Simon Breaks Ground on Phase II of Firewheel Town Center

By Camelia Bulea, Associate Editor

Shopping center giant Simon Property Group Inc., developer of the 1 million-square-foot Firewheel Town Center in Garland, started the second phase of the mixed-use project.

The phase, called Parkside, will include 281 apartment units, according to the Dallas Business Journal. The multifamily project is expected to be completed in December of next year, with the first units being available for occupancy in September 2013. It will nearly double the number of units at the center, as the first phase featured 312 apartments.

Simon aims to offer residents the possibility of shopping and dining in the interior of the Main Street-style shopping, dining and entertainment center, according to the property’s Web site. Unit amenities will include Washington cherry, pear or maple-finished cabinets, garden tubs with tile and accent surround, track lighting and granite kitchen countertops.

Meanwhile, Alta 1900 Lofts, a 214-unit luxury apartment community, was recently acquired by Bell Partners Inc. on behalf of investors, according to the Dallas Business Journal. The North Carolina-based buyer plans to rename the luxury community Bell Design District in order to reflect its branding strategy. The investment company, which has acquired more than $330 million in apartment properties throughout United States, is currently building a portfolio containing high-quality properties in target markets, according to Jon Bell, the company’s president.

The downtown luxury property, situated within the Design District area of Dallas, features unique apartments with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and technology packages that include in-wall iPod docking stations. Rents for available apartment units range from $1,500 to $2,005 per month, according to the property’s Web site.

Photo credits: https://parksideatfirewheel.com