New Things Coming to Dallas in 2021
New Parks, Hotels, Entertainment Districts and More to Look Forward to in 2021 and Beyond
The future of the city is rife with innovative developments, expanding green space, impactful architectural feats, and continually improved design. Additionally, there are more hotels than ever in which to enjoy a weekend stay, and as well as plenty of restaurant options to satisfy your appetite. Even with so much uncertainty in our world, we hope this list provides a glimmer of hope to what you can expect in Dallas for future visits.
NEW HOTELS
The end of 2020 brought us two beautiful properties: the Kimpton Pittman, in historic Deep Ellum and Thompson Dallas, in the heart of Downtown. These two properties will be joined by more than 15 additional hotels in 2021, including the Marriott Uptown. Set for a November opening, Marriott Uptown will be a 14-story, 255-room hotel incorporating Marriott's contemporary design scheme and will feature meeting spaces, a restaurant, and a rooftop pool deck. Located in the trendy Uptown neighborhood, the hotel will be within walking distance from Katy Trail and other vibrant attractions.
EATALY
Now open
As one of the greatest restaurant cities in the United States, even in 2021, the dining scene in Dallas is on the up. One of the biggest things to look forward to enjoying in 2021 is Eataly at NorthPark Center. After getting its start in 2007 in Turin, Italy, Eataly now boasts more than three dozen outposts around the world. This location is the first in Texas and will offer three restaurants, a market full of various oils, meats, olives, coffee, chocolates and more, plus an extensive wine collection Plus, in 2021 the location will announce a full calendar of arts programming.
AT&T DISCOVERY DISTRICT
Now open
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this indoor/outdoor space is perfect for groups. The Discovery District boasts a multi-sensory experience including outdoor event space with views of its 6K resolution, a 104-foot tall Media Wall; the AT&T Theater, fit for advanced screenings or corporate meetings; and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and forthcoming food hall. There is no shortage of creative space at the AT&T Discovery District, and the entire area keeps you connected with 5G and free Wi-Fi.
CARPENTER PARK
Expected completion early 2022
Carpenter Park will be the largest park in the Downtown core and home to two pieces of world-class art. Robert Irwin, one of America's pre-eminent modern sculptors, has reimagined his seminal work Portal Park Slice. Robert Berks' statue of John W. Carpenter, Sr. will also be on display for park visitors to enjoy. The site's proximity to the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, The Epic and the renovated, historic Dallas High School brings city residents and visitors together in new and exciting ways.
EAST QUARTER AND HARWOOD PARK
Expected completion Summer 2022
East Quarter is a revitalized Downtown neighborhood located at the epicenter of the city's urban revival. Bordered by Deep Ellum, the Dallas Farmers Market and the central business district, East Quarter is a collection of more than 30 historic buildings wrapped around the future Harwood Park. East Quarter and Harwood Park are important developments furthering the connection between Downtown and Deep Ellum.
KLYDE WARREN PARK EXPANSION
Expected completion 2024
Downtown Dallas' most popular greenspace is growing. Klyde Warren Park's expansion will widen its footprint west toward Field Street and open 36,000 square feet of multi-use space known as The Jacobs Lawn. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2021; once completed, the additional space will allow the park to grow its programming to include a variety of recreational opportunities and seasonal events. The plan also includes a three-level enclosed special events pavilion and an ice-skating rink.
The park also announced the installation of the Nancy Best Fountain, an interactive water feature that matches choreographed water shows with lights and sound. Jets will send water up to 95 feet into the air before landing in a shallow, reflective splash pool. Construction and completion are both scheduled for 2021.
FAIR PARK MASTER PLAN UPDATE
Expected completion 2024
Putting the "park" back in Fair Park, an updated master plan has been approved to increase the amount of green space in South Dallas' iconic attraction. More than just home to the State Fair of Texas, Fair Park is open to the public year-round and plays host to a variety of annual programming. Phase One of the plan aims to add two new parks and a 2-acre music green along with a parking deck. The South Dallas community has played a major role in offering input into the development of the park with the goal of bringing more arts, culture, and group-friendly activities to the area.
TEXAS HIGH-SPEED RAIL
Expected completion 2026
The Texas High-Speed Train, a project of private railway company Texas Central, will offer a 205-mile-per-hour, 90-minute ride from Dallas to Houston by 2026, about the same travel time as by air. Station sites have been selected in northwest Houston, just south of Downtown Dallas, and in the Brazos Valley, with direct shuttle service to Texas A&M University.
