It was built in 1907, at Pearl and Bryan streets is slotted to become a combination of office and retail space by next year. The school has been vacant since the 1990’s and has long been protected by preservationists and cherished by the school’s alums. It was one of only a few vacant properties in the city center that hadn’t already been converted or renovated, and now its demolition has been underway for several months.
The project will include 66,000 square feet of offices and 26,000 square feet of retail space. The international architecture firm Perkins+Will has already signed a lease for 35,000 square feet of office space and will move its local operations into the project after completion.
Matthews Southwest bought the old school last year and is spending $50.4 million on the mixed-use redevelopment. The firm is seeking $6.2 million in tax increment finance district funding to help pay for renovations. Developers say they will use the requested economic incentives to pay for streetscape upgrades, environmental remediation and demolition and facade restoration. The Dallas City Council was set to vote on the funds April 27.
The developers plan to sell off the extra land surrounding the landmark school. The additional property along Live Oak Avenue could then be used for development of apartments or additional office space.