29/03/10 – Dallas/Fort Worth – Townhomes

Posted on: March 29th, 2010 | 115 Comments
  • John Brown

    Good Morning Everyone!

    Here is a great comment from M.A.M. that was posted last night. I wanted to make sure that the group saw the results of her analysis before getting caught up in the search for townhomes.

    John

    From Mid America Mom:
    Before we start Towns in Dallas/Ft. Worth. I went through a number of the Condo and loft plans today. Some findings on bedroom sizes and kitchen configurations.
    *
    Notes: Some plans did not have room sizes. Some of our links did not go to the actual plan but to the development and I admit I did not go hunting in that metropolitan building or rarely performed a page click. Linking directly to the floorplan is so helpful in this exercise.
    *
    BEDROOMS. I felt the footage in the master bedrooms in Toronto were under our min. slow recommendation of 10 *12 (120 sq feet) and wanted to compare. I am not able to access the Toronto data at this time to give you those numbers. But I can look at Dallas/Ft. Worth. In 58 floorplans the bedroom cited as the master bedroom had an average of 173 sq feet. The smallest was 108 and largest 280. In 29 floorplans I saw a second bedroom or room that was labeled as DEN that also had a closet. This room averaged 150 sq feet.
    *
    KITCHEN. In new construction Toronto condos and lofts I think we can all agree that the single wall kitchen configuration was KING. And that style is not the most efficient to work in. I love U (configuration) but Dallas/Ft. Worth condos and lofts do not. The winner- L in all of its glorious forms.

    In 66 floorplans:
    28 were L (11 were the classic/ 13 were with an island, and 4 had a peninsula).
    21 were a galley kitchen. 20 were the one wall with opposite island and 1 was the double wall type.
    12 were U. (of which 2 added another “leg” making them a G)
    5 were single wall.

    Small graph about configurations is here – http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/articles/planning-kitchen-five-layout-tools.aspx

    Mid America Mom

  • Elizabeth

    Hey all, Long time no see! Offline comment:

    Saw MAM’s comment in previous exercise saying that John and Matthew will be in Toronto in April? Are you speaking or gathering anywhere?

    I’m in Ottawa, but I’d certainly make the trip for a lecture or a beer with the Slow Home gang! Do let us know whether anything is planned! Thank you!

  • Margo

    Comment: Quite a good layout here.

    Walk score of 43

    Project Name: Forest Wood Townhomes

    Size: 2800

    Project Address: 5133 Forest Lane Place • Dallas, Texas 75244

    Project URL: http://www.forestwoodtownhomes.com/townhome-floorplans/4-bedroom-F-plan-lg.jpg

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Margo

    Comment: Wow, both the kitchen and the dining are entrys! This place is unfortunate.

    Project Name: Bexar St. Village

    Size: approz 1400

    Project Address: Bexar St, Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.bexartownhomes.com/layoutcc.htm

    Slow Home Test Score: 4

  • Margo

    Comment: This is the first place I’ve ever seen where the main living space is on the upper floor, and the only action on the main floor is a bedroom.

    Walk score 78

    Project Name: Matilda Park Townhomes

    Size: 1570

    Project Address: 2012 Matilda Street, Dallas TX

    Project URL: http://dallastownhome.net/matilda/floor-plans-2012-matilda-st-dallas-tx.php

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Margo

    Comment: This spot is small and pretty shabby. The entry never really happens, though, mysteriously, there’s a closet in the kitchen.

    Project Name: Brookhaven Village South

    Size:

    Project Address: 3925 Vitruvian Way, Addison, TX 75001

    Project URL: http://www.thetalisker.com/floorplan2174.377.htm

    Slow Home Test Score: 4

  • Margo

    Comment: 45 degree angles everywhere!!!

    The entire back of the house is garage, which is a shame, and I’m suprised to see that there’s no laundry.

    Project Name: Legacy Townhomes

    Size: 1589

    Project Address: Collin County, Texas 75024

    Project URL: http://www.khov.com/Home/TX/420/ModelsAvailable/ROCKMOOR/InteractiveFloorPlan.htm

    Slow Home Test Score: 4

  • Margo

    Comment: again, lots of 45 degrees. The entrys are well organized, but over all there’s a lot of wasted space.

    Project Name: Watermere at Southlake

    Size: 2089

    Project Address:

    Project URL: http://watermere-at-southlake.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=m3388CSt9ZE=&tabid=71

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Preston

    Comment: Plano’s first Green Built community. Located in redeveloping area close to downtown Plano. Bedrooms split awkwardly across all 3 floors. Circulation route causes conflicts on second level. Master bathroom is badly supersized. Dining area is poor, no access to bar due to chamfered island. Kitchen sink means only one can use at a time – very frustrating for 2 to work.

    Project Name: Lexington Park – The Murphy

    Size: 2279 sq ft

    Project Address: 1600 Carpenter Drive, Plano, TX

    Project URL: http://www.lexingtonluxurybuilders.com/lexingtonpark/murphyplan.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 13

  • Preston

    Comment: Lexington again. The overall organization is poor, with the entire third floor taken up by an oversized master suite. Ground level is awful, and main living area has adjacency issues and wasted space. Entries are awful, lower level living space is basically a lobby – not for actually living in, more for show. Kitchen is poor, inefficient island and storage. Dining is good, opens awkwardly onto the second bedroom. Main living room is good. The study is basically a leftover space next to the w/d (noise) under a skylight. The master suite is excessive, with a giant walk-in closet you have to walk through the too-big bathroom to get to. Deceptive scoring – the total is skewed by the good site and systems condition.

    Project Name: Lexington Park – The Pembroke

    Size: 1862 sq ft

    Project Address: 1600 Carpenter Drive, Plano, TX

    Project URL: http://www.lexingtonluxurybuilders.com/lexingtonpark/pembrokeplan.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • orangeopolis

    Comment: Generally well organized unit, main floor is a bit awkward due to stair location + 2 car garage. Speaking of the garage, it’s a bit too narrow for 2 cars to fit and leave room to move. The entries are combined, but not in a good way – it’s basically a hallway leading to the stairs up – and there isn’t a closet at all. Aside from these issues, the unit is quite nice, with a generous rooftop terrace and no buried spaces away from natural light. The kitchen and dining are a bit removed from the living area, but it’s ok. The living area looks to be too big but I think that this is because the furniture isn’t at the right scale in the drawing. It’s a nice space regardless. The powder room is too small with that horrible corner sink, and the other bathrooms are a bit of an problem. The double separated sinks in the master and the awkward sink location in the second bathroom lost the point.

    Project Name: Hope Terrace Townhomes – Type A

    Size: 2390 sqft

    Project Address: 1909 Hope Street, Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.hopeterracetownhomes.com/listing-detail.aspx?id=183

    Slow Home Test Score: 16

  • Catherine Taney

    Comment: Laundry in the kitchen is not my favourite since the kitchen tends to be the busiest and messiest room in the house – not a place for clean sheets that’s for sure. I like the connection of the kitchen, dining and living rooms (although the dining room itself isn’t very nice – no view no light). One car garage is nice to see in Dallas.

    Project Name: Bexar Street Village – Unit C, Corner

    Size: 1371 sq. ft.

    Project Address: 5310 Bexar St, dallas

    Project URL: http://www.bexartownhomes.com/layoutcc.htm

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • orangeopolis

    Comment: Again, the 2 car garage is not wide enough. The entry is combined and there is a closet this time, so I’m satisfied. The lower bedroom / guest suite could double as a good study. The second level is a pretty good layout with perhaps the exception of the powder room, which is an awfully long way away from the living room, and is not well laid out. The other bathrooms compensate for the powder rooms deficiency to get the point. The two bedrooms are ok, I’m not sure about the amount of space at the end of the bed near the standing-patio door. I like the efficient layout of the ensuite bathrooms. The laundry leaves a lot to the imagination, since the stacked w/d at the stair landing is insufficient to be able to hang clothes to dry or even to set up a drying rack without causing a disruption in the flow of traffic. The rooftop patio is great!

