Breaking ground on a community that owes much to the citizens of Flower Mound
On this day that officials are breaking ground at Lakeside DFW, it makes sense to reflect on the ground already broken. Let’s start with breaking the top-down model of development, governed by town officials and/or developers.
Officials with Realty Capital, master developer of Lakeside DFW, began their efforts on the project by meeting with and surveying Flower Mound residents and stakeholders. Over 450 of them completed surveys (in person or on-line).
When an initial concept plan was completed, Flower Mound residents saw it first. Their feedback shaped revisions to the plan and they recommended a Mediterranean architectural theme. Only then was the plan presented to town officials.
Then there is the dream itself.
Flower Mound residents wished to integrate this community with the surrounding environment and its lake views. They wanted trails, shops and restaurants integrated into a community that offered housing options unavailable elsewhere in town. They wanted a community integrated with nearby neighborhoods.
They wanted to create an environment that might spark future employment.
They wanted a place to gather, to be together, to experience community outside in parks, on trails, and in the the streets. All with a Flower Mound flair.
All this integration in the suburbs is, well, revolutionary.
It is safe to say that Flower Mound residents can take most of the credit for breaking ground today and the speed with which this unusual development has taken place.
They dreamed it. They set it in motion. And they will be responsible for its success.
Civic engagement in action. While there is still much work to be done in building a vibrant community in Lakeside, Flower Mound is breaking ground and off to a great start at Lakeside DFW.
Irv Baker says
This property has the potential to be the jewel of Flower Mound and a destination location within the metroplex. There are not many, if any places within the DFW area that offer a lake side setting in one of the most affluential communities in the country. It would be a sad mistake to allow this to be developed as just an average mixed use venue. I agree with Trent that “Mediterranean economy developer” style will be a total missing of the mark. If done correctly, this site has the potential and the opportunity for Flower Mound to claim a destination location where people from Southlake, Grapevine and throughout the metroplex come to rather than the other way around. Can you imagine strolling through quality retail stores and then pulling up to a patio table at restaurant overlooking the lake and watching the sun set? Please, please, please make this something special that stands out and is a cut above the average suburban mixed use development. Let’s not let this jewel become a fake plastic wannabe!
Delinda Richman says
What is going to happen to the old frame house on Surrey and the old trailer park? Are they included in the village?
lakeside says
While the owners and managers of Lakeside DFW cannot speak for the owners of nearby properties, it is possible that activity at Lakeside will spur activity nearby.
Trent says
I agree with Delinda. What is shown in the rendering is what I would call “Developer Italianish Economy style” which is not special to anyone or any place. Being an Architect in Flower Mound, I would like to see something special and creative. Flower Mound has little good Architecture which leaves the palatte wide open for Creativity in Design. We need some creative designers to make something special here. Just my two cents.
Delinda Richman says
I hope the buildings have more of a Mediterrean flair than the animated version. The reason people love Southlake, New Orleans, San Francisco is because it does not have bland, gerneric architecture