After several years of planning, the long-awaited redevelopment project at Dallas’ Preston Center has been approved by the City Plan Commission to move forward.
Ramrock Real Estate, the owner of the property, had proposed a plan to revamp the entire block, including the existing retail building that houses a Target, CVS, Marshall’s, and John Reed gym.
The redevelopment project, which was initially focused on the southern portion of the center, now has expanded to encompass the entire block bordered by Berkshire Lane, Westchester Drive, Luther Lane, and Douglas Avenue, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Ramrock’s plans, which were presented during a City Plan Commission meeting on Thursday, now include an office building on Douglas Avenue alongside high-rise apartments and retail spaces on Luther Lane.
The revised plans showcase a 180-unit multifamily tower and a 265,000-square-foot office tower designed by HKS Inc. Additionally, the proposal includes 40,000 square feet of retail space and green areas.
“We want to build 265,000 square feet of office space, 180 units of multifamily, and 30,000 square feet of retail,” Ramrock president Robert Dozier said back in 2022, per The Dallas Morning News. “The office we are entitled to build by right. The density we are seeking is for the multifamily.”
While Ramrock initially proposed allocating 5% of units for households at 81-100% of the area’s median family income, City staff recommended a more aggressive approach to producing lower-income housing. They suggested allocating 5% of units for 81-100% of the area’s median family income, 5% for 61%-80%, and 5% for 51-60%, reported DMN.
The proposed redevelopment would alter the skyline of Preston Center, matching the trend of taller offices and residential high-rises in the area. While the current zoning allows for a maximum height of 85 feet, Ramrock is “seeking approval to build up to 225 feet tall,” citing the incorporation of mixed-income units as justification for the height, according to DMN.
Ramrock Real Estate’s plan for development represents just a fraction of the numerous upscale residential projects currently underway throughout the North Dallas area. Among these developments is a 128-unit high-rise by Lincoln Property Company on land owned by Saint Michaels and All Angels Episcopal Church.
The City Plan Commission will continue discussions on May 2, with the application currently recommended for approval.