    Project Name: Hope Terrace Townhomes – Type C

    Size: 2185 sqft

    Project Address: 1910 Hope St, Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.hopeterracetownhomes.com/listing-detail.aspx?id=184

    Slow Home Test Score: 18

  • Preston

    Comment: Decent location, close to Addison city center, workplaces and shopping. Free tanning bed??? Gated community which is not very nice if we’re talking urbanism. Main floor guest bedroom could be a decent study. Entry has no storage. Garage is ok. Main level has a very strange laundry area where you’d expect to see a closet for coats – but especially it should be a bathroom since there isn’t one on the main living level. The kitchen has an annoying corner sink on the angled island. There isn’t a lot of counter space to work on in the kitchen either. The deck is too small to be usable (plus, without a siteplan I have no idea if it faces west making it boiling hot, or north making is shady and pleasant. The upper level has 2 decent bedrooms with good access to light. Second bathroom has an awkward spot for the toilet (where the sink SHOULD be). The master bathroom is good, although I can’t stand the location of the closet door right there behind the bathroom door! The desk at the top of the stairs is just a way to pretend that that stupid little space was intentional.

    Project Name: Reserve @ Galleria – The Renoir

    Size: 1486 sq ft

    Project Address: 13907 Montfort Dr Dallas, TX

    Project URL: http://www.reserveatgalleria.com/images/floorplans/flash/renoir_785x650.swf

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • MollyK

    Comment: Walkscore 82/100. No information on Environmental Performance and even with Google Satellite you won’t know which unit it which. But you do get a sense that Siting wouldn’t be good.
    Just another sorry excuse for a Townhouse…have I mentioned that I loathe townhouses.

    Project Name: Topaz Townhouses–A1

    Size: 809 sf

    Project Address: 2201 Wolf Street, Dallas TX 75201

    Project URL: http://www.topaztownhomes.com/floor_plans.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • MollyK

    Comment: Walkscore 82/100. No information on Environment Performance. Google satellite doesn’t help with orientation but you can see the negative impact on the Siting category.
    Have I mentioned I loathe townhouses.

    Project Name: Topaz Townhouses–A3

    Size: 967 sf

    Project Address: 2201 Wolf Street, Dallas TX 75201

    Project URL: http://www.topaztownhomes.com/floor_plans.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • MollyK

    Ok…John
    I just submitted 2 townhouses and neither have appeared on the website. What’s going on? Is anyone else having issues?

  • Matthew North

    Molly K – Your posts are up now. thanks for letting us know about the glitch.

  • Corey

    Comment: Walk Score 72. The entry in this one is extremely awkward as it opens directly into a living area. You actually have to walk through the living area to get to the stairs from both front a rear entries in order to get to the upper levels.

    Project Name: Lexington – Aldridge Plan

    Size: 2126 sqft

    Project Address: 1600 Carpenter Drive, Plano, TX

    Project URL: http://www.lexingtonluxurybuilders.com/lexingtonpark/aldridgeplan.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Corey

    Comment: Walk Score 82. Good northern light although the entry is narrow and long, and the bedrooms are oversized in my opinion.

    Project Name: Hope Terrace Townhomes – 1919 Hope St.

    Size: 2410 sqft

    Project Address: 1919 Hope Street, Dallas, TX

    Project URL: http://www.hopeterracetownhomes.com/listing-detail.aspx?id=192

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Corey

    Comment: Walk Score 82. The master bedroom in this one is HUGE and empty!

    Project Name: Hope Terrace Townhomes – 1916 Hope St.

    Size: 2255 sqft

    Project Address: 1916 Hope Street, Dallas, TX

    Project URL: http://www.hopeterracetownhomes.com/listing-detail.aspx?id=189

    Slow Home Test Score: 13

  • Corey

    Comment: Walk Score 43. I personally don’t like this kitchen at all. Oriented very awkwardly and completely separated from the rest of the living space. Also The lack of windows is horrible here. The entire family room has a sliding glass door and that’s all. Very poor in those regards. Bedrooms and Baths work well though.

    Project Name: Forest Lane @ Inwood Road – 3Bed, Town House “A”

    Size: 1850 sqft

    Project Address: 5133 Forest Lane Place • Dallas, Texas 75244

    Project URL: http://www.forestwoodtownhomes.com/townhome-floorplans/3-bedroom-A-plan-lg.jpg

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Corey

    Comment: Walk Score 62. The kitchen, master bedroom, and ensuite are really awkward here. Also the covered balcony is an absolute joke.

    Project Name: Legacy Townhomes – Chandler II

    Size: 1614 sqft

    Project Address: 7919 Maddox, Plano, Collin County, Texas

    Project URL: http://www.khov.com/Home/TX/420/ModelsAvailable/CHANDLER/InteractiveFloorPlan.htm?InitialDisplay=0

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Corey

    Comment: Walk Score 78. Almost excessively large ensuite but I’m giving it a mark because overall I still think it works well enough. Although this unit is an end unit there is still a brutal lack of windows and natural light in all rooms.

    Project Name: 2004 Matilda Street

    Size: 1570 sqft

    Project Address: 2004 Matilda Street, Dallas, TX

    Project URL: http://dallastownhome.net/matilda/floor-plans-2004-matilda-st-dallas-tx.php

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Jodi J

    Comment: – Walkscore of 82
    - no info on orientation/site specific info
    - entry is a little tight, but having it on a seperate level allows it to be it’s own space, versus opening into the living room
    - outdoor space is a little tight, looks like it’s just the front balcony, should accomodate a small table/chairs
    - dining room, once you remove floor space allocated to circulation really becomes a wide hallway (no room for table)
    - laundry room is just a closet
    - garage on lowest level, does not interfere with living spaces

    Project Name: Urban A

    Size: 1485 sq ft

    Project Address: 1201 Lake Vista Ln, Richardson, TX

    Project URL: http://www.lakeparkestatesliving.com/u1.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 13

  • Vickie

    Comment: walk score of 34%
    Even though the kitchen has sufficient workspace / appliances, the location is not ideal.

    Project Name: Stoneleigh Apartments

    Size: 1611 sq. ft.

    Project Address: 1007 Independence Dr,

    Project URL: http://www.estatesofcoppell.com/CoppellInner/DisplayFloorPlanDetail.aspx?FloorPlanId=74&PropertyId=37&DocMgrId=594&Beds=2&baths=2

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • MollyK

    Comment: Walkscore 82/100. No info. on Environmental Performance except that the townhouses were constructed on reclaimed land. Google satellite doesn’t help with orientation since you don’t know which unit has which floorplan. But it does show the negative impact of “Siting.”
    Have I mention I loathe townhouse floorplans.

    Project Name: Topaz Townhouses–B4

    Size: 1247 sf

    Project Address: 2201 Wolf Street, Dallas TX 75201

    Project URL: http://www.topaztownhomes.com/floor_plans.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • orangeopolis

    Comment: Decent. For the most part I think that the unit is well designed. I would have liked to see a bathroom on the second floor living area, and a bit more definition to the living room because it’s not really proportioned for a double grouping of furniture. This will lead to either giant pieces of furniture, or a lot of leftover space. The balcony is a silly little thing not useable except to bbq. The master suite on the third level is alright but I don’t think that the closet in the master bath is my favourite way to get dressed in the morning.

