Opposition Holds as Preston-Royal Tower Project Faces Continued Pushback

A proposed development at Preston Road and Royal Lane with towers far taller than current zoning allows is drawing organized opposition from Preston Hollow homeowners, and early concessions by the developer have done little to ease concerns. More than 100 residents braved the threat of severe weather Tuesday to attend a Preserve Preston Hollow meeting to hear updates on a mixed-use project that proposes buildings up to 325 feet — a sharp increase from the 54-foot height currently permitted.

As previously reported by CandysDirt.com, Burk Interests and Greenway Investment Company will seek city approval for a mixed-use project with a 28-story hotel, 24-story multifamily tower, office space, and dining on seven acres at the southwest corner of Preston Road and Royal Lane.

Preston Hollow Residents Ready to Fight Proposed 325-Foot Tower at Preston-Royal

In response to community pushback, the developers have scaled down the project, reducing tower heights and adjusting the site plan to create a transition toward nearby residential areas.

The revised proposal includes a 25-story hotel/condo tower (299 feet), a 21-story apartment tower (250 feet), an 11-story office tower, and shorter commercial buildings for dining and retail. The updated site plan shifts the tallest building north toward Royal Lane and sets a maximum height of 54 feet along the south edge for the first 50 feet of the structure.

The site is currently zoned for community retail with a maximum height of 54 feet, meaning the proposal would require approval of a new planned development district to move forward.

At the meeting, members of Preserve Preston Hollow outlined concerns about height, density, and neighborhood impact. The surrounding area primarily includes single-family homes, some duplexes and condos, and small-scale commercial buildings. “No Skyscrapers, No Rezoning at Preston & Royal” signs can be seen scattered on fences and lawns around the neighborhood.

“Those of us who are at 5800 Royal [condominiums], we’re never going to see the eastern sky again,” said John Tynan, a member of Preserve Preston Hollow. “And those of you who are over on Orchid [Lane], you’re never going to see the northern sky. It’s blocked.”

Doug Hazelbaker presented renderings of the original and updated project superimposed on real photos from multiple neighborhood vantage points. He and others pointed to the PD district at Preston Village Center (which has a maximum height of 60 feet) as a more appropriate scale for the area. They did not indicate whether they would support a compromise between 60 and 299 feet.

“There are only four buildings outside of the central business district that are above 325 feet,” he said. “These are down in Uptown, all multifamily, and then there’s CityPlace — all in an urban setting.”

Concerns were also raised about how staff and officials might view the project in light of the city’s current fiscal challenges. Developer Leland Burk has estimated the project’s value at roughly $800 million upon completion.

Selective hiring freezes and other cost-saving measures were recently implemented by City Manager Kimberly Tolbert to address an anticipated budget deficit of tens of millions of dollars.

“Staff is being pushed right now for development,” said Hazelbaker. “They need tax dollars. So there’s different agendas going on with everyone, and you don’t know where they align. That’s why we need Gay Willis to be an advocate for this and help kind of calm this thing down.”

Opposition to the project has been gaining steam as Preserve Preston Hollow has collected more than 2,500 petition signatures and distributed over 1,000 yard signs. Residents are meeting with city staff and members of the City Plan Commission and Dallas City Council, and a meeting with the developer is expected later this week.

Neighborhood Group Claims 1,800 Signatures Opposing Preston-Royal Tower Project

“Burk’s proposed development would fit great on the old Valley View site because what they’re proposing is a regional development in terms of its height and the complexity of its uses,” said Gregg Hamill, speaking with CandysDirt.com. “That’s a location right on LBJ Freeway. It’s got a lot of acreage. It needs to be redeveloped. I don’t think anyone would argue with that. This development on that site would be terrific. Not every community in Dallas needs to be Uptown.”

The development team told The Dallas Morning News that the project will comprise far fewer apartment units than the site is entitled to under SB 840, and that a new traffic study commissioned by Burk Interests and Greenway Investment Company estimates roughly 5,000 daily trips, about half the volume of a retail-heavy buildout permitted under current zoning.

Burk previously told CandysDirt.com the project includes a park-like half-acre green space and plans to plant at least 200 new trees to replace canopy lost during a 2019 tornado.

“The addition of these amenities is exactly the right infusion of new development needed to continue the legacy of excellence at this important corner,” he said.

Still, Preserve Preston Hollow has maintained its position:

“The neighborhood is supportive of the proposed mix of uses — multifamily, retail, and office — provided the development remains consistent with the existing Community Retail zoning standard, including the current 54-foot height limit.”

Presenters encouraged Tuesday’s attendees — who applauded Preserve Preston Hollow at every appropriate turn — to stay engaged and contact local officials. The project plan is still being reviewed by staff and has yet to be scheduled for a City Plan Commission hearing, though one could be scheduled as early as late May.

Council Member Gay Donnell Willis (District 13), who represents the area, is hosting a community meeting May 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Cooks Hall at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Those who plan to attend must RSVP via email to [email protected].