The project has been stymied by lost time in dealing with water injection techniques that have been needed to stabilize the earth. Baber estimates three to four months have been lost in valued construction time.

The Dallas architectural firm of Beeler, Guest & Owens has designed the complex, which features one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes. The community has direct access garages and covered parking, limited access gates, a high-tech hospitality center, state-of-the-art athletic center, putting green and resort-style pool.

Situated in the Grapevine/Colleyville School District, the units feature crown molding, intrusion alarms, built-in microwaves, 18.2-cubic foot refrigerators with icemakers, garden tubs, full-size washer/dryer connections, ceiling fans, high speed Internet access and custom cabinetry. Some of the homes will feature built-in bookcases, home office centers, computer desks, fireplaces and separate stand-up showers.

The 270-unit Meridian Phase II, breaking ground a week ago, supplement 250 units that are fully leased in the first phase of the 16-building multifamily complex, situated at 23 Huffines Blvd. at the Texas 121 bypass in Carrollton, just north of downtown Dallas. Baber estimates construction costs for phase II will total about $13 million, about $1 million more than phase I had cost.

Meridian Phase II's initial units will be ready for occupancy in six to seven months, with completion occurring by year's end. The project's completion will signal full build-out of United Dominion's near 34-acre parcel, says Baber. If Meridian Phase II follows suit with the first phase, it will open its doors fully leased. The Archon architectural firm in Dallas is the designer of he Meridian community.