    Project Name: Wall Street Townhomes – L2

    Size: 1778 sqft

    Project Address: 1203 Hyde Court Dallas, TX

    Project URL: http://www.urbanlofts.com/Plans/general-flash_p2.php?selectedLot=5&Prop=wallstreet

    Slow Home Test Score: 13

  • orangeopolis

    Comment: Looking at the siteplan, I think that the neighbors being oriented the way they are less than 20’ away would lead to some privacy issues ESPECIALLY since all the bedrooms are on the neighbor’s side! That there’s no bathroom on the second floor (main living area) is an issue for me. Particularly given the amount of space given unnecessarily to the dining room, which is humungous. The living room looks good, as does the kitchen (despite being so far apart). The balcony is just a bbq spot, it’s not for living. The master closet in the bedroom is a bit funky – it’s a hallway of clothes! I really don’t like how narrow the garage is to begin with, and given that stupid chamfer… Also, the garage hides the entry away, but I guess the site was going that way anyways since the front walk/yard is a driveway.

    Project Name: Wall Street Townhomes – Lester F

    Size: 2043 sqft

    Project Address: 1203 Hyde Court Dallas, TX

    Project URL: http://www.urbanlofts.com/Plans/general-flash.php?Prop=wallstreet

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • MollyK

    Comment: Walkscore 82/100. I noticed missing elements on some of the floorplans for this development. For example, some plans don’t have windows indicated in the living area, just the door to the balcony. But I checked the photo gallery and found that wondows do exist; they just were left out of the drawing.

    Project Name: Topaz Townhouses–B1

    Size: 1191 sf

    Project Address: 2201 Wolf Street, Dallas TX 75201

    Project URL: http://www.topaztownhomes.com/floor_plans.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Jodi J

    Comment: – Walkscore of 82
    - no info on orientation/site specific info
    - entry is just a hallway
    - living room does have focal point and connection to exterior, but long shape is very awkward for furniture placement
    - no information on exterior yard, but is good connection from dining room so I’m giving it a point
    - master bathroom has awkward 45 degree angle, lots of wasted space behind the tub, lots of wasted floor space
    - laundry is really just a hallway from the garage to the kitchen

    Project Name: Estate A – Lake Park Estates

    Size: 1639 sq ft

    Project Address: 1201 Lake Vista Ln, Richardson, TX

    Project URL: http://www.lakeparkestatesliving.com/e7.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • MollyK

    Comment: Walkscore 82/100

    Project Name: Topaz Townhouses–B2

    Size: 1183 sf

    Project Address: 2201 Wolf St., Dallas Tx 75201

    Project URL: http://www.topaztownhomes.com/floor_plans.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • MollyK

    Comment: Walkscore 82/100.

    Project Name: Topaz Townhouses–B3

    Size: 1270 sf

    Project Address: 2201 Wolf Street, Dallas Tx 75201

    Project URL: http://www.topaztownhomes.com/floor_plans.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Terri

    Comment: Walkscore 58, but most everything is less than a mile away–transit is less than 1/2 mile. No environmental performance marks.
    I found three available units and they are all north-south, which means either the master and most bedrooms are south or the family room and one bedroom are south–neither ideal in Texas, so no marks. Also not oriented to outdoors.
    Bad Entries–front open to living room and back is through laundry then kitchen. Kitchen okay, if we don’t count back-entry issue. Bedrooms marked down because of too large closet in master and wasted loft space upstairs (also master entry not great next to garage). Master bathroom is too large with awkward split vanities.

    Project Name: Davenport Meadows–The Dolce

    Size: 2310SF (w. 4 bdrm opt)

    Project Address: 6406 Juliet Place, North Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.davenportmeadows.com/dolce.asp

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • MollyK

    Matthew,
    Thanks for getting the first 2 houses posted. I submitted 4 more and see no sign of them. Is there something wrong on my end?

  • Jodi J

    Comment: – Walkscore of 82
    - no info on orientation/site specific info
    - entry is just a hallway
    - entry is a long hallway, not a “space”, no access to coat closet
    - better layout to accomodate furniture in livinng space than Estate A model
    - no information on exterior yard, but is good connection from dining room so I’m giving it a point
    - square island in kitchen is a little strange
    - bedroom 1 and 2 are small but fine, however master bedroom is really strange shape, leading to a lot of “dead zones”
    - closet in bedroom 1 is really small and not a true walk in closet as claimed
    - again, all bathrooms are fine with the exception of the master en suite (wasted floor space due to awkward wall angles)
    - “utility” or laundry room is way too small

    Project Name: Estate B – Lake Park Estates Living

    Size: 1754 sq ft

    Project Address: 1201 Lake Vista Ln, Richardson, TX

    Project URL: http://www.lakeparkestatesliving.com/e8.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • Vickie

    Comment: Walk score 58%

    Project Name: Stone Bridge Oaks

    Size: 2 237 sq ft

    Project Address: 4674 Trevor Trail. Grapevine

    Project URL: http://www.stonebridgeoaks.com/floorplans/woodview.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 17

  • Jodi J

    Comment: – Walkscore of 82
    - no info on orientation/site specific info
    - a little strange to have the master bedroom on the main floor, with all other bedrooms and a family room on the second floor
    - no entry –> front door opens straight into dining room/kitchen
    - again, no information on exterior yard, but is good connection from dining room so I’m giving it a point
    - large front balcony could accomodate furniture
    - fridge placement in kitchen is a little strange, but overall kitchen is a workable layout
    - laundry is actually just a closet in the kitchen

    Project Name: Estate C – Lake Park Estates

    Size: 1907 sq ft

    Project Address: 1201 Lake Vista Ln, Richardson, TX

    Project URL: http://www.lakeparkestatesliving.com/e9.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Terri

    Comment: Another Davenport Meadows in North Dallas, this time one-level living. Only a couple of places in complex would allow the living room window to look out on the street; otherwise, I can’t imagine…small side patio? It’s not clear.
    This one fails in most categories except bedroom and bathroom. Terrible circulation. No dining, terrible kitchen, bad entries, laundry through kitchen, study too small, no outdoor connection. I’m saying yes to siting because I expect townhouse complexes to be considering the other units, but maybe I shouldn’t be so generous on this category.

    Project Name: Davenport Meadows — Bree

    Size: 1,380SF

    Project Address: 6406 Juliet Place, North Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.davenportmeadows.com/bree.asp

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Vickie

    Comment: Walk score of 58%
    I wanted to do the test on a smaller unit in the same development, to see if the size would affect its results.

    Project Name: Stone Bridge Oaks /Hillstone

    Size: 1700 sq ft.

    Project Address: 4674 Trevor Trail.
Grapevine

    Project URL: http://www.stonebridgeoaks.com/floorplans/hillstone.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 14

  • Jodi J

    Comment: – Walkscore of 82
    - no info on orientation/site specific info
    - lots of long circulation paths, especially on the second floor, main floor requires cutting straight through living/dining rooms
    - entry is just the front door opening straight into living/dining, no coat closet
    - living is really small, no walls –> where would you place a tv?
    - no info on exterior yard, but only access appears to be from the master bedroom
    - dining room is again very narrow, awkward for furniture placement
    - bedrooms did not get a point mainly because of bedroom 1 –> double doors opening inwards would greatly interfere with circulation/furniture placement, again closet is claimed to be a walk-in but in reality is much too small
    - bathrooms are really tight, bedroom 2 access to the main bath door swing is awkward
    - office space is generous amd well connected to the exterior via windows
    - again, laundry is just a passage way/closet from garage to kitchen

    Project Name: Estate D – Lake Park Estates

    Size: 2187 sq ft

    Project Address: 1201 Lake Vista Ln, Richardson, TX

    Project URL: http://www.lakeparkestatesliving.com/e10.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Mid America Mom

