DTD: Interurban Building & Urban Market Grocery/Café

[CARTMAN]

Interurban renewal


A downtown Dallas landmark that's been sitting as a wrecked shell for more than two years may be getting a second chance at renewal.

The historic Interurban Building on Jackson Street would be turned into apartments and retail space if investor and developer Chip Johnson is successful with his plans.

Mr. Johnson has contracted to buy the eight-story red brick building that was built in 1916 as the terminal for North Texas' electric railway system.

After the Interurban trains went to the scrap heap, the building was used for Continental Trailways' bus depot and offices. Then for years it sat vacant.

In 2000, a group of investors gutted the Interurban building with plans to build high-tech business space.

But when the tech wreck killed tenant demand, construction was put on hold, and the building has been crumbling ever since.

Mr. Johnson said he's working with a grocery store tenant to locate on the ground floor and would use the upper levels for loft living space.

[tamtagon]

Yea Chip Johnson.

[crescentboi]

Does anyone have a picture of this building? I can't think of which one it is.

[jammin]

Developers plan downtown grocery
Proposed urban market would need city OK

10:13 PM CST on Monday, January 5, 2004

By DAVE LEVINTHAL / The Dallas Morning News


The Interurban Building at 1500 Jackson Street is an eight-story monument to urban blight, its historic façade crumbling away and broken windows beckoning pigeons to roost inside.

By year's end, however, developers hope to transform the vacant building into a beacon for urban renewal: a 20,000-square foot grocery store catering to downtown's burgeoning residential population. An estimated 118 residential units would occupy the upper floors of the building, which is on a street behind the downtown central library, according to a proposal presented Monday to the City Council's Business and Commerce Committee.

No sizable grocery exists downtown. And with the recent opening of several downtown apartment buildings, residents have to make a 10- to 15-minute drive to Uptown or the Central Expressway corridor for full-service shopping options.



File 1916
The Interurban Building was built in 1916 as a terminal for the region's electric railway network.

"It's absolutely critical that we have one," Assistant City Manager Ryan Evans said. 'We probably will never get critical mass downtown without a grocer."

The city, which has tried to draw a grocery downtown for more than a decade, is offering the grocer and building developer $5 million in tax increment finance funds and a 10-year property tax abatement worth an estimated $967,038, according to a memo written by Mr. Evans.

If the project fails, the tax abatement would immediately stop, city officials say.

Barker Nichols LCC, which owns the building, plans to invest at least $15 million into the project. Dan Furr, who ran two failed Fresh Approach groceries in Dallas during the 1980s, would operate the downtown grocery under the same name, the memo states.

Also Online
Video: Chris Heinbaugh reports

The City Center tax increment finance district board and the City Council must approve the plan before work begins. A decision from the TIF board is expected later this month, and a council vote could come next month.

Barring government delays, the grocery could open by autumn, with the residential space on the market in 2005, said Chip Johnson, a Barker Nichols representative.

"It's going to be a true urban market," said Mr. Furr, who has also worked for Food Lion, Eckerd drugstores and as a private grocery consultant. "You can come in and eat, then pick up a pack of paper towels and a bag of dog food. Convenience is the biggest issue. But it's also going to be classy."


The grocery would be smaller than most in the city. In contrast with the 20,000-square foot downtown market planned by Mr. Furr, Wal-Mart's Neighborhood Markets in Dallas average about 40,000 to 50,000 square feet.

Council support for the project was mixed.

While some members, such as council member Veletta Forsythe Lill, hailed the proposed grocery as a "linchpin to future downtown growth" – especially residential _– others, such as Business and Commerce Committee Chairman Mitchell Rasansky, feared the grocery is destined to fail.

"It's a pie in the sky," said Mr. Rasansky, whose father ran a West End grocery for 34 years. "There's no question we need something downtown. But I don't think ... [Mr. Furr] has the financials to do it."

Mr. Rasansky said he would rather lend city resources to an established grocer, such as Whole Foods. He probably will vote against the plan, he said.

