70-Year Old Wynnewood Village Gets Upgrades for Next Century

DALLAS—Dating back to 1949, Wynnewood Village in Oak Cliff, 4 miles south of downtown and west of Interstate 35E, is one of Dallas’ oldest shopping districts. Surrounded by the immediate neighborhood of North Wynnewood, with nearby Elmwood and Cedar Crest, Wynnewood Village has been patronized by residents of Oak Cliff and South Dallas for nearly seven decades.

The 443,681-square-foot shopping center has more than 100 retailers such as Ross, Foot Locker and GameStop, as well as grocery stores, Kroger and El Rancho, and fast food spots Cici’s Pizza and Popeyes. Oak Cliff has a dense population of 163,000-plus and daytime demographics of 152,000-plus within 3 miles. Kroger and El Rancho draw more than 20,000 customers per week.

However, changes are coming to Wynnewood Village that could bring growth, more jobs and better public transportation access to Oak Cliff. Brixmor Property Group is well underway on this $25 million redevelopment project located at northwest corner of Illinois Avenue and Zang Boulevard. The shopping center is currently undergoing upgrades to meet consumer demand, and will consist of 110,000 square feet of new building and site construction, reconfiguring the driving layout, and adding more parking lots, sidewalks, crosswalks and signs.

“The facade and new buildings for tenants that have signed leases are a part of the renovations,” NAI Robert Lynn’s Andrew Shaw tells GlobeSt.com.

In 2017, a bond package was approved by voters and the city council agreed to put $1.73 million toward flood control and storm drainage improvements around Wynnewood. In addition, there will be funding for resurfacing roads and connecting the shopping center to Elmwood Trail, allowing for residents in other parts of Oak Cliff to ride, walk or run to Wynnewood Village. This will also make Wynnewood more accessible to DART stations, the closest of which is currently a 25-minute walk.

At the end of July 2018, Brixmor said that the first phase of construction and redevelopment will cost $21 million. Moreover, Maya Cinemas and LA Fitness will be added to the shopping center.

“The revitalization of Wynnewood Village will benefit the Oak Cliff community and surrounding neighborhoods with a resurgence of consumer activity,” said Selina Bolden, senior leasing representative for Brixmor Property Group. “The shopping center, dating back to the 1940s, has a large potential to be the premier destination in South Dallas, and we’re looking forward to working with NAI Robert Lynn to bring exciting experiences for shoppers.”

NAI Robert Lynn’s Shaw and Basil Mitchell are representing lease negotiations for the property.

“Our strategy is focused on identifying and attracting coveted brands to the shopping center’s portfolio,” said Shaw. “Our goal is to have a dynamic mix of retail offerings that fit the needs of this growing community.”