    Comment: Small Infill development of 9 units from AWI Partners and Creekview Properties. That is about the best part of the entire development.
    *
    Walk score is 75. No mention of green building however. The site has units facing East and West (No to siting). I picked an interior unit and the site plan differs from actual construction as you can see with street level view. They changed the siting of the buildings and the floorplan from what I can tell but I will make due with the floorplans as posted.
    *
    The garage dimensions are a problem only 17*23. You need to have at least 19 by 19. I am not sure which wall is 17…Entry is shared from garage and front of home. I love to see three windows light the space and plenty of room to move. I do not see a traditional closet BUT there is a large storage area with door near by. The plan has single run stairs on all floors. I like the circulation on two of them but not the important middle living level. Things are a bit crazy. Here is a half bath, good placement of fixtures to hide them from view BUT it is off the dining room (a slow home NO). The washer dryer is on the landing at the top of the stairs so you could have a basket right where you need to be to go down them also a NO for laundry and knock on circulation. The area in front of the stair to the second floor is empty. It needs something.
    *
    The kitchen is my favorite U and has window but you have to check this out… it does not happen often but this is an AWFUL U. Whomever thought PLACING the Refrigerator COVERING HALF THE WINDOW was acceptable should lose their design creds. Most people would put the sink there. Speaking of which it is too close to the stove (your backside would get hit with an oven door) AND sits right at the 90 degree angle. They should have moved it over closer to the dishwasher making it possible to place a lower corner cabinet with a lazy susan or something instead of this dead space. The dining logically goes next to the kitchen but I cannot tell how to center it. The living has three windows but that is not a good focal or view (these face the side of a home off of Lindell).
    *
    Upstairs we have a small hall which is nice. The master bath is supersized, the closet YUCK! On no planet could this closet handle a rod on all three walls (it is about 5 wide!). I do like the wall on which the bed is on but that is about it. The second bath is too tight. The location of the door is a problem for furniture placement. The bed could only handle one bedside table.

    Just AWFUL. I will take a look at the other unit offered and score that next.

    Mid America Mom

    Project Name: Eastside On Lindell – Unit 8

    Size: 1678

    Project Address: 5618 Lindell Ave Dallas TX

    Project URL: http://www.eastsidetownhomes.com/lindell/floorplans/Units5-9.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 5

  • Jodi J

    Comment: – Walkscore of 82
    - no info on orientation/site specific info
    - would make more sence to have the master bedroom on the 2nd floor in place of the den, lots of awkward cirucultaion paths cutting through the principle living spaces
    - entry is, yet again, just a doorway into the living/dining rooms
    - living does have a focal point, connection to exterior, reasonable layout for furniture placement
    - again, no information on exterior yard, but is good connection from living room so I’m giving it a point
    - kitchen has a very strange layout! realy spread out, not conducive to efficient food preparation
    - nook is really removed from everything, in the end becomes just the entry from the garage
    - would be much better if the laundry were incorporated here, instead of as just a closet off the kitchen
    - dining room although large again becomes just a large circulation corridor to the kitchen from the entry
    - bedroom on 2nd floor, with the two sets of double doors opening inward, really limits funirture placement (bed will interfere with door operation)
    - master ensuite bathroom, although awarded the point, has an oversized tub way too large for the space
    - den is huge (the extra floor space would be better used in the bedrooms)
    - yet again, trend continues with the laundry or “utility” room placed in a small closet off the kitchen

    - this is the last and largest unit of the Lake Park Estates development that I looked at today
    - what is interesting across the board is that although unit “E” is nearly 1000 sq ft larger than unit “E”, it fairs worse on the Slowhome test (it does not take advantage of the extra space to improve some of the fundamental layout issues) aka still no entry space
    - we see this trend across all of the units within this development analyzed
    - overall, this layout is really bizarre, and wastes a considerable amount of space taking up floor spaces in areas where its unecessary while taking it away from spaces which desperately need the room

    Project Name: Estate E – Lake Park Estates

    Size: 2619 sq ft

    Project Address: 1201 Lake Vista Ln, Richardson, TX

    Project URL: http://www.lakeparkestatesliving.com/e12.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Vickie

    Comment: Walk Score of 72%
    It is located 2 blocks from the DART light rail station.

    Project Name: Lexington Luxury Townhomes

    Size: 2 126 sq ft.

    Project Address: 1600 Carpenter Drive, Plano

    Project URL: http://www.lexingtonluxurybuilders.com/lexingtonpark/aldridgeplan.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 14

  • Mid America Mom

    Comment: OK second unit – WORSE! I have found the worst townhome in Dallas.
    Bad. Bad. Bad.
    *
    Only Yes for location and the non existent study.
    *
    Garage too small and the entry is tight. Again the refrigerator is over a window and here you really cannot place a dining table unless you place it in the circulation pattern. Upstairs a more supersized bath and now TWO walk in closets for the master. The bedroom layouts have problems with doors and it is horrible to place furniture. Though we do see a balcony it is too shallow for any furniture!

    Help! I need relief from looking at this development!

    Mid America Mom

    Project Name: Eastside On Lindell – Unit 2

    Size: 1665

    Project Address: 5618 Lindell Ave Dallas TX

    Project URL: http://www.eastsidetownhomes.com/lindell/floorplans/Units1-4.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 4

  • Paulina

    Comment: This is a very small townhouse – only 1010 square feet. The ground floor is all garage and storage. The front entry is only a landing with two doors swings opening onto it. Very awkward. The main living floor is much better but I don’t like the location of the guest bathroom by the kitchen. The location of the mech closet in the corner of the living room is really bad. It makes furniture placement much more difficult and pushes the living room furniture closer to the kitchen which will make the dining area too small. The upper floor is also okay except for the laundry in the bedroom. Why not sacrifice the walk in closet and put the laundry there – off the hallway.

    Project Name: Manchester State Thomas: A4 Townhome

    Size: 1010 sq. ft.

    Project Address: 3010 State Street, Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.manchesterstatethomas.com/Floorplans.aspx

    Slow Home Test Score: 13

  • Terri

    Comment: Walkscore 17. No environmental claims. No siting info for orientation.
    These townhomes are built for a lake view so the best balcony is upstairs–unfortunately off master bedroom.
    Failures are supersized master closet and bath, useless loft (actually laundry probably, so no good as study) and no outdoor living space on main level. Entries tiny (none for garage entering into kitchen).

    Project Name: La Villita–Granada

    Size: 1,892SF

    Project Address: La Villita Blvd, Irving, TX

    Project URL: http://www.centexhomes.com/Plan.aspx?nbrid=46344&plnid=387521

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Paulina

    Comment: This is a small unit. The entry is really bad – only a landing. The main living floor is pretty good although the corner fireplace creates wasted space by the kitchen when the furniture is added. The dining room is too small to also be the main circulation to the stairs. The Upper floor is better. I like the double use of the bathroom and size/proportion of the bedrooms. My only concern is the length and shape of the hallway – a little awkward.

    Project Name: Manchester State Thomas: A15 Brownstone

    Size: 1263 sq. ft.

    Project Address: 3010 State Street, Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.manchesterstatethomas.com/Floorplans.aspx

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Vickie

    Comment: Walk score of 49%

    The separate game room is nice, but would you really walk through the garage to get to it?

    Project Name: Lake Line Square Townhome

    Size: 1358 sq ft

    Project Address: 13420 Lyndhurst Street, Austin

    Project URL: http://www.austin78704.com/~lakeline/LakelineSquareBrochure_1-2009.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 14

  • Matthew North

    Molly K – I will have the webmaster look into this….something is up!

  • Alejandro

    Comment: This is a great project! Almost everything is working on this one. The access to the rear courtyard makes the ground floor entry much better, although the courtyard isn’t all that useful with no other spaces opening onto it. The main living floor is sensibly organized and I really like the way the bedrooms are laid out on the third floor. The study loft and roof top terrace is also great.

    Project Name: Trinity Townhomes, Plan A

    Size: 1800 sq ft

    Project Address: 381 E. Greenbriar Lane, Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.trinitytownhomes.com/homes/floor_plans/Plan_A.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 19

  • Matthew North

    Molly K – your posts are getting caught in our spam filter – not sure why?

