A New Twist for Downtown Dallas Big Box Proposal

A Dallas County judge threw a wrench in a controversial plan to build a 100,000-square-foot Sam's Club near Cityplace in Dallas.

1 minute read

December 5, 2016, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Robert Wilonsky reports on the latest twist in the story of the proposed development of a Sam's Club across from Cityplace in Dallas.

The controversy over the project has been on Planetizen's radar since June 2014, and most recently again in January 2016. The whole saga actually stretches back to May 2013, as Wilonsky explains in the article. This time, however, Wilonsky reports that a Dallas County judge might have scuttled the plans, "created quite a mess for Dallas City Hall."

Judge Michael O'Neill's ruling voided an ordinance that created the planned development district that included big box retail on the site. According to the judge, the city didn't properly notify property owners near the proposed Sam's Club that they were going to be living in the shadow of a 100,000-square foot retailer.

Without that ordinance, the plan is in jeopardy, though a Trammel Crow representative is quoted in the article promising that the company is considering its options.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016 in The Dallas News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Interior of Place Versailles mall in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units

Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

May 22, 2025 - CBC

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 28, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of California High-Speed Rail station with bullet train.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself

The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

May 19, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Nevada State Senate building.

Nevada Legislature Unanimously Passes Regional Rail Bill

If signed by the governor, the bill will create a task force aimed at developing a regional passenger rail system.

4 hours ago - KRNV News 4

Blue sidewalk curb cut painted with white accessibility symbol.

How Infrastructure Shapes Public Trust

A city engineer argues that planners must go beyond code compliance to ensure public infrastructure is truly accessible to all users.

4 hours ago - Governing

Protester at Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles holding sign that says "Housing is a human right"

Photos: In Over a Dozen Cities, Housing Activists Connect HUD Cuts and Local Issues

We share images from six of the cities around the country where members of three national organizing networks took action on May 20 to protest cuts to federal housing funding and lift up local solutions.

6 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine