The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has long been celebrated for its dynamic growth, with vibrant residential and commercial developments flourishing across its northern and eastern frontiers. However, for years, a significant area brimming with untapped potential – Southern Dallas – has remained largely underserved by large-scale, transformative projects. This narrative is now poised for a dramatic shift with the unveiling of University Hills, an ambitious development promising to catalyze unprecedented revitalization.
Positioned strategically near the critical intersection of Interstate 20 and Lancaster Road, this expansive 270-acre property is set to become a beacon of progress. University Hills, a brainchild of Dallas-based real estate powerhouse Hoque Global, will introduce hundreds of new homes and a vibrant community hub, marking a pivotal moment for Southern Dallas.
At the heart of the University Hills master plan lies a thoughtfully designed town center, envisioned as the communal and commercial nucleus of the development. This central core will feature a harmonious blend of modern commercial buildings, diverse retail options, and inviting green spaces, fostering an environment where residents can live, work, and thrive. More than just a collection of buildings, University Hills is conceptualized as the first large-scale, truly mixed-use community of its kind in Southern Dallas, designed to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that caters to every aspect of contemporary living.
“A large-scale, mixed-use, multi-phase development in this location will re-write perceptions of investing in and moving to Southern Dallas, ushering in a new era of opportunity and growth.”
Mike Hoque, CEO of Hoque Global
Mike Hoque, the esteemed CEO of Hoque Global, articulates the profound impact of this endeavor: “We sincerely hope University Hills will pave the way, becoming the vanguard of numerous community-driven and neighborhood-building developments. Our aim is to bring much-needed quality jobs and diverse housing options, essential for the area’s sustainable growth and prosperity.” His statement underscores a deep commitment not just to development, but to fostering genuine community enhancement.
Hoque Global’s Vision for Urban Revitalization
The University Hills project perfectly encapsulates Mike Hoque’s overarching philosophy and vision, as detailed on his firm’s website. Hoque Global is renowned for its ability to identify and seize opportunities in locations that others might perceive as challenging or overlooked. This approach has consistently led Hoque’s companies to create vibrant urban environments, transforming underdeveloped areas into thriving communities. His profile highlights a strategic acumen for navigating complex urban landscapes and delivering projects that not only meet market demand but also significantly contribute to local economic and social well-being.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Mike Hoque is an influential figure in the broader Dallas community, serving on the board of Downtown Dallas Inc. His contributions to urban development and hospitality have been widely recognized, including honors from the prestigious National Restaurant Association. In 2019, Hoque’s innovative approach to real estate and his insightful development plans were featured on KERA’s CEO Spotlight, providing a deeper look into the strategic thinking that drives Hoque Global’s transformative projects.
A Strategic Location and Collaborative Effort
The site of University Hills holds immense strategic value, benefiting from its immediate proximity to the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) campus. This symbiotic relationship promises to create a dynamic academic-urban interface, offering convenient housing and amenities for students, faculty, and university staff, while also leveraging the intellectual capital of the institution. Hoque Global has diligently collaborated with the City of Dallas and a multitude of community stakeholders to ensure that University Hills is a project truly aligned with the needs and aspirations of Southern Dallas residents.
The journey to this groundbreaking development has seen its share of twists. Farmers Branch-based Centurion American previously owned the property, which is conveniently situated just south of DART’s vital blue rail line. Centurion acquired the site in 2016 and had initially proposed its own plans for a mixed-use development in 2017. However, those earlier plans did not come to fruition, leaving the door open for Hoque Global’s current vision to take hold and push forward.
Securing Investment for Phase One
The financial backing for such an expansive project is crucial. Just recently, the Dallas City Council’s economic development committee meticulously reviewed a proposal seeking up to $31.4 million in tax increment financing (TIF) for the inaugural phase of University Hills. This significant public-private partnership demonstrates the city’s commitment to fostering growth in Southern Dallas. While the proposal has yet to receive final approval from the full council, its progress through the committee signals strong municipal support for Hoque Global’s transformative plans. | 📝Read the full proposal details here.
A cornerstone of the proposed city funding involves a commitment to inclusive growth. Any approved city funding will necessitate that a certain percentage of the residential units within University Hills be reserved as affordable housing, specifically designated for residents at various income levels. Furthermore, the development will actively encourage homebuyers to participate in a new, comprehensive homebuyer assistance program, designed to make homeownership more accessible and sustainable for a broader segment of the community. This dual focus on affordability and support ensures that the growth brought by University Hills benefits all citizens.
Balancing Regional Growth and Addressing Demand
For many years, the narrative of growth in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has been predominantly shaped by the rapid expansion of suburbs ringing Dallas to the north and east. Simultaneously, Fort Worth has experienced robust development across its northern, southern, and western flanks, with Arlington also seeing significant growth on both its northern and southern borders. This concentrated growth has inadvertently highlighted the comparative lack of large-scale development in Southern Dallas, despite its strategic location and potential.
University Hills is strategically positioned to bridge this developmental gap, offering a concentrated hub of residential, commercial, and green spaces. The location is further bolstered by its proximity to key educational institutions. UNT Dallas is situated just north on University Hills Boulevard, easily accessible from I-20. Additionally, Dallas College’s Cedar Valley campus and Lancaster High School lie to the south of the development, creating an educational corridor that can benefit from and contribute to the vibrancy of University Hills.
In an official release, Hoque Global emphasized that extensive market research has revealed a robust and pressing demand for quality office space, cutting-edge life science facilities, and flexible commercial buildings within the southern sector of Dallas. This demand comes not only from companies seeking to establish their primary operations in the area but also from their vital network of suppliers, customers, and strategic partners, all looking to capitalize on the region’s growing potential and strategic connectivity.
Dr. Bob Mong, President of UNT Dallas, echoed this sentiment in a supportive statement, underscoring the critical need for developments like University Hills. “The area is in desperate need of projects that generate jobs, provide excellent housing options, and introduce high-quality retail experiences,” Dr. Mong stated. He further emphasized the university’s enthusiasm, noting, “With exceptional rail and bus service connecting our community, UNT Dallas warmly welcomes visionary developers who possess the foresight and capability to attract transit-oriented development to our vicinity. We remain profoundly hopeful and optimistic about the transformative potential of this project.”
A Vision for the Future: Full Build-Out and Phase One Details
The complete realization of University Hills promises to be a monumental transformation for Southern Dallas. Upon full build-out, the expansive development is projected to feature an impressive array of hundreds of single-family homes, offering diverse living options for families and individuals. Complementing these will be 1,500 residences within modern multifamily communities, catering to a broad spectrum of housing needs. The commercial footprint will be substantial, encompassing 1.5 million square feet of dynamic commercial space, designed to attract businesses, foster innovation, and create thousands of local jobs. Crucially, the plan also dedicates over 50 acres to open green spaces, parks, and recreational areas, ensuring a high quality of life and promoting community interaction.
The initial phase of University Hills is set to lay a strong foundation for this grand vision. Phase one alone will introduce more than 500 single-family homes, addressing immediate housing demand. Additionally, 250 multifamily units will be developed, further diversifying the residential offerings. On the commercial front, nearly 200,000 square feet of commercial space will be delivered, including modern office environments and vibrant retail establishments, all designed to activate the area and provide essential services and amenities to the burgeoning community. This carefully planned first phase is poised to ignite the revitalization of Southern Dallas, setting a precedent for future growth and opportunity.