Uptown's Crescent Gates Are Outta Here in Major Update

The Crescent, a landmark 11-acre mixed-use development in Uptown Dallas, is getting a major makeover. Built in 1985, the French-Renaissance style complex will be “brought into the modern era,” Crescent Real Estate project manager Austin Arnold tells us.

The development team includes Crescent, The Office of James Burnett Landscape Architecture (OJB), Staffelbach and GDA Architects. OJB's James Burnett and Kyle Fiddelke tell us the expansive renovation will increase curb appeal, but more importantly will change the way people interact throughout the property.

Cars will be de-emphasized as the property becomes more pedestrian-centered. That includes activating the entire ground level, Arnold says. Retail spaces on the bottom level will have big windows so people can see what's happening inside, making it more transparent and inviting. There will be hang-out spots and places to meet friends. A Shake Shack at Pearl and McKinney will attract Uptown workers and residents for casual dining.

“We are definitely taking advantage of open space,” agrees Jim Burnett, the landscape architect. His team's goal was to "create a more porous and welcoming development." That includes removing the iconic gates. The auto court has a series of landscaped courts and gardens that offer tenants, visitors and patrons a vibrant environment to connect with each other.

The Crescent, consisting of three office towers, a hotel and a mixed-use retail base, was constructed out of Indiana limestone that has withstood the test of time. Arnold says the materials probably couldn't be built today, and the beautiful stonework doesn't need any renovation.

When the Crescent was built back in the '80s, Uptown was a corridor of warehouses and car dealerships, but the development helped turn the area around, making it more active. 30 years later, it will do the same thing again.

“It’s a big deal,” Arnold tells us.