Hallelujah: More Housing Coming to Lake Highlands Courtesy of StoryBuilt

Funny how changing markets can drastically change our reactions. When this press release came across my desk, my reaction was “PRAISE THE LORD, WE NEED HOUSING!” Not NIMBY, not “we are over-built.”

And housing we shall receive with StoryBuilt’s Goose at White Rock Valley Community. StoryBuilt Homes, launched in Austin in 2009, is a leader in urban infill residential. The company, which was formerly known as PSW Homes, has developed properties in North Oak Cliff near the Bishop Arts District, in West and North Dallas as Meridian Homes, and in Hillcrest/North Dallas — my own neighborhood — just off the Northaven Trail. The company re-branded a few years ago, “to reflect our corporate growth and to tell the stories of those in our communities,” according to their publicist.

In Austin, StoryBuilt has been a driving force behind the latest wave of development on South First Street along Bouldin Creek in South Austin, a corridor that has seen a surge of growth in recent years.

StoryBuilt also buys and redevelops properties in fast-growing cities like Dallas, San Antonio, Seattle, and Denver. Their schtick is unique architectural communities in thriving urban markets near downtown areas with consideration for the land and the people as opposed to retrofitting generic builds, attracting Millennials.

The company has 135 employees and has built more than 50 communities, generating more than $300 million in revenue, surpassing $100 million in 2018.

Green Goose on The Lake

Thirty-six green homes will be going up near White Rock Lake at 9601 White Rock Trail in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas. The development, to be called Goose at White Rock Valley, will consist of energy-efficient, single-family homes near White Rock Creek, White Rock Lake, nature trails, parks, and public transit. 

The contemporary design will feature a designer-curated palette with “Tudor-inspired architecture and energy-efficient features.” So English Tudor gone California vibe?

The homes will have access to a community pool and park. StoryBuilt plans to offer six floor plans for three- and four-bedroom homes ranging from 2,200 to 2,800 square feet including flexible spaces for living areas or home offices. Prices are anticipated to start in the mid-$700,000’s. The first homes are expected to be complete mid-to-late next year.  

According to the developer, Goose at White Rock Valley offers an ideal location with miles of trails nearby, making it the perfect urban haven for an active lifestyle. It is also near Watercrest Park, Flag Pole Hill Park, and the Lake Highlands Town Center for dining and shopping. Residents will have easy access to highways, walkability to the Lake Highlands DART Station, and all are in the Richardson Independent School District. 

“With the ever-increasing demand for housing in the Dallas market, we are excited to be able to offer homes with exceptional schools, active community involvement, access to fabulous lifestyle amenities nearby, and smart and efficient design,” says Adam Stetson, Division President of Dallas. “We are giving homeowners the lifestyle they want in the locations they desire.” 

The Stories Behind StoryBuilt

Cute story: Each StoryBuilt community is named after a rescued animal which is often an employee’s pet. In this case, Goose is named after a dog adopted from Dallas Pets Alive in March of 2019 after being found in an alley behind the King Noodle restaurant. His adoptive family had a dog named Maverick, so the name “Goose” fit well.

Goose’s home is with StoryBuilt’s Dallas Division President Adam Stetson, who also serves as Chairman of the Board for Dallas Pets Alive.