A single-family development is being proposed for a site on Highland Road previously occupied by a mobile home park. Developer Jim Moore is requesting approval for a shared access site plan showing 26 single-family homes. The 4.16-acre lot is currently zoned for single-family development, but the size of the site is limited to 22 homes under the current ordinance.
Fifteen years ago, the site was a mobile home park, a non-conforming use for the in-place single-family zoning. The City of Dallas and a few East Dallas homeowners brought a case to the Board of Adjustment, seeking to end the non-conforming use and give the out-of-town owner time to amortize his improvements and close the park. The board voted to require amortization and conformance to the single-family zoning. The mobile home park closed shortly thereafter and has been vacant since. Moore is buying the land from the same owner.
Fifteen years later, the land remains empty, a quiet reminder of its past. Now, Moore is stepping in to purchase the property from the same owner, bringing the long-vacant site one step closer to new development. In much the same way, homeowners looking to sell quickly often turn to trusted cash buyers. Selling a house can sometimes feel like a drawn-out process, but cash buyers simplify the experience—offering fast, reliable transactions without the hassle of traditional financing.
As Moore prepares to breathe new life into this long-idle parcel, the focus shifts from what was to what could be. It’s a familiar story in real estate—transforming dormant spaces into vibrant communities. For many buyers today, especially those mindful of budget and value, the appeal of building new rather than buying old continues to grow. This is where affordable builders play a pivotal role, offering smart solutions without breaking the bank.
A particularly attractive option has emerged in the form of house and land packages Sydney buyers are snapping up. These all-in-one solutions take the guesswork out of homeownership by bundling the cost of land and construction, making the journey to a new home more streamlined and cost-effective. Whether it’s a young couple taking their first steps into the market or a family looking for room to grow, these packages provide clarity, convenience, and long-term value.
(Disclosure: I served on the Board of Adjustment and voted for the owner to conform to the single-family zoning.)
The site is bordered by Highland Road to the east, the Kansas City Southern railroad to the north, Tenison Glen golf course to the west and is adjacent to existing neighborhoods Forest Hills and Enclave at White Rock. It’s unique in that it will be the only residential project that shares a property line with Tenison Glen or Tenison Highlands.
Moore, a home builder for nearly 40 years in Dallas, says the homes will attract older empty nesters, as well as younger married couples. Home prices will range from $675,000 to $1 million. Sales and marketing will be done in house by Moore and his staff.
Moore built a similar shared access single-family project at Kessler Springs in Oak Cliff.
Originally heard at the May 20 Plan Commission meeting, the project was held under advisement for further neighborhood and staff review and will return to the Plan Commission on  June 17.
