Community Developers Roundtable - News

Pearl Ridge Breaks Ground in Southern Dallas, Launches Home Sales for New Mixed-Income Community

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:20:46 GMT

203-home for-sale development along Lancaster corridor reflects five years of community-driven planning and investment.

DALLAS, TX, UNITED STATES, April 1, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / -- Community leaders, elected officials, and development partners gathered last week to celebrate the official groundbreaking of Pearl Ridge , a new 203-home residential community located at 6601 S. Lancaster Road by Innovan Neighborhoods and Mosaic Futures . The milestone event marked the beginning of construction on a thoughtfully designed neighborhood aimed at expanding access to attainable homeownership in Southern Dallas.

More than 300 attendees gathered for the ceremony, including elected officials and representatives from the City of Dallas, Dallas County, housing leaders, and community stakeholders. The event celebrated not only the start of construction, but the culmination of a five-year process shaped by sustained community input, public-private partnership, and a shared vision for the future of the Lancaster corridor.

“Pearl Ridge was never just about building homes,” said Maggie Parker, Founder and Managing Partner of Innovan Neighborhoods. “It is about what can be formed over time through care, persistence, and belief in what a community can become. Every decision along the way was shaped by real voices and a commitment to getting this right.”

Developed by Innovan Neighborhoods, the community introduces a market-driven housing model with income qualifications, offering a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes designed to meet buyers where they are while creating pathways to long-term ownership. Homes are anticipated to range from the $270,000s to the $400,000s.

Located near the Education Corridor and the Five Mile Creek community, Pearl Ridge is less than half a mile from the Camp Wisdom DART station and in close proximity to major institutions including the University of North Texas at Dallas, Paul Quinn College, and the VA Hospital. The development is also part of the Dallas 1,000 Unit Housing Challenge, a citywide effort to expand housing access near transit and economic centers.

The name “Pearl Ridge” reflects both the physical and symbolic foundation of the project. The site sits on a natural ridge with more than 70 feet of elevation change, creating a distinctive topography that will shape the community’s design, including a central community hill, pocket parks, and shared green spaces. The “pearl” represents the years of effort, investment, and collaboration required to bring the project to life.

“A pearl is not given. It is formed over time,” Parker added. “That is the story of this project, and it is reflected in everything we are building here.”

The development also carries forward the legacy of the land through its formal subdivision name, Tawakoni-Tarver, honoring both the Indigenous Tawakoni people and the historic Black landownership established in the area in the late 19th century. Street names throughout the community further embed themes of family, heritage, and permanence into the fabric of the neighborhood.

As construction begins, Innovan Neighborhoods has officially launched the Pearl Ridge website and opened the interest list for prospective homebuyers. The sales process is now live, offering early access for individuals and families interested in purchasing within the community’s first phases.

Pearl Ridge represents a broader commitment to delivering high-quality, amenity-rich housing that addresses the city’s “missing middle” while reinforcing long-term neighborhood investment and stability in Southern Dallas.

To learn more or join the interest list, visit https://www.pearlridgedallas.com

Asheya Warren
PRAXIS
+1 972-755-5330
email us here

Check out the event gallery below:

Building for the Future: Celebrating the Pearl Ridge Groundbreaking

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:44:39 GMT

A Milestone for Attainable Homeownership and Community-Led Development in Southern Dallas

The transformation of a neighborhood is rarely the result of a single moment; rather, it is the culmination of years of persistence, shared vision, and professional execution. On March 26, 2026, that persistence reached a major milestone as Innovan Neighborhoods, Mosaic Futures , and our dedicated partners broke ground on Pearl Ridge .

Located at 6601 S. Lancaster Road, Pearl Ridge is more than a residential subdivision, it is a $100M+ commitment to the future of the Southern Dallas Education Corridor. As the ceremonial shovels hit the dirt, we celebrated the start of a project that will bring 203 high-quality, for-sale homes to a community that has long advocated for intentional investment.

