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City of Carrollton
Transit-Oriented Development
1945 E. Jackson Road Carrollton, Texas 75006 972-466-3042 972-466-3193 (fax)
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Transit-Oriented Development
TOD Activities Status | DART
Station Design
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History and Background
· In the late 1990s the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority (DART) began planning to bring passenger light rail transit (LRT) service to Carrollton. DART identified three potential station sites along an existing railroad which parallels Stemmons Freeway (IH-35E).
· A map showing the entire route of the new line, depicts what is currently under design and construction.
· A map showing what the ultimate LRT system in the Dallas-Fort Worth area could ultimately look like, illustrates the connectivity and association with Carrollton.
· In 2000, the Carrollton City Council began a planning process to capitalize on the significant financial benefits of the rail stations through Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
· In 2002, Carrollton City Council accepted a series of reports known as the “Renaissance Initiative” which deals with future development around the three proposed Light Rail Transit stations, as well as revitalizing the "Belt Line Road Corridor."
· During the spring of 2005, the Carrollton Planning & Zoning Commission and Carrollton City Council continued the process of preparing for future development, by holding a series of public meetings. On April 19, 2005, the City Council adopted a new Transit Center Zoning District Ordinance. (Highlights is an overview of the Transit Center Zoning District.)
· In January, 2006 the City established a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ- often called a "TIF" or Tax Increment Financing district) to help fund infrastructure improvements needed for future redevelopment around two of Carrollton's three DART LRT stations.
· On September 19, 2006, DART gave a presentation to the Carrollton City Council regarding the artistic appearances of the three Carrollton DART LRT Stations This presentation included the artistic vision statement, as well as discussion of what the Downtown Carrollton, Trinity Mills and North Carrollton stations would look like.
· In February 2007, the Carrollton City Council adopted additions to the GDS for Urban Street Design Standards for the Transit Center Districts.
· In October 2007 the City Council accepted reports regarding transportation, parking, infrastructure, and drainage for the transit center districts.
· In January 2008, the City adopted Renaissance II, the revised plan for Downtown Carrollton Transit Center.
In January 2008, the City enacted an economic incentive package for the transit centers that include participation in public infrastructure improvements and rebate of development fees. For an application and further information, go to Economic Development.Continuing to Prepare
Carrollton continues to prepare for the future, with studies for parking, drainage & utilities, "landbanking" activities and many other things. Recently, the Carrollton City Council was updated on the status of the various activities and studies the City is involved with.
Regional Significance
The region’s long range transportation plan shows four significant rail lines intersecting at the Downtown Carrollton Station. They are the DART Green Line (Carrollton to South Dallas); the Cotton Belt Line (Plano to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport); the BNSF (Frisco to Irving); and the Denton County Transportation Authority (Denton to Carrollton). Carrollton Mayor Becky Miller noted that, "with a transportation hub of this magnitude, Carrollton has the potential to become the fourth major activity center in the Metroplex, joining downtown Dallas, downtown Fort Worth, and DFW Airport in terms of importance to the region's transportation network." Miller continued, "City officials are committed to leveraging public and private resources to maximize the development opportunities around the project. The innovative design of the station will promote and directly impact the legacy of Carrollton's transit-oriented development."
Downtown Carrollton Station Master Plan
In October 2005, Carrollton selected a design team led by Carter & Burgess, Inc. to develop a master plan for the downtown Carrollton rail station. The Rail Station Master Plan will achieve a vision for a transit-centered community built around passenger platforms and related mixed-use development.
The Carter & Burgess team is composed of Stainback Public/Private Real Estate, Fregonese Calthorpe Associates, LTK Engineering Services and Townscape, Inc. Carter & Burgess is a national consulting firm offering planning, architecture, engineering and related services. Consistently listed at the top of a variety of industry rankings, Carter & Burgess has been in continuous professional practice in the Metroplex for 65 years. Recent projects include the design of the Houston light rail system, Atlantic City Terminal, University of North Texas Health Science Center, La Villita master plan (Irving, Texas) and DART Southeast Corridor stations.
The
downtown Carrollton light rail station has regional
significance, "This project will transform Carrollton into a
primary destination and transfer point within the Metroplex,"
Carter & Burgess, Inc.
Project Manager Allan Zreet said. "It will not only
improve local and regional access but will also provide an
opportunity for Carrollton to develop at true urban center
serving as the symbolic center of the city."
The approach presented by Carter & Burgess focuses on using a
community vision to facilitate passenger service on existing
rail lines and connecting the passenger platforms through a
signature "Union Station" style facility. Shaping this project
and surrounding area as a premier destination, the result should
be a place where Carrollton residents want to live, work and
play.
The preliminary design will address the architectural theme of
the facility, climate control and the dynamics of freight
operations adjacent to passenger operations. The master plan
will also address the implementation framework for future
development, parking and access, infrastructure needs,
public-private financing and transit funding strategies.
The anticipated completion is in late 2008.
