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Commission approves Midtown pickleball-and-retail plan with many design conditions but allows developer's EV parking count
Summary
The commission approved a Midtown mixed-use site featuring an indoor Pickleball Kingdom and retail with multiple design variances, accepting staff recommendations on landscaping and facade treatment while allowing the developer to retain 91 EV-capable parking stalls.
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a specific-use permit and site plan for a mixed-use development on a site in the Midtown retail corridor that includes an indoor Pickleball Kingdom, a multi-tenant retail/restaurant building and related amenities.
Staff outlined eight variance requests tied to the project (SUP25030015): a building-height variance for the Pickleball Kingdom (proposed 30 feet vs. 25-foot maximum in GR zoning), multiple window and canopy exceptions for facades and a landscape variance related to street trees. Staff recommended approval with conditions: add a five-foot landscape buffer along Highway 161 to allow planting of required street trees, reduce the number of proposed EV parking stalls (staff suggested about 25 rather than the 91 originally proposed), adjust facade materials and colors to meet Appendix F design standards, and require transportation and drainage approvals during civil review.
Developer representative Nick Larkin (NLCC / Nucor Development) described the project as an entertainment-anchored retail center and emphasized community and family uses and year-round indoor recreation in the DFW market. Larkin said the team can accommodate staff design comments and was open to adjustments on materials and canopies. He also said the Pickleball Kingdom lease is long-term (10 years) but acknowledged future flexibility in use should market demand shift.
Commission discussion focused on window and canopy percentages, street trees and the number of EV charging stalls. Staff said 91 EV stalls was excessive; commissioners debated whether the higher count was a valid amenity. Commissioner Madden moved to approve the SUP with staff recommendations but to strike staff recommendation number 2 and allow the developer to keep 91 EV-capable spaces; Commissioner Luckybaum seconded. The commission voted unanimously to approve the project with that modification. Staff will work with the applicant on design revisions and civil engineering comments before City Council and permitting.
