The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is currently witnessing a profound demographic shift. As the “Silver Tsunami” reaches the heart of North Texas, thousands of residents in established communities—from the tree-lined streets of Highland Park to the sprawling estates of Southlake and the vibrant neighborhoods of Plano—are reaching a crossroads. For decades, the “Texas-sized” two-story home has been the gold standard of suburban success. These homes, characterized by grand entryways and sweeping staircases, were designed for growing families. However, as homeowners enter their golden years, those same architectural features that once inspired awe can begin to feel like barriers. The desire to “age in place”—to remain in the home where memories were made, neighbors are known, and the community is familiar—is stronger than ever. Yet, the physical reality of navigating multiple levels can turn a beloved residence into a series of disconnected spaces.
Aging in place is no longer just a lifestyle choice; it is a movement rooted in the desire for independence and dignity. In the DFW area, where the real estate market remains one of the most dynamic in the country, homeowners are looking for ways to adapt their environments rather than succumb to the stress and high costs of relocation. This is where the home elevator enters the narrative. Far from being a mere luxury or a status symbol reserved for the ultra-wealthy, the modern residential elevator has become the centerpiece of universal design. It represents a proactive approach to homeownership that prioritizes longevity and accessibility. By integrating a lift into the home, residents are not just solving a mobility issue; they are redefining what it means to live in a “forever home” in North Texas. This guide explores the multifaceted impact of home elevators on DFW living, from economic benefits to the psychological freedom of total home access.
I. The Economics of Aging in Place vs. Senior Living
1.1 Comparing Costs: Elevator Installation vs. Assisted Living
When DFW families begin to discuss the long-term care of aging parents or their own future mobility, the conversation often turns to the staggering costs of assisted living facilities. In North Texas, a high-quality assisted living or memory care facility can easily cost between $5,000 and $9,000 per month. Over just a few years, these recurring costs can deplete a lifetime of savings and inheritance. In contrast, the installation of a residential elevator is a one-time capital investment. Depending on the technology and the complexity of the retrofit, a high-end elevator typically costs between $35,000 and $75,000. When you do the math, the “break-even” point—where the cost of the elevator is less than the cost of a facility—is often reached in less than a year.
Beyond the raw monthly fees, one must consider the “hidden” costs of senior living facilities, such as tiered care pricing, medication management fees, and the loss of personal autonomy. By choosing to stay in their own home and installing an elevator, North Texas residents keep their most valuable asset—their real estate—while eliminating the need for expensive institutional overhead. Ascend Additions specializes in helping families understand this financial pivot. We look at the elevator not as an expense, but as a protective measure for your wealth. Instead of paying for a room in a facility you don’t own, you are investing in an upgrade to a property you already love. This allows families to allocate their resources toward home health care or lifestyle enjoyments rather than institutional rent.
1.2 Enhancing Home Equity in the DFW Real Estate Market
The Dallas-Fort Worth real estate market is increasingly rewarding “future-proofed” homes. As the population ages, the pool of buyers looking for homes with existing accessibility features is growing. A home elevator is a significant differentiator in neighborhoods like Preston Hollow or Westover Hills. When a potential buyer sees a professionally installed, aesthetically pleasing elevator, they see a home that they can live in for thirty years, not just ten. This broadens the market appeal of the property across multiple demographics: from young families who see it as a way to move heavy furniture and strollers, to multi-generational households, to retirees looking for their final destination.
Appraisers in North Texas are also beginning to recognize the tangible value added by high-end accessibility modifications. While a standard remodel might offer a moderate return on investment, an elevator provides a functional upgrade that few other homes in the neighborhood can match. It transforms a traditional two-story house into a more versatile property that competes with single-story ranch homes, which are currently at a premium price per square foot due to their scarcity. By choosing Ascend Additions for your installation, you are ensuring that the work is performed to the highest standards, which is a major selling point during the inspection and appraisal process. Investing in an elevator is a strategic move that pays dividends both in your current quality of life and your future resale value.