  • Vickie

    Comment: Walk Score of 43%

    Project Name: Trinity Homes / TH 304

    Size: 2 497 sq ft.

    Project Address: 381 E. Greenbriar Lane

    Project URL: http://www.trinitytownhomes.com/homes/floor_plans/Plan_E.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 16

  • Preston

    Comment: For a 1900 square foot townhouse the kitchen is too small. Placing it in the middle of the plan is clever in the way it works with the two entry spaces but the result is a kitchen that is too narrow to have enough counter space. The lightless den/study is not very nice. Upstairs the master bedroom and bathroom layout is awkward with the diagonal wall. This creates real problems in the bathroom. The other bedrooms and bathrooms are okay. The upper loft is a much better study but at this point feels unnecessary.

    Project Name: Villas at Twin Creeks – Massa

    Size: 1945 sqft

    Project Address: 1144 Sophia St Allen, TX

    Project URL: http://www.meritagehomes.com/images/data/attachments/0000/3797/1945.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Alejandro

    Comment: The worst thing about this unit is that the front and back entry both go right into the main living area. This is really odd. The whole main floor feels cramped. The guest bathroom opens into the living space and the master bathroom layout is awkward. The second floor is the opposite. There seems to be too much space with two bedrooms and an ill defined loft and media room that can also be turned into a fourth bedroom. This disparity will make the house feel smaller than it really is.

    Project Name: Davenport Meadows

    Size: 2182 sq ft

    Project Address: 17617 Davenport Rd, Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.davenportmeadows.com/downloads/elan9-10-07.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • MollyK

    Matthew,
    Could there BE anything worse than getting caught in SPAM! Yuck! Should I keep submitting or wait for an “ok” from your end?

  • Mid America Mom

    Vickie, I took a look at that stone bridge oaks in Grapevine with a score of 17. I really like that plan.

    Since I cannot see your scoring… I assume the only issue you had was the location score? I just wish they did not go so window happy in the second bedroom and that toilet in the master seems less than ideal.

    here is the URL- http://www.stonebridgeoaks.com/floorplans/woodview.pdf

    Mid America Mom

  • Mid America Mom

    MollyK we all know you are trying to sell us something –

    A slow home ;)

    I look forward to your finds.

    Mid America MOM

  • Vickie

    Comment: Walk score of 55%
    Outdoor space is sized appropriately, but is unfortunately only accessible through the master bedroom.

    Project Name: City North Townhome

    Size: 1617 sq ft.

    Project Address: 7333 Valley View Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.citynorthtownhomes.com/berne.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 13

  • Terri

    Comment: Another La Villita townhome, with views and courtyard style living. Walkscore 17, but supposedly this is in a village (still didn’t give Location marks).
    Good:
    -rear garage
    -combined garage/front entry space WITH closet
    -kitchen, dining, living open to view windows, efficiently laid out
    -extra bedrooms and bath well planned
    -excellent laundry
    Bad:
    supersized master bath and closet (this closet even has two windows)
    outdoor living is skimpy and off master bedroom

    Project Name: La Villita–Byron

    Size: 2,096SF

    Project Address: La Villita Blvd, Irving, TX

    Project URL: http://www.centexhomes.com/Plan.aspx?nbrid=46344&plnid=372872

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • MollyK

    MAM,
    Apparently noboby’s buying what I’m trying to sell today.
    I look forward to being able to post my finds today. If things don’t change I’ll give you my “finds” and see if you can post them.

  • Terri

    Comment: This might be the best unit in La Villita. This time we get a balcony off the living room to enjoy the lake view from a major room (instead of a bedroom). It’s not huge, but at least the door opens into an end landing space so that the balcony is totally useable).
    Better use of upstairs with less space wasted in master closet and bath (a problem in the other two I tested). I’m not sure about the HVAC unit in the hall outside bedrooms–convenient for servicing but would it be noisy too?

    Project Name: La Villita–Hanover

    Size: 2,107SF

    Project Address: La Villita Blvd, Irving, TX

    Project URL: http://www.centexhomes.com/Plan.aspx?nbrid=46344&plnid=372873

    Slow Home Test Score: 14

  • Alejandro

    Comment: Looking at the site plan, this one faces west. The main living areas on the second floor of this unit are well designed. I like the situation of the guest bath and closet in an otherwise open plan loft like space. The problems emerge with the entry on the main floor which is very tight – the door almost hits the stair and the back entry is just a hallway. Upstairs the circulation is also a little awkward. I am also not sure it is a good idea to have the only access to the roof deck from the master bedroom.

    Project Name: Tempo La Vista, Lewis A

    Size: 2386 sq ft

    Project Address: 5607 Lewis St Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.tempolavista.com/pdf/Lewis-A.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Mid America Mom

    Alejandro WOW. I took at look at all the photos for Trinity. LOVE!

    Fieldstone with pebble and small plants leading to entry. I think it is fantastic they put windows in the stairwell and those are open risers. I will take that 4 floor area anyday. A study or party place with a deck.

  • Braden

    Comment: This one’s a corner unit with the front door away to the side from the garage  good! I like how the entries are shared in the same foyer space, my guests get to have the same ‘greeting’ that I do when I come in from the garage. The bedroom off to the right of the foyer is good as a guest suite – I like how the bathroom sliding door avoids the all too common door swing competition. The study desk has no window, so you’d never want to close the sliding doors in there! Good spot for the laundry – away but accessible for all. The stair location makes things a bit disconnected on the second level, with that weird hole in the floor that just takes up the leftover space. The kitchen and dining room are great. The only thing is, if you’re cooking dinner you can’t engage with your hubby or your guests if they are hanging out in the living room. I think that the living room is too big being separated off like that, leaving a lot of leftover space for really no reason at all. The master bedroom is good located on the third floor with lots of closet space and a modest but well-equipped ensuite.

    Project Name: Hawthorne Avenue Townhomes – Tower

    Size: 1798 sqft

    Project Address: 4608 Lester Drive, Dallas TX

    Project URL: http://www.urbanlofts.com/Plans/general-flash.php?Prop=hawthorne

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Braden

    Comment: Extensive environmental features on this unit and the last one. The entry is a bit too much of a hallway, leaving no room for you to drop a thing without blocking the way. The guest suite on the main floor is good, it’s well separated from the other bedroom for the privacy of your guests (or you depending on how your guests are!) On the second floor, I’d take the optional powder room instead of the study. The kitchen might be a bit pushed off into the corner, with too much floor area dedicated to circulation. I appreciate the gesture with the closet for ‘coats’ but it’s too far from the door. I have no idea why the stair has to angle like that going up to the third floor. The master area is good, with lots of closet space (does HER closet need to be 3 of HIS?), and a good ensuite.

    Project Name: Hawthorne Avenue Townhomes – Hyde Park

    Size: 1956 sqft

    Project Address: 4608 Lester Drive, Dallas TX

    Project URL: http://www.urbanlofts.com/Plans/general-flash.php?Prop=hawthorne

    Slow Home Test Score: 16

  • Terri

    Comment: The last plan from La Villita. Another rear-entry garage, this time the living room has large windows on the main floor to possibly get a view of lake or street.
    Terrible rear entry with narrow hall and a U-turn to go to kitchen by first passing the fireplace (oddly stuck at the end of the living room wall next to doorway).
    -Kitchen is badly planned, even though it’s got enough counter space and a small island, it’s access is hampered by the fridge right next to the main entry.
    -Bedrooms and bathrooms good, except for his and hers closets, which seems kind of silly (too many doors) and the 45-degree-angle entry into bathroom, which is actually okay otherwise.
    -Patio access lousy off dining room.

