Richardson Edition | April 2024

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Richardson Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 8  APRIL 26MAY 24, 2024

School consolidation

The 202324 school year will be the last time students enter Springridge Elementary.

COURTESY RICHARDSON ISD

Closures could save Richardson ISD nearly half of expected $28M shortfall

its practice of bussing certain students to schools outside of their designated attendance zones. The moves come amid additional declines in enrollment, rising repair costs for aging infrastruc- ture and no increase in state funding, Branum said.

resulting in these closures was approved March 21. “We can’t keep operating the number of ele- mentary schools that we have, knowing … we are serving less students than we were before the pandemic,” Superintendent Tabitha Branum said. At the same time, the district is doing away with

BY KEVIN CUMMINGS

Four Richardson ISD elementary schools—Green- wood Hills, Thurgood Marshall, Springridge and Spring Valley—will close at the end of the school year. Selected by an RISD Community Budget Steer- ing Committee formed in June, the consolidations

CONTINUED ON 14

Also in this issue

Impacts: Soundworks DJ Academy opens in Lennox Center (Page 6)

Government: Richardson breaks ground on 2 new projects (Page 9)

Education: RISD approves school upgrade funding (Page 11)

Business: Puzzles of Color showcases diversity in art (Page 18)

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Backed by the latest research and advanced technology, our team of experts will work tirelessly to help you build a future without cancer. To learn more or schedule an appointment: utswmed.org/cancer or 214-645-4673.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Richardson’s bank for business Total Assets (in Millions) Total Loans (in Millions) 3JDIBSETPOh s bank for business 3JDIBSETPOh s bank for business 3JDIBSETPOh s bank for business 3JDIBSETPOh s bank for business

$500 $450 $400 $350 $300 $250 $200 $150 $100

$400 $350 $300 $250 $200 $150 $50 $0 $100

$50 $0

Total Deposits (in Millions)

Net Income after Tax (in Millions)

$400

$7.5 $7.0 $6.5 $6.0 $5.5 $5.0 $4.5 $4.0 $3.5 $3.0 $2.5 $2.0 $1.0 $1.5 $0.5

$350

$300

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

$0

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RICHARDSON EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Impacts

PLANO PKWY.

Coming soon

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4 The Farmhouse Focusing on barbecue, seafood boils and more, the restaurant will offer catering services and meals patrons can take home and heat. • Opening late April

RENNER RD.

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BRECKINRIDGE BLVD.

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TELECOM PKWY.

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• 1980 Nantucket Drive, Richardson • www.food.orders.co/thefarmhouse

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78 Chiropractic and Richardson Pain & Wellness–are merging, with plans to set up shop in a new location as a combined entity. Now known as AlignRight Pain & Wellness, the combined business will operate as an integrated clinic offering pain management, chiropractic, regenerative and medical weight loss services. • Opening in May • 810 N. Plano Road, Ste. 230, Richardson • www.alignrightchiropractic.com 5 AlignRight Pain & Wellness Two existing Richardson medical practices–AlignRight 6 Coram Deo Academy Christian private school Coram Deo Academy is planning to move its Dallas campus to Richardson. The new school will be located at the site of Binnerri Presbyterian Church. • Opening TBD • 1301 Abrams Road, Richardson • www.coramdeoacademy.org/campuses/dallas 7 Mai Beauty Spot The salon will offer a number of services, including makeup application, facials, nail treatments and more. Mai Beauty Spot will also sell beauty products. • Opening in June • 700 E. Campbell Road, Ste. 170, Richardson • Facebook: Mai Beauty Spot

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Richardson

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

N TM; © 2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

were upgraded with features to make the in-store and digital experience better for customers with disabilities. • A 1405 E. Renner Road, Ste. 400, Richardson • (reopened March 21) • B 101 W. Campbell Road, Richardson

