Valley View/Galleria area is on the cusp of a much-needed makeover

They're calling it "Midtown," and anything's better than the current situation.

DALLAS — Every time I drive by the practically abandoned Valley View Mall, I let out a little sigh. It’s just so ugly! The only thing that attracts a crowd over there is the random carnival. It’s tragic, especially for such a visible area.

But Scott Beck, who purchased Valley View last year, has sworn to revive the largest continuous tract north of 635 into a vibrant, bustling center of activity. If you don’t remember Beck, read up Candy’s interview with him here.

It’s a good thing that there are plans for the area, which is being called “Midtown” even though it’s not really in the middle of Dallas. I’ll let the semantics surrounding the name slide just for the fact that I am excited about reclaiming that area. The excitement must be catching, because Theresa O’Donnell, city of Dallas sustainable development director, is pretty stoked, too.

According to a report from Robert Wilonsky at the DMN, O’Donnell thinks this is “the most exciting thing I’ve ever been involved in.” Why? “This is doable, it’s achievable, and all the stars are aligned.”

Today’s presentation, which you can view a PDF of below, is just a taste. More details will be available on April 4. I’m looking forward to finding out more about the development, and how the city is going to foster a dense, pedestrian friendly environment in an area sandwiched by two major traffic thoroughfares — the Dallas North Tollway and 635.

Still, anything is better than how Valley View looks today, right?