"Danny [Furr] has experience,' Ms. Lill countered. "This grocery is a must if we're going to ensure downtown's viability as a residential area. And by virtue of there being increased traffic, it will create additional development."

Mayor Pro Tem John Loza and council members Elba Garcia and Lois Finkelman said they would further review the plan before publicly supporting it.

The Interurban Building, also known as the Trailways Building, first graced the city skyline in 1916 as the terminal for North Texas' electric railway system. Continental Trailways had its bus depot and offices there during the mid-20th century, but for decades, it has remained vacant.

In 2000, a group of investors gutted the building, with plans to build offices, but the plan fizzled.

E-mail dlevinthal@dallasnews.com
http://www.dallasnews.com/img/01-04/0106_interurban_bldg.jpg

[bloodandpopcorn]

This is such GREAT news!!!! Not only would this be great for DT residents, but it could help to revitalize tha area around the library. With residents making semi-frequent trips to the grocery, and residents right there by the library, I'm sure that there would be more residents on the sidewalks and, because of that, a bit stronger feeling of security in the area.

This is a win-win situation. If this goes away, then so might go away all possibilities for a grocer for the next two or three years. If the council votes it down.... I say we call for some good ole fashioned lynching ;)

[Kelley USA]

Good news indeed! I'd still feel more comfortable if it was a big name grocer- just for stability purposes... But this might be a good fit- and I'm glad that they are developing the entire project to include residential as well...

[tamtagon]

I know what you mean, Kelly. Beyond just having a grocer downtown, we need one with the financial pockets to support product variety and longevity. On the otherhand, I prefer the idea of a homegrown success.

"It's a pie in the sky," said Mr. Rasansky, whose father ran a West End grocery for 34 years. "There's no question we need something downtown. But I don't think ... [Mr. Furr] has the financials to do it."

I hope Mr. Rasansky is wrong in his assessment. Where else in Dallas is appropriate for a pie in the sky other than among the skyscrapers of downtown. Is the Interurban Building convenient for residents of downtown?

[gc]

This is excellent news. This type of investment in the city center is what other developers will be looking for when making their investment decisions. Let's hope it happens.

[mikedsjr]

This definitely seems good. Who downtown likes to get in a car and drive outside the loop to get groceries. Your their because you like that area.

Is there absolutely nothing downtown?

[gc]

Well, I do not love getting into my car to head to uptown for groceries. But, having grown up in Arlington...that is the only thing I know...so I really do not mind that much. It will be nic, however, to be able to walk to the store to pick up things here and there.

[trolleygirl]

If you want to listen to sound business advice, then the self-made millionaire, Mitch Rasansky, is the City Council person to listen to.
By the way, blood, what residences around the library? You mean the HOMELESS people???
This is NOT a good location for a grocery store. Let's not forget the OTHER grocery store on the south end of downtown........remember the Farmer's Market?? Main Street, Elm Street, Commerce, we need small stroefront stores, like a meat market, next door to a phramacy, next door to a fresh produce market, next door to a kosher food store, next door to a wine cellar, next door to a specialty food store, etc..
But here's the biggest reason to be opposed to it.....$967,038 in tax abatements over ten years. Let's just go ahead and slit our collective downtown wrists right now. IF this store manages to survive that long and IF the areas surrounding Houston St. and Union Sation Belo Park develop in ten years, it might be worth the investment, but it will not be worth the precedent that we, as Dallas taxpayers (and I asuume you other bloggers are indeed Dallas taxpayers) will have set for future developers. It screams out to the rest of the world that Dallas is so sad, so pathetic, so willing to give away the farm that we'll build you store, an areana, a hotel, AND we'll pay for it, as long as you promise to stay in downtown. What incentive would Joe-Q Entrepreneur have to invest in a downtown location and pay taxes when everyone else gets tax breaks? Why not go to Arlington? Or Plano? or Las Vegas?

