The City of Shenandoah could soon be home to a new upscale gated neighborhood following a presentation by David Hale of David Weekley Homes at the Dec. 14 City Council meeting.

Hale provided details for a new 45-home subdivision to be located at Vision Park Boulevard and Grogan's Mill Road on a nine-acre tract of land. The land is categorized under the city's zoning ordinance as commercial officer, but the developer is seeking to have the tract re-zoned by the city as residential.

Hale said the project is still far from completion and David Weekley has not made an application for the project to the city. He told the council he believed there is a desire for such a development in the community.

"There's a niche and a real demand for housing in Shenandoah closer to I-45," Hale said.

Should they be constructed, the homes are expected to fall into the $400,000–$500,000 price point and will be sized at about 2,800 to 3,200 square feet. Hale said the homes would feature "upscale architecture" with floor plans that will allow for first-floor master bedrooms.

A similar David Weekley development, Windsor Court, is located in Houston in the Memorial/Spring Branch area, Hale said. The entrance to the neighborhood is planned to be located on Grogan's Mill Road, with the entire property gated.

If the property is re-zoned by the city, David Weekley is hoping to start construction on the development in the spring of 2012 and have homes open by the fall. Although no formal action was taken by the council, the plan received favorable comments.

"I like this project," Mayor Garry Watts said. "I'm excited. I think it's adequately located."