VLK Architects Anchored Near Southside Project ‘The 701’ Breaks Ground at Hemphill & Magnolia

Dodson Commercial Real Estate To Bring Exciting New Opportunities For the Businesses and Residents of Near Southside with New Mixed-Use Development Project

FORT WORTH, Texas (March 1, 2021) — Dodson Commercial Real Estate announced today its plans to officially break ground on ‘The 701’ (a 68,000 sf, mixed-use development in the Near Southside on the corner of Hemphill Street and W. Magnolia Avenue) in a special ceremony Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 10:30 am. The project includes the existing two-story historic building home to Shinjuku Station and Panther City Salon, a new 3,700 square foot restaurant building fronting onto West Magnolia, and a new three-story office and retail building anchored by one of Texas’s largest and most renowned architecture firms, VLK Architects. VLK will occupy the entire top floor consisting of approximately 26,000 sf. The building includes a ground-floor restaurant and retail spaces and a second story designed to house offices or medical tenants. The project, anticipated for completion in early 2022, features a vibrant pedestrian plaza with shop spaces and patios, which will connect the three buildings to a new on-site 200 car parking garage. This major Fort Worth project is the first undertaking by DFW developers Ryan Dodson and Alex Bryant under the newly formed partnership of Dodson Commercial Real Estate (formerly Dodson Development). When asked about this monumental project, Dodson Commercial Real Estate Managing Partner Ryan Dodson said, “The 701 is the first of its kind Class A mixed-use project on the vibrant West Magnolia corridor. We realize the significance of this opportunity and have worked carefully with the Near Southside and the VLK team to thoughtfully integrate modern office, retail, restaurant, and structured parking with the charm and character of the historic buildings in the area. It’s a truly collaborative project that will bring over 100 high-paying jobs to the area while continuing to build on the walkability and character of the Near Southside.” Brokered amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the closing of this complicated deal is a massive win for the newly formed partnership. ‘The 701’ serves as the hallmark project launching the new full-service Dodson Commercial Real Estate, which now includes real estate development, property management, investment, and brokerage services. President of Brokerage Alex Bryant added, “The 701 is a catalyst project for Dodson and our expanding platform. We are thrilled to partner with a firm of VLK’s caliber on such a landmark endeavor.” ‘The 701’ development footprint is a unique combination comprising the acquisition of an existing structure combined with the new construction designed to house urban office, restaurant, and retail space connected by the outdoor pedestrian mall. Dodson Commercial Real Estate will maintain the landmark cornerstone building of 701 W. Magnolia and its tenants through the expansion and use its design and historical impact to influence the new development. Originally built in the 1920s, it will retain all the community’s favorite businesses, restaurants, and residential lofts. President of the Near Southside Mike Brennan said, “We’re really excited about the project and what it delivers to our community on multiple fronts: sensitive preservation of those treasured historic buildings; new distinctive landmark buildings that complement their older neighbors; the central public plaza activated by local shops; and an extension of Magnolia’s energy around the corner to that key section of Hemphill.” The success of this project is due in large part to the partnership with VLK Architects. The company has five offices across the state but will make ‘The 701’ its official headquarters. The architecture firm will occupy the entire 26,000 sf 3rd floor of the new three-story building. Previously on West 7th, the firm’s move to the Near Southside will be an exciting addition to the growing community. This project will serve as a significant addition to the heart of the Near Southside. The additional parking garage adds critically important parking assets to the growing neighborhood and the pedestrian walkway will add connectivity to Magnolia’s busy corner; the 701 will bring a fresh new way to work, dine, and shop. Dodson Commercial Real Estate, VLK Architects, and Near Southside will celebrate the project’s official launch with a special groundbreaking ceremony on March 4th at 10:30 am. Special guests, members of the press, and community friends are invited to attend!

For more information, confirm your attendance at the groundbreaking, or to set up interviews with Dodson Commercial Real Estate, contact Holland Sanders at holland@hollandcollective.co.