Richardson City Council approves construction of new apartment complex on West Spring Valley Road

The property is currently home to Huntington Townhomes, a 73-unit rental development built in 1963, according to council documents. The property owner Huntington Drown LP plans to demolish the existing units to make way for a new apartment complex.

“It’s definitely not getting any better ... It’s constant, constant maintenance,” Tolson said of the condition of the existing units.

During the planning commission approval phase, four members of the public wrote letters in favor, and three wrote letters opposing the project. Tolson said his team has worked to address their concerns.

“They are thrilled that this eyesore, that’s not getting any better, that’s older than I am ... is finally going,” Tolson said of those in support.

At the council meeting, three residents spoke in support of the project. Resident Andrew Laska said this is the type of project the neighborhood has hoped for since the West Spring Valley Planned Development ordinance was adopted in 2011.

"This is not an adequate project; this is not a good project,” he said. “This is an excellent project.”

Three of the ground-floor units facing West Spring Valley Road have the potential to be converted into retail or office uses in the future, according to the plans.

“It’s a good way to activate this corner,” said Barry Hand, a resident who said he has lived within a half-mile of the property for 30 years.

Mayor Paul Voelker agreed the project could have the domino effect of bringing more investment to the area.

“I do think it will be catalytic in that it will not only show other potential multifamily developers what could happen, but it could drive other retail aspects because of the density and the customers that will be embedded in the community,” he said.

The developer plans to give notice of eviction next spring or early summer. Demolition of the existing units will take I want 4-5 months, and construction is set to begin around November 2021. Construction will take 18 months.

“We are excited to be a catalyst of change,” Tolson said.