Post, Skyrise, Greenway Mark Grand Opening of Dallas Suburb Mixed-Use Community

By Erika Schnitzer, Associate EditorRichardson, Texas–Post Properties, Skyrise Properties, and Greenway Investment Co. recently celebrated the grand opening of Eastside, a mixed-use development located in the Dallas suburb of Richardson, Texas that will offer 435 apartments, 80,000 sq. ft. of retail and 200,000 sq. ft. of office space upon its build out, slated for late March 2009.“This was a really good retail-driven intersection at Central Expressway and Campbell Road in Richardson, and it is adjacent to the Telecom Corridor, which includes several million sq. ft. of Class-A offices built in the ‘90s,” David Ward, executive vice president, regional investment director Southwest region for Post Properties Inc., tells MHN, explaining the opportunity for growth in this area.The project, designed by Dallas-based BGO Architects, broke ground in November 2006, and an existing Class-A office tower and parking deck have been integrated into Eastside’s master plan. “It was a great location with a pretty unique opportunity that was created out of what was there,” says Ward.According to Ward, the development is located equidistance between two DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) stations, so “the city was a huge proponent of the development. The city was looking for more housing and retail to be near the rail line.” While a majority of the target market is comprised of young professionals working nearby, Ward notes that the proximity to the rail line makes it easy for residents to commute further.Thus far, two apartment buildings, or 130 residences, have been completed, in addition to many of the residential amenities—including the main pool, clubhouse and leasing center—the central green space and about half of the retail.Post Eastside expects to have its four apartments buildings complete by the spring of 2009. The first building, which opened in May, offers loft-style apartments with 10-ft. ceilings. Building two, completed in July 2008, and the third building, opening this month, feature both traditional luxury apartments and lofts. Of the currently available apartments, 85 percent are leased and occupied.Residents may choose from one- and two-bedroom units, ranging in size from 503 to 1,436 sq. ft., with monthly rents from $835 to $1900. Each home features stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite countertops, maple cabinetry and washer/dryer connections, with hardwood floors available in some apartments.The buildings surround a one-acre park with a fountain and amphitheatre. In addition, community amenities will include six courtyards with gas grills and seating areas, two pools, a 1,200-sq.-ft. fitness center, an Internet café and a clubroom with a demonstration kitchen.Retail includes Panera, Twisted Root Burger Co., Boudreaux’s Cajun Kitchen, New York Pizzeria, Massage Envy and Frost Bank.