Little Bear - A Case History

Located in Northeast Tarrant County in the city of Euless, the Little Bear Development is typical of Dickerson residential communities. The company strategy is to develop infill residential projects located in quality school districts. In addition, highway systems are closely monitored. In this case, the company had worked in Northeast Tarrant County since 1990 and developed two other residential infill projects in the area. As HDC continued to research home starts, closings, absorption, styles and amenities, it became clear that this location would work.

As with all developments, the company invested 20% of the equity. The majority of the investor group consisted of repeat investors.

Being the last undeveloped tract in Euless, the city council desired a flagship residential development. HDC listened to the city, the research and their builders.

The tract of land was owned by Annie Lou Baze and had been in the family since the 1920s. John Dickerson was able to negotiate the 66-acre sale, furnishing a life estate to Ms. Baze. Negotiating with landowners and giving them comfort about future development is a hallmark of HDC.

The 66-acre tract was developed in three phases. Phase 1, The Estates, featured estate type traditional homes built by Goodman Homes. For the next two phases, The Lakes and The Homestead, David Weekley Homes built neo-traditional. These homes have the modern amenities, while the architectural style is from the 1920s and 1930s.

The master plan for Little Bear included three gated communities. The signature feature of the project is a 10-acre greenbelt area that includes six lakes, lighted water features, stone bridges and hike and bike trails. The greenbelt has become a wildlife habitat.

Hardscape features include a card-accessed main gate and a cobblestone entry. The other two sections each have gates with pass code security. A six-foot brick screen wrought iron fence with landscaping sets off the common areas. As always with HDC developments, the building restrictions are above city standards.