Now open

1 Soundworks DJ Academy The business offers a two-month introductory program for those looking to get into DJing and potentially turn it into a career. Soundworks also provides private rooms for practicing and recording along with parties for groups to attend a class and try their hand at DJing. • Opened March 29 • 1310 W. Campbell Road, Ste. 130, Richardson • www.soundworksdtx.com 2 Starbucks Two Richardson Starbucks have reopened after renovations. According to filings with the state, both

• (reopened March 22) • www.starbucks.com

3 The Serpentarium After a temporary closure due to an August fire, the specialty pet store is open again. The business sells care items for exotic pets in addition to live snakes, turtles and amphibians. • Reopened April 6 • 630 S. Central Expressway, Ste. 102, Richardson • www.snakemuseum.com

Expansions

8 Thai Thumbz Urban Kitchen Focused on Thai cuisine, the BYOB restaurant serves a variety of curries and classics, such as pad thai and drunken noodles. The original Thai Thumbz is located in northern Richardson.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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• Opened March 21 • 18101 Preston Road, Dallas • www.thaisthumbz.com

Closings

Now open

11 Six Springs Tavern Local music venue Six Springs Tavern is closing its doors due to low crowd attendance, a company representative said. The business held its last concert March 21. • Closed March 22 • 147 N. Plano Road, Richardson • www.sixspringslive.com 12 Black Friday Hot Deals The furniture store sold couches, mattresses, bed frames, and other furniture and home goods. A company representative said the store closed because the owners relocated to Fort Worth. • Closed March 19 • 1750 E. Belt Line Road, Ste. 100, Richardson • www.facebook.com/blackfridayhotdealsdfw 13 FirstTea Bubble Tea House The shop, which rebranded from ShareTea to FirstTea Bubble Tea House in July 2023, has closed. • An exact closing date is unknown, but employees at neighboring businesses said the FirstTea closed in March.

In the news

9 Innovista Medical Center A former Sanitas Medical Center has a new name and management, and will now be known as Innovista Medical Center. According to Sanitas’ website, all Texas clinics are now managed by Innovista as of April 1. Innovista provides a variety of services, including primary care, vaccines, imaging and lab tests. • 350 S. Plano Road, Richardson • www.innovistamedicalcenter.com 10 Another Time and Place Grille Turkish restaurant Another Time and Place Grille is planning to finish upgrades to its patio later this year. Owner Mehmet Shon Celik said he plans to add a retractable roof to cover the outdoor seating section of the restaurant. The patio cover should be fully installed

14 Dave’s Hot Chicken The California-based chain serves chicken tenders and sliders at various levels of spice. According to the company’s website, Dave’s Hot Chicken first opened as a food cart and now has more than 100 locations across the country. • Opened March 28 • 1545 E. Belt Line Road, Richardson • www.daveshotchicken.com

in three to four months, Celik said. • 925 Abrams Road, Richardson • www.anothertimeandplace.com

• 1386 E. Belt Line Road, Richardson • No website is available at this time.

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Government

Lockwood Distilling eyes expansion Richardson-based Lockwood Distilling Company plans to open a manufacturing and storage facility within the city, based on plans shared at a city meeting. The Richardson City Plan Commission recommended approval of a permit for the proposed facility during its April 2 meeting and City Council approved the measure April 8. Two-minute impact The proposed facility is located at 816 S. Sherman St. and includes office space. There are also plans to double the current production team workforce to at least 20 in the new facility, Lockwood Distilling co-owner Evan Batt said. “This will take our business into the next decade of expansion,” Batt said.

