Dallas International District on the Move

The City of Dallas has worked tirelessly since 2012 with private developers, the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce and neighborhood stakeholders to craft a redevelopment vision for the 450-acre Valley View-Galleria area, one of the largest urban infill projects in the United States. This includes:

• 3 new multi-family projects with 954 units, and a new dual-branded 256-key hotel, the AC Hotel and Residence Inn by Marriott. In addition, ZOM Living recently started construction on a 3.5-acre property at LBJ Freeway and Noel Road for 398 luxury apartments. 

• Dallas Independent School District passed a bond package in November 2020 that includes $75 million to build a new K-12 STEAM school in the Dallas International District area.  

• The City of Dallas is undertaking a Complete Street project for Montfort Drive, which bisects the district north to south, to reduce vehicular travel from 6 to 4 lanes, facilitate improved walkability and incorporate new bike lanes. The project also includes $5.4 million for public streetscape improvements, including hardscape and landscape. The project, which will take about 18 months, is scheduled for completion in late Fall 2024. 

• The City of Dallas has acquired the Prism Center to anchor the future 20-acre park at the center of the area. 

In 2021, the City of Dallas embarked on a coordinated and collective strategic planning process, led by Suzanne Smith of Social Impact Architects and co-chaired by now-former Councilmember Lee Kleinman and former Park Board representative Amy Monier, to refine the vision and develop a unique brand for the region. The community was involved through town halls and surveys to develop the original vision.

After extensive research and review, key stakeholders decided to reposition the Valley View-Galleria special purpose district as Texas’ first international district. The area was renamed The Dallas International District with a goal to celebrate the variety of residents from across the world who have chosen Dallas as their home, and to serve as a welcoming space to encourage and promote Dallas’ global diversity. 

Now, with the pandemic behind us, we are conducting additional community research with business owners and developers, residents, nonprofits and other possible stakeholders.

Through this planning process, community members have a renewed opportunity to reflect on past efforts as well as address future needs. These efforts will drive a strategic direction that not only rises to the needs of today, but also ensures relevancy in the future. The vision is now being championed by a number of noteworthy stakeholders, including current Councilmember Jaynie Schultz and former City Councilmembers Linda Koop and Lois Finkelman. 

What began as a seed of an idea nearly a decade ago, is today a plan that brings together the very best elements of 21st century urban living, including a pedestrian-friendly, eco-friendly, high-density neighborhood with an iconic park nestled within a bustling international business community.