[gc]

ouch.....very true trolleygirl

[clipper]

The Kroger planned at Bryan and Good Latimer will meet much of the demand for downtown groceries. At 72,000 square feet, it is more than three times the size of the proposed Interurban grocery.

[bloodandpopcorn]

Trolleygirl, I was refrencing the 118 residences that this building would add right above the grocery store.

Yes, the 72,000 grocery store will fill alot of needs. But it will still require driving. This would be a great place for people living downtown to walk and pick up groceries. Will it succeed? Who knows. But, as it's the only proposal for a grocery-type establishment within the loop, I'll support it all the way. It's an independent endeavor, which makes me like it more. Maybe it's my anti-big-business mentality, but if someone wants to start up their own store downtown, and help the population, and compete with a 72,000 grocery store a mile away, then I'm that person's man. They are offering to do what so few people are for Dallas - so they damn well deserve tax abatements to cover a huge risk that they would be taking.

Its in an area that sorely needs to be redeveloped. It provides a service that, even if the 72,000 sq.ft. store gets built, will be necessary to those inhabitting the core. And it represents a huge risk on someones behalf for my city -- the same kind of risk that very few people and even fewer money-grubbing big business will take. They want there huge parking lots and subruban style layout, close to DT but still at a distance that makes it pointless to go on foot.

I do agree that we need lots of little grocery options on Main and Elm and throughout DT. But I don't see why that negates the validity of this option.

And, btw, welcome to the forum trolley girl (I'm sure someone else has already welcomed you, but I wanted to do so myself)... I'm very glad to have someone in-the-know of MATA here! I love the trolley and often will ride it just for the hell of it. Just riding for a few blocks makes me happy, though I can't quite explain why. So despite this disagreement, I'm a big fan of yours.

[clipper]

The Kroger site is three blocks from the east side Dart bus transfer station and about four blocks from the Pearl St. Dart light rail stop and will be about four blocks from the Dart Deep Ellum light rail stop. I think this will give people who don't want to drive an opportunity to shop at a full-service supermarket. In New York, San Francisco, Boston and London I see lots of people making short hops on public transit with their groceries. That will be easier than getting your car out of the loft parking garage, driving the the store, driving back to the loft garage and so forth. There is still be demand for neighborhood specialty and convenience style shops in the heart of the core for late night shopping and quick stops.

[clipper]

Forgot to mention that what the DMN story this week didn't say is the rest of the Interurban Building gets turned into more loft apartments. Good news.

[bloodandpopcorn]

An estimated 118 residential units would occupy the upper floors of the building, which is on a street behind the downtown central library, according to a proposal presented Monday to the City Council's Business and Commerce Committee.

That, from the article, says it pretty clearly, doesn't it?

And, at least right now, that four-block stretch from Pearl to the site isn't the most pleasant walk. I probably wouldn't mind it, and maybe all the downtown residents don't believe the hype of the 'danger' of that few-block-area, but I think it could prevent some people from considering walking as a valid means of transportation. And it should be much closer, quicker, and easier for most DT residents to use the other grocery proposition, right? (like, simply walking a few blocks instead of walking a few blocks, getting on the train, walking a few more blocks). I still think this is a situation where both grocery stores being built is preforable to the area.

[dallastophoenix]

i like the fact that at first we say "hoorah" to the guy getting city money to put a grocery store downtown, then another guy comes to town and says they're willing to plop an even bigger store (greater risk) w/o taxpayers money... hopefully, the city will put more thought into how they spend those millions...

[bloodandpopcorn]

I don't think the other is as great a risk. It's in a style that is normal to Dallas - suburban-style, with a big parking lot in front. Just like every other boring, plain, money-gobbling-unfriendly-big-business supermarket in town. The Interurban market provides the chance for something really unique in DFW (or at least Dallas. I can't speak for Fort Worth). It's not just a grocery store, it's a revitalization of a great old building that desperately needs it. It's adding 118 new residential units in (and those people are pretty much guaranteed to use the store on an almost daily basis). It would not surprise me to see business men grab a few ingredients for a simple dinner from that grocery store just before they leave. Not alot, mind you, I don't expect that of the commuters - but I bet you would see at least a handful of non-residents in there every day.

