Reimagine RedBird broke ground March 26, launching phase 1 of the transformation of the former Red Bird Mall – an almost $160 million redevelopment that will include community-committed tenants like Foot Locker, Frost Bank and Urban Air. City officials and community leaders gathered in support of the redevelopment project.
“This groundbreaking is the culmination of years of work by community members, the city of Dallas and the RedBird team,” said Peter Brodsky, majority owner of the mall. “Together, we crafted a vision for RedBird as a center of quality for southern Dallas residents, and today, that vision begins to turn to reality. I could not be more excited to see the transformation of this site from an aging mall to a vibrant, mixed-use development where southern Dallas residents can live, work and play.”
RedBird developers have created a national model for community revitalization that is based on shared vision for and shared benefit from the development: the design and targeted amenities were based on community input; local and minority-owned contractors will perform a substantial portion of the construction; and community members have joined the ownership group.
“RedBird is such a meaningful project for me, given that I grew up in this community. It is our hope that this redevelopment will be a place to be appreciated and enjoyed by the people of this community for many years to come,” said Terrence Maiden, who serves as a co-developer on Reimagine RedBird.
The city has committed to invest over $24 million in the project, $22 million of which will be applied to updating the infrastructure and remaking the site.
Mayor Mike Rawlings and other elected officials joined the celebration.
“As part of his GrowSouth Initiative, Mayor Rawlings has consistently encouraged investors and businesses to open their eyes to the sustainable investment opportunities in southern Dallas and that is now happening,” Brodsky said as he thanked the mayor and other supporters. “In addition, Councilmember Tennell Atkins has been a critical partner to RedBird. Without his leadership, creativity and tireless effort for his District 8 constituents, today’s groundbreaking would not be taking place. Finally, we would not be where we are today without Mayor Pro Tem Casey Thomas, who has provided support for this project since his first day in office.”
Phase 1 includes the addition of new retail buildings, tenants and space designed for hosting community events. A new building will be built in the north parking field for a 20,000-square-foot marquee Foot Locker Power Store, which will incorporate several Foot Locker-owned concept stores.
“Foot Locker has been a tenant at the mall for many years and understands the demands and standards of the community,” Brodsky expounded. “Their significant capital investment signals a clear commitment to and appreciation of the community in the RedBird area. We are also thrilled to have Frost Bank plan a brand new branch in RedBird, where it will serve the community with quality banking products for area businesses and consumers. Finally, we are excited to add a 30,000 square foot Urban Air trampoline and indoor adventure park to RedBird, a first step toward fulfilling the community’s desire for family-friendly entertainment at RedBird.”
All 78 acres of the redevelopment will be impacted. One major enhancement will be the addition of green space throughout the campus, which includes not only a one-acre park for exercise classes, community gatherings and events, but also a wellness trail around the perimeter of the site.
An announcement of additional tenants is expected over the 18- to 24-month span of this phase that will join the newly opened Starbucks and the recently added offices of Dallas Entrepreneurial Center and Jarvis Christian College. Demolition of 100,000 square feet of the mall, the insertion of streets and the construction of new buildings throughout the complex will round out this stage of renovation.
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