Construction Begins on Affordable Housing Complex in Southern Dallas
Construction is underway in southern Dallas on an affordable housing complex on the site of a former church.
In late July, Generation Housing Partners purchased a 6.5-acre property at 4710 W. Illinois Ave. across from Dallas College Mountain View Campus.
Generation purchased the property from the Templo de Alabanza church, which is relocating north to Carrollton.
Project Overview
The developer plans to demolish the church and build HiLine Illinois, a 200-unit affordable apartment complex in partnership with the city of Dallas set to open in June 2027.
“This is a great site for the city of Dallas to invest in. It’s 6.5 acres currently occupied by a church and a lot of surface parking,” said Travis Barber, a development associate with Generation Housing Partners who is spearheading the project. “One of the city’s goals is to repurpose underused parking lots for more housing.”
He said the project also fits neatly into the framework of the West Oak Cliff Area Plan, a land-use plan calling for more diverse housing options and mixed-income housing development.
Meeting the Demand for Affordable Housing
“We met with the president of Dallas College Mountain View Campus, which is across the street. He told us students and employees were struggling to find suitable housing nearby, so there’s real demand here,” Barber said.
Corbin Tanenbaum, vice president with Weitzman, said the site went under contract in 2023, but hurdles needing to be surmounted included a complicated rezoning process as well as securing financing for the development. Tanenbaum brokered the deal alongside fellow Weitzman vice president Scott Smith.
Financing and Development
“The buyer needed to rezone the land, apply for 4% housing tax credits, pursue a public-private partnership with the city and secure a bond reservation,” Tanenbaum said. “But the rezoning, which they secured last summer, was the biggest hurdle. We stayed involved throughout the process because of how complex it was.”
Financing for the $70 million project includes $25 million in tax-exempt bonds, $33 million in low-income housing tax credit equity and $7 million in city-issued gap financing.
Tanenbaum said the brokers also worked to help the church relocate to northwest Dallas, and a property in Carrollton is currently under contract.
Affordability and Amenities
“In addition to housing, we’re offering amenities and services you don’t usually find in a typical multifamily project,” Barber said. “Free tax prep, and financial literacy and health and wellness courses.”
After completion, the 200-unit development will reserve 22 units for households earning up to 30% of the area median income, 20 units for those earning 31% to 50% AMI, 120 units for 51% to 60% AMI and 38 units for 61% to 70% AMI.
The median family income in Dallas is currently $117,300. A full breakdown of Dallas’ area median income is available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
He said the developer is also planning a 2,500-square-foot community co-working space.
Conclusion
The construction of HiLine Illinois is a significant step towards addressing the demand for affordable housing in southern Dallas. With its unique amenities and services, this development is set to provide a high-quality living experience for its residents. As the city of Dallas continues to grow and develop, projects like HiLine Illinois will play a crucial role in ensuring that affordable housing options are available to those who need them.
FAQs
Q: What is the location of the HiLine Illinois development?
A: The HiLine Illinois development is located at 4710 W. Illinois Ave. in southern Dallas, across from Dallas College Mountain View Campus.
Q: How many units will the development have?
A: The development will have 200 units, with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.
Q: What is the expected completion date of the project?
A: The project is expected to be completed in June 2027.
Q: What amenities and services will the development offer?
A: The development will offer free tax prep, financial literacy and health and wellness courses, as well as a 2,500-square-foot community co-working space.