The risk on the two projects isn't even comparable. One is an independent, small, unique, friendly neighborhood grocery store. The other is a massive, suburban style supermarket built just as the hundreds of others throughout the metroplex are, and buy a company who can afford to build one in a test market. If it fails, they will barely feel the hit.

[trolleygirl]

Blood-
Thank you for your kind welcome. I have been the Business Director at MATA for several years now, however it is at the board level that the big decisions get made. I do believe in MATA's mission statement and I do "volunteer" frequently because I enjoy meeting people. And yes, the trolleys do have a tendency to make one feel good for some inexplicable reason- I always say, people who don't like trolleys are like people who feel good about taking candy from babies. I am also involved in many other civic and neighborhood initiatives in Dallas which is what keeps me going after I go home for the day.
But I digress from this to say that, while your thoughts on the grocery store and proposed residential area at the interurban station are valid and make a whole bunch of common sense, again the biggest issue for me is the tax abatement.
You wax poetic about the big business vs. the "little guy" but where are the proverbial "little guys" now? Show me where they are? In downtown. Where in downtown have the "little guys" had to struggle with slaying Wal-Mart dragons? For that matter, if Downtown is such a great seller, then where the hell IS Wal Mart? If it's not good enough for Wal-Mart, with has a store in every bedroom community and ho-dunk small town across this great untapped market known as Downtown Dallas??? If it's good enough for Neiman's..................
And, by-the-way, nobody, no corporation, no small business, "deserves" a tax abatement. City taxes aren't the lottery. I don't pay taxes on my home to bankroll some "deserving" company a free ride, while the police and fire department and code enforcement employees go without adequate compensation and suffer cutbacks which only serve to further degrade our neighborhoods, the very tax base that can "afford" to give tax abatements to so-called deserving companies.
This country is about risk takers. That's what capitalism is. If you can't get by with taking risks and if your excuse is, "I'll take my business elsewhere if I can't get a better deal than everyone else in this city", then you really aren't very good at what you claim- so go work for a company and get out of the risk-taking, entreprenuer business. That's fair and balanced in business and in city politics.
Which only proves my original point: we keep selling downtown like this, we set a precedent and an image that Dallas is a black hole and needs the giveaways. I'm saying, we should be more proud of our great city and have more faith than what we are being asked to give away.
Finally, as far as politics go in a pluralist society as we have, it’s all about compromise. How would you propose to balance what the home owning taxpayers want and need with what the developers want and need. It’s about compromise, and in my opinion, this isn’t the best one.

[Columbus Civil]

Don't forget the proposed Walmart grocery at Hall and 75. One of these three isn't going to survive, assuming all three get built. I would think the most likely to fail would be the Interurban :(

[Haretip]

I can't help but wonder if the Krogers announcement was rushed into print today because of the interurban building announcemant earlier this week (yesterday?)

As a reminder on the Krogers, the Southeast Corridor light rail is going to have a station on Good-Latimer, which would be a block or two from the proposed Kroger's. I'm guessing you would be able to ride a LRV from the stops along Pacific straight to the Good-Latimer Station.

From what I understand of the description, the site is at Bryan & Good-Latimer/I-45 just north of Dallas!Can Academy. Perhaps the old Weaver Spring facility or across Northwest side of Bryan?

[clipper]

The marketing packages on the Kroger store center on Bryan went out to the retail community almost 2 months ago. That was way before the Interurban store announcement. They've been assembling the land for more than six monnths.

[Jack Flack]

Good morning folks. I've been following this site for quite some time and decided to finally join in on the fun. I am also a downtown Dallas resident so these matters mean a great deal to me.

