The Truth About the Keller Tennis Court Bubble Dome Proposal

There is quite a controversy surrounding a proposed 27 acre, 35 court private Birth Tennis Club at Rocky Top Ranch built by Taylor Dent will include two large bubble domes to provide a weather proof tennis facility for its members.

The proposed development will be located in Keller near Johnson and Keller Smithfield Road.

Opposition was so strong that the Keller City Council is now required to have a super majority (6 out of 7 votes) to approve the project. 

The entire opposition of the Keller Bubble seems to be about property values. Will this create enough of an eye sore to detour people from buying houses in the area?

In real estate the way we value residential property is through a “sales comparison approach.” We look at previous sales of properties that compare ("comps") with the subject property. That's all you have to do in this situation.

Only 2 large bubble-like structures come to mind.

Comparable Example 1:
Valley Ranch Dallas Cowboys inflatable structure built 2003 (same one that collapsed in 2009):
Median Sales price in 2003: $190k
Median Sales price today: $415k
218% increase

Comparable Example 2:
The dome in Argyle TX for Cross Timbers Church built approx 2003
Median Sales price in 2003: : $255k
Median Sales price today: $452k
177% increase

Compare that with the entire Dallas Fort Worth metroplex:
2003: $130k
Today: $234k
180% increase

A couple things to note:
It’s impossible to isolate the 1 variable of installing an inflatable dome. Many other factors affect market value. I just think if you compare enough of these markets, you’ll be able to know whether or not installing an inflatable structure correlates with reduced increase in property values. Causation is different than correlation, but its the best we’ve got.

Every inflatable structure is different. Valley Ranch was significantly more attractive than Cross Timbers. Distance and proximity of residential housing to the inflatable structure may also matter.

Another thing, you just aren’t going to find a private tennis club in a low-class area. There is a status appeal to living near something like this. My hypothesis is that putting the inflatable structures closer to the interior of their 26 acre lot would be sufficient to mitigate any negative effect on property values. 
There are also many different types of inflatable structure products. Requiring a more attractive version may be in both parties best interest. 

I'm not for or against the project. I'm 100% for the community. I just think if both sides work together, the community will benefit greatly. There's bound to be a middle ground in the situation.

If you’re interested in learning more about the real estate market, check out this market analysis I recently did for North Fort Worth area. 

If you have questions about the Dome or its effect on local property values, please feel free to contact me.

Chandler Crouch, Broker / Owner

Author of Proven Strategies to Sell Your House for Top Dollar