So why are we stuck with boring beige townhomes that had their prime in the seventies, like Cher?
“We see it as a legacy redevelopment opportunity that will improve the community and provide great amenities for an underserved neighborhood,” said Dahlstrom. “Family-friendly, specialty grocers, a few restaurants, maybe a bank, all with a neighborhood feel.”
I asked how much square footage would be devoted to retail: less than 50,000 square feet for the anchor grocer, said Dahlstrom. While he could not give me any names, because a, it’s early and b, everyone’s still in negotiations, an Oakville Grocers or Dean & Delucca or Eatzies concept was not far off base. But again, those are my names, not his.
(May I put in a plug for Draegers of Menlo park CA? OMG!)
The owners are working with apartment builder Greystar, and retail real estate firm Regency Centers. I like Regency Centers: they own the large shopping centers at Preston Forest and Preston Royal, and post those nice “thank you for visiting” signs. They are innovative in finding specialty retail, like the ALTHETA store at Preston Royal I have yet to try, and they have beefed up security at Preston Forest after I complained (story forthcoming).
About the new units: the townhomes would be 3 story townhomes, same as what is there now, but loaded with luxury interiors: wood floors, granite counters, luxury appliances and fixtures. In the adjacent single family neighborhood, some homes can be built as tall as 36 feet. They didn’t say this, but I would bet there will be deep bathtubs in the masters. IJS there should be. You’re looking at $2200 to $4500 a month to lease which is, yes, almost a house payment minus the property taxes. This would give baby boomers a great housing option to still be in their “old, familiar” neighborhood but have the ultimate lock and leave to jet off to a second home or ranch. Think Luke Crossland’s Highland House but in townhome format.
The current townhomes are pulling in about $1000 to $2200 a month on average. Talk about feeding the ad valorum tax base!
To bring in the retail, they will need a zoning change. Dahlstrom says they’ve begun meeting with neighbors and plan to seek an amendment. One such meeting will take place next Wednesday.
“We are looking at a mixed-use community,” he told me, “which will be a great enhancement for the entire neighborhood. This is a land-use issue.”
Thankfully, the entire project would be a maximum of three floors, which it’s already zoned for will be about 38 feet in height. Dahlstrom also needs a zoning change to cover the retail portion, which neighbors should welcome. I mean, I would. Imagine having a darling townhome at Forest Wood, you just get home from the Bahamas and the fridge is not just barren, it’s naked: nothing to eat. Do you want to get in your car and traipse over to the Tom Thumb etc. at Marsh lane, or the Whole Foods at Preston Forest. No. In two minutes you can walk over to the speciality grocer (whatever it is) in your FLIP FLOPS with no make-up. Or you can take a little jog along the trail, or walk your pooch, who can wait for you outside while you grab something for dinner.
Note to speciality grocer, whoever you are: carry dog biscuits!
Mixed-use community, semi-high density living, sounds like a picture plus perfect follow up of Forward!Dallas. Sounds like Seaside in North Dallas.
But will the neighbors buy it?
Well, let’s look at what’s there now… which would you rather have? 
