A downtown Dallas building is getting a glorious makeover that will result in the addition of two new restaurants.

The building is Chase Tower, the 55-story skyscraper at 2200 Ross Ave., and moving forward will be rebranded as Dallas Arts Tower. The renovation will include a new lobby that will be home to two restaurants by Milkshake Concepts (Vidorra, Stirr, The Finch, Harper's):

• A European-style, all-day café featuring a robust coffee program, daily baked goods, wine, and a diverse menu with items that can be taken to go or consumed on site; they'll be open for "early evening meals."
• A Greek restaurant, located in The Rotunda, with fish, grilled meats, sides, and dips, open for lunch and refined dinner.

In a statement, Milkshake Concepts founder and CEO Imran Sheikh calls 2200 Ross "an iconic building in the heart of Dallas," and says this has been in the works for a while.

"We've been hard at work on two concepts that we believe fit perfectly into the newly designed lobby and the unique, eye-catching Rotunda that sits so visibly at the front of the development," Sheikh says.

Rebranding
New York-based Fortis Property Group, the building's New York-based owner, worked with Stream Realty Partners to devise a name that pays tribute to the neighborhood and amplifies the district’s mission to unify culture and commerce in one destination. Stream has leased Dallas Arts Tower since Fortis purchased the building in 2016.

The skyscraper has seen several significant updates including a new motor court, water features, and landscaping on the Ross Avenue-facing frontage; the addition of a sky lounge and meeting center on the 40th floor; and a new state-of-the-art fitness center.

Fortis plans to add an art gallery displaying pieces from local artists and commission art installations throughout the newly redesigned lobby and other public spaces with new lighting and flooring to showcase the artwork. Elevator cabs also will receive a refresh.

Current amenities include an executive tenant conference center, Starbucks coffee shop, convenience store, on-site shoeshine, full-service car wash, and sky bridge that connects to the Dallas Marriott Downtown and DART Light Rail station.

“Fortis is excited to reimagine the former Chase Tower into the gold standard of commercial real estate in Dallas,” said Fortis CIO Terrence Storey. “Over the coming months, this landmark building will have new dining areas, an upgraded lobby, and modern public areas to complement the already best-in-class tenant amenities.”

Construction is expected to start in late summer, with an early 2024 completion.