Centre Living Homes: A New Era of Urban Living in Dallas with Caddo + Munger
Dallas is currently experiencing an unprecedented building boom, a surge in development reminiscent of the vibrant 1980s. Amidst this exciting transformation, one name stands out for its innovative approach and remarkable projects: Centre Living Homes. As a long-time resident of East Dallas, I’ve keenly observed their progress, particularly with the highly anticipated Caddo + Munger development. It’s with great enthusiasm that I introduce this exceptional project as our featured Inwood Home of the Week. This isn’t just about new buildings; it’s about thoughtfully designed communities shaping the future of Dallas living.
Discovering Centre Living Homes: Pioneers in Dallas Development
Before delving into the specifics of the Caddo + Munger development, let’s explore what makes Centre Living Homes a pivotal player in the Dallas real estate landscape. With 16 projects currently under development or construction, Centre Living Homes is rapidly expanding its footprint across some of Dallas’s most desirable and vibrant neighborhoods. Their primary focus areas—East Dallas, Bishop Arts, and The Cedars—are all known for their dynamic energy, cultural richness, and growing appeal to diverse demographics. These are not just locations; they are communities where people want to live, work, and play.
The Visionary Behind the Homes: Trevor Brickman
My conversation with Trevor Brickman, President and CEO of Centre Living Homes, left an indelible impression. It quickly became clear that his passion for the business runs deep, rooted in a lifetime of exposure to the industry. Brickman quite literally grew up in the business, a legacy inherited from his father, who serves as the CEO of Green Brick Partners. Green Brick Partners, Inc. is a publicly traded, diversified homebuilding and land development company, listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol “GRBK.” Their mission, as articulated on their website, is compelling:
Green Brick Partners, Inc. is a diversified homebuilding and land development company that acquires and develops land, provides land and construction financing to its controlled builders, and participates in the profits of its controlled builders. Green Brick provides expertise and capital to build neighborhoods with timeless, classic architecture interwoven with the latest technological advancements, and in turn provides a superior long-term return for its investors, residents, and cities it builds in.
This lineage means that for Trevor, dinner table conversations often revolved around the intricate details of cost-effective building strategies and thoughtful community planning, rather than mere pop culture. This informal yet powerful education, learning through “osmosis” within a family deeply embedded in the construction world, honed his understanding and appreciation for the industry from an early age. His career path was clear and direct, leading him through construction management and real estate finance, solidifying his inherent love for the business.
“I like that every day is different,” Brickman shared. “You see progress each day, and you deal with the largest range of people. It’s the ultimate business because you are involved in everything, from architecture and engineering to marketing and sales. It’s a dynamic environment that constantly challenges and rewards.”
Caddo + Munger: A Community Reimagined in East Dallas
The Centre Living Homes Caddo + Munger development is strategically located at the intersection of its namesake streets, offering residents a truly exceptional urban living experience. This wonderful, walkable community is nestled between the charming Belmont Park and Bryan Place, just east of North Central Expressway. Its prime position provides effortless access to the vibrant culinary scenes, upscale shopping, and entertainment districts of Uptown, Deep Ellum, and the emerging East Village. This isn’t just a place to live; it’s a gateway to the best of Dallas.
The “Barbell Buyer Base”: Catering to Diverse Lifestyles
You might initially assume that the appeal of such an urban development is limited to young, thirty-something professionals. While you’d be partially correct, Brickman reveals a more nuanced demographic, what he calls the “barbell buyer base.” One end of the barbell indeed represents the upwardly mobile professionals seeking convenience, community, and a vibrant lifestyle close to work and entertainment. However, the other, equally significant segment comprises individuals downsizing from larger suburban homes. These empty nesters are seeking liberation from the constant demands of maintaining extensive properties once their children have grown and moved on.
