Construction starts on downtown Dallas tower

November 5, 2019

East Quarter building will include retail, office and apartments

Construction has begun on a new tower on downtown Dallas’ eastern edge.

The 17-story mixed-use high-rise is being built by developer Todd Interests.

It’s part of the 10-block East Quarter development that stretches along Commerce and Jackson streets and Cesar Chavez Boulevard near the Farmers Market.

The tower project at Cesar Chavez will include restoration of the 74-year-old Meletio Electric building.

“Our 25,000 square feet of retail and 200,000 square feet of office will be completed in first quarter 2021 — just under 18 months,” said developer Shawn Todd. “The 336 apartments will be totally completed by second quarter 2022.”

Merriman Anderson Architects designed the East Quarter high-rise. Andres Construction is the general contractor.

Todd Interests partnered with investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management last year to buy more than a dozen buildings in the neighborhood dating from the 1920s and 1930s.

The historic properties are being converted into office and retail space.

“Our 18 historic buildings are 99% complete, and leasing has been tremendous,” Todd said. “Our new sidewalks throughout East Quarter have been completed, and we are about to make the first of several street art installations.”

The East Quarter development is next to Dallas’ Deep Ellum district.

Last week, Uber broke ground on its new 23-story office tower just across the freeway from the East Quarter development. More than 3,000 Uber employees will eventually be located in the Epic development at Elm Street and Good-Latimer Expressway.