Council approves downtown arts‑incubator and pickleball SUP, P&Z recommended four‑year term

The council approved a special‑use permit Feb. 3 to allow an adaptive‑reuse arts incubator/event center with four outdoor pickleball courts at 202 W. Center Street, a formerly tax‑exempt church property in downtown Duncanville.

Planning staff described the dual‑use proposal and told council that both components (the event center and the outdoor amusement courts) require SUP approval in the Downtown General Main Street district. Staff recommended conditions including: acquisition of a valid certificate of occupancy before operations; permitting and inspections for any renovations; notarized and documented parking or shared‑parking agreements approved by staff; and a finite term for the SUP. Planning & Zoning recommended a four‑year term; staff had proposed two years because the owner had described the use as temporary until a restaurant tenant could be secured.

Applicant Tim Maiden and project supporters described an adaptive‑reuse campus with patios, green space, rotating arts tenants, and pickleball courts intended to increase foot traffic downtown and incubate small arts businesses. Applicant said the project would create local jobs, support entrepreneurs and bring additional visitors to downtown retail and restaurants. Council discussion covered hours of operation, parking calculations, restroom availability, alcohol rules (staff said BYOB is governed by state law and on‑site liquor service would require additional approvals) and the need for a CO and building inspections before opening.

Outcome: Council approved the SUP with Planning & Zoning’s recommended four‑year term and the staff conditions concerning inspections and a CO. Council asked staff to follow up on arts funding and sustainability models for incubation.