May 1, 2008 Lake Cities Sun

"Town center design hit in Hickory Creek "
by Joseph M. Dougherty

Results of a collaborative effort between Hickory Creek landowners, business owners, the town's economic development consultant Barry Steele, and a prestigious architectural firm have been compiled and will be used in the potential development of the region's first mixed-use town center. Steel said he met with every stakeholder in the process, and after a dozen meetings, the conclusion was clear; a mixed-use town center had gained unanimous support. A joint meeting of the Town Council, Hickory Creek EDC and Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Thursday, April 10 to present the plan, also known as a design charrette.

According to Steele, the results communicated by GSBS Architects ended up expanding the total area of study in Hickory Creek to 115 acres, a large jump from the original plan to develop 78.23 acres. GSBS representatives believe this area will form the eventual core of Hickory Creek. Steele said the most detailed site plan is focused on what all involved expect will be the first phase of the properties' development, near the corner of Swisher and the I35E access road.

Steele said feedback from landowners, businesses, and the public created a conceptual drawing of Phase I for the project. Steele intends to use this and other conceptual drawings as he markets the town in Las Vegas at the International Council of Shopping Centers Conference in a few weeks.

The design concept clearly maintains and maximizes the retail feel of properties along the Swisher and IH-35E corridor. However, it also focuses any new development within the site's interior as a "New Urban, or Traditional Neighborhood Development". The mixed-use concept is expected to help create a destination toward the southwest of the traditional retail corner. The southwest area may include a Town Green space, which could be used for civic celebrations or other joint community events.

"That way it gives some public identity for everybody and it's not just a retail development, " Sam Jones, GSBS Principal said. In the process of creating a master plan for the town, GSBS architects pulled from their experience as the lead architectural firm in several projects including Hometown NRH, a 287-acre project in North Richland Hills.

Steele said GSBS has effectively used mixed-use design charrettes or workshops for various cities, EDC's and property owners in Benbrook, Roanoke and Forest Hills, as well as in numerous retail projects across the state and in New Mexico and Oklahoma. "A mixed-use Town Center will provide a defined sense of place; a downtown area that can even serve as a community gathering place for the Lake Cities," Hickory Creek EDC President Rick Fengler said.

"It will enable people to live, work and play all in one area; yet retain, or even enhance, the look and feel of Hickory Creek on the Lake, " Fengler added. Steele said one of the most pleasant surprises of the proposed design concept is the traffic circle that ties together the interior streets of the project and provides a landscaped amenity, which will enhance the beauty of the project.

He said the circle would eliminate the need to change any areas of the Glenview subdivision, which border the area of development. "We were very concerned that several homes would have been negatively impacted by the previous design, so it's like having your cake and eating it, too," Steele said.