Alpine, LC, a Dallas-based development firm, is going before the Planning and Zoning Commission this week to apply to redevelop parts of Preston Center and include mixed-use housing.
The project would affect the existing parking structure and current shopping and dining establishments situated between Luther Lane, Westchester Drive, Berkshire Lane and Douglas Avenue.
The applicant is asking to more than double the current maximum height allowed in the mixed-use residential development, which currently is limited to 85 feet. The development plans include a 225-foot-high building with office and mixed-income residential purposes.
The space will span six floors with 200,407 square feet on the ground and 40,000 square feet for retail space on the Westchester-facing side.
If approved during Thursday’s Planning and Zoning meeting, the block including Preston Center Pavilion, JOHN REED Fitness, Yolk, Marshalls, and more could be subject to redevelopment. The parking garage off of Douglas Avenue that is primarily used for Target shoppers and the accompanying buildings are not included in the redevelopment plans.
The case report shows the northern part of the block as not to be redeveloped, with plans showing redevelopment of only the southern half.
The current Planned Development (PD) allows the reductions in parking since public parking is provided at the nearby city-owned garage, across from the subject site at Westchester, city staff report.
Available documents show that some form of parking structure will remain with “dynamic parking strategies” listed as one of the project’s outcomes.
“Overall, staff supports the applicant’s request because it will add an appropriately designed development while offering additional diversity of housing,” a case report states. “The project will include design and streetscape standards that contribute to a more active pedestrian experience along existing walkable retail streets.”
This is only the most recent shopping center in the neighborhood to be affected by mixed-use development this year. Neighbors on NextDoor were generally upset by the news.
The proposal has yet to be approved. Though city staff is recommending approval, a public Planning and Zoning meeting is set for Thursday, March 21 at 1 p.m. at Dallas City Hall to discuss the future of the Preston Center space. Neighbors, restaurants and business owners in the shopping center can provide feedback at the meeting.
Those interested in attending must sign up for the meeting, which will also be available on Zoom.
