Forney, Texas, is entering a new era of retail growth as the Villages at Gateway development moves forward along U.S. Highway 80. Construction is now actively underway on the 148,900‑square‑foot Target store, which will anchor the project’s first phase alongside H‑E‑B and Home Depot.
The development broke ground in November 2024, and fresh aerial views from March 2025 show concrete foundations and parking lot outlines taking shape. This marks a major milestone for the city, which has watched this former stretch of farmland slowly evolve into a regional shopping destination.
Phase I: A Major Retail Arrival
The first phase of the Villages at Gateway spans approximately 500,000 square feet across 120 acres.
- Anchors: Target, H‑E‑B, Home Depot
- Projected opening: Summer 2026
- Location: North of U.S. 80 at Gateway Blvd, easily accessible for commuters and residents
Forney’s residents, who have long traveled to nearby cities for major shopping trips, will soon have a full lineup of big‑box retailers in their own backyard. The project’s highway visibility positions it to become a draw for surrounding Kaufman County communities as well.
Phase II and a Bigger Vision
The Villages at Gateway is more than just a trio of big‑box stores.
- Phase II will add around 200,000 square feet of new retail and dining options.
- An Evo Entertainment complex, featuring movies, bowling, and arcade games, is planned and expected to be the largest in Texas.
- Confirmed and expected tenants include Portillo’s, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Ross, Five Below, Burlington, Rack Room Shoes, Costa Vida, Hawaiian Bros, 151 Coffee, James Avery, and Bath & Body Works.
- Long‑term plans envision 820,000 square feet of retail space, 650 multifamily housing units, and possibly a medical campus nearby.
The combination of retail, dining, entertainment, and housing is set to make this one of the most transformative projects in northeast Texas.
From Farmland to Forney’s Retail Hub
The land at the corner of U.S. 80 and Gateway Blvd once held open fields on the edge of town. As suburban growth pushed eastward, Forney’s once‑quiet agricultural landscape began its shift toward a commuter suburb of Dallas.
Historical aerial imagery captures this change:
- Early views show farm fields and scattered rural plots.
- Over the past decade, new neighborhoods filled the north side of Gateway Blvd.
- Now, the site is part of a retail corridor that will define Forney’s future, reducing the need for residents to shop in neighboring cities.
Construction is actively progressing, and the Target store remains on track for a summer 2026 debut. SprawlTag will continue to follow the Villages at Gateway project and provide updates as key milestones are reached.
Last Updated on August 4, 2025 by F.E.M