With construction on Greystar’s Phase II scheduled to begin in the spring, the live oak and bald cypress trees that once lined Lakeside Parkway between the northern and central roundabouts have been moved.
They are being preserved on an impromptu tree farm south of the central roundabout where they will continue to grow as they await their permanent positions once construction is complete.
The drill mirrors the sequence that took place during the first phase of construction at Lakeside.
“In 2013, we preserved all the trees between FM 2499 and the northern roundabout,” said Jimmy Archie, managing partner of Realty Capital, master developers of Lakeside DFW. “It worked out well and we are committed to the process.”
The original tree farm, located on the site of the Moviehouse & Eatery, provided mature specimens for Lakeside Parkway, the northern roundabout, Lakewood Park, Town Square Park, other pocket parks, and many segments of the Lakeside Trail.
“Lakeside offers buyers and residents many intangibles,” said Henry Morales, who has been selling Normandy homes at Lakeside right from the start.
“Most people will not name trees as one of the factors that attracts them,” he added, “but they play an important role — from Lakeside’s drive-up appeal to its livability long after their purchase.”
“We’re trying to build an urban community that feels like it’s been around a while,” commented Archie. “The trees provide beauty and a growing shade canopy, but they also make a statement of quality.”
The shade they provide makes Lakeside more walkable.
“People enjoying the sidewalks, boardwalk, and trail,” he emphasized. “The walkability distinguishes Lakeside as a special place to live.”
“This community,” suggested Allison Hayden, who began selling condominium units at The Lakeside Tower two months ago, “has the feeling of an enclave, like a gated community without the gates.
“I think the trees play a role,” she said, “in giving it that elegant feel.”
The new tree farm is located just south of The Lakeside Tower site.
“It costs way more to pull trees out of the ground than planting a 3” caliper tree ($2,000 vs. $300),” Archie insisted, “but we believe in the impact — it’s an amenity that can be felt and appreciated by everyone in the community over a long period of time.”
“We think tree farms may even be more than just a wise investment,” added Richard Myers of Realty Capital.
He pointed out that Lakeside’s first tree farm was located at FM 2499 and Lakeside in 2013. Not long after, officials from the Moviehouse & Eatery announced plans to purchase the site.
“We think the trees might be good luck.
“Wherever the tree farm goes,” he laughed, “maybe that’s where the development happens.”
Elizabeth says
“Most people will not name trees as one of the factors that attracts them”?? The absence of them would definitely be a detractor. There is nothing more unattractive than developments that destroy the mature oak trees and replace them with crepe myrtles or other junk trees. I treasure my development because it didn’t blindly raze everything to the ground. At the opening to my driveway stands a *huge* oak. I praise the people who saw them as an asset rather than a liability — or an inconvenience.
They manage to save most every tree in Austin developments — unless it is in the exact footprint of a building’s foundation. Why is it suddenly so impossible up here? It makes us look ridiculous, honestly. This is a good start, but we can do better… MUCH better.