Don Draper of “Mad Men” fame would probably approve of what’s being done to an historic 1966 building on the west side of downtown Garland—because it’s about to look even more ’60s than it did in the ’60s.
The five-story Garland Bank and Trust building—Garland’s third addition to the National Register of Historic Places—is slated for a major renovation thanks to a partnership between the city of Garland and Dallas-based GroundFloor Development.
The iconic building will become a mixed-use destination called The Draper—and it’s just one part of a multi-phase redevelopment/revitalization planned for the six-acre site around and adjacent to the building.
The $30 million project also includes redeveloping a former Wyatt’s Cafeteria into a three-story, 155-unit apartment complex that will also be called The Draper. The site of a former motor-bank for Chase Bank will be redeveloped into 25 units of townhomes as part of an infill component, the city of Garland added in a release.
A 2020 rendering shows The Draper apartment community, part of The Draper development in Garland. This rendering doesn’t reveal the updated look of the adjacent five-story tower, as shown at the top of this article. [Image: GroundfFloor Development]
Both developments will include a variety of amenities for their residents and will benefit greatly from additional mixed-use space in the bank tower, the city added.
“The Draper exemplifies what Garland is about: redeveloping areas in need of new energy while highlighting the history and authenticity of Garland,” Ayako Schuster, director of Garland’s Economic Development Department, said in a statement. “We’re happy to provide support to GroundFloor on this project, especially as it complements our recent bond project and redesign of our Downtown Square.”
The Draper townhomes. [Rendering: GroundFloor Development]
Chase Bank to remain an anchor tenant of The Draper
The five-story future Draper building is currently home to Chase Bank, which will be retained as the anchor tenant by GroundFloor Development, the city said, adding that the building’s first floor will be the home of “additional commercial spaces.”
Brandon Bolin, founder and CEO of GroundFloor, says an important part of The Draper “is to bring the Garland Bank and Trust building back to life.”
“We’re excited to preserve this part of Garland’s history and to play a part in the renewal and revitalization of Garland’s downtown area,” Bolin added in a statement. “Partnering with the city, we hope to see this historic building put to new and innovative use.”
The city of Garland said GroundFloor is currently looking for additional tenants for additional square footage in the “soon-to-be-renovated” bank tower.
Rendering of an interior at The Draper. [Image: GroundFloor Development]
Within walking distance of newly renovated Downtown Garland Square
Residents and patrons of The Draper will be within walking distance of another recent city project: the Downtown Garland Square. Newly renovated with a $25 million investment, the attraction features various shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The Downtown Garland Square had a grand reopening in October, feature a drone light show and a performance by LeAnn Rimes.
The Draper will also be close to the Downtown Garland DART station, providing public transportation access to points across Dallas-Fort Worth.
More redevelopment coming to a city that’s ‘largely built out’
The city of Garland says that redevelopment and infill projects like The Draper have become a city priority, since Garland is “largely built out.” The city also recently approved an Economic Development strategic plan that highlights the need for additional adaptive reuse, placemaking, and revitalization efforts throughout Garaland. Additional projects are currently in the works, the city said, and will be announced in the coming months.
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