1.3 Avoiding the “Moving Tax” and Emotional Relocation Costs
Relocating in the DFW Metroplex is an expensive and emotionally taxing endeavor often referred to as the “moving tax.” When a senior or person with limited mobility decides to move because their home is no longer accessible, they face a barrage of costs: realtor commissions (typically 6%), closing costs, moving company fees, and the cost of preparing the old house for sale. For a $700,000 home, these transaction costs can easily exceed $50,000—money that could have been used to install a top-of-the-line elevator and stay put. Furthermore, moving often means downsizing, which forces individuals to part with cherished belongings, furniture, and family heirlooms because they simply won’t fit in a smaller single-story residence.
The emotional toll of leaving a neighborhood is even harder to quantify but equally significant. In DFW, community ties are strong. Leaving behind a favorite grocery store, a trusted doctor, a church community, or long-time neighbors can lead to social isolation and a decline in mental health for seniors. By installing an elevator with Ascend Additions, you effectively eliminate the need for this “forced relocation.” You retain your social support network and the comfort of your familiar surroundings while gaining full use of every square foot of your property. For many North Texans, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will never have to leave their home because of a staircase is the most valuable benefit of all.
II. Technology & Design: Choosing the Right Lift for Your Texas Home
2.1 Hydraulic Elevators: The Gold Standard for Smoothness
When North Texas homeowners think of a luxury elevator experience, they are usually envisioning a hydraulic system. These lifts operate using a piston that travels inside a cylinder, powered by a hydraulic pump and oil reservoir. The primary advantage of this technology is the unparalleled smoothness of the ride. In high-end DFW residences where quietude is a priority, hydraulic elevators are the preferred choice because the motor and pump can be located in a separate machine room, often in the garage or a basement area, keeping mechanical noise away from the living quarters. This system is robust, capable of higher weight capacities, and is often the “heavy lifter” of the residential world, making it ideal for carrying multiple passengers or heavy medical equipment.
However, the installation of a hydraulic elevator is a significant architectural undertaking. It typically requires a “pit” to be dug into the foundation—a task that requires expert handling in North Texas due to our expansive clay soils. Ascend Additions specializes in these complex foundation excavations, ensuring that the structural integrity of your home remains uncompromised. While it requires more space for a machine room and a hoistway, the result is a permanent, commercial-grade piece of machinery that adds a feeling of substantiality to the home. For homeowners who prioritize a traditional look and the most comfortable ride possible, the hydraulic elevator remains the undisputed gold standard in the Metroplex.
2.2 Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators: Modern Aesthetics for Tight Spaces
For DFW residents living in modern townhomes in areas like Uptown Dallas or the Fort Worth Cultural District, space is often at a premium. In these scenarios, a pneumatic vacuum elevator (PVE) is a revolutionary solution. Unlike traditional elevators that use cables or pistons, a PVE uses air pressure to lift and lower the cab. The design is sleek, often featuring a panoramic 360-degree glass or polycarbonate cylinder that provides an unobstructed view of the home’s interior. Because these systems are “pitless” and “machine-room-less,” they can be installed directly onto the existing finished floor, making them the most non-invasive option for retrofitting an established Texas home.
The aesthetic appeal of a vacuum elevator is undeniable; it acts as a piece of kinetic art. It fits perfectly into the corner of a room or in the center of a spiral staircase. Beyond the looks, PVEs are incredibly energy-efficient, using minimal electricity for the ascent and virtually zero energy for the descent, as gravity and controlled air release do the work. While they generally have a lower weight capacity compared to hydraulic units, they are perfect for one or two passengers looking to regain access to their second floor without a massive construction project. Ascend Additions often recommends PVEs for clients who want a fast, “clean” installation that complements a modern architectural style.
2.3 Traction & Shaftless Lifts: Versatility and Energy Efficiency
Traction elevators, also known as MRL (Machine-Room-Less) elevators, utilize a system of cables, sheaves, and counterweights. This technology has seen massive advancements in recent years, moving away from bulky overhead motors to compact, gearless systems that fit entirely within the hoistway. For a DFW homeowner, this means gaining the benefits of a cable-driven system—such as higher speeds and energy efficiency—without needing to sacrifice a closet for a machine room. These units are increasingly popular in new construction in areas like Frisco and Prosper, where developers are looking for sleek, high-performing accessibility options that don’t complicate the floor plan.
