Dallas Catalyst Project: Forest District

Helping Make A Difference

In 2018, we introduced the Dallas Catalyst Project (DCP) as a place-based neighborhood revitalization initiative among TREC Community Investors and three nonprofit partners: St. Philip’s School & Community Center, Cornerstone Baptist Church, and Forest Forward. These organizations continue to team up to help make a difference in South Dallas’ Forest District.

Throughout the initiative, TREC members have served as project managers for the three community organizations and provided pro bono professional services, technical assistance, and fundraising support.

Dallas Catalyst Project Goals

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Promoting equitable development

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Improving the quality of life for residents

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Increasing job preparedness and wealth creation opportunities

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Enhancing safety and infrastructure

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Supporting mixed-income and affordable housing

By the Numbers

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22 total projects

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11 projects funded through grants

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$3 million+ in cash investments

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$1 million+ in pro bono services and technical assistance

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68,200 square feet of space being redeveloped

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12,000+ residents impacted

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3,300+ volunteer hours

* Based on Investments 2018–2022

Our Partners

Forest District Project Spotlights

1632 MLK Boulevard Retail Project

  • Project Scope: Restoration and renovation of 12,000 square feet of retail space on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
  • Goals: Improve quality of life, jobs and wealth creation, infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization
  • Estimated Cost: $1.8 million
  • Status: Expected Completion by end of 2023

Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Museum and Learning Center

  • Project Scope: Restoration of a museum and learning center built in 1924 that provides educational programs and meeting space to an average of 500 South Dallas residents annually
  • Goals: Improve quality of life, jobs and wealth creation, infrastructure improvements
  • Estimated Cost: $293,000
  • Status: Completed 2023

MLK Food Park

  • Project Scope: Creation of a temporary food park through a community-led incubator to highlight food insecurity, promote small businesses, and spur policy changes
  • Goals: Infrastructure improvements, jobs and wehalth creation, community engagement, neighborhood revitalization
  • Estimated Cost: $218,000
  • Status: Completed 2021

Southpoint Community Market

  • Project Scope: Renovation of vacant retail space to provide access to fresh and healthy food options, household items, and jobs and skills training for the community
  • Goals: Improve quality of life, jobs and wehalth creation, infrastructure improvements
  • Estimated Cost: $790,000
  • Status: Completed 2021

The Grace at Holmes

  • Project Scope: Renovations to exterior of an apartment complex, including landscaping and building repairs
  • Goals: Infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization
  • Estimated Cost: $52,000
  • Status: Completed 2021