White Rock Trail site (in yellow) on the Citadel Partners website
Been wondering what will happen to vacant land owned by RISD at White Rock Trail and Walnut Hill? We may soon find out.
A “for sale” sign went up this week on the tract, formerly the site of two commercial buildings. In April of 2016, RISD purchased the property for $4.5 million and cleared the land as a location to build an elementary school to alleviate overcrowding in the White Rock area.
Complaining parents said the parcel was too small to allow adequate parking and playground space, and they opposed the effects of redistricting – splitting the neighborhood and dropping property values.
RISD trustees changed course in November, abandoning plans for a new school and opting instead to expand WRE. In addition to new classrooms, restrooms and a tornado shelter required by new building codes in North Texas, expansion of the cafeteria and gym are in the works.
The broker, Citadel Partners, markets the property prominently on their website as being close to amenities such as the Lake Highlands Town Center, Sprouts, Mi Cocina and North Central Expressway. The 4.57 acre site is zoned NOA – neighborhood office. Citadel also touts the nearby DART station and the buying power of residents near the site. With a median age of 37.4, median household income of $74,127 and majority (58%) with bachelor’s degree or above, the location is “a great build-to-suit site,” they say.
No asking price is listed for the property, but RISD Trustee Justin Bono says sealed bids are being sought through May 15th. We’ll keep you updated here at Advocate Media if and when we have a new neighbor.
