Construction has begun on a $1 billion mixed-use development near the University of North Texas at its Dallas campus. Developer Hoque Global acquired the site days before the city’s incentive deadline. The 270-acre University Hills project marks a historic milestone in southern Dallas’ development efforts.
Highlights
- The developer narrowly met a Monday deadline to retain $35 million in city incentives.
- The project will feature 580 residences, commercial buildings, and even a potential stadium for an NFL or NBA team.
- City officials view the development as game-changing for southern Dallas’ growth.
New Mixed-Use Development Coming to Dallas
The University Hills development will transform 270 acres adjacent to UNT Dallas into a thriving community. It will feature residences, commercial space, and recreational amenities. It is located roughly a mile southeast of the UNT Dallas campus and just north of the I-20/Lancaster Road interchange.
Among its features, plans include a boardwalk and a small lake. The area is designed to be a community center. City Manager Kimberly Tolbert described the space as “a jewel” and stated it would be “a calling card for Dallas.”
In total, the project could be huge for the region. Dallas is also working to improve infrastructure. Councilman Tennell Atkins noted, “Developers are not coming to the southern part of Dallas if we do not have infrastructure.”
Developer’s Past Projects
Hoque Global has several other big development projects in North Texas that involve public funding. Some of the projects have already faced delays. For instance, Fort Worth canceled a contract with Hoque Global at the end of 2023. The city mentioned “unacceptable delays” on a southside project. Hoque Global disputed the city’s claim, attributing the issue to political factors.
In another case, a $50 million development in Mansfield was behind on a construction deadline last year. The company says the project remains “active” and that they are negotiating with the city to keep the public incentive dollars.
Moreover, Hoque Global owns land behind Dallas City Hall, which is planned for the “Newpark” project. The development has close to $100 million in promised public funding, with construction initially set to begin in December 2023.
Developer’s Vision and Future Plans
Mike Hoque, CEO of Hoque Global, wants to build southern Dallas like “the next Frisco.” He cited that a project that transforms the neighborhood can’t be accomplished within a deadline. During the groundbreaking ceremony, he said, “You cannot do a project that changes the neighborhood by deadline. You have to have a dream; you have to dream big.”
Hoque believes that the University Hills project proves big developments can happen in today’s economy. He stated, “In this economy, this deal got done. It shows it’s been a long time coming, and the time is right.”
Arthur Santa-Maria, Vice President of Hoque Global, stated that billion-dollar developments are common in other parts of Dallas, but big investments like this one have been rare in South Dallas.
The city officials are hoping that this development, combined with the UNT Dallas campus and a planned future police academy on campus, will generate long-term synergy. They see it as a keystone to future development in southern Dallas.
The University Hills development is a significant investment in the southern part of Dallas. The city officials hope that it will spur more growth for the area. Although the project was met with skepticism from council members and barely made incentive deadlines, supporters trust it’s a positive move. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins envisions it as key to developing untapped areas.