A subset of this versatility is the “shaftless” or “through-the-floor” lift. This is a game-changer for smaller North Texas homes where a full elevator shaft isn’t feasible. These lifts travel on self-supporting rails and simply pass through a small aperture in the ceiling. When the lift is on the upper floor, the lower floor space is completely clear. This is the ultimate “small footprint” solution for aging in place. At Ascend Additions, we help our clients weigh the trade-offs between a full-scale traction system and a shaftless lift, ensuring that the technology chosen aligns perfectly with the home’s structural capacity and the user’s specific mobility requirements.
III. Safety Standards & The Texas Regulatory Landscape
3.1 Navigating DFW Building Codes and Permits
Installing an elevator in North Texas isn’t just a construction task; it’s a regulatory one. Each municipality in the DFW Metroplex—whether it’s the City of Dallas, Fort Worth, or smaller jurisdictions like University Park—has its own specific building codes and permitting requirements. In Texas, residential elevators must adhere to ASME A17.1 safety standards, which govern everything from the thickness of the hoistway walls to the clearance between the elevator door and the landing door. Navigating these “red tape” requirements can be daunting for a homeowner, as a failure to comply can lead to failed inspections, insurance complications, and even safety hazards.
Ascend Additions takes the lead on the entire permitting and compliance process. We understand the specific nuances of North Texas code enforcement, such as fire-rating requirements for hoistways and the electrical specifications needed for different drive systems. We handle the submission of architectural drawings and coordinate with city inspectors to ensure that your lift is fully permitted and legally compliant from day one. This proactive approach not only ensures the safety of the occupants but also protects the homeowner’s investment during any future real estate transactions, as a “bootleg” or unpermitted elevator can be a massive liability during a home sale.
3.2 Critical Safety Features: Battery Backups and Emergency Brakes
Safety is the paramount concern when discussing home elevators, especially given the occasional volatility of the Texas power grid. At Ascend Additions, we believe that an elevator is only as good as its failsafes. Every elevator we install comes equipped with a sophisticated battery backup system. In the event of a power outage in your DFW neighborhood, the elevator won’t simply stop between floors; the backup system will automatically lower the cab to the nearest landing and open the doors, allowing the occupants to exit safely. This “emergency homing” feature is a non-negotiable requirement for seniors who may be using the lift independently.
Beyond power concerns, modern lifts utilize multiple mechanical and electronic safety layers. This includes emergency braking systems (safeties) that lock the cab to the rails if an overspeed condition is detected, and “slack cable” switches that immediately cut power if any tension is lost in the lifting mechanism. We also prioritize communication; every cab is equipped with either a landline phone, a dedicated cellular dialer, or an emergency alarm. For our clients in North Texas, these features provide the “peace of mind” that allows them to use the elevator with total confidence, knowing that they are protected against mechanical failure, power loss, and even their own forgetfulness.
3.3 The Importance of Annual Maintenance and Inspections
A home elevator is a complex piece of machinery that requires regular attention to perform at its peak. In the humid and sometimes dusty environment of North Texas, mechanical components like door tracks, rollers, and hydraulic seals need to be checked and lubricated. Ascend Additions provides comprehensive maintenance programs that go beyond a simple “check-up.” We perform load tests, inspect safety circuits, and ensure that the levelling of the cab is precise to prevent tripping hazards at the landings. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of the elevator but also prevents the small, annoying service calls that can happen if sensors get out of alignment.
Furthermore, while the State of Texas does not currently require annual third-party inspections for private residential elevators (unlike commercial ones), we highly recommend them as a best practice for aging in place. An annual professional review ensures that the lift remains in compliance with evolving safety standards. We keep detailed service logs for our clients, which serve as a “health record” for the elevator. This documentation is invaluable for maintaining the manufacturer’s warranty and provides significant confidence to future buyers of the home. By treating your elevator with the same care as a high-end vehicle, you ensure that it remains a reliable, silent partner in your home’s accessibility for decades to come.
