An architectural drawing depicts a residential area and light commercial development planned on about 35 acres at the intersection of U.S. Highway 69 and F.M. 344 in Bullard. The project will cost about $50 million. (Drawing Courtesy of Planning Concepts) A.W. Hines, developer and owner of Hines Group Texas and former Bullard mayor, made a pitch to the Bullard City Council Tuesday, Nov. 10, regarding a $50 million plan to construct apartments and retail businesses.

“I have some good news for Bullard,” Hines said. “I think you’ll like the plan for the first high-end apartment complex.”

Initially referred to as Heritage Springs, the planned development will include about 35 or more acres on the northeast corner of the intersection of U.S. Highway 69 and F.M. 344.

“The impact of the development has far reaching effects. The scope of Mr. Hines development will be such that revenue will be generated from ad valorem taxes and from additional sales taxes to such a degree that the city will have additional income to accomplish needed repairs and projects,” said Bullard Mayor Teresa Adams-Wilks. “The economic impact of these additional monies would help to offset the burden to taxpayers for the needs that will come with future growth of the City. The quality of the proposed development will set a standard that will place Bullard in a desirable position to attract other businesses and future residents to the City.”

A.W. Hines proposed a $50 million development at the city meeting Nov. 10. Hines said he

plans to construct from 250 to 300 apartment units, as well as what he referred to as a “light” commercial and retail business complex. According to Hines, several major retail companies have expressed interest in being part of the development, but he said he would rather not divulge the names of any of them with the exception of Whataburger.

“We think this will be a great revenue boost for the city of Bullard and the school district,” Hines said.

Pending approval of the Bullard Planning and Zoning Commission and the Bullard City Council, Hines said he would like to start construction of the roads as soon as possible, and he said he anticipates the first phase of the development completed by the start of the 2010 school year in Bullard.

“I like to get things done fast,” he said.

The roads, he said, will be 40-foot wide, boulevardstyle roadways, including one that will weave from the north side of F.M. 344, and will divide the retail-commercial development from the apartments. Hines said the apartments will be what he referred to as “high-end” and will feature walking trails, a recreation center and a pool. The plan calls for two- and three-story buildings for up to 1,000 residents.

Hines said 1,000 more residents in Bullard will require more restaurants, stores and other businesses.

“We think this will produce a chain reaction for growth in the city of Bullard,” he said.

The retail development will be interactive with the living section in that residents at the apartment complex will be able to walk to nearby retail stores and restaurants to shop and eat.

“It’s going to have all kinds of retail units (and) will be a higher-end lifestyle center,” said Mark Priestner, principal with Planning Concepts of Bullard.

Priestner and Hines said the complex will mirror developments such as Highland Park Village in Dallas or Westlake Hills in Austin.

Upon approval of the project, construction likely will be done in phases and could take as long as five years to complete.

Hines also said planning the project at the intersection of U.S. Highway 69 and F.M. 344 was well-thought out. Hines referred to retail, commercial and other kinds of development building south from Tyler along U.S. Highway 69 toward Jacksonville.

“It’s the perfect location, the ideal location,” said Priestner.

In addition to light commercial and retail, Hines said plans could include office space.

Hines also cited progress in the Bullard Independent School District and the city of Bullard as one of the reasons for the timing of the project. BISD is completing a large addition to the high school and recently constructed an elementary school and new athletic complex, and has several additional ongoing renovation projects. The city is planning to start construction of a new water treatment plant in 2010.