Plano City Council approved a request to rezone over 4 acres during the May 28 meeting, which is set to become a five-story, 177-unit apartment complex developed by Columbus Realty Partners at the corner of Windrose and Columbus avenues.
What you need to know
According to city documents, 1,000 apartment units are allowed within the Liberty Mutual campus and 823 have been constructed. Under the current development regulations for the over 137-acre planned development zoning district, the 177 apartments would be the last allowed by right unless further amendments are made.
In addition to the five-story apartment building, exhibits submitted to the city indicate the construction of a parking garage, which is expected to screen the complex from the nearby Dallas North Tollway.
Per city documents, the developer will be required to have several elements to enhance the walkability of complex within the mixed-used area, including:
- Two pieces of street-level furniture per 200 feet along public right-of-way, such as benches or trash bins
- Ground floor units on all sides, except the eastern facade, must have a stoop or patio
- Half of the units on the eastern and southern facades will be required to have balconies
- Up to 2.5 acres are reserved for open space
Previously, high-rise apartments were planned for an area near the intersection of the property near the intersection of the Dallas North Tollway and Sam Rayburn Tollway, but the project never materialized, Director of Planning Christina Day said. A 2022 update to the planned development district reflected that change, according to city documents.
Earlier this month, the Plano Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the request to change the location of the 177-unit apartment complex.
Looking ahead
With the new zoning regulations in place, the developer should be able to proceed on construction of the complex. No timeline has been given for the development of the midrise residential complex.
