On Wednesday, the Dallas City Council voted unanimously to deny the zoning request for the Winners Tower development, citing an absence of a concrete design and insufficient data on how the project would serve the surrounding community.
Background on the proposal
The Winners Assembly Christian Church originally sought a zoning change for a 25‑story mixed‑use tower at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Colonial Avenue. The plan called for luxury condos, a hotel, multifamily housing, retail space, a bank and even a helipad. After the City Plan Commission found the request inconsistent with the existing neighborhood fabric, the commission voted to deny the application.
Undeterred, the developers appealed and re‑submitted a scaled‑down version of the project, now proposing a 10‑story building that would include a bank, grocery store and office space. The revised plan was presented at an April community meeting via a slideshow, but residents remained skeptical, demanding concrete data on parking, pedestrian infrastructure and overall impact on the area.
Councilmember Bazaldua’s rationale
District 7 Councilmember Adam Bazaldua moved to follow the City Plan Commission’s recommendation and led the motion to deny the request. In his remarks, Bazaldua explained that despite extensive meetings and multiple revisions, the developers had not provided “true renderings” or a clear understanding of what the public could expect.
“With all the time that has gone by, for us to still not see concrete plans with true renderings and a clear understanding of what the public can expect, I can’t, in good faith, put my neck out on the line for an applicant who hasn’t done their due diligence,” Bazaldua said. He added that approving the project could result in land with lenient zoning that might later be sold for unrelated uses, potentially undermining neighborhood stability.
Community concerns
Residents voiced strong objections during an August meeting, repeatedly asking for detailed plans on parking capacity, sidewalk improvements, and how the building’s height would fit within the city’s updated PD 595 guidelines. Many felt the project remained above the recommended height for the area, despite the developers’ attempts to scale it down.
Local stakeholders also expressed worry that the tower’s luxury components—such as high‑end condos and a hotel—might not align with the economic realities of South Dallas, potentially creating a development that feels disconnected from the community’s needs.
Implications for future development
The council’s unanimous denial sends a clear message to developers: thorough, transparent planning and genuine community engagement are essential for approval. The decision underscores the city’s commitment to ensuring that new projects complement existing neighborhoods and adhere to established zoning standards.
While the Winners Assembly Church may revisit the proposal with more detailed designs, the council’s stance suggests that any future submission will need to address the specific concerns raised by both councilmembers and residents.
Next steps
The developers have the option to appeal the council’s decision or to submit a revised application that meets the city’s planning criteria. Meanwhile, the council will continue to monitor other development proposals to ensure they align with Dallas’s long‑term growth strategy and community values.
For a full recording of the council meeting, watch here.
Original reporting: Dallas Free Press — read the source article.