    Project Name: La Villita–Barcelona

    Size: 1.997SF

    Project Address: La Villita Blvd, Irving, TX

    Project URL: http://www.centexhomes.com/Plan.aspx?nbrid=46344&plnid=387520

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Mid America Mom

    Comment: Sorry cannot do much critique on this plan (have to run soon).

    Walk was fine. The entry was OK. I did not like the bedrooms or baths. The master was just excessive in everything. The lower bedroom was TOO small in everything. Two different stair cases in different locations did not help with circulation.

    Project Name: Veranda- Unit D

    Size: 1847

    Project Address: 3110 Ross Ave dallas Tx

    Project URL: http://www.urbaninnovations.biz/docs/Veranda_D.PDF

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Paulina

    Comment: This is a very small unit – only 1139 square feet on two floors. The organization makes sense with a modest entry and large living area. The upper floor layout of the two bedrooms also makes sense. However, when you get to the details the problems emerge. The outdoor living space is only accessible from the kitchen – move the fireplace! Having the glass doors in the kitchen reduces the amount of counter space. The dining room is okay but why is the utility area right there – open to the dining room. One of the bedrooms has no closet and in the second the closet is basically useless. Finally why have two full ensuite bathrooms on the second floor?

    Project Name: Parkside @ Cedar Springs: TH2

    Size: 1139 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 4777 Cedar Springs Rd Dallas, TX

    Project URL: http://www.parksidecedarsprings.com/floor-plans/17-townhouse-residence-th2

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Matthew North

    Molly K – Just keep posting – we will just keep retrieving them – let me know how many you have sent through.

  • Matilde

    Comment: This is a bungalow style unit that has windows on three sides. The side entry really saves this plan because the master bedroom and living area can be located on the front façade. The organization is okay but I am concerned about having to walk past the kitchen to get to the living room. The garage also seems really tight on the sides and the second bedroom protrudes into the left side, limiting the length of car that could be parked inside.

    Project Name: Stone Bridge Oaks, The Hillstone

    Size: 1700 sq. ft

    Project Address: 4723-4749 Euless Grapevine Rd Grapevine, TX

    Project URL: http://www.stonebridgeoaks.com/floorplans/hillstone.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Matilde

    Comment: Second plan from the same project. The second floor is the weakest part. The location of the stair at the entry is odd and makes them very removed from the rest of the house. It feels like a stair to an attic or storage area. The media gameroom on the second floor doesn’t have enough natural light and the two storey living room feels unnecessary and a waste of space. The combined bathroom between the two second floor bedrooms is really odd.

    Project Name: Stone Bridge Oaks, The Blackstone

    Size: 2549 sqft

    Project Address: 4723-4749 Euless Grapevine Rd Grapevine, TX

    Project URL: http://www.stonebridgeoaks.com/floorplans/blackstone.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Paul C

    Mathew,
    Would it be reasonable to consider that upper floor “loft” space as maybe a second, more casual living area possibly suited as the children’s domain (i.e. does not have to be picked up every day)? It’s tough to tell for sure but, dimensionally it appears to be adequate size and given that there does not appear to be a basement in this home, maybe this space is akin to the basement level “rec” room?

    (I know no one calls them rec rooms anymore, visions of a grass skirted wet bar with patio lights and wood paneling….)

  • Scott

    Comment: Only 2 major flaws: the outdoor living access is bad as it is located on the main level, far from the main living areas – now turn that den/study area into a bedroom and you block access to the yard off completely. The other issue is with the garage. The chamfered wall is very strange, not really creating good space for storage and making the entry odd. Otherwise the unit is great. The second floor’s front-back organization is nice, leaving lots of space to fit a good furniture layout in the living room and a good sized table in the dining area. There are several energy efficient features, and the unit faces north-northeast by south-southwest (good sun AND good shade)

    Project Name: Valencia Townhomes – The Sevilla

    Size: 2250 sq ft

    Project Address: 3817 Haskell Dr Dallas, TX

    Project URL: http://valencia.boulevardbuilders.com/pdfs/Sevilla.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 18

  • Scott

    Comment: Gigantic master bedroom. Outdoor space is very lacking. The optional second bedroom on the third floor is ridiculous – who wants the laundry machines in their bedroom??? Second level is good, with the exception of the tiny window on the back wall, which makes both the kitchen and dining room (especially) rather dark. Nice living room, it’d be better if it had a patio with a sliding door to spend time outside.

    Project Name: Valencia Townhomes – The Verandah

    Size: 1900 sq ft

    Project Address: 3817 Haskell Dr Dallas, TX

    Project URL: http://valencia.boulevardbuilders.com/pdfs/Verandah.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 14

  • Matthew North

    Paul C – I think it would be possible to consider the upper floor “loft” area as a secondary living space for children etc. I would suggest a bit of redesign – possibly adding some sort of separation from the laundry area and the hallway from this space so that toys and kids stuff does not spill out into the more functional parts of the laundry and circulation routes – without this I can imagine that upper area being a total war zone at all times. About the “rec” room – I spent most of my formative years in a “rec” room covered in grass cloth and dingy lighting – maybe that is the cause of all my daily angst!

  • Anonymous

    Comment:

    Project Name: Forestwood Place

    Size: 1250 sq/ft

    Project Address: 5133 Forest Lane Place · Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.forestwoodtownhomes.com/townhome-floorplans/2-bedroom-C-plan-lg.jpg

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Anonymous

    Comment:

    Project Name: Prairie Estates

    Size: 1167 sq ft

    Project Address: PRAIRIE ESTATES 1325 DAJA LANE GRAND PRAIRIE, TX 75050

    Project URL: PRAIRIE ESTATES 1325 DAJA LANE GRAND PRAIRIE, TX 75050 PHONE: 972/602-1107 FAX: 972/602-7492

    Slow Home Test Score: 0

  • Preston

    Comment: Extensive green features on site and in unit. This is not a very flashy design but it seems to work quite well. Both the front and back entry spaces work well. The location of the kitchen makes sense and it has a good layout. The location of the stair also makes sense. The two secondary bedrooms on the second floor have awkward entrances. I really don’t like the big walk in closet right in front of the door in bedroom 3 and there is an oddly shaped space in bedroom 2 that connects to the bathroom. The master bath is verging on being supersized. My only other complaint is the two storey front entry. It seems silly and adds nothing to the unit.

    Project Name: Chase Oaks Village – The Georgian, Rear Entry

    Size: 2007 sq ft

    Project Address: 309 Metropolitan Drive Plano, Texas

    Project URL: http://www.chaseoaksvillage.com/Georgian-FloorPlan.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 16

  • Mid America Mom

    Had a chance to visit Graceland (home of Elvis)? Basement screams romper room. Complete with gathered fabric ceiling (like a tent). And thinking of grass skirted wet bar- he had a Hawaiian inspired family room.

  • MollyK

    Comment: Walkscore 66/100…a DART bus stop is on site and there are 7 additional bus stops within 2 blocks of the development. There is a great site map which indicates which floorplan goes with which unit number (only 4 plans to choose from). The floorplan itself indicates where a window would be on an “end” unit. However, there are no other elements of Environmental Performance to score…so I felt it shouldn’t get the points. I’m not sure if I’m interpreting “Siting” correctly, but it seems the overall impact of a true townhouse is poor…all the units stacked side-by-side with limited windows/outside views, except for the occasional end unit. So I scored Siting “No.”
    This unit had good organization but the stairs made circulation feel “loopy” so I scored Organization “No.”
    Kitchen felt too small with sink colliding with stove…scored No.
    Although the Master closet felt large I believe it didn’t negatively impact the overall function of the Master bedroom.

    Project Name: Grand Reserves Townhouses–”Grandview”

    Size: 997 sf

    Project Address: 6044 East Lovers Lane, Dallas TX 75206

    Project URL: http://www.livegrandreserve.com/floorPlans.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Anonymous

    Comment: Oops, the previous entry was submitted before the test was conducted.

