Footprints on Fulshear: DHK Development's Distinctive Touch

F O O T P R I N T S

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FULSHEAR

DHK DEVELOPMENT’S

DISTINCTIVE TOUCH

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rom the early age of four, Doug Konopka could envision endless possibilities as he considered the landscape around his first Lionel model train set. “After opening that gift from my grandmother,” he recalls, “I spent countless hours over the next 14 years building neighborhoods, parks and downtowns on a sheet of plywood around that track. And throughout my childhood I was constantly rearranging my family’s village under the Christmas tree – and still do to this day! Looking back, I suppose this was conceptually the start of my career as a developer.”

Some folks are likely grateful for that train set and Doug’s visionary modifications to his Christmas village -because it ultimately led him to create DHK Development, Inc., in 1991 -- which led him to bring a visionary touch to the Fulshear area that is alive and well many years later.

DOUG KONOPKA Resident Carole McCann appreciates the impact Doug and DHK Development have had in Fulshear -– personally and professionally. “My husband Michael and I met Doug when he started the beautiful Fulbrook development,” she shares. “I was most impressed with his unique style and amazing vision. He has not disappointed me in any of his projects, including his design for an oldstyle downtown environment of Fulshear Town Center.”

Adds Carol, “Doug is a kind, caring man with boundless energy, and he was one of the first to sponsor my family’s Bike for Mike which contributes to Fulshear and area charities in honor of my late husband.”

DHK Development, Inc. is a boutique firm that manages undeveloped properties owned by a few select Houston families, provides real estate consulting services and develops both residential communities and mixeduse projects. DHK’s concept of large waterfront and wooded home sites amidst an abundance of natural, open spaces has been one of the most popular footprints making a long lasting impression in Fulshear.

City council member Ramona Ridge credits Doug with the vision to enhance as well as preserve Fulshear’s uniqueness. “Doug’s innovational thinking in our formative years as a growing city has led the way for high quality development in Fulshear,” she says. “DHK understands the desires of many that want to live surrounded by nature and wildlife, rather than concrete and asphalt.” Adds Ramona, “Doug was one of the first developers to support our Dark Skies Ordinance, created to ensure that residents and future generations

of Fulshear can enjoy the stars at night. Additionally, his foresight and generosity helped to create the Fulshear Farmers’ Market, one of the most popular destinations in Fulshear He serves as a Board Member of the 501(c) 3 Forever Fulshear. Besides all of his developmental cleverness, Doug is an all-around nice guy and a pleasure to work with.”

A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Doug was initially drawn to the Fulshear area with a land deal of 600 acres in Simonton. “During that time I met many wonderful people and was impressed by the natural beauty and the desire of residents to maintain the identity of the area and not get swallowed up by West Houston,” he shares. Under Mayors Mike Dinges, Jamie Roberts and Tommy Kuykendall, he served on the Fulshear Planning Commission, encouraging local leaders to plan for the area’s growth. “We sponsored two town hall meetings at which residents were invited to express their desires for Fulshear’s future and they overwhelmingly voiced support to create a pedestrian style town center, protect open space and prepare a comprehensive plan to guide future growth.”

Planning for growth is one of his beloved pastimes. Once prospective DHK properties are located, Doug meets with local elected officials and city management in

Bountiful Living

preparation to prepare land plans, construction cost estimates and financial models. “After we receive approvals for our land and engineering plans,” he explains, “the construction process begins. It often takes about two years from the time we find a property to the time we sell the first lots.”

Hands down, Doug’s favorite aspect of being a developer is “creating high quality, lifestyle communities that people find unique, sustainable and surprising.”

DHK trademark footprints within Fulshear include breezefriendly three rail fences, roundabouts, birdhouse villages, natural open meadows, tree protection policies and attention-grabbing home designs.

DHK’s first project in Fulshear was Fulbrook. Several years later, DHK helped establish another community on Fulshear Creek featuring unique community space amenities including a lodge, bocce courts and a lakeside stage for outdoor concerts. During the summer of 2011, Fulshear Creek residents became the first in the Houston region to harvest about 1000 pounds of grapes from their 2-acre neighborhood vineyard and make their own label of Blanc de Bois wine. “DHK Development creates these types of unique opportunities to build small-town charm into the culture of the community,” resident Simona Key shared in an online recap of the local news

City leaders, potential buyers and longtime residents see DHK’s basic development policies playing out on a daily basis: DHK does not develop subdivisions, implying entry landscaping and houses are the important ingredients, but rather “communities” which implies the residents are the most important.

A community will be successful because of a unified team effort. In addition to the developer, the team must consist of capable, creative consultants, strong financial partners and enthusiastic residents. DHK seeks honest, creative and dedicated team members and encourages them to go wild with ideas.

Successful communities are alive with simple but memorable events such as outdoor concerts, harvest feasts and fishing tournaments.

Every property has its own unique character.

