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DALLAS – Monday, the Dallas City Council’s Economic Development Committee advanced a new district initiative to welcome and celebrate global diversity. Dallas’ International District, commonly known as the 450-acre Valley View-Galleria area generally located north of LBJ Freeway between the Dallas North Tollway and Preston Road, provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unite and amplify perspectives, voices, and investments of the City’s fast-growing global community.
“Dallas is already an international city with a diverse population, major attractions, and two world-class airports,” said Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. “But we still have immense untapped potential, and we can do more to promote and enhance our unique assets, strengthen our global business ties, and increase international tourism. The International District is a wonderful opportunity to boost our city’s presence on the global stage while also transforming an underutilized area into an amazing gathering place that all of our residents can enjoy.”
The district will provide international businesses of all sizes a unique place to call home and will be energized with arts and entertainment, including one-of-a-kind international festivals and community gatherings. Additionally, City Council District 11 has opened its district office at the Prism Center, the International District building recently acquired by the City of Dallas as the first parcel for a planned 20-acre public park.
“As Dallas’ vibrant global community continues to develop, our new office at the Prism Center helps form deeper connections with residents and better serve constituents’ needs,” District 11 Council Member Jaynie Schultz said.
In November 2020, voters approved a Dallas Independent School District bond package that included $75 million to build a new K-12 STEAM school in the vicinity of the Dallas International District.
“Dallas ISD is excited to partner with the North Dallas Chamber and Texas A&M University-Commerce on a school of the future,” said Dallas ISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa. “The PreK-12 International District STEAM Academy will provide a unique opportunity for students to enter pre-K and study STEAM from a global perspective, with that knowledge building as they progress through 12th grade. As the Valley View/Galleria area becomes the International District, the school will be a genuine reflection of that theme.”
As a public-private partnership, the district will be funded by the City of Dallas, local developers, businesses, and private foundations and individuals. In addition to the signature park, the City is currently undertaking a complete street project for Montfort Drive to reduce vehicular traffic from 6 to 4 lanes, facilitate improved walkability, and incorporate new bike lanes. This project is anticipated to be completed in late 2022.
“This thriving district will provide a tremendous opportunity for international businesses and cultural groups to showcase cultures and grow commerce in the City of Dallas,” Chief of Economic Development & Neighborhood Services Dr. Eric Anthony Johnson said. “This is just one of many opportunities we will continue to be able to offer Dallas communities.”
To learn more about the International District visit www.dallasinternationaldistrict.com
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