A redo of Preston Center, which has been in the works for several years, will be presented to the Dallas Metropolitan Planning Commission later this week.
The redevelopment around the Preston Center Pavilion on Westchester Drive, south of Northwest Highway, currently includes 230,000 square feet of retail. The property's owner, Ramrock Real Estate LLC, aims to convert the south portion of the site into a multifamily residential tower and office tower with ground-floor retail.
The City Planning Commission is scheduled Thursday to review a request that would tie the project's increase in floor area ratio and height to the provision of mixed-income housing. The commission makes recommendations to the City Council on planning and zoning items.
The City Planning Commission's agenda states: “Overall, staff supports the applicant's request because it would add well-designed development while providing additional diversity of housing. It is because of this.” “This project includes design and streetscape standards that contribute to a more active pedestrian experience along the existing walkable retail corridor.”
This application is recommended for approval according to the development plan and recommended conditions.
Ramrock proposed making 5% of the apartment buildings available to households making between 81% and 100% of the region's median household income. City officials countered by demanding more. Meeting staff's expanded mixed-income housing requirements also means owners can provide minimal parking.
Ramrock has also added more open space to the design since the plans were last reviewed.
“The proposed mixed-use development would introduce multi-family residential uses in an area that is typically dominated solely by office and retail uses, while maintaining the requirements for ground floor retail in line with the established retail centre. It will increase the vitality of the entire area,” the agenda document said.
Original plans called for a 180-unit residential tower and a 265,000-square-meter office tower with retail along Luther Lane between Douglas Avenue and Westchester Drive on the south side of the block.
Rumrock President Robert Dozier said there were no plans for renovations to the north side retail building, which includes the Target. of dallas morning news At the time, HKS Inc. was leading the design.
Several other residential projects have been announced in the Preston Center area in recent years. This includes Corey Partners' foray into multifamily housing with The Diplomat, as well as a 128-unit development by Lincoln Property Company on land owned by St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. Includes high-rise buildings.