As for tax incentives for new businesses, I believe they do have their place but I do not believe the City should just give money away ie Victory. There are very high costs to developing downtown, primarily land acquistion and building rehabilitation. Not to mention the stigma of Downtown being a non man's land devoid of any type of activity after 5pm. Why should someone take a risk on downtown when they can build on green pastures in the hinterland with a proven market? The City has to do something to make downtown attractive to new developments.

As for the location of the grocery store on Jackson, this may actually be a good location. In addition to the apartments planned in the same building don't forget about the Dallas Power and Light development across the street. The description of that sounds quite promising and could help reinvigorate that area. Plus the Manor House (my home), Kirby and Davis Building are only a few blocks away. There is also parking next to the building in surface lots and garages for those that may need to drive instead of walk.

Anyway, that's my two cents. I'll stop ranting now.

[aceplace]

Yo, Jack,

Welcome to the forum.

[Jack Flack]

Thanks. I have found the forum to be a great source of information. I do bike/ped and land use planning at NCTCOG and it has helped me keep up with developments around D/FW.

[gc]

Welcome to the forum Jack. I also live inthe Manor House (24).

[Jack Flack]

I am on 23. If you have ever seen someone on red mountain bike in and around the building, its probably me.

[trolleygirl]

Jack, I agree with your point, however, if tone Street Gardens can do building rehab with out tax abatements (and there are plenty more examples), then why can't everyone else in downtown. Yes I understand that issues are always different in every situation, but politically it's just not a good idea to give this much away in tax dollars. It's about incrementalism. A million bucks isn't incremental.
Remember the Yahoo/Broadcast tax abatement in Deep Ellum a few years ago?

[tamtagon]

Hi Jack Flack,
What does GCarey's wife look like?


Barring government delays, the grocery could open by autumn, with the residential space on the market in 2005

That's good timing. I'm usually sympathic with the homeless, but there is a small Kroger in Downtown Atlanta, and many of the characters loitering about the store are very unsavory. Within a few blocks of the Kroger several residential buildings exist, but the grocery serves mostly the nearby workers - it has a large deli - and closes early in the evening. I hope Mr. Furr is able to peacefully keep away the unpleasant characters.

[Jack Flack]

He is very definitely going to have his work cut out for him. Since moving downtown, I have been amazed to see the large concentrations of homeless around the library and city hall. I knew the homeless where down there, but I had never seen them in such numbers before in one place.

[Kelley USA]

After a decade of good intentions and hamstrung dreams, Dallas' increasingly resident-friendly downtown may finally play home to a supermarket.

"It's a miracle," Dallas Mayor Laura Miller said after the vote. "But this has to be successful. People have to use it."

The City Council this morning approved a tax incentive package for the redevelopment of the dilapidated, eight-story Interurban Building at 1500 Jackson St., in which developers plan to open a supermarket by early 2005, if not sooner.

The 20,000-square foot Fresh Approach market will feature all the standard products of a larger market, coupled with gourmet food and a "chic urban" motif of exposed piping and concrete flooring, market manager Danny Furr said.

The council, on a unanimous voice vote, approved the tax package, which includes $5 million in tax increment finance funds for the building redevelopment and a 10-year property tax abatement for the supermarket worth an estimated $967,038. Council members Mitchell Rasansky and John Loza were not present during the voting.

"The financial structure is done right for us to succeed," said Mr. Furr, who operated two failed Fresh Approach markets in Dallas during the 1980s. "We've got our concept and we're going forward now."

With the recent opening of several downtown apartment buildings, residents have to make a 10- to 15-minute drive to Uptown or the Central Expressway corridor for full-service shopping options.

The Fresh Approach grocery would be smaller than most in the city. Wal-Mart's Neighborhood Markets average about 40,000 to 50,000 square feet.

The Interurban Building, also known as the Trailways Building, first graced the skyline in 1916 as the terminal for North Texas' electric railway system. Continental Trailways had its bus depot and offices there during the mid-20th century, but for decades, it has remained vacant. In 2000, a group of investors gutted the building, with plans to build offices, but the plan fizzled.