Richardson breaks ground on 2 projects

FIRE STATION NO. 5

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Groundbreaking ceremonies were held in Richardson for two facilities that were included as part of the 2021 bond. The ceremonies for the Richardson Animal Shelter and Fire Station No. 5 were held in March, according to a city news release. The Richardson Animal Shelter was closed March 4-5 as staff transitioned into temporary spaces during the facility’s renovation. What you need to know The animal shelter project will include a new main entrance, storage rooms and expanded staff offices. The budget and scope for the project was increased in December to $4.3 million funded by the 2021 bond and cost savings on other projects, interest earning and 2022 funding for the bond contingency. In addition to the groundbreaking at the animal

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shelter, a ceremony was also held at Fire Station No. 5. The fire station project includes additional living quarters for station personnel, expanded storage for firefighting gear and a new HVAC system. Based on the December 2023 update, the project’s budget sits around $4.8 million. What’s next? Construction on Fire Station No. 5 is expected to be completed later this year or in early 2025. The Richardson Animal Shelter renovation will likely be completed in early 2025.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CONNOR PITTMAN

City previews updated water conservation plan Richardson staff presented an updated five-year water conservation plan to council during its April 1 meeting. The city’s plans include the Water Conser- vation Plan, and Water Resource and Emergency Management Plan. The overview

Terms of the deal Celestica must create 155 new jobs with an average annual salary of $67,200 The city will pay $250,000 in three installments over two years Celestica must invest at least $5.5 million into the leased space over two-year period. Celestica plans to add 155 jobs in Richardson The city made an economic development agreement with tech company Celestica to help it expand and add 155 jobs within Richardson, according to a city news release. Celestica currently operates a facility located at 2791 Telecom Parkway. As part of its expansion, Celestica plans to take over 30,000 square feet of space nearby.

• Stage Two: no planting that would reduce the ability of soil to retain moisture • Stage Three: no hosing or washing of paved areas or buildings • Stage Three: Interactive water features would be prohibited. Additionally, the city’s summer watering restrictions—a conservation effort—began April 1, according to a city news release. Summer watering restrictions limit outdoor watering for addresses ending in an odd number to Wednesday and Sunday, and even-numbered addresses on Tuesday and Saturday. Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. What’s next? Adoption of the plans into ordinances will likely be considered by council during the April 22 meet- ing, Director of Public Services Eric Robison said.

Four measures could be added to the conser- vation plan, including goals to reduce the city’s water loss from 18% to 12% by 2029. The Water Resource and Energy Management Plan is designed for droughts or emergency situations. There are three stages of implementa- tion that begin when drought condition triggers are met, with more restrictive watering rule and progressively higher reduction goals. Digging deeper Three additional requirements included in the presentation also received favorable feedback from council.

SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Election

BY KEVIN CUMMINGS

Brown, Valdez set for Dallas County sheriff runoff election Dallas County, according to her campaign website. Valdez was the first Latina sheriff of the county. “My experience leading the Dallas County Results breakdown

Incumbent Marian Brown is heading into a runoff election on May 28 with challenger Lupe Valdez in the race for Dallas County sheriff after none of the candidates garnered more than 50% of the votes in the primary election. In the primary race, Brown faced a number of challengers, including Sam Mohamad, Rodney Thomas, Roy Williams Jr. and Valdez, who pre- viously served in the sheriff role from 2005-2017 before running for Texas governor. No Republicans ran for the position. “I am proud of the work we have done, espe- cially during the difficult days of COVID-19,” Brown said in a news release. “We are daily focused on our jail operations, and we are doing all we can to make Dallas County safer.” What you need to know In the March primary race, Brown received 48,427 votes, or 41.96%. Valdez received 43,587 votes, or 37.77%. Brown is the first Black sheriff of

Sheriff’s Office taught me that working with other community leaders is essential to solve issues with our criminal justice system,” Valdez said in a news release. “Sometimes it takes the leaders of a village to make things happen.” Established in 1846, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department oversees the Lew Sterrett Justice Cen- ter, which has an average population of more than 6,000 inmates and more than 2,000 employees, according to the department’s website. In addition, the department has jurisdiction in all county areas. What’s next? Early voting for the runoff election will begin May 20 and run through May 24. The last day to apply to vote by mail in the election is May 17, and the last day to receive a ballot by mail is May 28 if the carrier envelope is not postmarked and May 29

