Park Place Arlington to put down roots in Downtown

In Downtown Arlington, residential growth over the last decade has been generously fueled by The University of Texas at Arlington. In the 2016-17 academic year, a record-shattering 55,000 students called themselves Mavericks, and with this fall’s largest freshman class in history, UTA is poised to meet or beat last year’s record.

The University is responding by investing in additional on-campus residences, while several near-campus apartment communities have opened recently to serve the growing demand. The Arlie, Midtown, Campus Edge and 101 Center offer multi-roommate floorplans specifically designed to serve students. Additionally, 404 Border offers luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments and loads of amenities with graduate students and professionals in mind.

What’s next is what’s new

When construction begins on Downtown Arlington’s next residential community, you might be inclined to define it in terms of other recent developments. Don’t. The unique design of Park Place Arlington is a direct result of the on-going collaboration between the City of Arlington, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, First Baptist Church-Arlington, Downtown Arlington stakeholders and a developer with community-building at its core.

“We’ve worked closely with the City to build relationships, to understand and respond to the needs of the Downtown district as a whole,” said Chris Kritzman, Vice President of Development for Park7 Group. “We really value our partnerships.”

Putting down roots

Partnerships, as it turns out, is a fundamental principle at Park7 Group, a boutique real estate development, construction and management organization. That’s because their commitment to their projects doesn’t end at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Our company is vertically integrated,” Kritzman said. “That means Park7 manages all phases of our projects: from the architecture to site preparation, from construction to leasing and managing the property once it opens. We’re not merchant builders. We invest for the long-run and care about our neighbors because we’re going to be a member of the neighborhood.”

Since its inception in 2010, Park7 Group has invested over $500 million in residential developments across the country and manages over 4,000 beds. Their expertise ranges from student housing to mixed-use to multi-family. According to Kritzman, Park7 properties tend to have stricter rules in their leasing agreements. “We take pride in our properties and set high standards for our residents,” he said.

Park Place Arlington

Design customization is a big reason that Park7 Group’s mixed-use development in Downtown is so unique. Park Place Arlington will be comprised of two separate buildings, bounded by Mesquite and Elm Streets on the east and west sides. The South Building is bounded by Border/UTA Blvd. and Elm, Mesquite and South Streets. The North Building is bounded by Abram, Elm, Mesquite and South Streets. The two buildings will be connected by a sky bridge over South Street.

The ground floors of both North and South Buildings will include space for commercial development: 15,000 square ft. for restaurants and retailers in the North Building and 10,000 square ft. of office space in the South Building facing Abram, Mesquite and Elm Streets.

Park Place Arlington will have 299 residential units. “This project had the potential to house 900 residents,” said Kritzman. “But as we worked with stakeholders and City leaders – including Mayor Williams, Council member Lana Wolff, and City Manager Trey Yelverton -- we volunteered to lower the density to just over 700. It was important to the City, so it is important to us.”

Within the North Building, tenants will enjoy a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, perfect for professionals, young families and empty-nesters. The South Building, which is closer to UTA’s campus, incorporates student apartment floorplans. Each building will have its own secured parking garage wrapped inside the living spaces. Residents will share a top-floor, two-story fitness center and vacation-like amenities including a club room, pool, hammock garden, and half-court basketball and sand volleyball courts.

Serendipitous interaction

“Park Place Arlington is designed for building relationships,” said Kritzman. “We want to create a vibrant, lively community where people naturally mingle and become good neighbors. I like to call it ‘serendipitous interaction.’”

Sign us up.

Project timeline

In October 2017, work on Park Place Arlington will begin with infrastructure improvements such as water, storm drains and fiber. Construction starts in November 2017 with the demolition of existing structures, grating and excavation. Next, the parking garages will be built, then the residences.

Throughout construction, Park7 Group will closely coordinate with the City of Arlington on any necessary lane closures. Park Place Arlington is scheduled to open in June 2019.

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About Downtown Arlington

An official State of Texas Cultural District, Downtown Arlington, Texas blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate.