The greenest block in Dallas

The winning design for Re:Vision Dallas -- a project that will transform a derelict city block in Dallas into a thriving sustainable community -- has been chosen.

Wed, Nov 25 2009 at 1:07 PM EST

Back in June, I took a gander at the three finalists in the Re:Vision Dallas urban design competition, an international design/build project that will transform a down-and-out parking lot in downtown Dallas into America’s first green, carbon-neutral city block. Now, after months of deliberation the winner has been announced and it’s a beaut: “Forwarding Dallas,” a joint effort between two Portuguese design firms, Moov and Atelier Data.

“Forwarding Dallas” breaks ground in early 2011 and I can’t wait to see what’s in store. As you can see from the renderings, the block is quite unique/ambitious and will boast a series of manmade, vegetation-covered hills and valleys. Atop each hill, solar thermal, photovoltaic, and wind energy will be harvested. Other green features include rainwater harvesting systems, eco-friendly residential apartments (the block will house about 854 lucky Dallas residents), community greenhouses, and numerous public spaces.

Says John Greenan, Executive Director for Central Dallas Community Development Corporation:

The greatest economic impact will come from rebuilding a long neglected part of downtown. There are probably an additional half dozen underutilized blocks in the area of the project, and once we prove up the viability of rebuilding the south central part of Downtown Dallas, I think all those blocks will also be revitalized.

Super cool. I hope that other cities look towards Dallas as an example and consider taking on sustainable block building projects in blighted urban areas. Take a look at the renderings — a bit of eco eye candy for you’re the Thanksgiving holiday — and read more about the Re:Vision Dallas project here.