On February 14, 2011, the Richardson City Council approved two requests that rezoned approximately 140 acres of land surrounding the Bush Turnpike rail transit station to a Planned Development District under a Form-Based Code for the future development of mixed-use projects. Generally, the uses include commercial-retail, arts/entertainment/recreational, educational/health care/institutional, and residential (multi-family and attached single-family). The regulations build on the foundation established in the Urban Land Institute Panel Study and the Economics Research Associates Market Analysis, both completed in early 2002.
Bringing the properties under Form-Based Codes permits future developments to have design features similar to those seen in newer, high-end, mixed-use projects. Form-Based Codes produce predictable physical results through their concentration on the visual aspect of development, including building heights, façade treatments and the relationship of the building to the street to encourage a compact, pedestrian-friendly environment.
Geographic Boundary of the Properties
The rezoning request encompassed three areas:
- Caruth Properties West—Vacant land west of Central Expressway, between W. Renner Road and the President George Bush Turnpike.
- Caruth Properties East—Undeveloped property east of Central Expressway, between W. Renner Road and the President George Bush Turnpike, and west of the DART light rail corridor.
- Bush Central Station—Vacant property, east of the DART light rail corridor, between W. Renner Road and the President George Bush Turnpike, and east of N. Plano Road.
Adopted Development Codes
The approved requests are governed by two ordinances—one for the two Caruth properties and the other for the Bush Central Station property.
Future Development
To date, no construction timelines or development plans have been submitted to the City for these properties; however, the applicants have publicly stated that they anticipate development to occur over the next 30 years.