About 180 apartment units and a 500-space parking ramp will also be developed as part of the Interurban Building project.

[gc]

I know there have been significant grocery store debates lately...but this is another big win for DTD. I am eager to see the construction begin and more residential development pop up!

[tamtagon]

Being a smaller grocery, Mr. Furr will be able to cater his inventory to what the downtown residents tell him they want. Sounds like it will be a big corner grocery. I wonder if there will be a deli - for lunch breaks during the day.

[CTroyMathis]

Just for note (from 28Jan04):

City Center TIF District

Note: Item Nos. 52, 53, and 54 must be considered collectively.

52. * Authorize (1) a development agreement with Barker Nichols, LLC to provide for the funding of facade, demolition, environmental remediation and other authorized improvements related to the redevelopment of the Interurban Building located at 1500 Jackson Street in Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone Five (City Center TIF District) in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000; and (2) the establishment of appropriations in the amount of $5,000,000 in the City Center TIF District Fund - Total not to exceed $5,000,000 - Financing: City Center TIF District Funds (to be advanced by a private developer and reimbursed from the City Center TIF District Fund)

53. * A resolution declaring the intent of Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone Number Five (City Center TIF District) to reimburse Barker Nichols, LLC for funds advanced pursuant to a development agreement with Barker Nichols, LLC in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000, plus interest, for facade improvements, demolition, environmental remediation and other authorized improvements related to the redevelopment of the Interurban Building located at 1500 Jackson Street in the City Center TIF District - Financing: No cost consideration to the City

54. * Authorize a real property tax abatement agreement with Barker Nichols, LLC for the purpose of granting a ten-year abatement of 90% of the taxes on new real property value resulting from the development of a grocery store and residential complex to be located within City of Dallas Enterprise Zone One at 1500 Jackson Street - Revenue: First year new real property tax revenue estimated at $10,745 (Estimated revenue foregone for ten-year abatement is $967,038)

[Foucault]

Here's one good thing about this not being a chain: the owners are getting input from downtown residents.

Residents to meet Feb. 17

Downtown residents have an opportunity to learn more about Downtown's new grocery store Tuesday, February 17, when the developers of Fresh Approach, Daniel Furr and Chip Johnson, present their concept and gets ideas from downtown residents about design and inventory.
The meeting is schelduled from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at the David Building, 1309 Main. Furr and Johnson plan to convert the historic Interurban Building at 1500 Jackson into a 20,000 sqaure foot grocery store and 118 apartments.

[Jack Flack]

Did anyone attend the meeting to hear about the grocery store on Jackson? Though excited on the prospect of having a grocery store, the meeting made me question just how useful it will be. The developer seemed to focus on the Eatzies/Central Market type aspects of the store and not really on how practical it would be to take care of the majority of shopping needs. I talked to him after the meeting and he tried to assure me that it will be a full grocery store...just fancy.

[geosophy]

I attended the meeting as well. Although it will have many aspects of Eatzi's, it will not be like that. Because the demographics of the downtown sub-market seem to lean towards that style that is the major swing of the concept. It will still have 12,000 square feet of actual groceries that everyone will use. As far as the project surviving as many of the previous posts talk about, I think it has a good chance. Not only will there be around 130 units on top of the store, but the DP&L complex across the street will house around 150 units. Then you add Santa Fe Terminal which is extremely close, Kriby and Davis. I think they will have great usage from the residents. 1900 Elm and Wilson I think would be the less represented shoppers, but who knows.

[Jack Flack]

Me and the other poor folk at the Manor House will be there.

[gc]

Yeah, where is the love for the Manor House? It was only the first residential high rise in Dallas!!!

[clipper]

Someone just told me that at City Council meeting today it was mentioned that the operator of the downtown grocery had already bailed? Anyone hear anything? This was a good source. The council was complaining they had just given these folks money and now they deal was falling out.

