Petitions show nearly 1,800 residents oppose high-rise rezoning in Preston Hollow
April 2, 2026
DALLAS — Nearly 1,800 residents have signed petitions opposing a proposed high-rise development at the southwest corner of Preston Road and Royal Lane, signaling growing neighborhood resistance ahead of a likely City of Dallas zoning decision, according to data released this week by the nonprofit Preserve Preston Hollow.
The project would require the City to amend long-standing zoning rules to allow a six-tower development, including buildings reaching 24 and 28 stories (up to 325 feet), at a site currently limited to 54 feet under existing zoning.
Organizers say opposition is strongest among residents living closest to the site, particularly in City Council District 13, represented by Gay Donnell Willis.
Preserve Preston Hollow volunteers canvassed the surrounding neighborhoods, collecting names, addresses and signatures and mapping responses geographically. The group’s data show a clear concentration of opposition within a short radius of the proposed development.
The site, which has remained underutilized since the 2019 tornado, is widely viewed by residents as needing redevelopment. But many oppose the scale of the current proposal, citing concerns about traffic, safety, and compatibility with nearby single-family neighborhoods.
“Zoning exists to protect neighborhoods from exactly this kind of overreach,” said Doug Hazelbaker of Preserve Preston Hollow. “If approved, this project could become a template for similar spot zoning, opening a door for developers to locate skyscrapers in other parts of Dallas where they don’t belong. We are pro-growth and pro-development,” he added. “But this is not the way to go about it or engage neighbors in the process.”
The debate also comes as the City continues implementing Forward Dallas 2.0, the land-use plan adopted in 2024 that emphasizes protecting “stable residential areas” while guiding future growth.
“The City adopted Forward Dallas 2.0 just 18 months ago to protect what it considers stable areas from incompatible growth. I cannot think of a more glaring example than siting a 325-foot tower just 700 feet from a school,” Hazelbaker added.
Preserve Preston Hollow will host a community meeting on April 28 at for residents seeking more information about the proposal and the process at City Hall.
To learn more about Preserve Preston Hollow and stay up to date on the latest developments, visit PreservePrestonHollow.org.
Preserve Preston Hollow is a volunteer-led, non-profit, 501 (c)(4) organization.