Terrence Maiden

If you commute through southern Dallas, you will soon begin seeing a few new QuikTrip signs going up. Known for its well-operated convenience stores and fuel centers, the Tulsa, Okla.-based company plans to open three new locations in the area over the next several months.

WinCo Grocery is adding a new store in Duncanville at Highway 67 and Cockrell Hill. A Western grocery chain with about 100 stores, WinCo has a business model that allows for slightly lower prices than other grocery competitors.

Real estate often creates opportunities to make a real difference. Such is the case of an innovative project happening at St. Philip's School and Community Center, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave in southern Dallas.

The City of Dallas, AT&T Inc., and Southern Methodist University announced late last year a plan to develop a 400-acre championship golf development on an old landfill site east of Interstate 45 and Loop 12 in southern Dallas. Trinity Forest Golf Course is expected to cost between $20 million to $60 million.

Oftentimes, especially within lower income communities, basic physical needs must be met before people can move beyond their present circumstances and take action that will improve their futures. Real estate can be utilized as a vehicle to make a profound difference.