Photo by Lisa Petty for Advocate Media
In March of 2025, a proposed new development off Forest Lane just east of the Dallas North Tollway ignited “fierce opposition” among Preston Hollow residents. Melshire Park from Olerio Homes would comprise 26 single-family residences, each at a minimum of 4,300 square feet, and selling for nearly $2 million and up. Opponents of the plan cited concerns including increased traffic, removal of mature trees, and an overall aesthetic disconnect with the spacious lots and mid-century designs in surrounding neighborhoods.
The plan was intertwined with another key issue in Preston Hollow. Namely, if it moved forward as proposed, the city stood to recuperate $4 million from the sale of the land which would then fund renovations at the aging Preston Royal Branch Library. Ultimately, Dallas City Council approved the plan, with District 13 Council Member Gay Donnell Willis stating, “Though it may seem counterintuitive, that concern about density is why I’m supporting the project. In our seats, we have to think not only of today but of tomorrow.”
Photo by Lisa Petty for Advocate Media
As of May 2026, Melshire Park remains a work-in-progress. Though the development’s website states “Delivering Fall 2025,” signage erected at the intersection of Forest Lane and Forsan Way still reads “Coming Soon.” A few homes beyond the entry are in various states of completion. We reached out to developer Olerio Homes for an update, and a sales-side representative from Christie’s International Real Estate replied.
As confirmed by agent Adrienne Longoria Brown, four homes are now complete out of the 26 planned residences within Melshire Park. An additional two homes are scheduled to be completed within the next four months. Brown highlights design details including “engineered white oak floors, marble quartzite counter tops, and Phillip Jeffries wallpaper.” In addition, she notes that all homes will come equipped with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances and commercial grade elevators. One home in Melshire Park has been sold to-date.
Elsewhere in Preston Hollow, the design phase of the Preston Royal Branch Library renovation project is underway, with exterior maintenance work set to begin on Monday, May 18. In addition, the city just wrapped the application period for a public art project envisioned to “reflect the deep appreciation residents feel for the library and the learning opportunities it has provided to their families across generations.”