Moving Beyond the "Status Quo"

For too long, the narrative of urban development has been a choice between total disinvestment or rapid displacement. Pearl Ridge offers a different path. By focusing on attainable, mixed-income housing, we are ensuring that the growth of South Dallas includes the people who have called this area home for generations.

This development was shaped by over two years of direct community engagement. We listened to the priorities of neighbors, municipal leaders, and local stakeholders to design a project that balances market-driven success with social impact.

The Power of Partnership

No project of this scale happens in isolation. The groundbreaking was a testament to the strength of the public-private partnerships that Innovan champions. We were honored to be joined by City of Dallas staff, Cedar Hill Mayor Steve Mason, and local Councilmembers, all of whom have been instrumental in moving this vision forward.

Our collaboration with Mosaic Futures has been particularly vital. As the non-profit infrastructure for this project, Mosaic Futures ensures that our development goals remain aligned with the cultural and economic heritage of the neighborhood. Together, we are proving that institutional-scale execution can, and should, be rooted in local heart.

What’s Next for Pearl Ridge

With construction now officially underway, the focus shifts to bringing these 203 homes to life. Featuring a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom townhomes and cottages, Pearl Ridge is designed to support various stages of life, from first-time homebuyers to growing families.

As part of the Dallas 1,000 Unit Housing Challenge, this project serves as a blueprint for how we can address the housing gap through professional expertise and community-aligned strategy. We invite you to follow along as we build not just houses, but the stable foundations that will support Southern Dallas for decades to come.

Check out the event gallery below:

New Southern Dallas Homeownership Community Breaks Ground Along Lancaster Corridor

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:15:08 GMT

Innovan Neighborhoods, its partners and city leaders collaborate to launch a 203-home development providing attainable for-sale housing in the Southern Dallas Education Corridor.

DALLAS, TX, UNITED STATES, March 25, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / -- Community leaders, elected officials, and development partners will gather tomorrow to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new 203-home, for-sale residential community at 6601 S. Lancaster Road, marking the start of construction on a development designed to expand attainable homeownership opportunities in Southern Dallas.

Developed by Innovan Neighborhoods , the mixed-income community introduces a new housing model designed to expand access to homeownership while supporting long-term neighborhood investment. The development reflects a market-driven approach that creates opportunities for individuals and families across a range of income levels.

During the ceremony, the development team will unveil the community’s official name for the first time and share the inspiration behind it, marking a key milestone as the project moves from vision to reality.

Located along the Lancaster corridor near the Education Corridor and the Five Mile Creek community, the development is designed to connect residents to schools, jobs, and a more convenient, active lifestyle. The project reflects collaboration with neighborhood residents, civic partners, and housing stakeholders.

The development is part of the City of Dallas ’ 1,000 Unit Housing Challenge, an initiative aimed at creating new housing within proximity to transit to expand access, mobility, and economic opportunity across the city.

More than 300 guests are expected to attend, including elected officials, city housing leadership, community stakeholders, and neighborhood residents.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Groundbreaking Ceremony and Official Community Naming Announcement
When: Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 10:00 AM
Where:
6601 S. Lancaster Road, Dallas, TX 75241
(Event will take place across the street from the project site at True Christ Unity Fellowship, 6104 S. Lancaster Rd, between Pall Mall and Gooch Street)

Speakers Include:
• John Wiley Price, Dallas County Commissioner
• Lorie Blair, Dallas City Council Member
• Former Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins
• City of Dallas Housing Department leadership
• Maggie Parker, Innovan Neighborhoods
• Jack Matthews, Matthews Southwest

Attendees Include:
• Development partners and design team
• Additional elected officials
• Housing advocates and financial institutions
• Homebuyer education organizations
• Community stakeholders and neighborhood residents

About the Development
The project is a 200+ home mixed-income residential community designed to expand attainable homeownership opportunities in Dallas. By introducing a “missing middle” housing model, the development provides a new option that bridges the gap between single-family homes and large-scale multifamily while creating opportunities for long-term, rooted homeownership.