IV. Architectural Integration: Retrofitting vs. New Construction
4.1 Seamless Design: Blending Elevators with Texas Interiors
In the high-end real estate markets of the DFW Metroplex, an elevator should never look like an afterthought. Whether your home is a sprawling Mediterranean villa in Southlake(https://www.papercitymag.com/real-estate/1469-sunshine-lane-southlake-historic-home-sale-tarrant-county/) or a sleek mid-century modern in Dallas’s Kessler Park, the goal is for the elevator to enhance the existing interior design. At Ascend Additions, we move beyond the “metal box” mentality. We offer a vast array of customization options that allow the elevator cab to mirror the sophistication of your home. This includes high-end wood veneers like walnut or cherry to match your library’s millwork, custom stone flooring that flows seamlessly from your hallway, and recessed LED lighting that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Even the hoistway doors can be customized to disappear into the architecture. We often install “swing doors” that look identical to every other interior door in your home, preserving the visual rhythm of your hallways. For those who want to make a statement, glass observation cabs and brushed brass or nickel fixtures can turn the lift into a focal point. Architectural integration is about more than just looks; it’s about the tactile experience. We ensure that every button press, the sound of the door latch, and the movement of the cab feels substantial and high-quality, reflecting the luxury standards that North Texas homeowners expect and deserve.
4.2 The Retrofitting Process: Finding Space You Didn’t Know You Had
One of the most common myths we encounter at Ascend Additions is the belief that an elevator cannot be added to an existing home without a massive, disruptive renovation. In reality, North Texas homes often contain “hidden” space perfectly suited for a lift. The most common strategy is the “closet stack.” Many two-story homes feature walk-in closets located directly above one another on the first and second floors. By utilizing this vertical column, we can install a hoistway with minimal structural changes to the rest of the house. This keeps the construction footprint small and allows the elevator to be tucked away discreetly.
If a closet stack isn’t available, we look to the “dead space” often found in the center of a grand staircase or at the end of a hallway. In some cases, we can even build an exterior hoistway—an addition that attaches to the outside of the home. This “bump-out” can be clad in matching brick or stone, ensuring it looks like an original part of the structure. Our engineering team specializes in identifying these creative spatial solutions, performing the necessary structural reinforcements to accommodate the lift without compromising the home’s foundation or aesthetic. Retrofitting is an art form, and in the hands of DFW experts, it is a surprisingly manageable process that yields lifelong rewards.
4.3 Future-Proofing New Builds: Planning for the Transition
For younger families building new homes in booming areas like Celina or Argyle, the concept of needing an elevator might seem far off. However, the smartest architectural move you can make today is “future-proofing.” This involves designing the home with an “elevator-ready” shaft. Architecturally, this means stacking closets and framing them with the necessary structural support and electrical service during the initial build. For now, they function as extra storage or a pantry; twenty years from now, when the need for accessibility arises, the “heavy lifting” of construction is already done, and a lift can be installed in a matter of days rather than weeks.
Future-proofing is a low-cost investment during the construction phase that adds massive value to the home’s resale potential. In a market like DFW, where multi-generational living is on the rise, having a home that is “elevator-capable” makes it attractive to a much wider audience. It tells potential buyers that the home is a long-term sanctuary. At Ascend Additions, we consult with local architects and builders to ensure these shafts meet all future code requirements. By planning for the transition now, you are ensuring that your “dream home” remains your home forever, regardless of what the future holds for your physical mobility.
V. The Holistic Impact on Lifestyle and Caregiving
5.1 Empowering Independence: Moving Beyond the First Floor
When mobility becomes a challenge, a home often shrinks. Seniors frequently find themselves living entirely on the first floor, effectively abandoning the upper levels of their residence. The master bedroom is moved to a guest suite or a converted dining room, and hobby rooms, home offices, and secondary living areas become “dead zones.” This “spatial withdrawal” can lead to a sense of loss and frustration. A home elevator reverses this trend, instantly reclaiming 100% of the home’s square footage. It restores the psychological sense of ownership and freedom, allowing a resident to access their private sanctuary on the second floor without fear of a fall.
Independence is not just about physical movement; it’s about the dignity of choice. Being able to go upstairs to check on a grandchild, retrieve a book, or enjoy the view from a balcony without needing to ask for help is vital for mental well-being. For North Texans who have spent decades building a life in their multi-story homes, the elevator is the key that unlocks their entire world again. It removes the “mental fatigue” of planning trips up and down the stairs, allowing for a more spontaneous and fulfilling lifestyle. At Ascend Additions, we see the transformation in our clients every day—the sparkle in their eyes when they realize their whole home is theirs once again.
