The building’s common areas evoke the space-age styling of its exterior. The lobby and leasing offices required particular attention as they were restored to their 1954 glory; designers went so far as to track down travertine from the same Italian quarry that supplied the original. Resident amenities include a fitness center, clubrooms, and a rooftop swimming pool and sundeck featuring amazing views of downtown Dallas and nearby Trinity River.
The building’s historic design caused some complications. The tower originally boasted 17 elevators—“It was one of their marketing points, that Republic Tower had the fastest elevators in the Southwest,” Bakewell says—but the building did not need all those elevators, and the shafts limited the usable space. Ultimately, 13 of the elevators were removed and the space either infilled or used to run MEP systems through the structure.
Construction wrapped up in the summer of 2007, and Gables expects most units to be leased by early 2008. Rents range from $1,220 to $2,500 for apartments and up to $8,500 for penthouses.
The target demographic of professionals in their late 20s and early 30s appreciates the comfort and style of the tower. And a number of residents say part of the appeal is their memory of the building’s iconic, glowing tower. “Several people told me that coming back from road trips they would look for the light of Republic Tower, and as soon as they saw it, they knew they were close to home,” Bakewell says. “Now it is home—and it’s neat to be part of that.”
PROPERTY: Gables Republic Tower
DEVELOPER: Gables Residential
ARCHITECT: RTKL
LOCATION: Dallas
RENOVATION COST: $46.5 million
LENGTH OF RENOVATION: 18 months
SCOPE OF PROJECT: Renovation of portions of the ground floor and the top 25 floors of Dallas’ 1954 Republic Tower
ACTION ITEMS
TAKING THE LEAP
- Be prepared to sell your project internally. If your organization isn’t accustomed to renovation projects, make sure you educate those within your company about the issues involved.
- Allow lots of time. Gables Residential had to extend construction deadlines with the city at least twice while working out financing and getting approvals from federal, state, and local authorities. Executives estimate they could have finished two or three conventional projects in the time it took to make Gables Republic Tower a reality.
- Look for iconic structures. The history of Republic Tower is one of its major selling points. Dallas residents with a connection to the structure are some of its most enthusiastic renters.