Atlanta-based Post Properties Inc. conceivably could deliver theunique project in 2002 should dirt begin flying before the year isout, a source close to the project told GlobeSt.com. The timing ofthe project's start and completion have been kept under wraps whilethe REIT lays the groundwork for the 159-unit project.

Reservations, more commonly referred to as purchase options,started to materialize with last week's opening of a high-techvirtual tour marketing center at 2815 Allen St. in Post Square. Theproject, promising spectacular skyline views of Downtown Dallas andCityplace, will be built at the corner of State and WorthingtonSts. near McKinney Ave.

"While for-rent homes and apartments will always remain animportant part of the area, the natural next step in Uptown'sevolution is more for-sale housing," says Art Lomenick, PostProperties' senior executive vice president. The Mercer is thefirst high-rise condominium project in the eclectic district, wherePost has a vested interest. In the 1990s, the REIT previously haddeveloped a mix of urban apartments and ground-level retail andrestaurants to help revitalize the neighborhood.