    ~Dominqiue

    Project Name: Prairie Estates

    Size: 1167 sq/ft

    Project Address: PRAIRIE ESTATES 1325 DAJA LANE GRAND PRAIRIE, TX

    Project URL: http://www.prairieestates.net/Floorplans.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • MollyK

    Comment: Walkscore–66/100. I think living on a street called “Lovers Lane” can’t be all that bad.
    OK…Circulation better in this unit. Stairs felt less “loopy”…perhaps because there is more space overall which down plays the stairs in general.
    Outdoor living scored No…just can’t understand why there isn’t some outdoor space once you reach Townhouse status.
    Kitchen triangle seems a bit spread out but overall good layout.
    No area labeled Dining but the ‘Nook’ can accomodate an informal table and it has windows for outside view.
    Laundry room good BUT is located on the ground floor, next to the formal entry…far away from the bedrooms and closets…scored No.

    Project Name: Grand Reserves Townhouses–”Grandhaven”

    Size: 1561 sf

    Project Address: 6044 East Lovers Lane, Dallas TX 75206

    Project URL: http://www.livegrandreserve.com/floorPlans-grandhaven.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Anonymous

    Comment: ~Dominique

    Project Name: Citrine

    Size: 1256 sq/ft

    Project Address: 2580 Collin McKinney Parkway – McKinney

    Project URL: http://www.estatesofmckinney.com/Floorplans.html#

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Preston

    Comment: There is a lot of wasted circulation space in this townhouse. The area around the stair is large and completely useless. Having it open to the second floor is even more wasteful. The combined front/back entry is really bad. However, the kitchen, living, dining, bedrooms, and bathrooms all work quite well. A different stair, in a slightly different location would have made a world of difference to this design.

    Project Name: Chase Oaks Village – The Tudor, Front Entry

    Size: 1822 sq ft

    Project Address: 309 Metropolitan Drive Plano, Texas

    Project URL: http://www.chaseoaksvillage.com/Tudor-TownHomes.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 15

  • Scott

    Comment: Master suite is very wasteful, house could easily have 4 bedrooms – instead it has 2 with an “option” for a third. Guest suite on the main level opening onto the back yard. Access to outdoors on the main living level is crummy – you have to go downstairs and around the corner to go out. There’s a lot of wasted space on the second floor, weird angles on the third, and a dumb stair location since it gives the best light away to circulation! I like the study and as it is, I wouldn’t take the 3rd bedroom option because that bedroom wouldn’t have access to a bathroom!

    Project Name: Malaga Townhomes – The Strathmore

    Size: 2297 sq ft

    Project Address: 4230 Travis St. Dallas, TX

    Project URL: http://malaga.boulevardbuilders.com/resources/pdf/the_strathmore.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 13

  • Matt KB

    Comment: 1

    Project Name: Grand Reserve

    Size: 997 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 6044 East Lovers Lane

    Project URL: http://www.livegrandreserve.com/floorPlans.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Matt KB

    Comment:

    Project Name: Estancia townhomes – The Madrid

    Size: 1436 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 5515 Estancia circle

    Project URL: http://www.zrsapartments.com/estancia/printable-floorplans.asp?id=139

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • Matt KB

    Comment: 3

    Project Name: Hope tarrace townhomes unit type A

    Size: 1167 sq.ft

    Project Address: 1905 hope street

    Project URL: http://www.hopeterracetownhomes.com/listing-detail.aspx?id=165

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Matt KB

    Comment: 4

    Project Name: Mosaic Ultra Urbanism

    Size: 1100 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 300 N. Akard Street

    Project URL: http://www.mosaicdallas.com/fplans/a15.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • MollyK

    Comment: Walkscore 66/100
    Almost identical floorplan to the “Grandhaven”…with more square footage the spaces in the home feel more livable.
    The kitchen has more space for a U-shape layout that actually defines the space better and the nook is slightly larger.
    The Masterbath, though it does have the angled door, feels more open and a better space for 2 people to get ready.
    As in the Grandhaven, the study is on the ground floor with nice privacy AND has windows for a view. Wow.
    Unfortunately, the laundry it still on the ground floor too and gives new meaning to the phrase “walk a country mile”.

    Project Name: Grand Reserves Townhouses–”Grandvilla”

    Size: 1634 sf

    Project Address: 6044 East Lovers Lane, Dallas TX 75206

    Project URL: http://www.livegrandreserve.com/floorPlans-grandvilla.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Mid America Mom

    Comment: Another Veranda townhome.

    What is to like. Garage is OK. Living has nice windows. Study has closet, a good window and would be quiet. Laundry has own small room.

    To get to the roof deck you must travel through the master bedroom which is not slow at all! The L kitchen with island is poor. The entry to it should be near the bath. The refrigerator door would block circulation there. That is a stove under the window! Everywhere I have lived that would be against firecode. Bath is too big or too small and same with bedrooms.

    Project Name: Veranda- Unit F

    Size: 1654

    Project Address: 3110 Ross Ave dallas Tx

    Project URL: http://www.urbaninnovations.biz/docs/Veranda_F.PDF

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Anonymous

    Comment: There aren’t very many windows in this home – it seems as though it would be rather dark. As a result there isn’t much opportunity for a connection to outdoor spaces.

    ~Dominique

    Project Name: Estancia Townhomes

    Size: 1436 sq. ft

    Project Address: 5515 Estancia Circle, Dallas,

    Project URL:

    Slow Home Test Score: 14

  • Anonymous

    Comment: This floor plan has a very different foot print from any other that I have analyzed.

    ~Dominique

    Project Name: Opal

    Size: 809 sq/s

    Project Address:

    Project URL:

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • MollyK

    Comment: Walkscore 66/100.
    With a bigger floorplan the circulation fell off…the stairs are combined with a long angled hallway on the 3rd floor that makes you feel like you’re on the subway. Even with good organization of like spaces, overall Organization scored No.
    Looked at the site from Google satellite to see if the view from the covered porch and balcony might suffice and give the Outdoor Living a point. Couldn’t get the picture I was hoping from the Street view but my head tells the view is not ideal…score is No.
    Master closet seemed large while the closet in the 10X12 bedroom seemed too small…scored No.
    Finally, the Laundry made it off the ground floor. The space is quite nice even though it is on the main living floor.

    Project Name: Grand Reserves Townhouses–”Grandmanor”

    Size: 2213 sf

    Project Address: 6044 East Lovers Lane, Dallas TX 75206

    Project URL: http://www.livegrandreserve.com/floorPlans-grandmanor.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Anonymous

    Comment: ~Dominique

    Project Name: Chase Oaks Village

    Size: 1400 sq/ft

    Project Address:

    Project URL: http://www.chaseoaksvillageleasing.com/provincial-TownHomes.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 14

  • MollyK

    Matthew and the mysterious “Webmaster”
    Thank you for helping me through the SPAM. It was nice to see my posts make it onto the webpage. :)

  • Matthew North

    Molly K – our mysterious webmaster’s name is Erik – he keeps things running along over here! Glad your posts are out of the Spam world!

  • Mid America Mom

    Comment: Another from Urban Innovations in Dallas.
    *
    Walk is 74 and the units mainly face north (little west)/ south (slightly east). The garage has space in it called workshop- extra space that really is not needed and it looks to perhaps have lower ceiling height. The shared entry is OK. The family space has a large window which could be nice depending on where you are in the development. This plan has too many eating areas and they are close to one another so I said NO to dining. Kitchen has angled island and itself has odd angles on it.
    *
    Laundry is adequate. The lower baths are too small. The master is larger than it needs to be and has a double bowl sink that is angled. The Master closet is too much and the bedroom has strangle place by the stair. There is a media room which has its own door, closet, and then access to the stair up to the deck. Looks like a bad bedroom to me and so it came under my bedroom question.

