Councilmembers vote 9 to 6 in contentious zoning case
DALLAS CITY COUNCIL APPROVES PRESTON-ROYAL DEVELOPMENT IN 9–6 VOTE, DESPITE OVERWHELMING NEIGHBORHOOD OPPOSITION
Opponents and supporters of the proposed Preston-Royal high-rise development nearly packed City Council chambers Nov. 10 for a vote that has been over a year in the making.
After months of public meetings, petitions, letters, neighborhood outreach and testimony, the Dallas City Council voted 9–6 on November 10 to approve the proposed Preston-Royal mixed-use development at the southwest corner of Preston Road and Royal Lane.
The decision allows a development with buildings reaching approximately 17 stories and 199 feet—nearly four times the 54-foot height permitted under the property's existing zoning.
While the approved plan is smaller than the developer's original proposal, it remains a substantial increase in height and density for a site surrounded by established, predominantly low-rise neighborhoods, homes, condominiums and schools.
How the Council Voted
The zoning change passed by a 9–6 vote.
Councilmembers voting IN FAVOR of the developer:
Gay Donnell Willis
Adam Bazaldua
Chad West
Zarin Gracey
Paula Blackmon
Jaime Resendez
Lorie Blair
Maxie Johnson
Kathy Stewart
Councilmembers voting AGAINST and in favor of Neighbors:
Jesse Moreno
Laura Cadena
Bill Roth
Cara Mendelsohn
Paul Ridley
Mayor Eric Johnson
Councilmember Bill Roth proposed an amendment to limit building heights to 110 feet. That amendment failed 6–9. His effort to delay the vote until December also failed by the same margin.
Councilmember Gay Donnell Willis introduced the final changes to the development's height limits and other provisions.
What Was Approved?
The approved plan permits a mixed-use development with:
Two towers reaching a maximum height of approximately 199 feet.
An office building reaching up to 190 feet.
Up to 50 condominiums.
No more than 150 hotel rooms.
Approximately 175 apartments.
Restaurants, retail and other commercial uses.
The developer's original proposal called for substantially taller towers, including buildings of 325 feet and 275 feet. The plan was reduced during the review process, and the tallest portion was moved farther from nearby single-family homes and condominiums.
Nevertheless, the final approved heights remain far above the property's current 54-foot zoning limit.
Residents Made Their Voices Heard
The vote came despite an extraordinary level of neighborhood opposition.
On November 9, Preserve Preston Hollow delivered 5,315 petition signatures and 175 letters of opposition to Dallas City Hall. These were the result of months of work by residents and volunteers who believe the proposed building heights are incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
At the Nov. 10 council meeting, approximately 80 people were scheduled to speak or did speak. Nearby residents, Preserve Preston Hollow supporters, and representatives and a student from St. Mark's School voiced concerns about building height, traffic, public safety and the compatibility of the project with the surrounding community.
The opposition was never about preventing redevelopment. Residents have consistently welcomed the opportunity to replace the tornado-damaged property with restaurants, retail, offices, condominiums and apartments. The concern has been the scale of the proposed development and the precedent set by allowing such a significant departure from existing zoning.
Opposition to excessive height is not opposition to progress.
Traffic Improvements Required
Traffic and public safety were among the principal concerns raised throughout the zoning process.
The developer committed to three phases of traffic improvements, including:
Upgraded vehicle-detection technology at the Preston Road and Royal Lane intersection.
Signal-control technology allowing emergency vehicles from Dallas Fire Station 41 to preempt traffic signals.
A traffic-timing study and signal reprogramming along Royal Lane between Midway Road and Hillcrest Road, including adjacent intersections.
The City Council requires certain improvements to be completed before a building permit is issued. The developer's traffic study estimates the project could generate approximately 5,000 one-way vehicle trips daily.
These commitments will need to be followed closely as the project moves forward.
Preserve Preston Hollow's Response: Our Work Is Not Over
Preserve Preston Hollow is disappointed by the Council's decision. More than 5,300 residents took the time to sign petitions opposing excessive height at Preston and Royal. Hundreds of others submitted letters, attended meetings, contacted elected officials and spoke publicly. Their concerns deserved serious consideration.
Preserve Preston Hollow told The Dallas Morning News the group is considering its next steps.
Regardless of the outcome, this effort has accomplished something important. Neighbors who had never met came together, learned how city government works, developed lasting relationships and demonstrated the power of an engaged community.
We are grateful to every resident, volunteer, business owner, parent, student and supporter who gave time and energy to this effort. Your petitions, letters, phone calls, emails, public testimony and conversations made this a community-wide issue that could not be ignored.
The Council has made its decision, but our commitment to responsible development, neighborhood compatibility and accountable local government continues.
We welcome redevelopment. We believe in progress. And we will continue to speak up for a Preston Hollow where growth respects the character and integrity of the neighborhoods around it.
