Courtesy of JQAQ Atelier, LLC
At 900 E. Clarendon Drive in Dallas, Proxy Properties is in the beginning stages of its latest adaptive-use project.
The historic 63,000-square-foot industrial building was originally built in 1915 and has a history as both an airplane manufacturing plant and a book manufacturer. After being vacant for over seven years, Proxy is collaborating with neighbors to discover the best businesses, services and creative ventures to bring the space back to life.
“We’re trying to do something that is historic and kind of an industrial design, so true to the original form,” Proxy owner AJ Ramler told the Dallas Business Journal in April. “We’re doing some art studio concepts in there because there’s a huge art community in East Oak Cliff, and then we’re going to do some public space.”
The space, East Dock, is just steps from the Dallas Zoo, DART Zoo Station, Tenth Street Historic District, and the future Southern Gateway Park. It is ideal for a mix of uses to complement these assets and to serve the surrounding neighborhoods.
The proposed project will cater to retail and industrial tenants, which could be yoga studios, coffee roasters, educational facilities, art studios and restaurants.
A community meeting was recently held to gather feedback from residents regarding how they would like to see the space used.
Haley Leavitt of Proxy said that a recurring theme was the need for a grocery store, more restaurants, entertainment options, and activities for children. Services like a laundromat were also mentioned as essential.
They are also asking for input through a Community Input Form.
The East Dock team is scheduled to present at City Council on October 23.
