On Thursday morning, the winds of change swept across a quiet corner of Potter County, as local leaders and officials gathered to mark the official groundbreaking of a transformative project — the future community of Buffalo Highlands. The event signaled more than the start of paving roads and laying utility lines; it marked the beginning of a bold vision for smart growth, educational opportunity, and sustainable community development.
A New Community with a Purpose
At the heart of Buffalo Highlands is a clear and intentional plan: build a thriving residential neighborhood, supported by essential infrastructure, educational institutions, and commercial development. Over the next decade, more than 700 homes are projected to be developed in the area. But this isn't just about housing — it's about building a future.
Kevin Sawyer, President of the Buffalo Highlands Development Foundation, emphasized this point:
“We’re supporting this project to build a new school and a CTE school out here to support a community we hope develops.”
Buffalo Highlands isn't merely a residential expansion. It’s part of a comprehensive strategy to foster growth in Highland Park ISD, ensuring that as families move in, the schools and services they need are ready and waiting.
A School District Planning for Tomorrow
The roots of this project trace back to a 2023 bond passed by voters in Highland Park ISD. That approval unlocked the resources needed to take action and secure land for meaningful residential and educational use — a response to industry expansion that had been consuming valuable property across the district.
As Tonya Detten, President of the Highland Park School Board, explained:
“We felt like we needed property where residential homes could actually be developed because that’s what increases enrollment in our district.”
And with more homes come more families, more students, and the need for more schools. The district is already ahead of the curve.
Education at the Core: Early Learning and Career Training
Alongside Buffalo Highlands' streets and homes will rise two essential educational facilities:
An Early Learning Academy
A Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, affectionately dubbed “The Cube”
According to Jimmy Hannon, Superintendent of Highland Park ISD, this part of the project will break ground later this year, with an expected opening sometime in 2027. These facilities will not only serve the children of the Buffalo Highlands community but also help train and prepare students across the region for real-world careers and trades.
This forward-thinking approach ensures that the community will not only grow, but thrive, anchored by strong educational support from preschool through vocational training.
Building More Than Homes
The long-term vision extends beyond housing and schools. As Sawyer pointed out, the plan includes commercial development that could bring:
Grocery stores
Apartment complexes
Convenience stores
Local businesses and services
These additions are key to making Buffalo Highlands a self-sustaining, vibrant neighborhood, not just another housing development. It’s about quality of life, accessibility, and ensuring that families who move in have everything they need close to home.
Community Backing and Leadership
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key stakeholders and dignitaries, including Potter County officials, Highland Park ISD leaders, and members of the Buffalo Highlands Development Foundation.
Their presence underscored a shared commitment to the project — a symbol of unity between local government, public education, and private development.
What’s Next?
Construction of streets and utility infrastructure is now underway. As the year progresses, residents can expect to see physical changes to the landscape and the start of school facility construction.
By 2027, Buffalo Highlands could become a model for community-centered development — one that balances residential expansion, educational investment, and commercial growth.
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