Incumbent

Headed to runoff

Dallas County Sheriff

37.77% Lupe Valdez 11.06% Roy Williams Jr. 5.37% Sam Mohamad 3.84% Rodney Thomas 41.96% Marian Brown

SOURCE: DALLAS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

if it is postmarked. In-person voting for Dallas and Collin county residents can be done at any polling locations in a person’s respective county. The general election will be held on Nov. 5.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY KEVIN CUMMINGS

Richardson ISD sets max price for 3 bond-funded elementary upgrades

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The maximum price Richardson ISD will pay for its last major construction projects funded through the district’s 2021 bond have been set, with construction expected to begin in May. At its March 7 meeting, the RISD board of trust- ees unanimously voted to approve a maximum budget of nearly $10 million each for renovation and construction projects at three elementary schools. “It’s really about updating finishes, and these three [schools] have not had updates or refreshes in many years,” said Sandra Hayes, assistant superintendent of district operations, at the meeting. What’s happening? Each of the projects are expected to start in May and finish in August 2025 with work done

in phases that allow students to remain in the building. Quote of note At the March 7 meeting, Superintendent Tabitha Branum noted that voter-approved bond funds must go toward projects identified when approved. “Bond dollars are different than our general operating fund,” Branum said. “Part of when you put a bond out for the community’s consideration is you state the use of those funds and those projects ... and the voters approve that bond as presented, so we cannot shift those [dollars] to address other operational expenses.”

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Projects and the guaranteed maximum price, or GMP, the district will pay for each include: 1 Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet • GMP: $9.98 million • Main project: constructing a connector between the auditorium and main building; playground equipment upgrades 2 Northrich Elementary • GMP: $9.93 million • Main project: addition of accessible sidewalk and trellis at front entry 3 Stults Road Elementary • GMP: $9.99 million • Main project: addition of a canopy to provide covering for students during drop-off and pickup

SOURCE: RICHARDSON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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11

RICHARDSON EDITION

Transportation

Events

BY CONNOR PITTMAN

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

Richardson preps for nearly $2.8M in road repair projects

that will take place in separate locations. • May 4, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. • $25 admission; $15 for boxed lunch • Richardson Woman’s Club Estate, 2005 N. Cliffe Drive, Richardson • www.rwctx.org/event-5634298 Painting with a Twist: A Mother’s Heart Painting with a Twist is hosting a guided painting day meant to celebrate mothers. The class is for anyone 12 years of age and up. • May 12, 1-3 p.m. • $40-$48 • Painting with a Twist, 819 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson • https://tinyurl.com/2f5wtnjf Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival The annual festival features live music from local and national acts, in addition to a variety of cultural street performances, kids’ activities and a marketplace of vendors. • May 17-19, times vary • $15-$65 • Galatyn Park Urban Center, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson • www.wildflowerfestival.com

May

Musica Nova: An Evening of Bach, Mozart & Brahms

Three road projects in Richardson are set to be funded as part of an annual road repair program. The projects, which are currently in the design phase, are expected to cost a little under $2.8 mil- lion, according to the city’s project map. Funding will come from the city’s street rehabilitation fund, which has over $11.4 million in available funds. What you need to know Construction will impact three areas: • East Belt Line Road between Walton Street and North Plano Road • Melrose Drive between Custer Road and US 75 • Renner Road between US 75 and Brand Road The projects are part of the fiscal year 2023-24 arterial repair program. City Manager Don Magner said they involve full-depth repair of the roads, which includes removing portions of the asphalt roadway and putting down a fresh overlay. “My goal with infrastructure ... is to maximize

the amount of street we can improve,” Magner said. The context On average, about $35 million is earmarked annually for street and alley repair projects, Magner said, adding that the community investment sends a strong message to property owners that the city takes care of the basic infrastructure needs. “If you look at the age of our infrastructure, we really have to keep our foot on the gas pedal,” Mag- ner said. “Since 2012, the City Council has increased the amount of funding dedicated to street, alley, water and wastewater maintenance.” Magner said that with nearly 80% of the city’s infrastructure at least 25 years old—the useful life of a concrete asset such as a street—there is no room for complacency in addressing maintenance needs. “If we don’t do [repairs], you quickly start to lose ground and fall behind,” Magner said. “Every day, there’s a street out there that’s deteriorating a little bit more or a new pothole that surfaces.”

