The owners of Waco Surf announced on Apr. 9 plans to develop a 450-acre master-planned residential community, called The Desperado, near Old Mexia Road on the outskirts of Waco. The project is set to break ground this summer and will feature a mix of single-family homes and duplex townhomes, with prices starting at $1.6 million.
The development signals a shift in the region’s housing market as amenity-driven communities gain popularity among buyers seeking lifestyle-oriented living spaces. With amenities such as a new surf lagoon, a 13-hole golf course, pump track, Nordic spa, and access to a 100-acre forest, the project aims to attract both local and out-of-state residents.
According to project officials, half a dozen homes have already been earmarked for presale ahead of construction. The first phase—including some homes and the surf lagoon—is expected to be completed by summer 2027. Austin-based Icon and Firmah Architecture are leading design and construction efforts for the community using innovative technologies like 3D-printed housing alongside ranch-inspired designs.
Luke Schock, one of the owners who acquired Waco Surf in 2021 along with David Taylor, said that developing this master-planned community was “a natural next step in the waterpark’s evolution.” The developers believe that Waco Surf’s existing popularity among visitors can help drive residential demand.
The Desperado also includes sustainability goals such as achieving water neutrality by 2028 through advanced capture and filtration systems. This model reflects broader trends across Central Texas where similar surf-themed developments are underway near Austin as developers look for ways to differentiate their offerings in an increasingly competitive market.
As construction moves forward over the coming years, observers will watch whether demand remains strong for these amenity-rich communities built around recreation and wellness.
