An innovative development concept located on 9.5 acres in far North Dallas, Urban Commons is a unique, single-family, mixed-income development in north Dallas that combines quality architecture, sustainable landscape, innovative planning, and community amenities to set a new standard for creative infill of overlooked, under-utilized urban land.

The program consists of mixed-income subdivisions with 25% of the lots to be purchased and developed by North Texas Habitat for Humanity, and the master plan incorporates a number of inventive approaches to ensure that residents have the highest possible quality of urban environment. A key feature of the plan is the “Woonerf”, a Dutch concept that organizes vehicular access along a primary access road. The Woonerf integrates low speeds, traffic calming devices, and restrictive geometries to create a multi-purpose street that prioritizes use by pedestrians and cyclists over cars.

Community space and connectivity is emphasized, with all homes located on one of ten HOA-owned Commons that connect the man-made Woonerf to the natural Branch. All Commons are connected to each other, not only by the Woonerf, but also by a walking loop along the Branch. The resulting plan is one that is highly pedestrian-friendly, and that promotes community, integrated income, and compact living by design.

A key feature of the plan is the “Woonerf”, a Dutch concept that organizes vehicular access along a primary access road. The Woonerf integrates low speeds, traffic calming devices, and restrictive geometries to create a multi-purpose street that prioritizes use by pedestrians and cyclists over cars. Community space and connectivity is emphasized, with all homes located on one of ten HOA-owned Commons that connect the man-made Woonerf to the natural Branch. All Commons are connected to each other, not only by the Woonerf, but also by a walking loop along the Branch. The resulting plan is one that is highly pedestrian-friendly, and that promotes community, integrated income, and compact living by design.