Students from The University of Texas at Dallas’s Advanced and Chamber Music Ensemble will perform with faculty and other professional musicians. • May 3, 7:30 p.m. • Free • University Theatre, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson • https://tinyurl.com/49dkzxr8 ‘Our Town’ The Core Theatre is performing “Our Town,” an award- winning play that follows two small-town families over a 12-year period. • May 3-May 19, times vary • $15-$25 • The Core Theatre, 518 W. Arapaho Road, Ste. 115, Richardson • https://tinyurl.com/3j7usj92 Garden Festival and Tour The Richardson Woman’s Club is hosting a garden festival and tour featuring seminars with garden experts; vendors selling gifts, plants and baked goods; and garden tours

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Cottonwood Art Festival The semiannual art festival is returning to Cottonwood Park to showcase several local and national artists. According to its website, the festival will offer food and drinks, in addition to two stages featuring live music throughout the weekend. • May 4, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; May 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Belt Line Road, Richardson • www.cottonwoodartfestival.com

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Project details Total cost of the project: nearly $2.8 million Timeline: summer 2024-late 2024 Funding source: Richardson street rehabilitation fund

SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

DALLAS 9500 North Central Expressway (214) 369-2800 ADDISON 15055 Inwood Road (972) 239-5891

School consolidation From the cover

New attendance boundary

What’s happening?

Staying open 1 Mohawk Elementary School 2 Canyon Creek Elementary School 3 Northrich Elementary School 4 Yale Elementary School 5 Dartmouth Elementary School 6 Forestridge Elementary School 7 Audelia Creek Elementary School 8 Forest Lane Academy 9 Skyview Elementary School 10 Northlake Elementary School 11 Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet Elementary School 12 Northwood Hills Elementary School Closing 13 Greenwood Hills Elementary School 14 Springridge Elementary School 15 Thurgood Marshall Elementary 16 Spring Valley Elementary School

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CANYON CREEK BOUNDARY

HILLCREST RD.

Schools selected for consolidation through the district’s Project RightSize program were chosen due to being nearly 60% under capacity and having high maintenance costs because of their age, said Sandra Hayes, assistant superintendent of district operations. New attendance boundaries for the consolidated campuses were drawn in an eort to balance capacity at surrounding schools, avoid having students crossing major roadways and distribute changes across the district’s learning communities. By consolidating the schools and limiting bussing, district ocials expect to save about $10.3 million annually. With other Project RightSize proposals, such as creating a more ecient stang, which is expected to save around $2 million annually, the district’s expected $28 million shortfall would be cut to under $16 million, Branum said. “We are making this [decision] because we do believe [it’s necessary] for the long-term sustainability of the district,” Branum said.

YALE BOUNDARY

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FOREST LANE BOUNDARY

SKYVIEW BOUNDARY

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NORTHLAKE BOUNDARY

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SOURCE: RICHARDSON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Actual budget decit Projected budget decit Budget decit without mitigation eorts

How we got here

“We really hoped and leaned on Austin, … and when that funding did not come through, then the urgency of, ‘We have to nd eciencies in our budget; we cannot compensate sta; we cannot maintain student programming,’ was there,” Branum said. Without cost-cutting measures, RISD could see its budget decits increase by more than 557% by scal year 2027-28, according to district ocials.

Richardson ISD’s Project RightSize comes as districts across Texas have not seen an increase in funding from the Legislature since FY 2018-19. During that time, lawmakers passed mandates, such as requiring security at all campuses, that have increased school expenses. Schools are given $6,160 annually per student in state funding, according to the Texas Education Agency.

0 $25M $50M $75M $100M

School year

SOURCE: RICHARDSON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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14

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KEVIN CUMMINGS

What else?

