Of course, the very first question I got when a friend forwarded me this Advocate story about the old Steakley Chevrolet dealership at Northwest Highway and Abrams was: “OMG. IS IT GOING TO BE A COSTCO???”
No, folks. Costco already passed on this site, and a few others inside the city limits, so you’re pretty much stuck making the trek northward to Plano for your bulk sundries and institutional-sized bags of organic nuts. However, that corner of the busy nexus of Skillman/Abrams/Northwest Highway has been a mess for years, hosting illustrious businesses such as Dallas Furniture Mart, which had a going out of business sale pretty much ever week. Perhaps it’s time to think about your business model if you have to have someone out front every Saturday twirling a sign saying “EVERYTHING MUST GO!”
Anyway, to say that those of us who live in the nearby area are pumped about something being built in that spot would be an understatement. However there are still those among us who are pooh-poohing more retail in an area they already consider congested.
Consider it this way: Medallion is at maybe 90 percent occupancy since the Centennial liquor store moved out. There is no sign of anyone leaving. Here’s what Steve Brown’s report on the development from Houston-based Ainbinder Co.,which is being called High Point Center says:
“It’s great real estate, and we’ve done lots of redevelopment of close-in properties in Houston,” said developer Michael Ainbinder. “When we had the opportunity to purchase a former car dealership in central Dallas, our antenna went up.”
Ah yes, it is great real estate, Mr. Ainbinder, but it’s still not good enough for Costco. Still, the company is looking for a big box anchor and junior anchor retail for the site.
Glaser said there have been no leases signed for the new shopping center, but some potential tenants have been approached
“We are focusing our marketing effort on big-box retailers and junior anchors,” he said. “Where else can you find property like this in Dallas that is ready to develop?
“You are talking about an intersection with 100,000 cars a day.”
The development site is right across the street from the Target and Kohl’s stores in Medallion Center. And it’s near the J.C. Penney, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club at the Timber Creek Shopping Center.
I mean, what other big box could they really woo with those national brands already in Medallion and Timber Creek? And what will this new development do to rush hour on Northwest Highway, which is basically a parking lot?