Media Note
Visual opportunities include the ceremonial groundbreaking, unveiling of the development’s official name, remarks from elected officials and development partners, and community participation in the launch of the new subdivision.
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Asheya Warren
PRAXIS
+1 972-755-5330
email us here
Visit us on social media:
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Community Developers Roundtable Fort Worth Partner Dinner

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:46:00 GMT

Partners, sponsors, and developers gathered at Mercury Chophouse in downtown Fort Worth for the Community Developers Roundtable (CDR) Partner Dinner, an evening focused on strengthening the relationships that help move community-centered development forward.
The event was proudly sponsored by PNC Bank , with remarks from Karen Riley, who spoke about the importance of collaboration between financial institutions and developers working to bring impactful projects to life. Support from partners like PNC helps expand access to capital and opportunity for emerging community developers.

Current CDR Cohort 3 participants James Walker and Thomas Oliver of Alpha Family Group also shared reflections on their development journeys and the value of the Roundtable network. Their remarks highlighted how the program creates a space for developers to build relationships, exchange insights, and gain the support needed to advance projects that strengthen neighborhoods.
The evening brought together developers, lenders, and industry partners around a shared commitment to collaboration, connection, and community impact.
The Community Developers Roundtable is a capacity-building initiative supporting diverse developers working on community-rooted real estate projects across Fort Worth.
Check out the event gallery below!

To learn more about the CDR Cohort 3 (Fort Worth) participants, click here .

Building Momentum: CDR Fort Worth Kicks Off Its First Session at Bennett Partners

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:37:00 GMT

The first session of the Community Developers Roundtable (CDR) Fort Worth launched with great energy and excitement. Hosted at Bennett Partners, one of Fort Worth’s leading architecture firms, the event brought together an incredible group of emerging developers, local partners, and community advocates who are passionate about shaping stronger and more inclusive neighborhoods.
Participants began the morning with breakfast and networking before diving into a full agenda that blended learning, discussion, and inspiration.

Setting the Vision

The morning opened with introductions and a conversation about the purpose and vision of the CDR program. CDR Fort Worth is a nine-month professional development program designed to equip emerging community developers with practical knowledge, mentorship, and resources to move their real estate projects forward.
Led by Innovan Neighborhoods, the program focuses on building long-term capacity within Fort Worth’s development ecosystem. Participants also learned what to expect from upcoming monthly sessions, each designed to combine expert insights with peer exchange and hands-on learning.

CDR Fort Worth is a nine-month professional development program designed to equip emerging community developers with practical knowledge, mentorship, and resources to move their real estate projects forward.

Exploring Resources and Relationships

The day included a robust overview of available resources and support. Participants heard from several key partners who introduced the range of tools and expertise available through the program:

Aloni Harris, C3 Fund: shared financing pathways and capital support for developers
Asheya Warren, PRAXIS Strategic Consulting: discussed marketing and public relations related benefits
HM&M CPAs: provided offerings on accounting and tax considerations
Karen Vermaire Fox, Greater Fort Worth Real Estate Council: introduced local networking and advocacy opportunities
Jaymar Joseph, Fort Worth Community Land Trust: shared insights on land trust models
Raquel Valdez Sanchez, BCL of Texas: highlighted lending and technical assistance programs

Learning from Experience

A highlight of the session was the CDR Alumni Panel, featuring Sam Ruben (Ruben Legacy Homes), Brandon Ward (Bid Gigz, LLC), and Jay Taylor (Juxta Designs).
Each shared their personal journey, including the lessons, challenges, and wins that shaped their development path. Their honesty and perspective offered valuable encouragement to the new cohort and underscored the supportive network that CDR fosters.

