Council approves rezoning for downtown mixed-use project

Midlothian City Council voted 7–0 Jan. 27 to rezone roughly 10.284 acres on the south side of Eastridge Drive near North Main Street from PD-2 to PD-170 for a mixed-use development.

Staff planner Mary told the council the proposal includes two subdistricts — a vertical mixed-use subdistrict fronting Main Street and a townhome subdistrict — and is consistent with the city’s future land use map and comprehensive plan. The developer reduced the Main Street building from three to two stories and increased office square footage to nearly 29,000. Mary said the project would provide 76 units on the second and third floors, 48 townhome units, pedestrian crossings with markings and bollards, and amenities including five seating areas, shade structures, a playground of about 12,000 square feet with equipment for children 12 and younger, an athletic area, a dog park and pickleball courts.

Mary said staff mailed 27 postcards to property owners within 200 feet and received one letter of support; the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval 5–0 on Sept. 16, 2025. Council discussion focused on confirming that the submitted drawings match the ordinance (exhibit C) and on facade and aesthetic changes made since prior reviews. Several council members praised the revised elevations as fitting the downtown mercantile character and thanked the applicant for working with staff and council feedback.

After brief comments and no public speakers, Mayor Pro Tem Whitcliffe moved to approve the ordinance; Councilman Weaver seconded. The motion passed 7–0.

Next steps include permitting and any required administrative approvals tied to the development plan and final construction documents.