DCH Foundations: Hillburn Hills Redevelopment
Dallas City Homes redevelops properties for attainable housing where people really want to start a life, not just live affordably. The Hillburn Hills location was striking from its’ inception as it offered ease of commute for residents, a thriving surrounding community of single family homes, and the potential for community-forward amenities, and access to great schools. Hillburn Hills redevelopment was made possible thanks to a grant and to the dedication of DCH and partners, and stands today as a testament to how affordable and attainable housing increases property values and stability of communities.
Georgetown to Hillburn Hills
Hillburn Hills was acquired in 1997 as a foreclosed HUD apartment complex, consisting of three buildings. Built in the 1950’s, these buildings had fallen into disrepair, were a blighted area with high crime, and were a devaluation engine in the neighborhood. With the help of a $5.5 million grant, Dallas City Homes and community partners were able to redevelop this site into 157 rental units and 191 single-family homes, allowing the neighborhood to recover property values and become more stable. Dallas City Homes established a $1 million housing trust fund to provide buyer assistance to nearly half of the residents in the neighborhood.
Hillburn Hills ReDeveloped
Hillburn Hills is located in the Pleasant Grove/Piedmont area of Southwest Dallas. Originally an independent town, it retains a distinctive identity even in the name “Pleasant Grove”, a nod to the amazing trees in the area. According to property records, residents in this area remain in their homes an average of 17.5 years, making the community a location that was primed for investment. DCH helped existing residents lay down “roots” and drew new residents. DCH partnered with dedicated neighborhood associates for the area who pride themselves on volunteerism, making the Hillburn Hills/Georgetown redevelopment a project that the whole community could invest in. Supporting new families and offering more opportunities to existing residents to own homes was vision fulfilled.
The finished development, Hillburn Hills offered affordable rental properties with two and four bedroom floor plans with amenities including granite countertops, black and stainless appliance packages, dishwashers, ceiling fans, garbage disposals, new or renovated interiors, washer dryer connections, and ceiling fans. Single family homes were sold back to the community. Community amenities include a park, community center, laundry facilities, and high speed internet access.
The DCH Difference and Where is Hillburn Hills Now
According to the Dallas Comprehensive Housing Policy, in 2018, Dallas reported that they are 20,000 units short of the need for affordable housing. Dallas City Homes is one of the redevelopers who are working hard to fill this need, and fill it sustainably. In Hillburn Hills, as of 2021, all of the single family home second lien notes are fully paid off or refinanced. Buyers totaled 100 and these buyers are committed to keeping Hillburn Hills safe and thriving. We are proud of the community investment in Hillburn Hills and proud to continue to manage and own Hillburn Hills. Want to get involved or learn more?