"They're contributing the money because they felt they needed building types that were high density, and normal market conditions wouldn't justify the costs," he tells GlobeSt.com. "Cities need to have this kind of long-term vision. They see the project as a catalyst, a building type that will be even more appropriate 10 years from now."

Lomenick says DeSoto is following the lead of a growing number of US communities in recognizing the need to shift toward less dependence on the automobile. "We believe development patterns around the US are shifting dramatically. We're definitely a part of that, with our focus on building transit-oriented, mixed-use projects," he says.

The Trammell Crow executive considers DeSoto's commercial and residential markets both very strong, particularly for this type of development. "There's definite market demand for the product types were introducing, but it doesn't exist there now. It's a niche market but a solid one," he says.

Company brochures indicate apartments in the project, the first of which should be ready for move-in by late 2008, will rent for $800 to $1,300 a month. David Copeland with CB Richard Ellis in Dallas is handling the commercial leasing.

DeSoto Town Center project is the first of three so-called catalyst projects designed to revitalize the surrounding area, as recommended in a 2005 study by RTKL. The other projects are Central Park, which will include open space and townhomes, and Belt Line Village, which will feature a mix of restaurants, retail and residential uses.