Putting Ideas into Action

The session continued with a real estate project feedback exercise, giving participants a chance to think critically about development scenarios and hear how peers and mentors would approach real-world challenges. The day wrapped up with lunch and open conversation, allowing participants to connect more deeply and reflect on what they had learned.

Participant Feedback and Reflections

Based on the post-session Pulse Check survey, the first session received glowing feedback from participants. Every respondent rated the session as extremely valuable and described the overall experience as excellent. All participants also said they felt very comfortable engaging, asking questions, and sharing their experiences.
When asked what stood out most, their answers reflected both enthusiasm and a sense of possibility.

"The amount of resources we will have access to."
"I loved the information from the tax company and learning more about the development process."
"I’m excited and look forward to all the sessions to come!"

It’s clear that the first gathering helped participants feel both supported and inspired. Many shared that they left with a better understanding of how to leverage new tools, relationships, and insights to bring their own projects to life.

Looking Ahead

As the first of nine sessions, this kickoff laid a strong foundation for collaboration and growth. The CDR Fort Worth cohort will continue exploring topics such as financing, design, construction management, and marketing in the coming months, with each session building toward real, on-the-ground impact across Fort Worth communities.

Community Developers Roundtable Successfully Launches Fort Worth Chapter

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 02:53:00 GMT

The Fort Worth program of the Community Developers Roundtable is officially underway. Learn how the cohort will empower local real estate leaders with capital and training to build stronger, more equitable neighborhoods.

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Community Developers Roundtable (CDR), a proven program of Innovan Neighborhoods, officially and successfully launched its Fort Worth chapter on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, marking a major step toward championing locally rooted developers as small business leaders.

The launch event was made possible through the generous support of host sponsor Texas Wesleyan University, where it was held at the Baker Building. The event successfully gathered a diverse group of emerging and established nonprofit and for-profit real estate developers, community leaders, stakeholders, funders and partners dedicated to equitable and sustainable neighborhood growth. The CDR program’s mission is to unlock homegrown opportunities by equipping local developers with access to critical capital, peer learning, strategic support and strong networks. The developers operate as small businesses deeply invested in their neighborhoods.

Maggie Parker, founder of Innovan Neighborhoods and the Community Developers Roundtable, addressed the attendees, highlighting the organization's history of success and the strategic importance of the Fort Worth expansion.

“Our two-year pilot program showed that equipping locally rooted developers with resources, networks and capital, they can drive lasting impact,” Parker notes. She emphasized the program’s vision, stating, “The Fort Worth expansion is about championing and empowering developers who understand the context of their neighborhoods, making them best positioned to build, revitalize and reinvigorate the places they call home which contributes to the economic vitality of Fort Worth.”

Event Highlights

The program officially launched with a dynamic event that included:

Key Stakeholder Addresses: Attendees heard about the CDR’s established model and the vision for its application and impact across Fort Worth.
Testimonials: Past cohort participants provided firsthand accounts, sharing the real-world impact they achieved after completing the program.
Program Overview: A detailed, step-by-step overview of the application process for the inaugural Fort Worth Cohort was provided, officially opening the application window.
Networking: Developers, funders and community partners connected, fostering the strategic relationships necessary for future community development projects.

With the successful launch of the Fort Worth chapter, the Community Developers Roundtable is now poised to move into its first cohort selection phase, building on its momentum to ensure that local real estate leaders have the capacity to create more affordable housing and vital community assets.

About the Community Developers Roundtable

The Community Developers Roundtable (CDR), a program of Innovan Neighborhoods, is a collective network and capacity-building initiative designed for non-profit and for-profit developers who operate as small businesses deeply invested in their neighborhoods. By offering a developer-led structure with ongoing support, accountability, and access to critical capital, CDR equips developers to create more affordable housing and vital community assets. Together, we foster thriving neighborhoods across North Texas and expand economic opportunity.

Download the Related Press Release here: , CDR Launches in Fort Worth