Dallas Developers Reduce Tower Heights for $800M Preston Hollow Project

Developers Burk Interests and Greenway Investment Co. have reduced the height of their proposed $800 million mixed-use development at the southwest corner of Preston Road and Royal Lane in Dallas. The project’s tallest structure, a hotel and condo high-rise, will now be capped at 240 feet to address significant community backlash in the Preston Hollow neighborhood.

Why did the developers reduce the tower heights?

Leland Burk of Burk Interests stated the height reductions are an effort to engender community support. Since October, the team has cut 85 feet from the project’s tallest tower, dropping the hotel and condo high-rise from 325 feet (28 stories) to 240 feet (19 stories).

The apartment tower was also reduced from 275 feet (24 stories) to 210 feet (18 stories). To offset these losses, the developers added one story to the office mid-rise, which will now stand at 12 stories.

Current zoning for the 7-acre site allows a maximum height of only 54 feet. While the 240-foot proposal matches similar sites across the city according to development code, Burk noted that many residents find any height above 54 feet unworkable.

Did You Know? The development plans include planting at least 200 trees on the site, which suffered heavy damage during a tornado in 2019.

How is the community responding to the Preston and Royal project?

Opposition has coalesced around a nonprofit called Preserve Preston Hollow. The group has launched a social media strategy, created a website, and gathered more than 3,000 signatures on a petition demanding “no skyscrapers, no rezoning at Preston and Royal.”

Tensions peaked during a May 18 community meeting held by City Council member Gay Donnell Willis at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Nearly 30 residents spoke against the project, citing concerns over traffic and height, while six supporters were frequently interrupted by the crowd.

Doug Hazelbaker, a key figure in the nonprofit and former Plano city planning commissioner, described the height reductions as not being a “meaningful height concession.” He expressed frustration that he learned of the changes through a reporter rather than elected officials.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that this conflict highlights a classic urban planning struggle: the gap between a developer’s financial viability and a neighborhood’s desire to maintain existing zoning. When current limits are as low as 54 feet, any move toward a high-rise—even a reduced one—is likely to be viewed by residents as a fundamental breach of community character.

What are the specific details of the revised plan?

The updated plans reduce the total density of the towers. The project will now feature no more than 150 hotel rooms, 50 or fewer condos, and roughly 175 apartment units.

The development team is building significantly fewer apartments than allowed under SB 840, which could permit up to 800 units without rezoning. A traffic study by Kimley-Horn suggests the proposed project would produce less traffic than what is allowed under current low-rise zoning.

Site design includes a 50-foot setback on the south side, where heights will be capped at 54 feet for the first 50 feet before increasing. Other features include a public half-acre green space, multiple restaurants, retail areas, and mostly below-grade parking.

What happens next for the $800 million development?

The development team is expected to officially submit the revised plans this week. A possible next step is a review by the Dallas planning and zoning commission, where the request is expected to appear at the June 25 meeting.

The project’s future may depend on whether the commission and City Council grant the requested zoning change to exceed the current 54-foot limit. If the rezoning is denied, the developers could potentially pivot to a plan that adheres to SB 840 guidelines for residential units.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new proposed heights for the towers?
The hotel and condo tower is proposed at 240 feet (19 stories), and the apartment tower is proposed at 210 feet (18 stories).

How many residential units will be included in the new plan?
The plan includes roughly 175 apartment units and 50 or fewer condos.

What is the current zoning limit for the site?
The current zoning allows for a maximum height of 54 feet.

Do you believe height concessions are enough to satisfy community concerns in established neighborhoods?