towers

The Towers at Sapphire Bay provide water front living unlike any other in North Texas. Nestled between the beautiful turquoise blue water of the Sapphire Bay Lagoon and the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard, the Towers at Sapphire Bay provide a majestic resort environment that can be enjoyed year-round by people of all ages.

The amenities at The Towers at Sapphire Bay provide a whole new world of relaxation and adventure that enhance the quality of life and well-being for all.

For more information regarding The Towers, click here.

The North Shore

North Shore offers employers and innovators an opportunity to create world-class professional facilities within a complete community environment. As a premier regional destination, North Shore is uniquely located on the President George Bush Turnpike offering close proximity to Downtown Dallas, the Plano/Frisco/Richardson Corridor and DFW Airport.

The DFW Metroplex is among the top choices worldwide for national and regional office and advanced manufacturing facilities. North Shore is DFW’s newest commercial district set up to respond to the occupancy demands of today’s best-in-class businesses. Offering prominent visibility, ease of access, and plentiful land area, businesses in North Shore will enjoy all DFW has to offer amidst far lower occupancy costs than highly urban or coastal options.

For more information about The North Shore, click here.