Project History
Realize Rowlett 2020 to Date:
Please watch the Realize Rowlett 2020 Phase I and Phase II Recap Video.
Realize Rowlett 2020 Phase I Recap:
Realize Rowlett 2020 Phase I created a collaborative vision of Rowlett’s future involving residents, business owners, and other stakeholders. Through this effort, the City’s Comprehensive Plan was reviewed and updated, providing direction for future decisions on land use, economic development and public capital investments. The project defined a few important catalyst areas using market research. It is important to note that this is not zoning, it is a high level overview and the first step toward proactive planning Rowlett's future. After a number of meetings involving the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council and the general public, the Realize Rowlett 2020 Comprehensive Plan was adopted by City Council on September 20, 2011.
It is important to note that a Comprehensive Plan does not establish zoning regulations or zoning boundaries. It is a high level overview that establishes a vision and provides implementation strategies that are used to create zoning regulations and boundaries in the future. Those zoning regulation help to protect the vision established under the plan. The Realize Rowlett 2020 Plan will provide a measure of predictability and clarity in the primary step of the development process. It is the first step in proactive planning for the next phase of the City’s future.
Realize Rowlett 2020 Phase II Recap:
Phase II of Realize Rowlett 2020 continued the work completed in Phase I by focusing on four priority planning areas. The priority areas included Area B-2 (Woodside Living), Area D-1 (Healthy Living), Area E-1 (Signature Gateway), and Area E-4 (Old Town). Phase II included education, detailed economic analysis of the four priority planning areas, the creation of citywide development standards, the creation of general concept plans for the top priority areas, and ultimately Form-Based Code zoning standards adopted for each of the priority areas. Throughout this process, stakeholder input and public outreach were of the utmost importance.
Realize Rowlett Phase II resulted in the adoption of a new Form-Based Code was adopted and the four subject areas were rezoned on November 6, 2012. This was a intense and fast-paced process that included mini-charrettes, extensive public input, and many hours on the part of City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Advisory Committee and the Downtown Task Force.
- B-2 Woodside Living (PDF) – This is the area west of Waterview and north of Liberty Grove Road. Woodside Living is envisioned as residential neighborhood that embraces traditional neighborhood development and the trees and open spaces along Muddy Creek.
- E-1 Signature Gateway (PDF) – This is the area at the southern tip of Rowlett east of the President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT). Signature Gateway is envisioned as a mixed-use area with the tallest buildings in Rowlett, providing an "address" and focal point.
- D-1 Healthy Living (PDF) – This is the area near Lake Pointe Medical Center and the future Scenic Point Park. Healthy Living is envisioned as a mixed-use residential neighborhood with a strong focus on health.
- E-4 Downtown (PDF) (Previsouly "Old Town") – This is the area near Main Street and the future DART Light Rail Station known as Downtown. Downtown will continue to represent our community's history but also integrate denser mixed-use products supported by the DART Light Rail Station.