Village Homes has begun building the first phase of town homes in Linwood Park, a post-World War II neighborhood on the near west side that has seen some redevelopment since a tornado damaged much of it in 2000.

The Fort Worth-based home builder has bought 27 lots totaling about 4.5 acres in the neighborhood, north of West Seventh Street and west of the Montgomery Plaza development. It plans to build two town homes on each lot for a total of 54 units. The first phase of construction includes five lots, Village Homes President Michael Dike said. Six of the first 10 town homes are sold, he said.

Village Homes began buying the lots at the end of 2013 from Linwood Park Redevelopment Co. and other investors, Dike said. Linwood Park Redevelopment began buying property in Linwood around 2002 and turned several of the homes into rental units. Dike said those rentals have been torn down.

The lots bought by Village Homes are in an area bordered by West Fifth Street on the south, Whitmore Street on the north, Templeton Drive on the west and Foch Street on the east.

Dike said his company was drawn to the location because it offers an urban context but has a neighborhood feel. The site is near Jesse D. Sandoval Park and offers views of the Fort Worth skyline, yet the town homes are in walking distance to shops and restaurants in the West 7th and Museum Place developments.

“We’re passionate about redeveloping areas that have potential,” Dike said. “In recent years, the city has built new streets and developed the infrastructure to prepare for this type of quality lifestyle. It affords urban living but without the high density of apartments.”

The town homes are priced from $285,000 and are either 2,100 square feet or 1,900 square feet. Both plans offer detached two-car garages and back yards. They will have 2 1/2 baths and energy efficiencies, the builder said.

Dike said he expects the 54 town homes to be built within three to four years.

Published in Star-Telegram, March 2, 2014; Sandra Baker