Photo courtesy of GFF Design

After more than three hours of intense debate over a proposed $800 million mixed-use development at the southwestern corner of Preston Road and Royal Lane, the project passed the Dallas’ City Plan and Zoning Commission and will now head to City Council.

The planning commission recommended approval of a request from developer Leland Burk and partner Gerald Stool’s Greenway Investment Co. to increase the maximum building height at the site to 240 feet. Current zoning permits buildings up to 54 feet.

The commission voted 10-4 in favor, with Joanna Hampton, Alicia Serrato, Jack Kocks and Kathy Coffman opposing. Tabitha Wheller-Reagan was absent from the vote.

Under the new plans, the project would include:

  • 50 or fewer condos and no more than 150 hotel rooms
  • About 175 apartments
  • A 12-story office tower
  • Multiple restaurants and retail spaces

On the proposed development’s south side, the height would be confined to 54 feet for the first 50 feet before increasing. The development would also include a half-acre public green space, and the group plans to plant at least 200 trees on the site.

Of the 283 property owners aware of Thursday’s vote, 261 said they opposed the project, while eight said they were in favor. A petition brought forth by Reform Dallas had more than 4,500 signatures opposing the development.

Approximately 30 residents spoke against the project, with many being members of Preserve Preston Hollow.

Doug Hazelbaker, a former Plano planning commissioner and spokesperson for Preserve Preston Hollow, commented on the proposed height.

“We are in support, 100%, of this corner developing. The uses are fine. The height needs to come down,” Hazelbaker said.

Oak Lawn Committee President Adam Murphy, who was part of the much smaller group in support of the project, shared his thoughts. 

“We should not confuse height with harm. Dallas cannot say it wants more housing, more tax revenue, better infrastructure and world-class development [and] reject a development of all four,” he said. 

At the end of the meeting, Kathy Coffman of District 12 encouraged opponents of the development to continue organizing.

“After this experience, I am sure you will do things better in the future,” Coffman said. “But, I don’t want you to give up the fight. I want you to get together and figure out what you’re going to do…”

The proposed development now heads to the Dallas City Council.