In about two years, Henderson Ave will be looking a LOT different, as that giant area of vacant land has finally begun transforming into a 161,000-square-foot mixed-use development. On top of that, current buildings will be receiving a facelift soon too. Here’s what you can expect!
Updated October 2024
THE HENDERSON “RENAISSANCE”
Per a Dallas News article, the managing partner of the project shared that “’This project will spark a renaissance of Henderson Ave.’” It will feature retail brands, restaurants and office space across 10 “architecturally distinct” buildings. The ownership group hops that Henderson, as the “‘connective tissue between Park Cities and East Dallas,’” will “‘become one to he great retail streets in Texas.’”
Renderings courtesy of GFF Architects
THE BACKGROUND
Back in 2018, plans were approved by the city council to develop the 4.5-acre plot of land between Glencoe and McMillan. But rezoning the pandemic and ownership changes postponed it. Now, construction will begin starting with 12,000 square feet of retail space. The initial plans detailed 500 parking spots, 12,000 square feet of restaurant space, and 75,000 square feet for retail. The project is set to finish in the fall of 2026!
THE NEW DEVELOPMENT
Renderings above depict what you may expect as the development comes together, complete with restaurants, retail, and office space. From renderings, it appears that some new buildings may continue the small house retail vibe of Henderson, while another piece of it may look more like South Congress’s new development down in Austin - a two-story combined modern retail space.
HENDERSON AVE
The more casual and nightlife-friendly pair to Knox, which forms Knox-Henderson when put together. Henderson starts at 75 and extends down to Ross Ave, filled with many fun sports bars, Irish pubs, vintage shops, and hipster boutiques and brands. The neighborhood has been growing in popularity over the last couple of years, especially in the nightlife and restaurant scene!
A REFRESH OF CURRENT BUILDINGS
If you’ve also been wondering what would happen to the former Sushi Axiom and Henderson Tap House…well, those retail spaces will be getting some TLC too, and making way for new tenants when complete. You can also find a rendering of it above too but no timeline was noted in the Dallas News articles for when construction would begin for that piece of the project.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
When City Council was originally voting on the changes in 2018, according to another Dallas News article, there was a lot of opposition from East Dallas residents that it would cause traffic and also take away from the traditional characteristics of the neighborhood. At the same time, younger residents looked forward to the changes to create more walkability vs. a lackluster street of several different sections.
What do you think of the changes? Love it, hate it, excited, worried?! Share this article with your friends to discuss, and explore our favorite spots in the Henderson neighborhood in the meantime!