A dilapidated former ice house near the Dallas Zoo and Southern Gateway Park is set to be transformed into a vibrant mixed-use development called East Dock. Proxy Properties LLC, a developer with a proven track record in Oak Cliff’s adaptive reuse projects, acquired the 3-acre property at 900 E. Clarendon Dr. in October 2021. The site includes a historic ice house from the 1900s, as well as warehouses added later on. Proxy Properties plans to remodel the interiors and exteriors, totaling approximately 62,000 square feet, while preserving the historic character of the buildings. The development will feature a mix of retail, industrial, and public spaces. Potential tenants include yoga studios, coffee roasters, educational or training facilities, art studios, small retail stores, a creekside restaurant, and even a rock climbing gym in the former ice house building. Proxy Properties aims to create an interesting and unique design that is both true to the original form and attainable from a price standpoint. The industrial space is expected to lease for about half the cost of similar properties in the Design District. The project does not require rezoning, and Proxy Properties is pursuing tax increment financing and state historic tax credits to support its redevelopment efforts. Originally built as an ice house, the property also has a history as an airplane manufacturing facility. It is strategically located adjacent to Cedar Creek on one side and the Dallas Zoo station for DART’s Red Line train on the other. Proxy Properties recognizes the significant foot traffic generated by the Dallas Zoo, which welcomes approximately 1 million visitors annually, as a major opportunity for the retail component of East Dock. The site’s proximity to the zoo creates a demand for dining and other amenities that are currently lacking in the area. Notably, there are no renovated retail options on the east side of Interstate 35E. Proxy Properties has a successful track record of speculative development, initiating projects without tenants secured in advance. The company owns 350,000 square feet of residential and commercial real estate, primarily in and around Oak Cliff, and has a strategy of acquiring, developing, and holding properties for long-term appreciation. The company’s previous redevelopment projects include the transformation of the Oak Cliff Assembly church into an arts complex with offices and event space, which has generated significant interest. The revitalization of the former ice house into East Dock promises to bring new life to the area, offering a unique and vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.
Former Ice House Near Dallas Zoo to Be Reborn as Mixed-Use Development
