Kennedale, a vibrant community in Tarrant County, is poised to welcome a groundbreaking residential development that promises to redefine modern living. Slated for an early 2021 construction start, this novel housing concept, dubbed “Moderno Live, Simply,” is the brainchild of renowned developer Urban Chic Properties. This innovative project is set to introduce 50 thoughtfully designed, modern farm homes, meticulously crafted within a pocket neighborhood framework, aiming to cultivate a strong sense of community and connection to nature.

At its core, Moderno Live, Simply embodies the essence of a pocket neighborhood – a distinct style of residential cluster characterized by a grouping of smaller homes around a shared green space or courtyard. This concept, which first gained prominence in the Pacific Northwest, has steadily made its way to Texas, with successful implementations already seen in dynamic cities like Austin and Houston. Kennedale is now set to become a pioneering location for this increasingly popular and environmentally conscious housing model in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Urban Chic Properties envisions Moderno as more than just a collection of houses; it’s a lifestyle choice. The development is thoughtfully designed to blend the charm of rural living with the conveniences of a modern community. Each of the 50 “modern farm homes” will feature architecture that evokes classic farmhouse aesthetics while incorporating contemporary design elements and efficiencies. Residents will have access to expansive outdoor communal areas, fostering a living environment where neighbors can genuinely interact, collaborate, and enjoy shared experiences reminiscent of traditional farm communities, albeit in a contemporary suburban setting.

Discovering Moderno: Location, Pricing, and Demand

Strategically located on a six-acre parcel of land at 3775 Kennedale-New Hope Road, near the vital U.S. 287 corridor, Moderno Live, Simply offers unparalleled accessibility within Tarrant County. This prime location places residents within easy reach of major urban centers like Mansfield, Arlington, and Fort Worth, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a tranquil retreat without sacrificing city amenities and employment opportunities. The development’s position underscores Kennedale’s growing appeal as a desirable residential hub, offering a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city proximity.

The homes within Moderno will feature efficient and smartly designed floor plans, ranging from 800 to 1,100 square feet. These thoughtfully scaled residences cater to a diverse range of buyers, from first-time homeowners to empty-nesters looking to downsize. One of the most compelling aspects of this development is its accessible price point, with homes starting at an attractive $190,000. This competitive pricing positions Moderno as an exceptional opportunity for new construction in Tarrant County, a market often characterized by escalating home values.

The strong market anticipation for Moderno Live, Simply is already evident. According to Leslie Frazier, CEO of Urban Chic Properties, the interest has been remarkable, with 50 individuals already registered on a presale notification list. This robust initial demand highlights the project’s resonance with potential homeowners who are actively seeking innovative, affordable, and community-centric housing solutions in the region. The swift uptake in reservations signals a clear market appetite for this unique offering.

Urban Chic’s Vision: Bringing Unique Concepts to Kennedale

“We genuinely believe we’ve brought something truly unique and much-needed to Kennedale,” states Leslie Frazier, reflecting on the journey to establish Moderno. “Our team had been diligently searching for the perfect location to manifest this specific vision for quite some time, seeking a parcel that could truly complement the pocket neighborhood concept. When this particular piece of land presented itself, it was clear that we had found our ideal canvas.”

Frazier emphasizes Urban Chic Properties’ deep appreciation for Kennedale itself. “We are genuinely fond of Kennedale, not just for its inherent charm and community spirit, but also for its strategic, central location. Its proximity to dynamic cities like Mansfield, Arlington, and Fort Worth offers residents the best of both worlds: a peaceful home environment coupled with convenient access to major employment hubs, entertainment, and essential services. This balance is precisely what Moderno Live, Simply aims to provide.” The developer’s commitment to finding the right location underlines their dedication to the success and sustainability of the community they are building.

A Collaborative Success: Kennedale City Council’s Unanimous Approval

The journey to realize Moderno Live, Simply was met with enthusiastic support from local authorities. Urban Chic Properties presented their meticulously developed concept to Kennedale city planners, who swiftly recognized its potential to enhance the community. This initial positive reception quickly translated into a unanimous approval from the Kennedale City Council during its Sept. 15 meeting. Such rapid and unified endorsement from municipal leadership is a strong testament to the project’s perceived value and alignment with Kennedale’s strategic growth objectives.

Leslie Frazier notes that this expedited approval process was instrumental in accelerating Urban Chic Properties’ development timeline. “The prompt and unanimous decision by the City Council was incredibly encouraging,” Frazier comments. “It underscored Kennedale’s progressive stance on innovative housing and allowed us to move forward with our plans much more efficiently than anticipated.” This collaborative spirit between the developer and the city exemplifies a shared vision for Kennedale’s future.

Melissa Dailey, Kennedale’s economic development and planning director, played a pivotal role in championing the Moderno concept. Drawing on her extensive background in urban-style development, Dailey immediately grasped the profound value this unique housing model could bring to the community. She highlights its particular appeal to specific demographic segments, stating, “This concept holds immense potential, especially for both Boomers seeking to downsize into a more manageable, community-oriented lifestyle, and Millennials looking for affordable, modern, and connected living spaces without the burdens of traditional large-scale homeownership.”