    Definitely pass on this one.
    Mid America Mom

    Project Name: Westside at State-Thomas Plan O

    Size: 2072

    Project Address: 2411 N Hall St dallas TX

    Project URL: http://www.urbaninnovations.biz/docs/WestSide_Rocco.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Mid America Mom

    Comment: ANother from the Westside at State- Thomas.

    The garage is too small. Matthew can have his champagne filled bathtub party in the master. The whole suite is huge and the party can go up to the roof deck through here (circulation YUCK).
    *
    Entry is OK. The study though next to the laundry you can close the door. The kitchen, dining and living space is just a large space which I like and you have options to place furniture.

    Mid America Mom

    Project Name: Westside at State-Thomas Plan T

    Size: 1890

    Project Address: 2411 N Hall St dallas TX

    Project URL: http://www.urbaninnovations.biz/docs/WestSide_Tony.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 13

  • BradW

    Mondays are a busy day for me but I stumbled across this article in D Magazine listing the owner and value of the 100 most expensive homes in Dallas as of 2009. A brief description of each owner and pictures of twenty homes are provided. Here is the link – http://www.dmagazine.com/Home/2009/07/01/The_100_Most_Expensive_Homes_in_Dallas.aspx?page=1&gpage=2#articlegallery.

  • Sarah W

    Comment: I don’t like the location – a 52 walk score, but really close to the freeway (& to a Wal-mart super store and a Best Buy – I guess it depends what you’re looking for!); community is “Energy Star certified” & part of the “Green Built North Texas” program; no front garage! The master bath seems like a very inefficient use of the space… the whole second floor is weird, really.

    Project Name: Hunter Valley

    Size: 1997

    Project Address: 1939 Luther Rd. Irving, Tx

    Project URL: http://www.carmelbuilderstx.com/specdetail.aspx/Dallas-FortWorth/HunterValleyTownhomes/DJY066

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Sarah W

    I keep getting error messages when I try to add houses – is anyone else having problems??

    Sarah

  • Sarah W

    Comment: I think this place is right by a Pepsi factory! The Google map just shows open fields though; 62 walk score; east-west orientation; there are so many things wrong with this place… take a look!

    Project Name: Legacy Townhomes

    Size: 2050

    Project Address: 7929 Maddox Road Plano, TX

    Project URL: http://www.khov.com/Home/TX/420/ModelsAvailable/EASTON/InteractiveFloorPlan.htm?InitialDisplay=0

    Slow Home Test Score: 5

  • Mid America Mom

    Sarah, no issues recently for me. I see two posts from you so far tonight. I am not sure if webmaster, Erik, is on… you may want to send a note.

    Mid America Mom

  • Sarah W

    Thanks Mid America Mom – I’ve posed 4 total so far; hopefully they turn up somewhere eventually! =)

  • Mid America Mom

    Welcome new slow homers!
    *
    Had a chance to learn about the movement, the test, our founder John Brown? Afterward help us make history by performing the test on One townhome in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Give it try, you may be surprised at what you find…
    *
    To make it easier I have at least 5 developments that have not yet been scored and willing to pass one on to you. I will be watching comments the next few hours for requests.
    *
    Mid America Mom
    —
    (For those not familiar with that area or North America you may have problems with the siting question. The ideal direction for the main windows of the home in this area is NORTH. We are trying to minimize the hot southern sun).

  • Mid America Mom

    Comment: A townhome at Meridian Square. Walkable in Addison TX.

    What is to like. Garage size and shared entry. The second floor living area is nice. A side balcony that is about 5 by 9 that faces North. Windows in the stairwell.

    Needs help. With environment. Siting is mainly WEST. Master bath is huge. Bedrooms are totally separate on different floors.

    Project Name: Meridian Square-Plan A

    Size: 2445 (includes garage)

    Project Address: 15866 Quorum Dr. Addison, TX 75001

    Project URL: 15866 Quorum Dr. Addison, TX 75001

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Sarah W

    Comment: What a trek from the master bedroom to its closet! I don’t like how the kitchen is broken up by the laundry room circulation space (and that the front door opens directly into the kitchen!). I am noticing a trend of useless “lofts” in these townhouses; definitely just a marketing tool, and not meant to be useful space.

    Project Name: Preston Villages (Portofino model)

    Size: 2080

    Project Address: Parker rd and Ohio, Plano, tx

    Project URL: http://www.pulte.com/templates/av/index.html?plan=../../communities/tx/plano/preston-villages/plans/av/portofino

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Mid America Mom

    Comment: OOPS LAST URL for this development is http://www.addisoncircleliving.com/Townhomes-PlanA.pdf

    Moving onto another unit in the same development.

    This one we have a bedroom on the same floor as the master which I like. The kitchen is in the middle of the living floor and OK. The dining is nice size and has east light. The balcony seems tight and goes from covered to uncovered which seems odd. Again the master bathroom is obnoxious.

    Project Name: Meridian Square-Plan B

    Size: 2647 (includes garage)

    Project Address: 15866 Quorum Dr. Addison, TX 75001

    Project URL: http://www.addisoncircleliving.com/Townhomes-PlanB.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Sarah W

    Comment: Not bad. I don’t like the long walk through the master bath to the closet (another trend I’ve noticed), but the plan generally looks good to me compared to others I’ve seen this week.

    Project Name: Avalon Square (Brooklyn II)

    Size: 1798

    Project Address: Royal & Love, Dallas County, Tx

    Project URL: http://www.khov.com/Home/TX/422/ModelsAvailable/BROOKLYN2/InteractiveFloorPlan.htm?InitialDisplay=0

    Slow Home Test Score: 14

  • Mid America Mom

    Comment: A rental complex with good walk score in Dallas. They have apartments and towns.

    I like the double galley kitchen but the dining space is too small with the circulation needs. The living windows I like but the space seems cramped after circulation needs. The laundry is basically in the kitchen :(

    The parking seems OK. the baths as well though they could use some design help. In the master I have no idea where the bed would go. The rooftop terrace seems nice.

    Project Name: Dylan Residences- F1

    Size: 1402

    Project Address: 4533 Cedar Springs Dallas TX

    Project URL: http://www.dylanliving.com/#/Floorplans/

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Mid America Mom

    Comment: Another from Dylan. Not much better if at all.

    Project Name: Dylan Residences- B7

    Size: 1558

    Project Address: 4533 Cedar Springs Dallas TX

    Project URL: http://www.dylanliving.com/#/Floorplans/

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Mid America Mom

    Comment: Ft. Worth infill property. Looks like 4 towns here.

    I choose an end unit facing North and east. Walkable. MURRAY? I have your elevator!

    The Master bedroom is a mess. The bath is HUGE. This is the largest bath I think I have seen in a townhouse. You get to the rooftop terrace through here as well :( . The kitchen is too large. It is a U with an island in the middle that cuts off the triangle circulation that is needed.

    *
    Do notice the half bath on the living level. Though it is near the dining it is hidden away. The entries – I like the overhang for the front. Closets for both service and front entry. You access the stair and elevator here.

    Project Name: Hilltop- Unit D

    Size: 2582

    Project Address: 824 Haskell Ft. Worth TX

    Project URL: http://homesofcharacter.com/locations/0090603_5010757_vhhilltopfloorplanunitd.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • James Murray Scott

    I love this place, wake up and you can watch the woman (or man) of your dreams making your breakfast. “What, no fresh squeezed orange juice and pealed grapes, to the wolves!!!”

    The one honest comment I would make is that while it may benefit this unit to have a side entry this access would tend to remove visibility or connection from the other residents. Do we dislike our neighbours that much? That’s one aspect of moving into a new home that we do not discuss much, connection to your neighbours. This goes way beyond walkability…

    I know we discussed this topic slightly before but it would be of interest if someone experienced with Feng Shui could assess one of these projects.