A multifamily and retail development project at 3570 and 3580 N. Grapevine Mills Blvd. and 3155 Stars and Stripes Way was approved at the joint Grapevine City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission meeting April 17.

The project will be broken into a phase of retail and two stand-alone four-story structures and will be called The Shacks, The Wallis and The Baker, respectively. Also included in the approved proposal are two, three-story brownstone structures. In total, 432 multifamily units are proposed with a density of 41.18 units per acre.

"We are committed to trying to build a project that is reflective of Grapevine, … that serves as a major front door to the city," applicant Lucy Billingsley said at the meeting.

The applicant said parking would primarily take the form of structured parking per building, with 718 total spaces. There would be some additional green space that can be used for future development, Billingsley said.

She called the project "complicated" since the development includes multiple facets. It includes four buildings, with 27,400 rentable square feet, two parks for recreation and dining and The Shacks for small restaurant stands and gifts.

"Our thinking on retail is, 'How do we bring in a project that is new and different for this area; how do we fill a niche that is not currently being served?'" Billingsley said.

The residential and retail development will be walkable and pedestrian-friendly, she said. There will be no raised curb to further enforce the idea of residents walking to and from their residences and the retail and restaurants in the area. Several lawn spaces, including a meditative labyrinth, are also included in the proposal and will be interspersed throughout the community.

"It seems to me this is the project we’ve been looking for, for a long time," Mayor William D. Tate said. "It creates a life of its own and a community in itself."

"It is absolutely beautiful," Council Member Sharron Spencer said.

Council Member Duff O'Dell said the development could also help Grapevine Mills.

"I think with the hub of activity of people living and being out there full time, I think that will really promote additional retail and development to come out there," she said.

Construction is expected to take place on the project later this year.