A City Built Around SMU
University Park grew up around Southern Methodist University, founded in 1915, and incorporated as its own city in 1924. Its population, about 25,000 in the 2020 census, has stayed remarkably steady for decades, but the houses have not: older homes are regularly replaced with new custom builds, many are renovated, and the streets near campus include a steady supply of rentals. Snider Plaza, at Hillcrest and Lovers Lane, is the neighborhood’s shopping and dining center.
That cycle of rebuilding and renting shapes the security work we do here. A1 Security Gate & Intercom works with homeowners, builders, landlords and small businesses across University Park.
Pre-Wiring New Custom Homes
If you are building or doing a major renovation, the framing stage is the best time to plan security. We coordinate with your builder and electrician to run cable to every camera, doorbell, intercom and gate location, set conduit to the driveway, and leave a clean equipment location for the recorder and network gear. The result is a system with no visible wiring and room to add cameras later.
- Camera locations marked on plans and walked at framing.
- Cable to the front entry, motor court, side yards, alley and back patio.
- Video intercom and gate wiring in place before hardscape is poured.
- Equipment closet planned with power and ventilation.
Cameras and Video Intercoms for Existing Homes
For established homes, we install discreet wired cameras on entries, driveways and alleys, and a video doorbell or intercom so you can see and speak to visitors from anywhere. Alley-loaded garages are common in the area, and they are often the least-watched side of the house, so we cover them too. Video records on a console in your home, not on a shared cloud.
Keyless Entry for SMU-Area Rentals
Landlords near campus deal with lost keys, roommates moving in and out, and contractors who need access between leases. Keyless entry and access control let you issue and revoke codes or credentials remotely, limit vendor access to specific days, and see entry history, without rekeying every summer. Exterior cameras on entries and parking help resolve disputes about damage or unauthorized guests.
Alarm Permits in University Park
The City of University Park requires alarm systems to be permitted. The city’s form lists a $50 initial permit fee and a $48 annual renewal added to the utility bill. If we install or upgrade an alarm at your home or business, we’ll remind you to register it; confirm the current fees with the city when you apply.
Snider Plaza Businesses
For boutiques, restaurants and offices in Snider Plaza, we install compact camera systems on entrances, registers and back doors and card or phone access on staff and stock rooms. Most complete commercial doors run about $3,000–$3,500 including professional-grade hardware, installation and programming.
University Park Properties We Secure
New Custom Homes
Pre-wired cameras, intercoms and gates.
Established Homes
Discreet cameras, alley coverage and video doorbells.
Rental Properties
Keyless entry, remote codes and entry history.
Snider Plaza Shops
Compact cameras and staff-door access.
How We Work in University Park
- Plan review or walk-through with you or your builder.
- Itemized estimate, free for new installations.
- Rough-in and trim-out scheduled with your construction timeline.
- Setup and training on the app for each household member or property manager.
- Support with a 1-year parts and labor warranty, $180 service visits and 24/7 emergency service.
Why University Park Chooses A1
- Experienced coordinating with builders on new construction.
- Discreet installs that suit custom homes.
- Texas DPS Private Security license B31188501, insured.
- Remote-managed entry for landlords.
- Video stays in your home, under your control.