Sage Group, Inc., on behalf of WTG Overlook, requested a site change for a mixed-use development, listed as a transition zoning district, that was approved in 2024. Located across from Southlake Town Square at 240 N. Carroll Ave., the space featured a two-story office building and single-family residences.
The details
Council approved a zoning change for a 9.6-acre development from an agriculture district and single-family residential to a transition zoning district during the May 21, 2024, meeting, according to previous reporting. Due to residential opposition, a super majority was needed for it to be approved, which garnered a 6-1 margin to pass.
This request asked for a drive-thru for a bank and a speakeasy, creating a third-story addition to the office building.
Planning and zoning approved the request at the Nov. 20 meeting for the bank's window and drive-thru but were against a third-floor structure and the use of a bar at any point, according to city documents.
Council approved the request for the bank 7-0 but followed the planning and zoning motion and denied the plan of a speakeasy.
“It's not uncommon for an applicant to come back fairly quickly on a footprint to say we need an extra 500 feet, or 300 less, or whatever it is,” Mayor Pro Tem Randy Williamson said. “But man, we just approved this thing, and it was approved as office and residential. Had there been a proposal at the time to have a third-floor private club speakeasy, it probably would generate a more dynamic conversation. ... This is way too soon to come back and change at this point.”
Diving deeper
Dennis Killough, Southlake's director of planning and development, said two of the three responses from neighbors within 300 feet of the development were against the proposed changes. City documents show that 16 notices were sent.
However, he said, outside of the 300-foot barrier, there was 33 written responses in favor and four against it.
Travis Franks, co-founder and CEO of WillowTree Custom Homes, said the proposed speakeasy would be about the size of a tennis court and would be a private club.
He mentioned his plan for a private club would be similar to Park House, a private members club located in the Highland Park area of Dallas. Houston also has a location, according to its website.
“I think it fits in our community,” Franks said. “I think our community is very high end and we need more opportunities for people to join these private [clubs]. I think this will fit very, very nicely into our community.”
What they’re saying
Council member Randy Robbins raised questions about the third-story sightline, outdoor speakers and outdoor lighting.
He mentioned he is a member of Roots & Water Southlake, another members-only private club, and said he loved Franks’ proposal for a speakeasy.
“I think this could be a similar type of experience but something different,” Robbins said. “If you didn't have the outdoor piece, and I think that that's a big, big concern, I could see people wanting to walk outside to have a conversation. But I also think from May through October, I'm not stepping foot outside in this town [because of the heat].”
Mayor Shawn McCaskill echoed that he thought the concept would work well in town, just in a different location.
