Phase 2 of Dallas-Area Development Breaks Ground

Arlington Commons Phase II Construction. Image courtesy of KWA Construction

The second phase of construction is under way on Arlington Commons, the largest multifamily redevelopment project in Arlington, Texas, history. The four-story, 358-unit Phase II property and five-story parking garage are slated for completion in 2021.

The high-end, urban-style development has helped propel the revitalization of a once deteriorating enclave along Lamar Boulevard in Arlington. Five phases are slated for completion within the next seven years. When complete in 2026, Arlington Commons will offer more than 1,300 residential units and will contribute more than $300 to $400 million in value to the city of Arlington.    

The Nehemiah Co. is developing the project. JHP Architecture is architect of record. KWA Construction is the general contractor on Phase II, as on Phase I. The construction company recently completed The Cooper, a $65 million community in the Near Southside district of Fort Worth. 

Increased density

“Recognizing that there was a redevelopment opportunity there, The Nehemiah Co. capitalized on it. They were able to purchase and demolish legacy stock on the site, allowing them to increase the density and put a modern, upscale apartment (community) in place of what’s been there for the last 30 years,” Brian Webster, KWA Construction president, told Multi-Housing News.

“There were some challenges to overcome in regards to the existing properties on the site and work required with the city of Arlington before the development was able to take place. On the other hand, the site could not be more ideal in regard to location, as it’s situated in the heart of the DFW Metroplex. (It is) just two miles from the top entertainment venues such as the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium and the Texas Rangers’ new ballpark.”

Also within two miles of Arlington Commons is the $250 million entertainment complex called Texas Live! Recreation, dining and shopping are also conveniently located.

High demand

The mix of apartments will include studio, one- and two-bedroom residences. The developer noticed high demand for smaller units in Phase I. For that reason, Phase II will earmark 75 percent of units as one-bedrooms, the rest two- and three-bedrooms.

Prominent among the common-area amenities is an outdoor entertainment area featuring fire pits, shade structures and kitchens with grilling stations.

“We needed to make sure that through the design, the correct project for this area was being developed,” Webster said. “To do so, we fully utilized construction dollars by leveraging all of our experiences and being strategic in the materials we selected.”     

Arlington Commons Phase II is being financed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.