Strategy Consulting | Planning | Design
Discovering Untapped Connections in the Dallas Design District
*Below is a summary of our project-related research. If you would like more information, please reach out to us at inquiry@scaaa.com
Are there opportunities in the Design District in the Dallas Stemmons Corridor that can inform our redesign of a hotel?
In our efforts to redesign and revitalize the pool and patio area of the Dallas DoubleTree Hotel, we conducted extensive research on the regional and local areas of the elected site. We surveyed the demographics, history, location, and economy of Dallas and looked into the history of the Tax Increment Financing and Design District master plan of Stemmons Corridor. We conducted nearby district comparisons and looked at the geographical breakdown of city uses and developments to identify the differentiating characteristics of surrounding neighborhoods. To observe the history, culture, and lifestyle of the Design District, we referred to case studies of popular pools and patio bars in Dallas. We examined their target markets, demands, and the appeal of urban and oasis type attractions. With the given information, we put forward recommendations regarding the redevelopment of the pool and patio area, which encompassed physical redesign and rebranding.
A Fast-growing economy. The Dallas economy is based on banking, commerce, telecommunications, computer technology, energy, healthcare, medical research, transportation and logistics. Dallas, along with Fort Worth, is the fourth fastest growing urban center in the nation. The metropolitan economy is the sixth largest in the United States. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has one of the largest concentrations of corporate headquarters for publicly traded companies in the United States.
Stemmons Corridor. The Stemmons Corridor is one of the most important areas in the city of Dallas and holds over 5000 businesses. It produces one fourth of the taxes collected by the city of Dallas. The district’s future is one of growth and advancement.
From an industrial to design district. The Design District was originally a warehouse and industrial district that was developed after World War II. In the 2000s, developers called for residential, dining, retail, hotel, and streetscape improvements. Landowners and stakeholders lobbied to rezone the area for retail and residential. Since then, several multi-family communities have been erected, forming a backdrop for hip, new development.
2013 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan. The Design District Tax Increment Financing plan is a comprehensive boundary and plan amendment that expires after December 2027, or after $132 million in TIF increment is collected. Its main objective to convert the industrial district to a unique urban neighborhood will be met by taking advantage of the DART light rail system, increasing access to Trinity River and Stemmons Corridor, and incorporating office and hotel developments.
Lifestyle and culture. The Design District has a burgeoning upscale culture. The most successful District practitioners embed unconventionality into methods and locality into provisions. Restaurateurs, chefs, and gallery owners are known by name or are recognizable by their service and marketing. In some cases, guest chefs, DJs, and artists collaborate with the locally famous restaurateurs to provide social or thematic dining. The Design District Market, held every few months, invites artists, designers, and craftspeople to show and sell their work. Local musicians are able to perform and local breweries share their signature and seasonal brews.
Insights
