Can I get an Amen from the Hallelujah chorus?

Prescott Realty will demolish two ugly vacant apartment complexes on Skillman and begin the process of reconstruction on that site. The White Rock Trail and Toscana communities were in pretty bad shape in 2008 before they were shuttered, and they’ve only gotten worse after sitting empty and untended since then.

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WFAA quotes Vance Detwiler, Prescott’s president, as saying the apartments will come down by June and construction of 370 new units – 100 more than before – will begin immediately. The new 4-story buildings, with a value of $45 million, will open in 2014.

The new development will be just south of the new LH Town Center and will have direct access to Dallas’ hike and bike trail system which stretches past White Rock Lake and throughout Dallas.

Lake Highlands residents have groused for years about the eyesores in the 6800 block of Skillman, including broken windows, falling down fences and holes in the roof. Recently, the focus on personal safety in light of sexual assaults in the neighborhood has led folks to question every possible nesting place for crime and criminals.

Prescott did not say why they chose to tear the units down now but said the economic downturn was the reason for the delay.

You can see the WFAA piece, including quotes from Councilman Jerry Allen and former Councilman Bill Blaydes, here.

Author

  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.