HEB ISD Welcomes New Lifestyle Community (April 2008)

The district has been working with Huffines Communities to prepare for new homes to be located in HEB ISD boundaries. The following article was published in the March edition of the district's Making The Grade newsletter.

Imagine 5,000 new homes, with woodlands and lakes, shops, restaurants, and a neighborhood school. Beginning in 2010, north Arlington residents will experience this community, called Viridian, which promises new HEB ISD students.

Huffines Communities^TM has purchased the land previously known as Lakes of Bird's Fort, located on Highway 157 at Green Oaks Blvd. The property is in the HEB school district, and developers have met with school officials to discuss the new partnership.

"Viridian will be a wonderful addition to the HEB school district," Gene Buinger, superintendent of schools, said. "Huffines Communities has a proven track record of working with communities and school districts, in order to add value where they build."

Exceptional Neighborhood Schools: An integral part of life in Viridian

Huffines Communities^TM plans to create a nurturing educational environment.

"We are working closely with the HEB district to assure that the community has exceptionally rated schools. It is our belief that outstanding schools reflect the values and commitment of a neighborhood where parents value quality education and are involved and engaged in their children's learning," Phillip Huffines of Huffines Communities^TM said.

Viridian's elementary school will be designed as an integral part of the neighborhood, with plans to offer state-of-the-art design and technology for students.  Plans call for nearby sports fields, playgrounds, parks, and open spaces to serve as an extension to the campus.

Viridian, a unique community unlike any ever developed

Viridian plans more than 5,000 single-family homes and up to 1 million square feet of retail and office space. Residents will have more than 1,200 acres of protected wetlands and open spaces, 20 miles of trails along the Trinity River, and 450 acres of lakes.

Exceptional homes, exceptional education

Residents of Viridian will also experience the world-class education that allows HEB parents to choose from its Schools of Choice programs. Suzuki Strings, Core Knowledge, Spanish Immersion, International Baccalaureate, and International Business Initiative attract new families to the district.

Few people know that the Arlington property is part of the HEB school district or that current district enrollment continues to rise. Many elementary campuses are at capacity, and those students will soon make their way to secondary schools.

“Most people do not know we’re still growing,” Buinger said. “Viridian alone will bring several thousand students to the district in a few years. That is in addition to increased enrollment throughout the district.”

Viridian is part of the booming residential growth between Texas Highway 10 and the Trinity River. Developers anticipate brisk sales of the homes, as new residents are attracted to the quality of HEB schools and the advantages their children will receive.