In a recent interview with Dallas Business Journal, Jackson Walker partner Joel Heydenburk provided insight about the Fort Worth commercial real estate market as the city continues to grow.

“I think we’re growing in North Texas, along with Dallas, because of where we are, because of the cost of living and, quite honestly, the fact that we’ve got DFW Airport. That’s huge,” Joel said.

“I think we’re growing in North Texas, along with Dallas, because of where we are, because of the cost of living and, quite honestly, the fact that we’ve got DFW Airport. That’s huge.”

One of the keys to successful community growth, Joel explained, is ‘smart development’ and pushing for projects that are beneficial to the community.

“It’s purposeful development. I think smart development recognizes that development for development’s sake is not necessarily a good thing. You move away from development for development’s sake and say ‘what does this community need?’

“Smart development is scoping out that bird’s eye view, so it’s not just about this plot of land and what I want to develop on it. It’s (about whether) it fits into the greater community and…the impacts, positive or otherwise.”

To read the full interview, visit the Dallas Business Journal article “‘What does this community need?’: Inside Fort Worth real estate.” Please note a subscription may be required to view the article.

Meet Joel

Joel W. Heydenburk has over 18 years of experience handling real estate transactions and operational issues in connection with commercial real estate. His experience consists of representing buyers and sellers in acquisitions and sales of commercial properties ranging from $100 thousand and exceeding $600 million. In recognition of his practice, Joel has been named to The Best Lawyers in America since 2021 in the areas of Real Estate Law and Land Use and Zoning Law. He has also been recognized Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers since 2020.

Recently, Joel became board chairman of the Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth (REC of GFW). In addition to the Real Estate Council, Joel volunteers his time with the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth as a member of the Board of Trustees, serving as President in 2017-2018. He is also a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and a current Director of the Texas Lyceum, elected in 2018.

To explore the firm’s experience assisting clients with leasing, developing, buying, selling, and operating properties, visit the Real Estate practice page.