Transit Oriented Development Arrives Before the DART Cotton Belt Line

Development around the University of Texas at Dallas is already complete in anticipation of a commuter rail line scheduled for completion in 2022.

1 minute read

July 15, 2018, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


High Rise Construction

Lyu Hu / Shutterstock

"The University of Texas at Dallas isn't waiting for a train," reports Ray Leszcynski. "Near the planned UTD stop along the prospective $1.1 billion Cotton Belt commuter rail line, apartments with ground-floor retail are now open. Thai food and bubble tea are already here, even though the train won't be until at least 2022."

According to Leszcynski the development in advance of the arrival of the Cotton Belt rail line "represents a convergence of DART's, [the city of] Richardson's and UTD's interests." Dallas Area Rapid Transit expects the UTD stop to a major hub on the Cotton Belt line, and UTD is working to become a less commuter-centric school.

The article includes details about the remaining vacant parcels that the city plans to position for development, with a potential large corporate anchor like Amazon.

Thursday, July 12, 2018 in The Dallas Morning News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.