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Arlington's Massive Viridian Community Taking Shape

Nov 01, 2013

http://viridiandfw-net.wistia.com/medias/rad8t0buwu?embedType=seo&videoWidth=640

Phase One is already sold out

By Mola Lenghi, NBC5

Progress is being made at the massive Viridian community in North Arlington.

The new development on Collins Street is expected to add 15,000 residents, more than 3,000 houses retail on more than 2,300 acres of land in the heart of North Texas.

Viridian is expected to boast a more than $1.5 billion tax base upon completion.

It will be at least another 15 years before the development is complete, but that hasn't stopped some people from wanting to move in early.

"I'm just moving in. I'm very excited," said Laurie Stephan.

Phase one of the development - currently one of the largest mixed use residential projects in the country - is sold out. Phase two is being developed with more than 200 homes expected to be sold this year with townhomes, and an elementary school on the horizon.

"I don't think anyone expected the kind of success or velocity we're having this early in the process," said Robert Kemball, President of JCKPL developers, the group in charge of Viridian.

While today there's no sign of development slowing down, there was a time when folks wondered if anything would ever be built here.

For years developers said permitting and the terrain were just too complicated to work with.

"I think we've surprised some of the people who have seen this property struggle over the last 100 years - it's been a long time," said Kimball. "We've got an unprecedented location. We're close to all the employment centers in DFW."

Kimball credits an improving housing market, a public-private partnership that uses tax dollars to pay for infrastructure and location.

Kimball said home values have gone up an average of $20,000 in six months, adding thatViridian is resonating.

"It's not lot size or landscaping or architecture or street trees or the layering of all the landscaping on the parks and trails - it's all of those things combined," said Kimball.

Laurie Stephan agreed.

"It looks like it will be a community it's not just going to be a house," she said.