In the heart of Denton, a significant transformation is on the horizon for the Southern Downtown area, once hindered by floodplain restrictions. During a recent Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, city officials discussed a proposal to rezone this area from mixed-use neighborhood to mixed-use downtown, a change that could breathe new life into the community.

Historically, Southern Downtown was designated as downtown commercial general zoning in 2002, but a floodplain designation limited development opportunities. In 2010, a downtown implementation plan excluded this area from the core downtown zoning, further stalling growth. However, a major project in 2024 successfully removed the floodplain designation, opening the door for potential redevelopment.

The city’s Design Downtown Denton plan, approved by the city council, highlighted the community's desire for more businesses, housing, and recreational spaces in Southern Downtown. The plan includes two key recommendations: to develop new housing and commercial spaces and to analyze the feasibility of rezoning the area to mixed-use downtown (MD). This change would allow property owners greater flexibility in development, including reduced landscaping requirements and no mandatory parking for smaller residential units.

The proposed MD zoning aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan, which encourages compact development and reinvestment in key corridors. It aims to attract more residents to support local businesses, fostering a vibrant downtown atmosphere. The commission emphasized that existing single-family homes and businesses would remain unaffected, ensuring that current residents and operations could continue without disruption.

Public outreach efforts revealed mixed responses, with four individuals opposing the rezoning due to concerns about existing businesses, while ten expressed support. Notably, neighborhood meetings showed unanimous backing for the proposal, indicating a strong community interest in revitalizing the area.

As the city moves forward with this rezoning initiative, it stands poised to reshape Southern Downtown into a bustling hub of activity, reflecting the evolving needs and aspirations of Denton’s residents. The commission's recommendation for approval marks a pivotal step toward realizing this vision, promising a future where Southern Downtown thrives alongside its historic core.