“Instead of paying a lot for air conditioning a large home and watering a big lawn, they want to use that extra money to eat out, drink good wine, travel, and have fun,” Brickman explained. “They want the lock-and-leave lifestyle.” This desire for freedom, flexibility, and a focus on experiences over chores defines a significant portion of the Caddo + Munger buyer. They are trading expansive yards for expansive views, and costly maintenance for a life of leisure and urban adventure.
Crafting Distinctive Architecture and Unbeatable Value
Several elements coalesce to make Centre Living’s Caddo + Munger development truly exceptional. The architectural design draws inspiration from the historic Munger Baptist Church, a cherished landmark located right next door. This commitment to contextual design is evident in the use of dark red brick, a material synonymous with many of Dallas’s most iconic historic buildings, lending a timeless elegance to the modern townhomes.
“We try to tailor our architecture to the immediate neighborhood,” Brickman affirmed. “We don’t cut and paste the same template all over Dallas. We tailor our architecture to the site plan, not the other way around. This ensures each development has its own unique character, respecting and enhancing the existing urban fabric.”
Beyond thoughtful design, Brickman and his team deliver an unparalleled quality product at an extraordinary price point. Prepare to be impressed: pricing at Centre Living’s Caddo + Munger development starts at an astonishing $395,000. For this, buyers receive all-brick construction, durable and aesthetically pleasing, coupled with panoramic views of the Dallas skyline from private rooftop decks. While the exterior exudes old-school charm, the interiors are decidedly new school, featuring elegant white oak floors and contemporary, high-quality finishes that meet the demands of modern living.
The Secret to Affordability: The Green Brick Advantage
The Dallas housing market is booming, yes, but much of the new construction tends to be at the ultra-luxury end. This begs the question: how does Centre Living Homes manage to offer 100 percent brick townhomes with exquisite finishes and a prime central location, starting at just $395,000?
The answer lies in Trevor Brickman’s deep-seated expertise and the strategic advantages gained from his upbringing in the business. “We have tight systems in place,” Brickman revealed. “We maintain rigorous quality control, because that piece is incredibly important to us. However, we are able to secure significant savings on the purchasing side.” This is where the synergy with Green Brick Partners truly shines. Their relationship with Green Brick and other building partners allows them to pool resources for essential commodity goods such as lumber, windows, and doors. This national-scale bulk purchasing power translates into substantial cost savings that are then passed on to the buyer.
“We effectively harness the pros of large national homebuilders, yet we retain the agility and personalized approach of a small, family-run company,” Brickman elaborated. “We manage almost everything in-house, with the exception of architecture, ensuring seamless execution and quality. And we are fortunate to collaborate with an incredibly experienced team of professionals.” This unique hybrid model allows Centre Living Homes to deliver unparalleled value without compromising on quality or design integrity, setting them apart in a competitive market.
A Timeless Look that Holds Value
“This development offers some of the lowest-priced townhomes in Dallas, featuring an all-brick exterior and a desirable roof deck,” Brickman emphasized. “The classic, old-school looking brick sets it apart as something traditional, yet executed with a fresh, modern approach. This blend appeals to a wide spectrum of buyers, and we firmly believe it represents a timeless look that will not only be cherished but will also consistently hold its value in the Dallas real estate market for years to come.”
Trevor, we couldn’t agree more. Your vision and execution are truly exceptional.
Secure Your Urban Sanctuary in Dallas
The demand for these thoughtfully designed, centrally located, and remarkably priced townhomes is exceptionally high. If you are considering experiencing the unparalleled lifestyle offered by Centre Living Homes’ Caddo + Munger development, we urge you to act swiftly. For an exclusive tour of the remaining townhomes, please contact Kenley LeBlanc today. Given their incredible value and desirable location, these homes are not expected to last long!
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager and writer for over 25 years. Karen teaches the popular Staging to Sell class and is the creator of the online course, The Beginners Guide to Buying Wholesale. Her love of dogs, international travel, history, white paint, champagne, artificial turf, and Tudor and Midcentury Modern homes knows no bounds. Her father was a spy, so she keeps secrets very well! Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com