Validus Development cleared a major hurdle to proceed with a residential highrise in Dallas’ Turtle Creek neighborhood.

Luis Gonzalez’s firm received approval from the Dallas Plan Commission to rezone the 0.75-acre site at the corner of Hood and Brown streets, bringing the developer’s plan for a 104-unit apartment building closer to fruition, the Dallas Business Journal reported. 

The rezoning to allow increased floor area comes after addressing neighborhood concerns. The plan includes burying parking, creating a landscaped parkway and ensuring convenient access for delivery vehicles, all while emphasizing sustainability.

Commissioner Melissa Kingston commended the project’s focus on larger units suitable for families, a rarity in the area dominated by one-bedroom and efficiency apartments. While the Oak Lawn Committee and some nearby residents expressed support for the project’s design and benefits, opposition from homeowners in a nearby condo complex concerned the project’s size and its potential impact on traffic.

Validius’ representatives defended the project, citing a traffic study indicating minimal impact. The developer also has a chance to earmark five percent of units as affordable housing, reserved for households earning 81 percent percent of the area median income —  a requirement facilitated through a city incentive program. 

However, there’s a possibility that Validius may opt to pay a fee to the city instead of providing affordable units, drawing criticism from Commissioner Tabitha Wheeler-Reagan

“In this particular area, there is a need for affordable housing,” Wheeler-Reagan told the outlet. “For us in the southern sector, we don’t believe that’s a great choice. … We would like to live on that side of town too.”

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Turtle Creek has emerged as one of Dallas’ hottest neighborhoods, attracting a slew of multifamily developers. Last summer, Fifield Companies bought 1.6 acres at 3515 Brown Street for $20 million, with plans to build a 24-story apartment high-rise. 

Houston-based Hanover Company is developing a pair of luxury apartment buildings in the neighborhood. The first one, Hanover Turtle Creek Tower, is slated to open in 2025.

—Quinn Donoghue 

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