Preserve its natural environment and pay homage to its history by recognizing the property’s previous owners with named streets and places.

Area resident Sue Gruber is quick to tout DHK’s footprints throughout Fulshear. “When my husband Greg, and I moved to Fulbrook 10 years ago, one of the main reasons we were convinced to do so was because of Doug and the vision he had not only for Fulbrook, but Fulshear as well,” says Sue. “We loved the idea of living in the country in a community that was concerned with the environment -- and dedicated to maintaining natural surroundings while being close to Houston and all that a big city has to offer. We also loved the small town feel of Fulshear and all of its rich history. We liked the thought of living somewhere that was embracing growth and progress while being sensitive to issues like maintaining our prairies, ensuring the livelihood of Texas native plants, reducing light pollution, and the like.” She adds, “Doug is a visionary with a big heart.”

DHK’s footprints in Fulshear extend beyond property development to include cultural development. In his early years in Fulshear, Doug was instrumental in forming what originally was called the Fulshear Arts Council, now Arts Fulshear, a non-profit arts organization. “When Doug hosted music, art and culinary events in the area that were immensely popular,” says Arts Fulshear Executive Director Marcia Simmons, “I suggested starting a community arts organization and he agreed and pledged his support.” Since that beginning five years ago, she says DHK has been one of Arts Fulshear’s largest corporate sponsors. “Doug recently joined our Board of Directors and was elected President. The idea for a visual and performing arts center began with Doug, and may culminate with DHK Development if we can raise the funds.”

LAKE WITHIN THE NEW COMMUNITY FULSHEAR RUN

INTRODUCING…

FULSHEAR RUN Councilman Steven Gill has known Doug for seven years. “When I think of Doug, I think of his vision, integrity, unique perspective, community oriented mindset and his passion for creating communities that provide a wonderful environment in which to live and play. I think Fulshear Run will be his most unique development yet and will add to the uniqueness of Fulshear.”

FULSHEAR RUN ENTRANCE

Promoting “Bountiful Living,” Fulshear Run, is a sophisticated single-family residential development located south of the intersection of FM 1093 and Bois D’Arc Lane that offers half- acre and 1+-acre home sites flanked by creeks, ponds, woods, prairies and pastures. It offers hiking trails amidst vineyards, olive orchards, and a small performance stage and fishing pier -- and is the only master planned acreage community offering city utility services. “It is a very unique community because of its tree cover and 30’ topographic changes,” adds Doug, “and it is a link between town and country.” The instant popularity of this new community is visible through the construction activities of Fairmont Custom Homes and Trendmaker Homes.

Adds Doug, “Next to our children, the greatest investment we typically make is in our home, so we design our communities so that they not only protect home values, but hopefully enhance them over time. the value protection process begins with a creative land plan and ends with strong architectural guidelines and deed restrictions.”

Also part of the Fulshear Run Planned Unit Development zoning designation is a25+ acre mixed-used commercial district. Doug has stated that he prefers that this district, while uniquely linked to Fulshear Run by trails, not carry the same name. “I want all of Fulshear, and the entire region in fact, to feel that this district belongs to them, and not just to one of my communities. This will be a town center where people can shop, work, eat and live.”

In an effort to engage all residents, last year he hosted a community forum, attended by nearly 100 citizens, to present and listen to ideas.

FULSHEAR RUN SECTIONS 1 & 2 ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN

TRENDMAKER MODEL HOME IN FULSHEAR RUN

SIGNATURE TOUCHES

BENEFIT

LOCAL NONPROFITS

On October 8, Fulshear Run will be the picturesque backdrop for DHK Development’s inaugural Farm & Vineyard Faire.

From 2-5pm, families and farm-to-table foodies and nature lovers can spend an afternoon of cooking demonstrations, entertainment, gourmet bites from top chefs, fine wines and locally produced craft beers under a canopy of oaks. During the afternoon, the winners of the photography contest hosted

by Arts Fulshear will be announced.

Following the Faire that evening, Bravo Top Chef Monica Pope and friends will host a one-of-a-kind “pop up” supper, and upscale-ticketed event under the stars in Fulshear Run, complete with live music and a meal showcasing the freshest organic ingredients and fine wines.

“DHK has created the Fulshear Run Community Services Foundation into which we will donate funds from the sale of home sites to be used for beneficiaries including Arts Fulshear and the Fulshear Farmer’s Market through Forever Fulshear,” Doug adds. In the meantime, funds raised during the Farm and Vineyard Faire will be earmarked to both organizations.

“Without a doubt, the highlight of my career are the friendships I have developed,” adds Doug. “I can name so many Fulshear residents, realtors, home builders, restaurateurs and city leaders that I admire, and that I want to link arms with to continue developing Fulshear’s uniqueness for years to come.” d

W W W. F U L S H E A R R U N . C O M

THE FULSHEAR FARMERS’ MARKET

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