Dallas County and Serra Real Estate Capital held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday for a 12-story, 479,250-square-foot parking garage and retail building at 700 Jackson St. in downtown Dallas.

But wait—there could be more. 

The $66.8 million project awaits the potential of a proverbial cherry on top, in the form of a 15-story hotel that might eventually host visitors to the $3.7 billion Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas expansion.

Dallas County hasn’t made a final decision on any next phase of expansion, a spokesperson told Dallas Innovates, But the parking garage is “pre-stressed” and designed to support an additional 15 stories—which might ultimately be built in the form of a hotel, office, or residential building, depending on how things shake out. In his comments at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, County Commissioner John Wiley Price said a future hotel is anticipated for the project.

Named “Project of the Year” by the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association, the potential one-two project is “a shining example of downtown revitalization and Dallas County’s commitment to diversity, sustainability, and civic engagement,” Serra Real Estate Capital said.

Rendering of the new Dallas County mixed-use parking structure at 700 Jackson St. in downtown Dallas. [Image: Corgan]

Project will feature parking, restaurant, and retail space

Located near the Dallas County Courthouse on the former WFAA Plaza site, the project includes 12 levels of public parking that will be shared by Dallas County and Labora Group. On the ground level, space for restaurants and retail businesses aims to improve the neighborhood’s pedestrian experience.

Jurors serving at the courthouse will be among the drivers winding their way up the garage’s 12 stories.

All 1,228 spaces are ‘pre-wired for EV charging’

To help meet the building’s sustainability goals, the garage’s 1,228 spaces “are all pre-wired for EV charging, and the roof is solar panel-ready,” Serra said.

“This essential project embodies the Commissioners Court’s commitment to downtown development and improves the experience for jurors, constituents, and employees,” County Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia said in a statement. “By championing diverse suppliers and small business enterprises, as well as addressing critical needs of our aging infrastructure, we’ve significantly advanced our goal of building a more inclusive and resilient Dallas County. We’re ready for a thriving and bright future.”

Minority-owned Serra Real Estate Capital financed and developed the project using its “innovative Credit Tenant Lease structure”—offering competitive capital without indebting country residents with public bonds.

CGA Capital is the project lender.

“It’s fitting that this structure was built by contractors and suppliers who represent the diversity of our city,” said David Kelly, co-founder and managing director of Serra.

Project designed by Corgan

The project was designed by Dallas-based Corgan, the architect of record for the DFW Airport redevelopment along with hundreds of other North Texas infrastructure projects. 

Minority-owned general contractors Azteca Omega Group and H.J. Russell & Company formed a joint venture to construct the building, Serra said, noting that the two companies have partnered on DFW Airport projects and the new Parkland Hospital & Pedestrian Bridge.

“We’re proud to work with trusted partners on this remarkable project that enhances the pedestrian, walkable experience and serves as a cornerstone for the future of downtown,” Azteca CEO Luis Spinola said in a statement.

More than 50% of the construction team on the project are certified as Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, Serra added, noting that project contractors partnered with Second Chance programs to provide temporary and permanent job opportunities for previously incarcerated workers.

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