Friday, Mar. 07, 2008
Council Hears Plans for Upscale Development
Carillon Adds Density, Replaces Aventerra: 459 Homes, Performing Arts Center, Retail
Last week, Southlake officials got their first look at Carillon, a European-style live, work and play development proposed between Carroll Avenue and White Chapel Boulevard, north of Texas 114. The proposed development was previously called Aventerra.
Hines, an international developer with projects all over the world, is applying for an Economic Center zoning change for the tract.
Hines has the financing to start the project now and expects the retail, residential and office components to begin opening in the second half of 2009, according to Jeff Kennemer, Hines senior project manager.
“All we need to do is get the OK from the city,” Kennemer said.
Hines expects to bring the project before the City Council this summer.
The pinnacle of the commercial area, known as the Plaza District, will be a performing arts center accentuated by a fountain in front. Hines is considering donating the land to the Apex Arts League, a local group consisting of professionals, artists and musicians who are raising money privately to build the performing arts center.
Apex Chairwoman Terri Messing said the group is hosting events to raise money for a feasibility study to determine what the needs are and how much the facility will cost.
“We see the facility as a regional facility,” Messing said. “It will be utilized by the northeast Tarrant County region.”
Apex is partnering with Fort Worth’s Casa Manana so the Southlake theater could act as a satellite location.
Carillon consists of 459 residential units with four housing types offered. The residential density will be two units per acre including parkland, with an overall density of 1.6 units per acre. Cost per unit will range between $600,000 an $1.8 million.
The development would have 70 acres of parks and open space, or 25 percent of the total acreage. The different areas would be joined by interconnecting trails including parkland, lakes and a nature preserve.
The retail section would have pedestrian-only walkways, encouraging people to walk on foot as they shop.
“When you stroll through the retail district we want you to feel like you’re in a quaint European village,” Kennemer said.
The project was renamed because Hines wanted a new start with the name, Kennemer said.
Les Carillons are little bells that toll together to create “perfect harmony,” and were well-known in medieval Europe. The name describes how Hines wants the project’s various components to fit.
The residential area is divided into two districts: the Village District and the Chateau District.
The Village District would have 95 maisons, attached houses averaging 3,200 square feet, and 131 villas, detached housing with zero lot lines and an average size of 3,450 square feet.
Kennemer said he expects the maisons and villas to attract empty nesters and young professionals who don’t want the upkeep of a big house. Many Southlake residents want to keep living in Southlake, but no longer need a 7,000-square-foot house with a yard, he said.
“We think our biggest buyers are going to be people in Southlake,” Kennemer said.
Though they are attached housing, each maison would have its own architecture.
The Chateau District would have 173 chateaux, ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 square feet and estates ranging from 4,000 to 6,500 square feet.
Mayor Andy Wambsganss said the estate lots are smaller than what was proposed in the original Aventerra development. He said he wants bigger lots facing the southern lake.
“It’s not as appealing to us as what was previously discussed,” Wambsganss said.
Kennemer said they are considering enlarging the lots along the park.
Kirkwood Boulevard would also be extended through the property to divide the Chateau District from the Village District.
Negotiations are also ongoing with a major hotel developer with plans to build a seven-story, 160-suite Hilton Embassy Suites.
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