5.2 Supporting Multigenerational Living
The Metroplex has seen a significant rise in multigenerational households, where three generations often live under one roof. In these dynamic environments, a home elevator serves as a unifying feature. While it provides essential mobility for the grandparents, it also offers immense practical value for the rest of the family. Imagine moving heavy laundry baskets, luggage after a trip to DFW Airport, or even high-end holiday decorations without the risk of a staircase accident. For parents with young children, an elevator is a safe way to move strollers or sleeping toddlers between floors.
In these households, the elevator becomes a “universal tool” rather than just a medical device. It fosters a more inclusive environment where the elder members of the family are not relegated to a specific corner of the house but can participate in the daily life of the entire family on any floor. This integration is essential for maintaining strong family bonds and ensuring that aging parents feel like active participants in the home. Ascend Additions designs lifts that are durable enough for high-traffic, multi-generational use, ensuring that the investment benefits every member of the family from the youngest to the oldest.
5.3 Reducing Caregiver Strain
For family members or professional aides providing home health care in North Texas, the physical demands of caregiving can be overwhelming. Helping a loved one navigate stairs is one of the leading causes of back injuries and falls for caregivers. An elevator completely removes this physical burden. It allows a caregiver to transport a patient, along with necessary medical supplies or a wheelchair, with the push of a button. This reduction in physical strain leads to a higher quality of care and a more sustainable long-term caregiving situation.
The emotional relief for the caregiver is equally significant. The constant anxiety of a loved one attempting the stairs alone is a major source of “caregiver burnout.” Knowing that the elevator is available and safe provides a peace of mind that allows the caregiver to focus on the person, not just the logistics of their movement. By installing an elevator, families are essentially investing in the health and longevity of the caregiver as much as the resident. Ascend Additions works closely with families to ensure the lift is easy to operate for both the user and their support team, creating a safer, more harmonious caregiving environment in the DFW home.
VI. Why Ascend Additions is the DFW Authority
6.1 Local Expertise: Serving the Metroplex with Precision
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex presents a unique set of challenges for any vertical transportation project, specifically regarding our geology. The North Texas area is famous for its expansive clay soil, which can shift and settle with the extreme changes in weather we experience—from blistering 100-degree summers to sudden ice storms. At Ascend Additions, we don’t just understand elevators; we understand DFW foundations. An elevator shaft requires absolute structural stability to maintain the tight tolerances needed for safe operation. Our engineering teams are experts in local foundation stabilization, ensuring that the hoistway we build for your Highland Park or Southlake home remains perfectly plumb and level, regardless of how the ground beneath it behaves.
Furthermore, being a local DFW authority means we are deeply familiar with the municipal requirements of the various cities that make up our region. The permitting process in University Park is vastly different from that in Arlington or Frisco. We have established relationships with local building inspectors and fire marshals, which allows us to streamline the approval process and avoid the costly delays that national “big box” companies often encounter. When you choose Ascend Additions, you are choosing a partner who lives and works in your community. We understand the high standards of aesthetics and service expected in North Texas, and we pride ourselves on delivering a white-glove experience that matches the luxury of the homes we service.
6.2 The Ascend Process: From Consultation to Final Inspection
We believe that installing a home elevator should be an exciting transformation, not a stressful construction ordeal. The Ascend Process is designed to be transparent, communicative, and meticulously organized. It begins with a comprehensive in-home consultation where we evaluate your home’s structural layout, discuss your specific mobility needs, and help you choose the right technology—whether that’s a traditional hydraulic lift or a sleek pneumatic vacuum model. We provide detailed 3D renderings of how the elevator will look within your existing architecture, ensuring that the finish, lighting, and placement meet your aesthetic vision before a single tool is lifted.
Once construction begins, our project managers coordinate every trade involved, from electrical and plumbing to drywall and finish carpentry. We understand that we are working in your private sanctuary, which is why we maintain a clean, respectful job site and provide daily updates on our progress. The process concludes with a rigorous multi-point safety inspection that exceeds state and national requirements. We don’t just turn over the keys; we spend time with you and your family, ensuring everyone is comfortable and confident in operating the new system. This end-to-end management is what sets Ascend Additions apart as the premier accessibility specialist in the Metroplex.
