The Cedars neighborhood just south of downtown Dallas has seen a lot of apartment and condo construction in recent years. But one of the most prominent projects—Jim Lake Cos.’ planned apartment conversion of the historic Ambassador Hotel at Ervay and I-30—was derailed by a fire that destroyed the building in 2019. Now, thanks to Austin-based OHT Partners, a $60 million apartment community will go up on the showcase site after all.

According to the Dallas Morning News’ Steve Brown, OHT bought the site last summer and  plans to build 299 units in three connected buildings that will range from five to seven floors. Citing planning documents filed with the state, the DMN said a groundbreaking could happen in September with completion slated for 2025.

Dallas architect Corgan is the designer on the 320,000-square-foot project, the DMN added.

The Ambassador Hotel hosted three presidents—and actress Sarah Bernhardt

Before the Ambassador Hotel burned down, it was Dallas’ oldest remaining luxury hotel. Built in 1904 as the Majestic Hotel, it was the premier stop for dignitaries and celebrities in its time. According to a city landmark designation report, it hosted Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, and Woodrow Wilson, along with world-famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt.  

In 1907, the hotel changed hands and was renamed the Park Hotel, finally taking its Ambassador name in 1932 after a redesign added a red tile roof in a Spanish Colonial Revival renovation. By 2019, the building had been vacant for years before Lake’s bid to bring it new life was dashed. So now, instead of an icon from a glorious past, The Cedars will get a 21st-century apartment development as it embraces its own fast-changing future.

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