Introducing Celeste: An Intimate Mixed-Use Experience Coming to Southlake
Headed by Toro Development Company, Celeste will feature a curated mix of retail, residential, office and hospitality, designed around a highly walkable, safe and pedestrian-friendly street experience.
At the heart of the community will be a Plaza, a vibrant greenspace surrounded by outdoor seating, anchored by a resort-level Concierge, and activated with community gatherings throughout the year.
The name Celeste, meaning “heavenly” in French, was chosen as a nod to the French château-inspired character of Carillon.
Toro Development Company (TDC) is known for delivering world-class mixed-use destinations such as Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia.
“Each of our communities is one-of-one, responsive to the needs of the surrounding area,” said Mark Toro, Chief Vision Officer at TDC. “Celeste will be a new experience for Southlake – one centered on food, energy and shared experience – and we look forward to meeting with the community over the coming months.”
Q&A with Mark Toro
Q: Where is Celeste located?
A: Celeste is planned for a 26-acre site within Carillon along SH 114 at N White Chapel Blvd in Southlake.
Q: You’re not the first to try to develop this site. Why will you succeed?
A: We are highly selective, and highly effective, in our work. We have the capital, capability and a proven track record of delivering premier mixed-use communities. And, we are relentless in our execution. We know every detail matters.
Q: What makes Celeste different?
A: Celeste will be a hospitality-forward, highly curated experience focused on food, energy and connection. The community is intentionally designed to feel intimate, with an emphasis on walkability and the pedestrian experience rather than a traditional, car-first development. We will take our cues from Europe’s greatest Plazas – places that make you feel alive while you’re there: A cafe where you can linger for hours. The neighborhood bistro on the corner. Streets where kids can run safely ahead. A central gathering place ringed by restaurant patios with residents living overhead.
Q: What kind of retail will be there?
A: We’re targeting a highly curated mix of chef-driven restaurants, quality retail and boutique fitness. We are focused on thoughtfully selecting the right concepts that are committed to hospitality and dedicated to creating a new and unique experience for the Southlake community.
Q: Will there be residential?
A: Yes. To create successful mixed-use, luxury residences over retail are a necessity. Celeste’s residents will be “renters by choice,” individuals who can afford to own but choose to live in a walkable, amenity-rich environment. We anticipate interest from young professionals, empty nesters and established households seeking a connected, community-forward lifestyle. Residents living on site is a key part to creating a neighborhood-feel. Learn more here.
Q: What about office space?
A: Yes, we’re planning Class-A office because this is the kind of community where companies want to be: workplaces that actually draw people in — environments that keep employees engaged and excited to come to work. In a mixed-use setting, office isn’t isolated; it’s part of a broader ecosystem. Employees can step out for coffee, run errands, or meet friends without getting in a car. That convenience matters. Just as importantly, office workers add critical daytime “feet on the street,” contributing to street-level energy and supporting surrounding the retail throughout the workweek.
Q: Will there be a hotel?
A: Yes, there will be a boutique hotel with an excellent plaza level dining experience. This hotel will be designed for business travelers, out-of-town guests and staycationers looking for a luxurious night away.
Q: How will you promote safety?
A: Safety is our number one priority. We design well-lit, walkable streets and invest in security and operations that maintain a safe, comfortable and clean environment. Every morning, our operations and security team meet to plan for the day ahead, ensuring an exceptional experience for anyone who sets foot on property.
Q: When will construction begin?
A: At this stage, we are focused on advancing design, planning and community engagement. Details and timing to follow.
Q: How will this impact traffic?
A: Traffic and infrastructure impacts will be studied as part of the planning and approval process. We are committed to protecting Carillon from cut-through traffic by restricting access to 114 and N White Chapel Blvd.
Q: How can the community get involved?
A: We will host a series of meetings to share updates, gather feedback and learn about the types of experiences the community wants to see at Celeste. We launched a community feedback form to learn more: https://forms.gle/a89MaiPDw8CQt2bK9.
Q: How can I learn more about TDC’s mixed-use strategy?
A: Hear from Chief Vision Officer Mark Toro on our proven approach to building exceptional mixed-use communities here and here.
