DALLAS—In an effort to preserve the character of the former Dallas Independent School District headquarters site at 3700 Ross Ave., investment firm Leon Capital Group has been working with the landmark commission during the last several months to identify the most historically relevant aspects of the existing building in order to incorporate them into the new design. As a result of those efforts, Leon Capital will preserve the main entrance facade and structure of the original building, and make it a fully functional aspect of the development.

“We're planning to incorporate the interior core of the original building into our leasing office and amenity area. The balance of the architecture of the new construction will be set back from the existing structure to increase the prominence of the preserved component,” said David Cocanougher, Leon Capital Group's managing director of multifamily division. “It also incorporates design that blends the style of the existing structure with the ongoing transformation occurring along Ross Avenue.”

The 4-acre luxury development known as The Academic is set to begin construction this summer. It will include approximately 365 rental units ranging from 500 to 1,150 square feet, a six-level parking garage and a courtyard at the center of the complex.