I haven’t even written this post yet, I’m awaiting a call back from the developer, Robert Elliott, but three friends have contacted me and asked me about the new townhome development going in on Abbott Avenue between Knox and Armstrong Parkway, on the far eastern edge of Highland Park.
Robert: I am going to predict that all 35 luxury condos might be sold before you break ground, maybe even before you call me back!
This is a development that is sorely needed in these parts: many people want to downsize out of a Park Cities, Preston Hollow, North Dallas or Plano home and move closer in. But they don’t want to move into high rises, and maybe not downtown. No matter how great the views, these buyers are what I call the “grounded”: they want few or no steps, if there’s steps, they want an elevator, master on the first floor, they want a little yard, and they don’t want to deal with an HOA. They want a lock and leave lifestyle but they don’t want a doorman or a Concierge.
And what they want, Robert Elliot is about to give them with Mondara: 1500 to 4300 square foot units starting in price close to $800,000. There will be 35, with underground garages. ( I know what you are thinking — how will they get to those garages? Never fear, I will ask.)
Dallas home builder Robert Elliott has started construction on the 35-unit luxury home community on Abbott Avenue between Knox Street and Armstrong Parkway. The architect is Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro.
The project is going on a 2-acre vacant tract of dirt that’s been idle since the recession, believe it or not. Robert told Steve Brown:
“We’ve seen the site for years,” Elliott said. “It’s been available and different developers have looked at it.
“We think the timing is now right.”
Robert Elliott Custom Homes has already started building the underground garage for the condos and hopes to have the first units ready by early next year.
The condo units are being built next to a neighborhood where most new houses cost millions of dollars and few development sites are available.
“The site is close to all those restaurants, bars and shopping on Knox Street and has Highland Park fire and police and school district,” Elliott said. “We’ve sold three units and haven’t done any marketing.”
No kidding. Elliott says the demand is for clean lines — heavy traditional gloppy is out. OUT. His project will appeal to the downsizing baby boomers and singles, too, and talk about walkable: the food jewels of Knox Street plus Kate Spade and Lululemon await you.
Stay tuned for more.
