Fewer cars, improved landscaping and a wider median with a marketplace inspired by Las Ramblas in Barcelona. All that could become more than just an urban planner’s daydream for Jefferson Boulevard, and it could start happening soon.
The Dallas Morning News City Hall Blog reports that Jim Lake Jr.”is preparing to buy” the Jefferson Tower office building and connecting retail in the 300 block of West Jefferson with plans to renovate it.
And City Council member Delia Jasso, a champion for the revitalization of Jefferson, is working with City Design Studio in preliminary plans for the widened median, which include removing curbs, adding concrete pavers and taking Jefferson down to one lane of car traffic each way. They’re also working on a safer, pedestrian friendly connection from Jefferson to Davis on Bishop.
That work would be paid for with $1.47 million in bond borrowing approved in the November election.
Jim Lake Cos. redeveloped the Bishop Arts District, starting in 1985, with Jim Lake Sr. and Mike Morgan in the lead.
Next generation, Next boulevard. “This could kick start redevelopment all along Jefferson Boulevard,” Lake told the News.
And here’s what else:
“It’s going to be a cultural experience much different than Bishop Arts,” Lake said of Jefferson Boulevard. “We’re going to cater to the Hispanic market.
“And we want to brand it with its own identity,” he said.
The city is considering giving the Jefferson Tower project, more details of which are here, a $1.5 million economic development grant for the project.