6.3 Commitment to Quality and Long-Term Partnership
At Ascend Additions, we don’t view our work as a one-time transaction; we view it as a lifelong commitment to your independence. An elevator is a significant investment, and our goal is to ensure it remains a reliable asset for as long as you own your home. This commitment starts with the brands we choose to represent. We only install high-performance, North American-made components that have a proven track record of durability and parts availability. We avoid proprietary systems that lock you into a single service provider, giving you the freedom and flexibility you deserve as a homeowner.
Our relationship continues long after the initial installation through our dedicated maintenance and rapid-response service teams. If a sensor goes out of alignment or you have a question about your battery backup system, a local DFW technician is just a phone call away. We keep a full history of your elevator’s “health” in our digital records, allowing us to perform proactive maintenance that prevents breakdowns before they occur. This philosophy of long-term partnership is the reason why so many of our clients in Plano, Keller, and Dallas refer their friends and neighbors to us. We aren’t just selling a lift; we are providing a permanent solution for aging in place, backed by the integrity and expertise of a team that stands behind every weld and wire.
FAQ Section for Ascend Additions
1. How much space is actually required for a home elevator? The space required depends heavily on the model you choose. For a standard hydraulic elevator that is wheelchair-accessible, you typically need a footprint of about 5′ x 5′. However, more compact models, like our pneumatic vacuum elevators or shaftless lifts, can take up significantly less room—sometimes as little as a 30-inch diameter circle. At Ascend Additions, we are experts at finding space in existing DFW homes, often utilizing stacked closets or small corners of a room to minimize the impact on your floor plan.
2. What happens if there is a power outage while I am in the elevator? This is the number one concern for our North Texas clients, especially given our local weather patterns. Every elevator installed by Ascend Additions comes standard with an automatic battery lowering system. In the event of a power failure, the elevator will use its backup power to safely lower you to the lowest floor and open the doors, allowing you to exit. Additionally, all cabs are equipped with an emergency phone or communication device so you can contact help if needed. You will never be “stuck” in the dark.
3. How long does the installation process typically take in DFW? A typical retrofit project generally takes between 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish. This timeline includes the “pre-construction” phase, where we pull permits and prepare the hoistway, and the “installation” phase, where the actual mechanical components are fitted. New construction projects are coordinated with your builder’s schedule. Because we are local to the Metroplex, we can often navigate the permitting and inspection phases faster than out-of-state contractors, ensuring your home is back to normal as quickly as possible.
4. Can an elevator be installed in an existing home without a major remodel? Absolutely. While some homeowners choose to do a full-scale renovation, many of our projects are “minimal impact” retrofits. Technologies like pneumatic vacuum elevators require no pit and no separate machine room, meaning they can be installed directly on your existing floor. Even for traditional elevators, we specialize in “clean construction” techniques that isolate the work area, minimizing dust and disruption to the rest of your home. We pride ourselves on making the addition feel like a natural part of your home’s evolution.
5. Is financing available for home accessibility modifications? Yes, we understand that an elevator is a significant investment in your home’s future. Ascend Additions works with several local DFW lending partners to offer flexible financing options that can fit various budgets. Additionally, for those with specific medical needs, there may be tax advantages or grants available for home accessibility improvements. During your consultation, we can provide resources and guidance on how to make this vital upgrade as financially manageable as possible.
CTA: Start Your Journey with Ascend Additions
Take the Next Step Toward Your Forever Home
Your home should be a sanctuary of comfort and independence, not a collection of obstacles. Whether you are planning for the future or need immediate accessibility solutions, the team at Ascend Additions is here to help you reclaim every level of your DFW residence. With decades of local expertise, a commitment to unparalleled safety, and a passion for high-end design, we are the Metroplex’s trusted authority in residential elevators.
Don’t let a staircase decide where you can and cannot go in your own home. Let us show you how a custom elevator can redefine your living experience and provide the peace of mind you and your family deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation in-home assessment.
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Phone: (214) 763-9060
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Website: www.ascendadditions.com
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Showroom: Serving Dallas, Fort Worth, and the surrounding North Texas communities.
Ascend Additions: Elevating the Way You Live in DFW.