Richardson, one of Dallas' first suburbs, grew up after World War II as a suburban haven for young families.
Now the aging city is on the cusp of another growth spurt that could give it a more urban personality.
At least four pedestrian-oriented urban village developments are being planned along North Central Expressway that represent a new housing trend targeting empty nesters and young singles.
"We're looking for new housing opportunities for people, to expand our office space and recruit new retail," said Michael Wanchick, assistant city manger for development services.
Richard Howe is the latest developer to target the city where he has his eyes set on a 40-acre tract on the west side of Central Expressway north of Campbell Road.
The site is vacant except for a tree-lined walkway around a series of streams, ponds and waterfalls where workers from the nearby Palisades Central office towers walk during their lunch hours.
Mr. Howe envisions this waterscape as the centerpiece for Palisades Villages, a town center that could accommodate as much as 137,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 160,000 square feet of offices and a 120-room hotel.
The proposed development would also feature 128 townhomes, selling for $300,000 to $400,000, and 400 condominiums that will range in price from $200,000 to $300,000.
"The only thing I could compare it to is the River Walk in San Antonio," Mr. Howe said this week when he presented his plan to the Richardson Plan Commission.
Near the city's southern border, Winston Capital is planning a mixed-use project adjacent to the Spring Valley Dallas Area Rapid Transit station called Centennial Park.
Richard Barge, a principal with the investment firm, did not return phone calls.
But the project is described in North Central Texas Council of Governments documents as a "master planned, mixed-use development" that will eventually encompass more than 30 acres and include more than 800 residential units, 48,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and office space.
If approved by city officials, Centennial Park and Palisades Villages would join two other urban centers announced in recent months.
Eastside is a $90 million town center project on the southeast corner of Campbell Road and Central Expressway. Legacy Partners Residential Inc. is developing a $34 million apartment complex adjacent to the Galatyn Park light-rail station. Both projects are expected to break ground this summer.
While urban-style centers seem to be the rage, not all Richardson residents are thrilled with the prospect of having large developments near their homes.
Homeowners from the Canyon Creek neighborhood filled the Richardson City Council chambers Tuesday when the Plan Commission held a public hearing on the Palisades Villages proposal.
They voiced concerns about traffic, density and the quality of the project.
"This is across from my back yard," said Rebhi Awad, who told the commission that he moved to Canyon Creek because it was a quiet neighborhood.
He said that 528 townhouses and condominiums could bring as many as 1,000 new residents and change the residential character of the area.
"This development is too congested," Mr. Awad said.
The zoning case was tabled for two weeks to await results of a traffic study and to address concerns of residents.
The new mixed-use developments, which are often built along transit routes, are seen as a way to minimize traffic congestion and improve air quality, he said.
That's why two of Richardson's four urban center projects have recently been recommended for grants from the council of governments.
Centennial Park is on target to receive $1.1 million. Eastside, which will be within walking distance to two DART light-rail stations, would receive $1.5 million.
The grants are designed for pedestrian amenities such as hike and bike trails, lighting, crosswalks and intersection improvements, said Lara Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the council.
That group has also recommended that the city of Richardson receive $2.8 million for construction of the western ramp of the Galatyn overpass and $2 million for a pedestrian bridge over Campbell Road near the Eastside project. The city will have to provide 20 percent of the funding for these projects.
