Several longtime Preston Center businesses have closed or relocated to make way for a major redevelopment.
Some residents see the changes as overdue.
“This corner has needed a glow-up for some time,” said Nicole Scholle. “You just have to head east a couple of blocks to see why everyone flocks over to that area right now.”
Other residents expressed concern about the revamp.
“I worry that much of our community’s signature charm is being eroded little by little as locally owned businesses are replaced by national chains,” said DD Rogers.
As the redevelopment approaches, Wang’s Chinese Cafe, Yolk, and AT Bistro – Au Troisième have left the center. Major tenants CVS and Target are expected to remain.
The neighborhood favorites will be replaced by a $200 million mixed-use redevelopment being spearheaded by RAMROCK Real Estate, Lincoln Property Company, and HKS Architects, as well as other collaborators.
“The market response has been extraordinary. We have more proposals out than available space, which speaks to the pent-up demand for truly exceptional office environments in this location,” said Hudson Dozier, vice president at Lincoln Property Company.
Construction began in March 2026, with the first completed phase of the project expected in late 2028.
“Our goal is to create meaningful experiences for tenants and residents that match the value of this real estate,” said Mark Buskuhl of HKS Architects. “Preston Center is a Dallas landmark, and we’re proud to play a role in reimagining this local asset by creating a dynamic public realm with restaurants and shops for the neighborhood that will serve as the new level of quality and catalyst for future development.”
According to City of Dallas rezoning records, 65 years ago, Preston Center tenants primarily included restaurants and service-oriented businesses catering to the surrounding neighborhoods.
City planning records show that redevelopment of the shopping center has been debated for decades. Concerns about traffic and encroachment have divided property owners and residents, though a city-backed advisory task force formed in 2015 ultimately unanimously approved a rezoning plan.
The new hospitality-focused project is designed to blend high-end workplace amenities with residential comfort and public gathering spaces. It will add about 300,000 square feet of Class AA office space, 280,000 square feet of residential space, 24,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and dining, a 17-story residential tower with 147 units, and a 35,000-square-foot rooftop park intended to create a more walkable, community-oriented environment, according to RAMROCK Real Estate president Robert Dozier.
“After years of deliberate preparation, we are thrilled to finally break ground on 8300 Douglas,” Dozier said. “This project is a transformational moment for the neighborhood — it’s the definitive step in creating the kind of vibrant, walkable environment the Preston Center community deserves.”
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