The long-standing legal dispute over the redevelopment of Pepper Square in Far North Dallas has concluded after the Save Pepper Square Neighborhood Association dropped its lawsuit against both the City of Dallas and developer Henry S. Miller Company, according to a report from the Dallas Morning News.
With litigation now ended, Henry S. Miller Company plans to move forward with a $200 million mixed-use development on the 15.5-acre property at Preston and Belt Line roads. The project is slated to include 868 apartments and at least 35,000 square feet reserved for retail, office, or personal service businesses. The maximum building height will be capped at 165 feet as determined by the Dallas City Council. Earlier proposals sought up to 2,000 residential units but were reduced during negotiations with city officials.
A recently enacted Texas law played a significant role in resolving the dispute and may have broader implications for similar developments statewide. Set to take effect on September 1, this legislation mandates that cities with more than 150,000 residents located in counties with populations exceeding 300,000 must permit mixed-use residential and multifamily projects in areas zoned for office, retail, or industrial use. This change is expected to accelerate redevelopment efforts for aging commercial centers across Texas by allowing higher-density housing on such sites.
Matt Bach, leader of the neighborhood association that opposed the project, commented on their decision: “Winning would have been a hollow victory once the law takes effect,” he said.
Construction is expected to begin by late next year with an initial midrise structure along Belt Line Road followed by an eight-story building facing Preston Road. Gregory Miller, president of Henry S. Miller Company, noted that while new regulations could theoretically allow nearly 1,900 units on site, current market conditions do not support that level of density. As a result, earlier plans for a larger tower and additional apartments were scaled back.
