Huffines' president Robert Kembel told reporters after the meeting that "I didn't want 30 acres to overshadow what this development should be." Although stand-alone buildings are gone from the plan, the Dallas-based developer will put loft apartments above shops in the Viridian Town Center.

The Viridan development at full build-out is projected to add $1.5 billion to the city's tax base. Ground could break in the summer, but there are several hurdles to clear before work can begin, including a final decision on the extension of Ballpark Way. The road extension has been adamantly opposed by Viridian's neighbors. Council is expected to vote on the project's zoning at its April 22 meeting.

The New Urbanism development's design also calls for 400,000 of retail, 500,000 sf of office, hotels and restaurants, 4,100 single-family homes and live-work-play spaces, lofts and brownstones. The Trinity River Express is planning a rail stop on the property. The developer has earmarked more than 1,100 acres as protected wetlands and open spaces and incorporated a 20-mile trail system and 450 acres of lakes into its plan. Designed by renowned urban planner Calthorpe Associates of Berkeley, CA, Viridian is being touted as the only Audubon International gold-certified community in the state.