An iconic 55-story skyscraper adjacent to Dallas’ Arts District will soon undergo another multi-million-dollar makeover that includes a new name, reimagined lobby, and the addition of two restaurants.
2200 Ross Ave., formerly known as Chase Tower, will be rebranded as Dallas Arts Tower. Owner Fortis Property Group worked with professionals from Stream Realty Partners to strategically select a new moniker that pays tribute to the surrounding neighborhood and amplifies the district’s mission to unify culture and commerce in one dynamic destination. Stream, a national commercial real estate firm headquartered in Dallas and offering an integrated platform of services, leases the trophy office building. Executive Vice President and Partner J.J. Leonard and Managing Director Matt Wieser are the leasing agents for the building’s 1.25 million square feet of office space.
While the landmark building is a work of art designed by world-renowned architect Richard Keating, its lobby will soon become a masterpiece for tenants and visitors alike. New York-based Fortis plans to add an art gallery displaying pieces from local artists and commission art installations throughout other public spaces. New lighting and flooring will help showcase the artwork. Elevator cabs also will receive a refresh. Construction for the lobby and restaurants is expected to start in late summer, with an early 2024 completion. Dallas-based ENTOS Design is working with restaurant architect 75 Degree Design Studio of Dallas on the common area improvements.
“Fortis is excited to reimagine the former Chase Tower into the gold standard of commercial real estate in Dallas,” said Terrence Storey, Chief Investment Officer at Fortis. “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.”
Two new restaurants will be constructed in conjunction with the lobby renovations. Dallas-based hospitality powerhouse Milkshake Concepts has been awarded space in the lobby and The Rotunda to launch two eateries that will complement the neighborhood.
“This deal has been a long time in the making,” said Imran Sheikh, CEO and Founding Partner of Milkshake Concepts. “2200 Ross is an iconic building in the heart of Dallas, and we are extremely excited by the vision the owners have shared with us for it. 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.”
For the lobby, Milkshake Concepts will design a European-style, all-day café featuring a robust coffee program, daily baked goods, and a diverse menu with items that can be taken to go or enjoyed in a bright, open environment. Early evening meals and a wine program are expected to be featured.
A first-of-its-kind Greek restaurant will be introduced in The Rotunda. A selection of fish, grilled meats, and traditional sides and dips will anchor the menu that will serve a bustling lunch crowd and refined dinner group.
“I’m a huge fan of the culture and cuisine of this restaurant and don’t believe Dallas has an offering like the one we are preparing,” Sheikh said.
Jack Gosnell, Elizabeth Herman Fulton, and Marissa Stave with CBRE negotiated Milkshake Concepts’ lease on behalf of Fortis and are leading retail leasing for Dallas Arts Tower.
“The Rotunda is a spectacular building,” said Gosnell, a Senior Vice President with CBRE. “With all credit to Fortis, this is the first time that the retail potential in both buildings has been truly recognized. Milkshake Concepts is the perfect restaurateur to match the exciting energy of Dallas’ flourishing Arts District.”
Stream has leased Dallas Arts Tower since Fortis purchased the building in 2016. The Class A skyscraper has seen several significant updates since, 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. 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 are among its many amenities.
“Stream has a tremendous history at the asset with roots dating back to the days it was developed,” Leonard said. “We are so excited to see how these upcoming renovations from Fortis and new restaurants from Milkshake Concepts elevate and activate this already prestigious property in a prime Dallas Arts District location.”
Dallas Arts Tower has several speculative suites and up to 200,000 square feet of contiguous office space available for leasing. Top-of-the-building branding and signage opportunities are available for larger tenants. For leasing information, contact Stream Dallas at 214.267.0400.