Moving forward

implementing them became a “necessity,” she said. The consolidated campuses are planned to be used for other purposes that are expected to create future savings, Branum said. Those could include housing a day care for sta, becoming the new site of central oces and the district’s professional devel- opment center, and housing college acceleration and disciplinary alternative education programs.

RISD is also seeing a student population decline that’s expected to continue for at least the next nine years, according to a demographer’s report. Branum said past administrations have consid- ered some of the measures in Project RightSize but held o in hopes that state funding would increase. However, with the population decline that happened in the district during the pandemic,

As students and parents deal with the changes, Tim Seaman, longtime resident and member of the Greenwood Hills Neighborhood Association, said his community is focused on integrating with and supporting the schools residents will now be a part of. Moving forward, other proposals from the budget committee are on the table as part of Project RightSize. They include: • Closing Dobie Pre-Kindergarten School in the 2025-26 school year • Opening enrollment outside the district • Making cuts to central and support departments • Implementing a $0.03 property tax increase that would bring in $5.9 million in additional annual revenue “We support the schools because by doing that we’re supporting our neighborhood,” Seaman said.

RISD Student Enrollment

40,000

-15.45% projected

37,500

35,000 32,500 30,000 0

'20-'21

'22-'23

'24-'25

'26-'27

'28-'29

'30-'31

'32-'33

School year

SOURCES: DAVIS DEMOGRAPHICS, RICHARDSON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Real estate

March 2023

March 2024

The Richardson area saw more than 85 homes sold during March 2024. Two ZIP code areas saw median home prices increase while one saw a decrease. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

Average home price in the last 6 months

+51.7%

-15.63%

-5.88%

75080 $448,000

75081 $405,000

75082 $550,500

PGBT TOLL

75082

75080

75081

75082

75

75080

Median home sales price

75081

PGBT TOLL

BELT LINE RD.

March

2023

2024

N

N

$457,000

$510,000

75080

Homes sold by price point

$381,000

$428,500

75081

March 2024

$557,500

$538,200

75082

4

$1 million+

6

$700,000-$999,999

Average days on the market

Number of new listings

55

$400,000-$699,999

22

+36.7%

-33.33%

+53.85%

+32.8%

-12.82%

-15.38%

$100,000-$399,999

0

<$100,000

MARKET DATA COMPILED BY COLLIN COUNTY AREA REALTORS WWW.CCAR.NET

75080

75081

75082

75080

75081

75082

NOW OPEN !

1240 E Belt Line Rd Richardson, TX 75081

Camelot

Richardson

75

HOlford

E Beltline Rd

635

N

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DUSTIN BUTLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Puzzles of Color oers new perspectives in Richardson

Siblings Ericka Chambers and William Jones opened Puzzles of Color in 2021 to boost representation.

Siblings Ericka Chambers and William Jones grew up doing puzzles together but noticed a lack of diversity in the images they were piecing together, which led to them to create Puzzles of Color. The company sells puzzles with art from Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and Indian artists. The backstory When Chambers became pregnant with her daughter, she wanted to put a puzzle in her nursery. “I still didn’t see anything [regarding representa- tion],” Chambers said. Puzzles of Color ocially launched in 2020, rst through a website. Since the siblings opened an oce in Richardson in 2021, their puzzles are now sold in retail and museum stores nationwide.

What’s special about it Jones said the rst step in selecting art for a puzzle is nding an image with colors and textures that balance diculty and enjoyment. “Secondly, it is about representation and sharing a message,” Jones said. “It should show joy and hap- piness throughout the imagery ... or share a story.” Jones said the last part is great art and artists. Additionally, Chambers said that only a small percentage of art in museums is created by Black artists, and Puzzles of Color oers a unique way to experience art from a dierent perspective. “We want to show that there are so many talented artists of dierent backgrounds,” she said. “This is a ... way to get to know that art on another level.”

DUSTIN BUTLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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