Dallas Approves Preston Hollow High-Rise Project Despite Opposition

The project will replace a shopping center on more than seven acres at the southwestern end of the Preston Road and Royal Lane intersection. The site was damaged by a tornado in 2019, and developer Leland Burk has owned the land since 2017. The proposal calls for a hotel rising 19 floors and an 18-floor apartment tower, alongside other development components described in the proposal as an office tower and condominiums.

The approved plan allows buildings substantially taller than the area’s existing zoning, which permits structures up to 54 feet. The tallest proposed tower was reduced from an original 299 feet, but residents continued to object to the project’s scale and potential effects on traffic, sunlight, glare and neighborhood character.

Residents gathered at City Hall while officials heard testimony for roughly 150 minutes, with most speakers opposing the development. Some said the height would affect their homes and quality of life. Others backed the project, saying nearby shops and services could be reached on foot or by bicycle.

Council member Bill Roth raised concerns that the towers could set a precedent and proposed limiting the development to 12 stories. That motion failed 9-6, as did a separate motion to delay the final approval vote. City staff had recommended approval, saying the proposal aligned with the city’s ForwardDallas 2.0 plan.

The debate had already prompted some Preston Hollow residents to organize around a possible recall effort targeting their council member, Gay Willis. Willis had said she would seek a delay over traffic concerns and pushed for improvements extending beyond the intersection. Burk said the developer had worked with neighbors and city transportation officials on traffic enhancements and remained committed to the project.

Dallas Council Backs Tower Plan Over Residents’ Objections

A 9-6 council vote cleared the way for a major high-rise project in Preston Hollow, overruling the objections of residents who packed City Hall to speak against it. The plan replaces a tornado-damaged shopping center at Preston Road and Royal Lane with buildings far taller than the area’s existing 54-foot zoning limit.

Most speakers during a public hearing lasting around 150 minutes opposed the proposal, raising concerns about traffic, lost sunlight, glare and the project’s impact on neighborhood life. Their concerns were not erased by reducing the tallest tower from its original 299 feet: the approved plan still calls for a 19-floor hotel and an apartment tower rising 18 floors.

Council member Bill Roth warned that the project could set a precedent and proposed a 12-story limit. His motion failed 9-6, as did an effort to delay the final vote. City staff had recommended approval, citing consistency with the ForwardDallas 2.0 plan.

The decision favors a large redevelopment over the objections voiced by nearby residents. Some speakers supported the project, pointing to walkable access to shops and services, while developer Leland Burk said the company had worked with neighbors and city transportation officials on traffic improvements. Council member Gay Willis had said she would seek a delay over traffic concerns.

Council Approves Redevelopment Despite Push to Restrict Growth

Dallas has approved an $800 million redevelopment in Preston Hollow, where the existing zoning allows buildings up to 54 feet. The council’s 9-6 vote backs a plan that calls for a 19-floor hotel and an 18-floor apartment building at Preston Road and Royal Lane.

Opponents filled City Hall for public comment, warning that the project could affect traffic, sunlight and the character of the neighborhood. Their concerns deserve consideration, but the council rejected both a delay and Council member Bill Roth’s proposal to limit the development to 12 stories. City staff recommended approval, saying the plan fits ForwardDallas 2.0.

The project had already been scaled back from an original tallest-tower height of 299 feet. Some residents still opposed it, while supporters said the development would put shops and services within walking and biking distance. The council’s decision makes room for a substantial project rather than allowing objections to stop it outright.

Council member Gay Willis had said she would seek a delay because of traffic concerns and called for improvements beyond the immediate intersection. Developer Leland Burk said the company had worked with neighbors and city transportation officials on traffic enhancements and remained committed to the project.