Mixed-use project near White Rock Lake gets zoning change from city council

Developers looking to build a mixed-use project on the north end of Grand Avenue near White Rock Lake are optimistic that the project will move ahead thanks to the new development approved by the Dallas City Council.

Contractor Mill Creek Residential plans to build a retail and apartment project at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Garland Road.

The project, called The Trailhead, would include approximately 300 rental units as well as restaurant and retail space. The almost 4 hectare development would replace vacant commercial buildings that previously housed a bar, restaurant and other uses.

The project would include a pedestrian link to the adjacent Santa Fe Trail, which leads to the lake and downtown Dallas.

The development plan provides for a public square and new access to the hiking trails.

The council unanimously voted on Wednesday to give the developer additional height for the project in exchange for contributing 9% of the proposed rental units to affordable housing.

Some neighbors in the area had fought for months to destroy the settlement because it would increase traffic and density. Opponents of the plan had also claimed that the project – which is located next to White Rock Creek – will tower over the lake.

The Texas Department of Transportation will completely remake the adjacent Garland, Grand and Gaston intersection with a new traffic layout.

Trailhead developers are also committed to helping improve pedestrians and vehicles alongside their property.

“This project is a mixed-use, trail-oriented mid-rise that brings planning and smart design to a derelict corner,” said Michael Blackwell, senior managing director of Mill Creek Residential, to the city council. “We listened to the community and took further precautions to lower the height and increase the staff housing.”

In approving a zoning change, the Mill Creek Council requested that the elevation be lowered below the final request. The building will have a maximum of about six floors.

Mill Creek officials say they have yet to evaluate the council’s actions and make the design changes provided for in the zoning.

The planning and design of the project was led by TBG Partners and the architect GFF, both based in Dallas.

The trailhead includes a new pedestrian link to the adjacent Santa Fe Trail.(TBG partner)

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