Dailey further elaborates on the project’s distinctive blend: “While Moderno isn’t a purely urban development, it brilliantly combines desirable urban characteristics such as walkability and strong community connectivity with the tranquil charm of a rural setting. From my first encounter with the proposal, I recognized its significant benefits for Kennedale. We had this ideal, rural stretch of land available, perfectly suited for integrating a linear park at its core, which is crucial for the community-focused design of Moderno.” This thoughtful integration of natural spaces with residential living underscores the project’s holistic approach to development.

Crafting Community: Architectural Design and Premium Amenities

The “modern farm-house style” architecture of Moderno Live, Simply is a cornerstone of its charm and appeal. These homes are not merely houses but an integral part of a larger, cohesive community design. They are thoughtfully grouped around central courtyards or common gardens, designed to be inviting hubs for social interaction and leisurely activities. This layout encourages spontaneous neighborly connections, echoing the friendly, communal spirit found in traditional neighborhoods.

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, Moderno homes are complemented by a suite of premium amenities designed to enhance residents’ quality of life and foster a vibrant community atmosphere. These include a dedicated dog park, providing a safe and engaging space for pets and their owners, and a cozy fire pit area, perfect for evening gatherings, storytelling, and building camaraderie. Each home further extends its living space outdoors with private front porches, ideal for enjoying a morning coffee or greeting neighbors, and secluded back patios, offering a personal oasis for relaxation and outdoor dining.

Inside, the homes boast a contemporary and sophisticated finish. Residents will appreciate the durability and elegance of wood-like tile flooring meticulously installed throughout each residence, providing a seamless and easy-to-maintain surface. The kitchens, often considered the heart of the home, are outfitted with custom shaker cabinets, known for their timeless appeal and ample storage. These interior design choices reflect a commitment to quality, functionality, and modern aesthetic, ensuring that each Moderno home is both beautiful and practical for everyday living.

Urban Chic Properties: A Legacy of Thoughtful Development in Tarrant County

Urban Chic Properties is not new to innovative development in the Tarrant County area. Their portfolio demonstrates a consistent commitment to crafting unique and high-quality residential spaces that meet diverse market needs. In Arlington, the firm is actively constructing residential homes on Center Street and has successfully completed elegant townhomes on Pecan Street, showcasing their versatility in urban and suburban environments. Their presence in Kennedale is equally robust and growing.

In addition to Moderno Live, Simply, Urban Chic is also making significant contributions to Kennedale’s housing landscape with other exciting projects. These include the development of charming craftsman homes on Pennsylvania Avenue, which blend classic architectural styles with modern comforts. Furthermore, another single-family development at 708 Mansfield Cardinal in Kennedale is on track to open its doors in November, further solidifying Urban Chic Properties’ reputation as a dynamic and reliable developer dedicated to enriching communities throughout the region.

The Affordability Advantage: Filling a Critical Market Niche

A major differentiating factor and a significant positive for Moderno Live, Simply is its remarkable price point. In a market where housing costs are continually rising, Urban Chic Properties is committed to providing accessible homeownership opportunities. Leslie Frazier highlights this commitment, noting, “The affordability of these homes is a cornerstone of the Moderno vision. In Tarrant County, for instance, the median home price in 2019 stood at $218,236, according to data from the National Association of Realtors. Our starting price of $190,000 positions Moderno as an incredibly attractive option, especially for new construction.”

Frazier further explains the challenges and the unique position Moderno occupies within the real estate landscape. “Delivering new construction at this specific price point is inherently challenging in today’s market, often due to escalating land, material, and labor costs,” she asserts. “This has created a significant niche where opportunities for buyers are surprisingly scarce. Many individuals are left choosing between costly new builds or older homes that come with their own set of potential headaches, such as concerns about aging infrastructure, plumbing issues, and ongoing maintenance.”

Moderno Live, Simply effectively addresses this market gap by offering brand-new homes that combine contemporary design, community amenities, and the peace of mind that comes with new construction—all at an attainable price. This approach not only provides exceptional value but also eliminates the common worries associated with purchasing older properties, such as unexpected repair costs and outdated systems. Residents can enjoy the benefits of modern building codes, energy efficiency, and manufacturer warranties, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free living experience from day one.

Melissa Dailey of Kennedale underscores the city’s proactive and welcoming stance towards diverse housing options. “Kennedale actively embraces a variety of housing styles, recognizing the importance of catering to the evolving needs of our residents,” she states. “Moderno Live, Simply is precisely the kind of product we needed to satisfy a segment of the market that was previously underserved. It’s a development that perfectly aligns with our vision for a progressive and inclusive community, offering innovative choices for those seeking a unique blend of affordability, quality, and community engagement.”