Knox News
Weir's Plaza goes up in Dallas' Knox District with HP soda fountain intact
The prized space on Knox Street where Weir's Furniture once resided has a new 12-story mixed use development coming, with offices and retail — but the Highland Park Soda Fountain space will be saved.
Called Weir's Plaza in the Knox District, it will include an office tower, plus 40,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor — 28,000 square feet of which will be occupied by Weir's Furniture.
A release says that, despite the flashy new construction, which broke ground on July 15, the plans include full preservation of the iconic Highland Park Soda Fountain, which sits adjacent to Weir's.
Highland Park Soda Fountain was a staple on the corner of Knox and Travis streets since 1912, first as a pharmacy and then as a soda fountain. When it closed in September 2018, there was gnashing of teeth and much nostalgic hue and cry.
The developer's ability to save the space is not only preservation-friendly, it's also thoughtful to the community.
Located at the corner of Knox and Travis streets, the 1.24-acre property will be convenient to US-75 and is less than 300 feet from Katy Trail.
Legal firm Kirkland & Ellis has signed on as the anchor tenant, taking the top three floors, and co-working firm WeWork has leased 71,598 square feet.
Onsite amenities for office tenants will include a tenant lounge, fitness center, balconies overlooking the Knox District, spacious terraces throughout the building, and six levels of underground parking.
The release says that the Knox District has one of the highest walkability scores in the state of Texas, with two entrances to the Katy Trail, 40 retail locations, and 24 restaurants within a five-minute walk of the building.
The building's façade features brick and limestone finishes that are designed to complement the surrounding buildings.
Kirkland will occupy the top three floors of the 12-story building and receive top-building signage. The company opened its Dallas office in July 2018 and has already grown to more than 45 lawyers.
Kirkland founding partner Michael Considine says in a statement that the neighborhood offers something unique.
"It was very important to find something that strikes the right balance for our attorneys, staff and clients," Considine says. "This dynamic and energetic community is a perfect fit for our culture."
Weir's Plaza is scheduled for completion in November 2021.
