The Southlake City Council approved second reading of Ordinance 480‑826 (case ZA24‑0064) to change zoning and accept a concept plan for the Dakotas property at 1909 West Kirkwood Boulevard on Jan. 7.

The measure passed unanimously 7‑0. Director Kilo told council the request changes zoning from Non‑Residential Planned Unit Development (NRPUD) to SP‑2 (generalized site plan district) and that there were no substantive changes since first reading.

What was approved: The concept plan envisions roughly a 9,000‑square‑foot restaurant, an approximately 8,100‑square‑foot event space and up to five specialty retail buildings totaling roughly 11,700 square feet. Staff noted variances were granted to defer the traffic‑impact analysis until site plan submittal and to allow modifications to stacking depth requirements; any traffic‑study recommendations will be addressed at site plan review.

Applicant timeline: Tim McEnany, speaking for the applicant, said the developer expects to close on the property the week following the council meeting and begin permitting work thereafter. He estimated, subject to permitting and site work, that concrete slab work could be poured in September or October and interior build‑out could follow in three to four months once vertical construction begins.

Why it matters: The plan transforms a parcel on West Kirkwood Boulevard into a mixed‑use site intended to add restaurant, event and small retail uses to the Town Square area. The council’s action clears the way for more detailed site‑plan review and permitting by staff.

Next steps: The developer must submit and receive approval of site plans, and any deferred traffic‑impact study requirements will be resolved during that review. Staff will oversee the subsequent permitting process and address any conditions in the site‑plan stage.

Key quote: Applicant Tim McEnany said, regarding schedule, “my goal is to get concrete and whatnot in land poured by September, October.”