Dallas City Council voted 9-6 on Tuesday to approve an $800 million mixed-use high-rise development at the southwest corner of Preston Road and Royal Lane in Preston Hollow, despite strong opposition from nearby residents. The approval allows towers far taller than the previous five-story limit on the site.
The project, led by developer Leland Burk and Greenway Investment Co., calls for a hotel-condo tower, an apartment tower, roughly 175 apartments, up to 50 condos, no more than 150 hotel rooms, office space, restaurants, and retail. Current zoning had restricted buildings to about 54 feet, or roughly five stories. City staff recommended the rezoning, finding it consistent with the ForwardDallas 2.0 plan. The land has been owned by Burk since 2017 and was damaged by a 2019 tornado. Earlier proposals had sought buildings as tall as 28 stories.
Residents packed City Hall for more than two hours of public comment, with most speakers opposing the project over concerns about height, traffic, shadows, and quality of life. A nonprofit group called Preserve Preston Hollow has organized against the development. Of 283 surrounding property owners notified, the large majority opposed the rezoning. Council Member Bill Roth proposed limiting the project to 12 stories, but that motion failed. A separate motion to delay the vote also failed.
Council Member Gay Donnell Willis, whose district includes the site, supported the project after securing an amendment that caps the maximum height at 199 feet, or about 17 stories. The amendment also requires the developer to fund traffic signals, including one to help emergency vehicles at a nearby fire station, and infrastructure upgrades. Willis said the height reduction and other changes addressed neighborhood input while still advancing the project. The final 9-6 vote saw opposition from Mayor Eric Johnson and five other council members.
The development is expected to include more than 150 new trees and contributions toward affordable housing funds. Supporters have pointed to added housing, walkability, and private investment. Opponents continue to raise concerns about setting a precedent for taller buildings in the area.
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