Design District Master Plan

The 1950s vintage Old Trinity Industrial District, located near the Downtown Dallas skyline, is undergoing a transformation from industrial uses to a mixed-use neighborhood. A consortium of major property owners in the district engaged GFF to assist in creating a tax increment finance (TIF) district, sponsored by the City of Dallas. This initiative aims to fund streetscape improvements, gateway monumentation, environmental remediation, and utility upgrades.

The master plan proposed a new hierarchy of street types, converting traffic and truck maneuvering lanes into pedestrian-oriented spaces. The plan also included two new civic plazas: one in the core of the district to serve as a neighborhood gathering space and another at the end of Oak Lawn Avenue to serve as a gateway to the Trinity River Park. These efforts are designed to promote a pedestrian-friendly environment and support the area’s ongoing transition into a vibrant mixed-use community.

The project received a 2008 Dream/Study Urban Design Award from the Greater Dallas Planning Council, recognizing its innovative approach to urban redevelopment and community engagement. The TIF district has been instrumental in attracting investment and facilitating the district’s revitalization, turning it into a thriving area with new residential, commercial, and recreational opportunities​.