The legal dispute over the redevelopment of Pepper Square in Far North Dallas has ended, clearing the way for a significant new project by Henry S. Miller Company. The Save Pepper Square Neighborhood Association has dropped its lawsuit against both the City of Dallas and the developer, according to a report from the Dallas Morning News.
Henry S. Miller Company now plans to proceed with a $200 million mixed-use development on the 15.5-acre site located near Preston and Belt Line roads. The project will include 868 apartments and at least 35,000 square feet dedicated to retail, office, or other personal service businesses. The Dallas City Council set a maximum building height of 165 feet for the site. Initial proposals called for as many as 2,000 residential units before negotiations with city officials reduced the density.
A recently passed Texas law played a role in resolving the dispute. The law, which takes effect September 1, requires cities with more than 150,000 residents in counties with populations exceeding 300,000 to permit mixed-use residential and multifamily development in areas zoned for office, retail, or industrial use. This legislation is expected to speed up redevelopment efforts at older commercial centers across Texas by allowing higher-density projects on underperforming sites.
Matt Bach, who led opposition efforts through the Save Pepper Square Neighborhood Association, said: “Winning the lawsuit would have been a hollow victory once the law takes effect,” adding that this realization prompted his group to withdraw its case.
Construction on Pepper Square is expected to begin by late next year. The first phase will be a midrise building along Belt Line Road followed by an eight-story structure facing Preston Road. Gregory Miller, president of Henry S. Miller Company, commented that while the new state law could allow nearly 1,900 units on the property, market conditions do not support such high density at this time. As a result, plans for a previously proposed 12-story tower and higher apartment count were abandoned.
