Double Victory for Woodall Rodgers Deck Park at Dallas City Hall

At Wednesday’s meeting, the Dallas City Council agreed to close a section of North Harwood Street through the proposed park, which will allow the Woodall Rodgers Deck Park to span two city blocks without interruption. Addressing the Council, The Real Estate Council (TREC) President Linda Owen stated, “The closure of Harwood Bridge is absolutely essential if we are to achieve our highest aspirations for the park in terms of landscape design, open space, universal accessibility, programming, safety and connectivity.”

 

Additionally the Council approved a development agreement with Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation to construct the park, along with a 40-year use agreement to operate and maintain the park.

 

“I could not be more excited about the progress we've made on Woodall Rodgers Park,” said Councilmember Angela Hunt, District 14. “With the City Council's approval of the development agreement, we have cemented a remarkable public-private partnership. Thanks to TREC and the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation, we'll have a world-class park that bridges the divide between Uptown and Downtown, creates much-needed green space in this dense area, and beautifully augments our Dallas Arts District.”

 

TREC Chairman Frank Schubert of JPI Companies, among several TREC members and staff at City Council on Wednesday, added, “Once again, TREC has proven its leadership and ability to make a strategic impact in the city of Dallas. I expect us to celebrate Super Bowl 2011 at the Woodall Rodgers Park!”

 

Construction of the park is expected to begin in early 2008. Fundraising efforts are underway. For more information visit www.woodallrodgerspark.com or call (214) 692-3600.

 

 

Founded in 1990, The Real Estate Council has more than 1,500 commercial real estate professionals representing more than 500 companies in the Dallas area and 10,000 employees. Through The Real Estate Council Foundation, grants and professional assistance are provided to local organizations focused on community revitalization and affordable housing. With a grant of $1.5 million, TREC is currently spearheading efforts to build a deck park over Woodall Rodgers Freeway. TREC Foundation has also been instrumental in creating the Urban Land Bank, providing $250,000 in funding and $4.9 million in pro bono legal and title services. More information can be found at www.recouncil.com or by calling (214) 692-3600.

 

 

Established in 2005 and spearheaded by The Real Estate Council, Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and building an innovative deck park over the freeway, which will unify downtown, the Arts District and Uptown. Organizers include a collaboration of public, private, governmental and nonprofit entities that share a vision for a downtown park. Organizers plan to break ground in 2008. In February 2007, Dallas Business Journal named the Woodall Rodgers Park as the “Best Real Estate Deal Announced in 2006.” More information can be found at www.woodallrodgerspark.com.

 

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