Dallas Midtown: Developer breaks ground on luxury apartments at old Valley View Mall site
Ground broken at old Valley View Mall site
Crews broke ground on Friday on a new $4 billion development where Valley View Mall once stood in Dallas.
DALLAS - Crews broke ground on Friday on a new $4 billion development where Valley View Mall once stood in Dallas.
For years, people have heard unfulfilled promises of a new future for the site.
"This time is definitely different," said Scott Beck with Beck Ventures.
Dallas Midtown
1st look at renderings for 'Premier at Dallas Midtown'
Crews are officially breaking ground on a new renovation project at Valley View Mall. FOX 4's Dan Godwin is live at the site with a look at what you can expect.
What's new:
On Friday, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the future Dallas Midtown development. It included the traditional speeches and shovels to overturn dirt.
New artist renderings were also shared for the first project, an $86 million luxury apartment building that will be called The Premier at Midtown. The six-story building will have retail shops on the first floor.
The backstory:
Valley View Mall mostly closed in 2015, although an AMC theater remained at the abandoned mall at the LBJ Freeway and Preston Road until early 2022.
The mall was finally demolished in 2023 after two Dallas firefighters were injured battling one of several fires that broke out at the abandoned site.
Valley View Center's final demolition underway following criminal activity, fires
What is left of the former Valley View Mall started to be torn down Friday, a day after two Dallas firefighters were injured battling a fire at the abandoned site.
Over the last several years, there have been announcements, including some by Beck Ventures, about what was to be built on the 110-acre site. But every time, there’d be delays.
The pattern continued for several years with the site remaining empty, to the frustration of many.
MORE PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Demolition of Sears building begins at Valley View Mall
- Dispute over Valley View Center demolition may be over
- One year later, Valley View mall development still at standstill
- Why hasn't Valley View Mall been redeveloped yet?
What they're saying:
Beck Ventures assures that this time, the project will happen.
"This time is definitely different. We've had a lot of impediments, obstacles in our way. The main one was tearing down the mall. There was asbestos. There were environmental issues, off-site sewer lines we were in a battle with the city over who was going to put it in. That is now done," Beck said. "The deal is actually already closed. We are partners with two of the largest conglomerates out of Japan – Toyota and Panasonic. And we also have our debt financing in place with a local bank here in Dallas."
Three Dallas City Council members attended the groundbreaking.
"It's been a lot of years, but we are all celebrating with you now," said Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn.
What's next:
The Premier at Dallas Midtown will only span about 4 acres of the total Dallas Midtown district. But Beck said he’s confident there will be more construction to follow.
Plans include more high-end apartments, hotels, office space, restaurants, and entertainment options.
The development will also have connectivity with the nearby Galleria Mall.
"One of the most exciting features will be the all-electric tram or rail connector that will link the Galleria to the eastern district, creating a walkable transit-oriented urban environment," Beck said.
Construction on The Premier at Midtown should be complete in about 2.5 years.
The Source: The information in this story comes from Friday's groundbreaking ceremony, interviews with Scott Beck from Beck Ventures, and past news coverage.