Downtown Dallas Proposed New Housing and Development

Officials have unveiled an infrastructure plan to counter recent corporate departures from the city center.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Remote Work

Reflective glass and steel facade of a downtown Dallas building undergoing exterior renovations under bright sunlight. — Downtown Dallas Inc. has launched a major infrastructure initiative to repurpose vacant office buildings for residential use following several corporate departures from the city core. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should cities prioritize converting vacant office buildings into housing to help revitalize downtown areas?

Downtown Dallas Inc. has announced a series of infrastructure and housing projects aimed at revitalizing the city core. The initiative seeks to offset the loss of major businesses and retail stores that have exited the area.

Why it matters

The proposal aims to mitigate the economic impact caused by the departure of major corporations and the closure of landmark retail businesses. By converting office space to residential units, the city hopes to stabilize the downtown population and economic activity.

The city has allocated $15 million in bond funds specifically for Harwood Street development. Plans also include a 50-mile loop trail connecting the Katy and Santa Fe trails.

The players

Downtown Dallas Inc.

This private non-profit organization is responsible for promoting and managing the development of the city's central business district.

Texas Women's University

This public university system serves as a key educational provider in Texas and is currently expanding its footprint into the city center.

Dallas College

This community college system provides higher education and workforce training services across the greater Dallas area.

AT&T

This telecommunications corporation is a major employer that recently announced the relocation of its headquarters to Plano.

The details

The city plans to convert former office buildings into apartments to boost residential density. New educational infrastructure is also underway, with Dallas College constructing a new campus and Texas Women's University preparing to open its downtown location.

Ari's Pantry closed in August 2026.
The State of Downtown event was held on September 30, 2026.
Texas Women's University is scheduled to open its downtown campus in 2027.

Market Landscape

These redevelopment projects follow the closure of the Neiman Marcus flagship store as a sign of shifting retail and office dynamics. The city is competing to maintain its relevance against suburban business growth, exemplified by the corporate relocation of AT&T to Plano.

Residents and shoppers can expect a shift in downtown access as new residential and educational developments take shape. The addition of new campus facilities and pedestrian trail connections aims to increase daily foot traffic and local amenities for the community.

The takeaway

The city's focus on diversifying its downtown offerings through residential and educational integration reflects a pivot toward a more liveable urban core. Residents should monitor upcoming development timelines to understand how infrastructure changes will impact neighborhood accessibility.

What happens next

Texas Women's University is expected to open its new downtown campus in 2027, marking a significant milestone in the city's ongoing revitalization efforts.