Dallas, a city experiencing rapid growth and a pressing need for diverse housing solutions, is witnessing significant progress on a pivotal mixed-income apartment complex along Garland Road. After much anticipation and careful planning, officials with the Dallas Public Facility Corporation (DPFC) recently announced the successful closure on the property, marking a crucial step forward for ‘The Hayden’ development. This milestone signals the imminent realization of a project designed to provide both affordable and market-rate housing options to the vibrant communities of East Dallas.
The news, shared by Keith Pomykal, president of the Dallas PFC in an email to board members on October 27, underscores the corporation’s commitment to expanding housing accessibility across the city. Pomykal’s announcement highlighted the strategic importance of this development, not just for the Garland Road corridor but for the broader Dallas community.
“This afternoon the DPFC closed on ‘The Hayden,’” Pomykal confirmed in his email. “This pivotal development, formerly known as the Standard Shoreline project by Ojala Partners at 10715 Garland Avenue, is set to significantly enhance the DPFC’s portfolio. It will introduce 153 much-needed units earmarked for residents earning 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), alongside 147 market-rate units, all for the benefit of the citizens of our great city. Our sincere thanks go to the dedicated city staff for their tireless efforts and hard work on this transformative project.” This sentiment reflects the collaborative spirit that has driven ‘The Hayden’ from concept to its current advanced stage.
The successful closing comes after a period of diligent preparation, as developers awaited essential permits from the City of Dallas. Matthew Vruggink, a partner with Ojala Partners, had previously indicated in September that these permits were the final hurdle before construction could commence. The proactive engagement between Ojala Partners and the city’s regulatory bodies ensured that all necessary approvals were meticulously secured, paving the way for the project’s progression.
While the momentum for ‘The Hayden’ is building, its presence was not on the agenda for the subsequent PFC Board meeting, which was scheduled for noon on Tuesday, November 7. This indicates that the initial administrative steps, including the property closure, were sufficiently robust to proceed independently, allowing the board to focus on other city initiatives. The project’s journey, however, has been a topic of continuous discussion and public interest, as detailed in various local reports:
The Hayden: A Vision for Inclusive Urban Living in East Dallas
‘The Hayden,’ previously conceptualized as the Standard Shoreline project, represents a groundbreaking endeavor within Dallas’s housing landscape. It stands as one of the inaugural mixed-income projects to receive approval under the innovative Public Facility Corporation (PFC) structure, a model increasingly vital for addressing the city’s housing challenges. This strategic framework allows for the creation of new housing developments that integrate both affordable and market-rate units, fostering diverse and inclusive communities.
Understanding the DPFC Model and Its Impact
The Dallas Public Facility Corporation (DPFC) operates as a critical mechanism for stimulating housing development that serves a broader segment of the population. Under this model, the DPFC acquires land, often from entities like the former property owner, Shoreline City Church. Subsequently, this land is leased to developers, such as Ojala Partners, on a long-term, tax-exempt basis—in the case of ‘The Hayden,’ for an impressive 75 years. This tax exemption is not merely a financial incentive; it’s a strategic tool designed to reduce development costs, making it economically feasible for developers to incorporate affordable housing units into their projects.
In exchange for these significant tax benefits, developers commit to a fundamental principle of the PFC model: dedicating a substantial portion of their units to residents earning below a specified threshold, typically 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). For ‘The Hayden,’ this translates into 153 units made accessible to individuals and families who might otherwise struggle to find quality housing in Dallas’s competitive market. The remaining 147 units are offered at market rates, ensuring a balanced community and financial viability for the developer. This innovative approach helps to bridge the gap in housing affordability, providing a pathway to stable and quality living for essential workers, young professionals, and families across the income spectrum.
Architectural Vision and Community Integration
Ojala Partners’ vision for ‘The Hayden’ extends beyond just unit numbers; it encompasses a thoughtfully designed, 300-unit, four-story apartment complex that promises to be a vibrant addition to Garland Road. The development will feature a mix of living spaces, including contemporary apartment units and distinctive townhomes, catering to varied resident preferences. A key element of the design is the inclusion of an inviting art park, which will serve as a communal gathering space, fostering interaction and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood. Crucially, the plans incorporate strategic buffering measures, meticulously designed to protect the privacy and preserve the character of the surrounding residential areas. With a planned height of 60 feet, the structure is designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing urban fabric while providing a modern architectural presence.
Addressing Community Concerns: A Model of Collaborative Planning
The path to approval for ‘The Hayden’ was not without its challenges, reflecting the inherent complexities of urban development and community growth. Late last year, residents within East Dallas’s active Lochwood Neighborhood Association voiced significant concerns. These included apprehensions regarding the long-term tax exemption, the proposed building height, and the potential for increased traffic congestion along already busy thoroughfares. Their input underscored a broader conversation about responsible development and community impact.
A central point of contention raised by the neighborhood association was the project’s perceived failure to provide much-needed “missing-middle housing.” This vital category of housing refers to a range of multi-family structures that are compatible in scale and form with single-family homes, often appealing to middle-income earners who may not qualify for low-income assistance but also struggle with soaring market rents. While acknowledging the city’s imperative for affordable housing, residents emphasized the importance of diverse housing types that cater to a broader range of income levels and blend harmoniously with existing neighborhoods.
In response to these invaluable community insights, Ojala Partners demonstrated commendable flexibility and a commitment to collaborative planning. The developers actively engaged with residents, carefully listening to their feedback, and subsequently made significant revisions to their initial plans. These adjustments addressed specific concerns, demonstrating a willingness to adapt the project to better serve both the needs of future residents and the existing community. This iterative process of dialogue and modification proved instrumental in building trust and achieving a consensus.
The revised proposal, reflecting these community-driven changes, garnered unanimous approval from both the City Plan Commission and, subsequently, the Dallas City Council. This unified endorsement speaks volumes about the project’s refined design and its alignment with Dallas’s broader housing and urban development goals. It serves as a powerful example of how constructive engagement between developers, neighborhood associations, and city officials can lead to successful outcomes that benefit all stakeholders.
Looking Ahead: Groundbreaking and the Future of Garland Road
With all necessary approvals secured and the property closing finalized, anticipation is high for the next phase of ‘The Hayden.’ Ojala Partners is expected to break ground on this exciting new development in early 2024, ushering in a period of construction that will transform the 10715 Garland Road site into a thriving mixed-income community. The commencement of construction will not only bring significant job creation but also signal a tangible step forward in alleviating Dallas’s housing crunch.
Upon completion, ‘The Hayden’ is poised to make a substantial positive impact on the Garland Road corridor and the wider East Dallas area. It will provide modern, high-quality housing options for hundreds of residents, fostering a more diverse and vibrant community. Furthermore, the project serves as a precedent for future mixed-income developments in Dallas, showcasing the effectiveness of the Public Facility Corporation model in delivering much-needed housing solutions. As the city continues its trajectory of growth, projects like ‘The Hayden’ are instrumental in ensuring that Dallas remains an inclusive and accessible place for all its citizens, balancing progress with community values and sustainable urban development.