A 12-story parking garage in Dallas County just opened downtown. Now it’s waiting for a hotel to possibly finish it »Dallas innovates

Rendering of the new Dallas County mixed-use parking garage at 700 Jackson St. in downtown Dallas. (Image: Corgan)

Dallas County and Serra Real Estate Capital held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday for a 12-story, 479,250-square-foot parking garage and retail building at 700 Jackson St. in downtown Dallas.

But wait, there could be more.

The $66.8 million project awaits the potential of a proverbial icing on the cake, in the form of a 15-story hotel that could eventually house visitors to the $3.7 billion expansion of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.

Dallas County has not yet made a final decision on the next phase of expansion, a spokesperson told Dallas Innovates. But the parking garage is “pre-stressed” and designed to support an additional 15 floors – which could eventually be built in the form of a parking garage. a hotel, office or residential building, depending on how things turn out. In comments at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, County Commissioner John Wiley Price said a future hotel is expected for the project.

The potential one-two project has been named “Project of the Year” by the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association and is “a shining example of downtown revitalization and Dallas County’s commitment to diversity, sustainability and community engagement,” according to Serra Real Estate Capital.

The project includes parking, a restaurant and retail space

The project, located near the Dallas County Courthouse on the former WFAA Plaza site, will include 12 levels of public parking that will be shared by Dallas County and Labora Group. On the ground floor, space for restaurants and shops is intended to improve the pedestrian experience of the neighborhood.

Jurors working at the courthouse will be among the drivers who make their way through the garage’s 12 floors.

All 1,228 places are ‘pre-wired for EV charging’

To help achieve the building’s sustainability goals, the garage’s 1,228 spaces “are all wired for electric vehicle charging, and the roof is suitable for solar panels,” Serra said.

“This vital project embodies the Commissioners Court’s commitment to downtown development and enhances the experience for judges, voters and employees,” said County Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia in a statement. “By supporting diverse suppliers and small businesses, and addressing the critical needs of our aging infrastructure, we have significantly advanced our goal of building a more inclusive and resilient Dallas County. We are ready for a flourishing and bright future.”

Serra Real Estate Capital, a minority-owned company, financed and developed the project using its “innovative Credit Tenant Lease structure,” which offered competitive capital without putting the country’s residents in debt with government bonds.

CGA Capital is the project financing provider.

“It is fitting that this structure was built by contractors and suppliers who represent the diversity of our city,” said David Kelly, Serra co-founder and chief executive officer.

Project designed by Corgan

The project was designed by Dallas-based Corgan, the architect of the DFW Airport redevelopment along with hundreds of other infrastructure projects in North Texas.

Minority general contractors Azteca Omega Group and HJ Russell & Company formed a joint venture to construct the building, Serra said, noting that the two companies have worked together on DFW Airport projects and the new Parkland Hospital & Pedestrian Bridge.

“We are proud to work with trusted partners on this remarkable project that will enhance the pedestrian experience and serve as a cornerstone for the future of downtown,” Azteca CEO Luis Spinola said in a statement.

More than 50% of the project’s construction team is certified as a minority- and women-owned business enterprise, Serra added, noting that project contractors partnered with Second Chance programs to provide temporary and permanent jobs for formerly incarcerated workers.

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