Client:
- Hoque Global
Location:
- Dallas, TX
“Obstacles most often are opportunities in the making. It’s up to the dedicated to make the transformation.”
https://hoqueglobal.com/our-ceo.phpWe are honored to work with Mike Hoque, a visionary Dallas entrepreneur whose career spans more than two decades of leadership in corporate logistics, hospitality, and real estate. From building one of the most successful corporate travel and events firms in his sector to developing vibrant urban environments across North Texas, Hoque has become a respected business leader recognized by organizations such as Downtown Dallas Inc., the National Restaurant Association, the Dallas Business Journal, and D Magazine’s Dallas 500. His commitment to community impact, job creation, and supporting local charitable initiatives continues to shape the region, and we are proud to collaborate with him on this project.
About the Community
University Hills is a landmark 275-acre master-planned, mixed-use development located in the southern portion of Dallas, Texas and within the University Hills Municipal Management District (MMD). Strategically positioned in an area long underserved by major development, University Hills is bringing much-needed infrastructure, housing, and commercial opportunity to one of Dallas’ most promising growth corridors.
Upon full build-out, this project will feature a total of approximately 573 residential lots, complemented by a diverse mix of uses designed to create a vibrant, inclusive, and connected community. The land plan incorporates approximately:
- 72.2 acres of multifamily residential
- 36.5 acres of retail
- 7.7 acres for hotel development
- 19.2 acres of mixed-use space
- 4.9 acres dedicated to life sciences
- 7.5 acres of additional development opportunities
University Hills is poised to become a central hub for residential, commercial, and innovation-driven growth in Southern Dallas, enhancing access to jobs, services, and high-quality housing.
Innovative Public Finance
University Hills represents a highly innovative public-private partnership model, combining several layers of public finance to unlock development potential. In 2025, approximately $52.9M in MMD Assessment Bonds and $34.2M in a Chapter 380 TIRZ Grant for a total of $87.1M in public funding were secured for the project.
University Hills Financing Structure
A unique aspect of the University Hills financing structure is the assignment of TIRZ (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone) revenue to a Municipal Management District (MMD). The TIRZ grant provided by the City of Dallas will be used to “turbo buy-down” the MMD assessments on the non-single-family portions of the development—substantially accelerating repayment of the MMD Assessment Bonds.
This “turbo buy-down” approach is estimated to reduce the original 30-year term of the MMD assessment bonds to just 11 years, significantly enhancing long-term value and investor confidence while reducing carrying costs for future property owners and developers.
Additionally, the issuance of approximately $35M in Development Mortgage Backed and Limited Revenue Bonds (DMBS), issued in 2025, played a critical role in funding both land acquisition and improvements—specifically covering all costs not funded by the PID. Together, the MMD and DMBS provided 100% of the funding for land acquisition and all remaining public and private improvements, an extraordinary achievement that enabled the project to move forward without delay or compromise in quality.
University Hills Financing Structure
A unique aspect of the University Hills financing structure is the assignment of TIRZ (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone) revenue to a Municipal Management District (MMD). The TIRZ grant provided by the City of Dallas will be used to “turbo buy-down” the MMD assessments on the non-single-family portions of the development—substantially accelerating repayment of the MMD Assessment Bonds.
This “turbo buy-down” approach is estimated to reduce the original 30-year term of the MMD assessment bonds to just 11 years, significantly enhancing long-term value and investor confidence while reducing carrying costs for future property owners and developers.
Additionally, the issuance of approximately $35M in Development Mortgage Backed and Limited Revenue Bonds (DMBS), issued in 2025, played a critical role in funding both land acquisition and improvements—specifically covering all costs not funded by the PID. Together, the MMD and DMBS provided 100% of the funding for land acquisition and all remaining public and private improvements, an extraordinary achievement that enabled the project to move forward without delay or compromise in quality.
A Catalyst for Equitable Growth
University Hills stands as a bold example of how strategic public financing and collaborative planning can address long-standing gaps in infrastructure and investment. In bringing high-quality development to the area, the project is creating a ripple effect of economic opportunity and setting a new standard for equitable urban expansion.
The successful use of multiple layered funding sources—including PID, TIRZ, MMD, and private funding—illustrates how complex financial tools can be harmonized to support transformative outcomes. University Hills is not only reshaping the landscape of Southern Dallas but also serving as a model for future projects seeking to balance financial innovation with meaningful community impact.
A Special Thanks
The City of Dallas officials, council, and key professionals such as Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins, City Manager Kimberly Tolbert, Assistant City Manager Robin Bentley, Director of Economic Development Kevin Spath, former City Manager T.C. Broadnax, former Assistant City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry were critical to the success of this financing.
