The developer seeking to revamp two prominent Plano properties has withdrawn a request to build apartments at the property that houses the J.C. Penney headquarters, but what that decision means for the future of the property is unclear.
The Plano Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday approved developer Sam Ware's withdrawal of a request for a special-use permit that would allow his firm, Dreien Opportunity Partners, to construct apartment units near Legacy West, one of the largest new corporate headquarters hubs in the region.
“I made a decision to withdraw our [permit] modification, that is all I will disclose at this time,” Ware wrote on Monday in an email.
Adding that he owns the 50-acre property and is “not pulling out” of the project to redevelop it under the name The Campus at Legacy West, Ware reiterated his position that employees moving into the Legacy West area will create a greater demand for housing than the area currently supports.
Ware declined to say what the withdrawal of the request would mean for the direction of the project, or what types of housing might be on the table for future proposals.
Bill Dahlstrom, an attorney representing Ware's company as it seeks the city's approval, said the company needs to do "more work" on the property, which he said includes design work, programming and ensuring the proposal conforms to the city's comprehensive plan. He declined to comment further on the details.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the results of Monday's meeting.