case study 3

University Hills Information
Section 1: Opportunities for the Surrounding Community
Section 2: Industries for Investment in University Hills
Section 3: Synergistic Growth: UNT Dallas and University Hills
Section 4: Using a Municipal Management District (MMD) in University Hills for Catalytic Development
Joint Initiatives for Harmonious Growth
Discussion Questions for Students
Resource List
About the Author

Location and Overview:
- University Hills is a planned mixed-use development located in Southern Dallas, Texas.
- Situated adjacent to the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) campus.
- Consists of nearly 275 acres of undeveloped land at the intersection of State Highway 342/Lancaster Road and Interstate Highway 20.
Vision:
- Create diverse housing options, retail, restaurants, entertainment, office spaces, and recreational areas.
- Emphasizes open spaces and parks due to unique topography and waterways.
- Goals to create a sustainable, walkable community that attracts visitors.
Context and Setting:
- University Hills is 275 acres, part in Dallas and part in Lancaster, located 10 miles south of Downtown Dallas.
- Surrounded by residential neighborhoods and industrial sites.
- The land features waterways such as the Trinity River and several tributaries.
- Includes approximately seven acres of floodplain.
- The area is landscaped with various neighborhoods, development channels, and ease of transportation.
Development Objectives:
- Established with the University Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District to reinvest tax revenue into the area.
- Leverage natural open spaces and create manicured green areas for community benefit.

Community Benefits:
- Economic, social, recreational, and educational advancements extending into surrounding neighborhoods.
Economic Opportunities:
- Encouragement of local commerce through collaboration with existing businesses.
- Development expected to create jobs across retail, offices, and hospitality sectors.
- Maker's District designed to support local entrepreneurs through space and resources.
Social and Recreational Opportunities:
- Designed for enhanced interactivity with pedestrian-friendly layouts (wide sidewalks, bike paths).
- Central Park for community events, farmer's markets, and gatherings.
Educational Opportunities:
- Focus on integrating public spaces for educational use, local art, and culture that reflects community history.
Retail Strategy:
- Division into community retail (daily needs) and regional retail (larger-scale stores).
- Emphasis on a Town Center with diverse shopping experiences, including a planned local food hall.

Investment Focus Areas:
- Retail & Hospitality: Establishments supporting local needs like small groceries and restaurants.
- Professional Services: Space for legal, financial, and consulting services.
- Healthcare Services: Inclusion of local clinics and specialized health services.
- Green Businesses: Focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture.
- Maker's District: Areas for tech startups, crafts, and educational workshops.
- Educational Support Services: Establish tutoring centers and coding boot camps.
Sustainability-Focused Initiatives: Design and development to include sustainable infrastructure and accessibility.

Collaboration Benefits:
- Strategic plans to expand career opportunities through internships and positions in numerous fields.
- Enhance living environments with diverse housing close to campus for students and community members.
- Research collaborations leveraging proximity to UNT Dallas for innovative projects in various disciplines.
Learning and Development:
- Proposed partnerships to enhance educational offerings within the Maker’s District.
- Living case studies in urban development for practical application of academic skills.

Definition and Purpose:
- MMDs are special-purpose political subdivisions for economic and community enhancement.
- They can levy taxes, issue bonds, and perform services traditionally beyond municipal capacities.
Functions & Benefits:
- Generate revenue to fund community projects.
- Focus areas include enhanced public safety, beautification, strategic marketing, and infrastructure improvements.

Integrated Environment: Collaborations between university programs and development goals to leverage opportunities for both community and student engagement.
- Shared community activities engaging both the university and local population.
- Initiatives for cultural events, workshops, and public art projects.
- Co-marketing strategies to attract targeted industries and investments aligned with sustainability goals.

Identify potential businesses for success in University Hills based on development vision and demographics.
Steps for entrepreneurs to prepare for a business within University Hills.
Risks and challenges for investors in phased developments and mitigation strategies.
How might collaborative opportunities arise between UNT Dallas and University Hills businesses?
Advantages of sustainability within the business context for community benefits.
Strategies to foster diversity and inclusion within business opportunities in Southern Dallas.

Detailed quantitative overview of site plans including acreage, land use, and key district features.

Matt Houston: Senior Lecturer at UNT Dallas Specializing in Entrepreneurship.
- Advocate for economic equity through education and business development.
- CEO of Collaborative Culture LLC supporting economic development consulting.
- Collaboration and oversight by various stakeholders in the writing of this case study.