The Dallas Zoo has officially opened a new five-story parking garage, representing the first major completion in the institution’s multi-year capital campaign. The project, which involved GFF as the architect, replaces the former “Hippo Lot” and provides nearly 600 additional parking spaces, increasing the zoo’s total capacity by 55%. This infrastructure expansion is a critical step in addressing chronic traffic congestion that frequently impacted the surrounding South Dallas neighborhood during peak visitation periods.
Beyond increasing vehicle capacity, GFF integrated modern sustainability features, including ten new electrical vehicle charging stations. This development is viewed by city officials not only as a functional improvement for zoo guests but as a strategic “down payment” on a broader economic vision for the area. The facility is expected to eventually support broader community needs, including potential access for DART riders and visitors to the nearby Halperin Park, further establishing the zoo as an anchor for continued investment and growth in South Dallas.