Richmond, VA-based United Dominion Realty Trust also isdeveloping communities in Austin, San Antonio and has one on thedrawing boards for Round Rock, located 20 miles north of the statecapital. United Dominion currently owns more than 80,000 apartmenthomes and has approximately 2,000 homes under development.

Dan Baber, the REIT's Western Division project manager, tellsGlobeSt.com that the Las Colinas and Richardson Telecom Corridorprojects are in the early planning stages. "Those are out ahead alittle bit," explains Baber, who spends his days overseeingconstruction for the multiple sites being built in Texas.Demographics dictate the development so projects in Las Colinas andRichardson may include a moderate retail component, unlike theother developments, which are strictly multifamily undertakings, hesays.

At least five United Dominion projects--including the Mandolinin Euless and the Meridian Phase II in Carrollton--are beingdeveloped via a joint venture, formed in late June with CreditSuisse First Boston. United Dominion owns a 25% interest in thejoint venture and serves as the managing partner, assumingresponsibility for operations. The five projects equate to 1,438apartment homes being added to markets in Raleigh, NC, Lakeland FLand Phoenix as well as the two in the North Texas metroplex.