[Columbus Civil]

Better to fail now then halfway through construction. I think this project is/was going to struggle if the proposed Kroger just east of DT gets built.

[gc]

Geesh, I sure hope this is not true. I envisioned great success for this project.

[clipper]

Concerns arise on grocer
Downtown developer may seek another supermarket as tenant
09:15 PM CST on Thursday, February 26, 2004
By DAVE LEVINTHAL / The Dallas Morning News
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/022704dnmetgrocery.5acaa.html

The developer of the Interurban Building, slated to house downtown Dallas' first supermarket in decades, may pursue another grocer because of questions surrounding the finances of the tenant he chose, two city officials say.

Dallas City Council member Mitchell Rasansky said Chip Johnson, a representative of Dallas-based building owner Barker Nichols LLP, asked him Tuesday to suggest names of other supermarkets that may have interest locating to the property at 1500 Jackson St. Fresh Approach supermarket, an independent company, is scheduled to begin operations there early next year.

"He said to me that he's looking for someone else because he's not sure [Fresh Approach manager] Danny Furr can get all his finances together," Mr. Rasansky said of Mr. Johnson. "He probably wants to make sure he's got his bases covered."

Mr. Johnson confirmed that he spoke with Mr. Rasansky but said that he is not actively pursuing other grocers.

Mr. Furr said his finances are solid.

"Everything couldn't be going better," he said. "I'm doing great."

Assistant City Manager Ryan Evans, a party to the conversation, said Mr. Rasansky's statements reflect his understanding of the supermarket situation. Austin-based Whole Foods was one supermarket they discussed, said Mr. Rasansky, who leases a parking lot to a Whole Foods supermarket. Whole Foods spokeswoman Kate Lowery-Monteilh declined to comment.

Mr. Johnson said the Fresh Approach grocery is on target for raising money, commencing construction by Aug. 31 and opening for business next year.

"Danny is diligently raising his capital," Mr. Johnson said of Mr. Furr, who operated two Fresh Approach markets in Dallas during the 1980s before they went out of business. "He's doing pretty well."

Asked if he's spoken with other grocers, or if he's now considering more established businesses, Mr. Johnson replied that he "doesn't want to disclose private business plans at this time."

The City Council in January, on a unanimous voice vote, approved $5 million in tax increment finance funds to aid redevelopment the Interurban Building – once a stately bus terminal and office building, but today a structure with shattered windows and a crumbled facade.

The package also includes a 10-year property tax abatement worth an estimated $967,000 – and contingent on a supermarket occupying the building's floor space. No supermarket, no tax abatement.

City officials have been wooing grocers to locate downtown for more than a decade without success. But a burgeoning downtown residential population and signs of economic regeneration make the area more attractive to such businesses.

Mayor Laura Miller, who last month declared the supermarket "a miracle," played down any potential effects of Barker Nichols pursuing another grocer.

"If this particular grocer doesn't work out, I'd hope that another grocer would consider coming downtown," Ms. Miller said. "There's so much excitement about just getting a grocery. So, I'm not particularly concerned if the developer switches grocers."

E-mail dlevinthal@dallasnews.com

[gc]

Looks like Rasansky's financial assessment a while back might have been accurate....we'll have to wait and see what happens.

[tamtagon]

I wonder if Mr. Furr is in any way connected to Furr's Cafeteria or the Furr's Supermarket of West Texas???

[Foucault]

Furr's is national chain. If he had that much money, he wouldn't need tax breaks.

[gc]

Are there any updates here? Is the grocery store going to happen or not?

[crescentboi]

Well I went by today and it seems like they are working on it. From what I heard the grocery store is happening, just a matter of time. And right across the street at the DP&L, there is a lot of activity going on! Go Downtown! :biggrin2:

[bloodandpopcorn]

Great news. I think that this and the DP&L are extremely crucial to getting Downtown back on its feet again.was there ever official announcements about work on these starting, or, did work just begin quietly?