The Cedars Reimagined: How Dallas’s New Deck Park Will Transform the Neighborhood

This fall, the Dallas City Council approved an exciting new project: a deck park spanning I-30 on Lamar Street, connecting S. Ervay St. to Harwood Street near Old City Park in the Cedars neighborhood. This initiative seeks to “stitch” the Downtown Dallas area back together with the Cedars, a vibrant but historically underappreciated neighborhood. For real estate professionals and residents alike, this development represents a transformational moment for the community.

From a realtor’s perspective, The Agency Dallas’s Courtney Michalek shares her insights on how this project is poised to reshape the Cedars—and the broader Dallas market.

Revitalizing The Cedars

“This project is something that has been in talks for a few years, and I am so excited to see that it has finally gotten approval and funding!” says Michalek. “I have always said that The Cedars is a hidden gem. Even though it is so close to Downtown Dallas and the Dallas Farmers Market, not everyone knows it exists. This new park is going to increase not only walkability but visibility into a neighborhood that is vibrant and developing at a rapid pace.”

The Cedars, long separated from downtown by the I-30 highway, will now enjoy improved connectivity, creating an inviting gateway for residents and visitors. This “reconnection” aligns perfectly with Dallas’s ongoing efforts to enhance urban living and accessibility.

A Catalyst for Growth

Michalek is confident about the economic and real estate implications of the park. “This deck park is only going to increase exposure and bring value to the neighborhood. Look at what Klyde Warren Park has done for its surrounding areas! Deck parks bring entertainment, community, great food, fun activities—everything that enhances nearby areas.”

Klyde Warren Park, located atop the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, set a powerful precedent, revitalizing Uptown and attracting both residential and commercial developments. Similarly, this new deck park is expected to generate a surge in property values and new investments in the Cedars.

Economic and Social Benefits

The potential benefits extend far beyond real estate. As Michalek points out, “It gives people an excuse to explore areas and parts of town that they wouldn’t normally visit, and that is so exciting. The highway has always been a large divider of The Cedars and Downtown, and this project will make it so much easier for people to walk, bike, or scooter back and forth.”

The increased accessibility is expected to boost foot traffic, encourage small businesses, and promote a stronger sense of community. “Because of this, we are going to see an even larger influx of new businesses and residential developments because they know people are going to be even more drawn to the area,” Michalek adds.

Outdoor Spaces Drive Real Estate Value

Proximity to green spaces consistently ranks as a top priority for homebuyers, particularly in urban environments. “In my experience, it has a huge impact on the desirability and value of an area,” Michalek explains. “People want to be in the city, but they have dogs who need walking, children who want to explore and play, and they want more outdoor activities. Dallas has always been lacking in the outdoor landscape department, so these parks give us the opportunity to fill that gap.”

With examples like the Katy Trail and White Rock Lake already proving how green spaces enhance quality of life and property values, the new deck park is set to have a similar effect on the Cedars.

A Real Estate Opportunity

For real estate professionals, the park represents a unique opportunity to help clients see the potential of a neighborhood poised for transformation. Michalek emphasizes the importance of supporting such community-oriented projects: “We stumbled upon an area with so much character, amazing residents, and a community full of art and culture—it just needed a little extra TLC. By supporting existing communities, working with developers, and showing clients the untapped potential, we can be part of this exciting change.”

Looking Ahead

This deck park is more than an infrastructure project—it’s a statement about Dallas’s vision for its future. As Michalek says, “There is only so much land; you can’t create more of it. But you can transform an area and bring it back to life.” For those who see the Cedars’ potential now, the rewards could be immense.

With this new chapter for the Cedars beginning, The Agency Dallas is excited to help residents and buyers make the most of this transformation. Whether you’re considering a move to the area or an investment, now is the time to explore the opportunities this vibrant community has to offer.