July 19, 2011

July 2011 Update- Site of former Mrs. Baird's facility and adjacent businesses

The University is in the process of reviewing proposals for architects and contractors for the tennis complex, data center and electrical substation. Construction of these facilities is expected to begin later this year. Structures and landscaping on the site will reflect the level of quality characteristic of the SMU campus.

Should you have any questions or concerns related to the construction activities in this area, please contact SMU Public Affairs at 214-768-7650 or neighborhoodnews@smu.edu

February 28, 2011

February 2011 Update- Site of former Mrs. Baird's facility and adjacent businesses

Five business structures along the south side of Mockingbird Lane and the former Mrs. Baird's Bread structure have been removed and demolition of the 18-inch-thick concrete paving in this area currently is underway. Since SMU contractors are using a jackhammer to break up and remove the concrete, some noise may be associated with this work, which is expected to continue until about March 1.

In addition, excavation and soil replacement work will occur on the property along Mockingbird Lane at the former sites of the Texaco Station and the 7-Eleven Store. This work is expected to be completed in mid-March.

Southern Methodist University plans to convert the area south of Mockingbird Lane between Airline Road and North Central Expressway to an attractive, non-commercial campus development.

Construction of new facilities on the site is expected to begin in summer 2011.

Under current University plans, the redeveloped property will contain facilities such as tennis courts and a throwing field for SMU athletics activities. The southern tip of the property will house a University data center and an enclosed, enclosed electrical substation. Structures and landscaping will reflect the level of quality characteristic of the SMU campus.

Should you have any questions or concerns related to the construction activities in this area, please contact SMU Public Affairs at 214-768-7650 or news@smu.edu

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November 24, 2010

Update on redevelopment of the former Mrs. Baird's facility and adjacent businesses

Southern Methodist University's plans to convert the area south of Mockingbird Lane between Airline Road and North Central Expressway to an attractive, non-commercial campus development continue on schedule.

Five business structures along the south side of Mockingbird Lane have been removed and the process of removing the former Mrs. Baird's Bread structure is expected to be completed by February 2011.

Construction of new facilities on the site is expected to begin in early 2011.

Under current University plans, the redeveloped property will contain facilities such as tennis courts and a throwing field for SMU athletics activities. The southern tip of the property will house a University data center and an enclosed, partially below-grade electrical substation. Structures and landscaping “will reflect the level of quality characteristic of the SMU campus,” Ward says.

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September 28, 2010

Demolition of the former Mrs. Baird's facility and adjacent businesses

In October, Southern Methodist University plans to begin demolition of the former Mrs. Baird's facility and adjacent businesses south of Mockingbird Lane between Airline Road and the North Central Expressway access road. The demolition follows completion of approval processes required by the cities of University Park, Dallas and Highland Park, as well as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Construction of new facilities on the site is expected to begin in early 2011.

SMU’s plans for the site are for non-commercial campus development that “will result in an attractive enhancement of this space,” says Paul Ward, SMU vice president for legal affairs and government relations.

Under current University plans, the redeveloped property will contain facilities such as tennis courts and a throwing field for SMU athletics activities. The southern tip of the property will house a University data center and an enclosed, partially below-grade electrical substation. Structures and landscaping “will reflect the level of quality characteristic of the SMU campus,” Ward says.

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June 29, 2010

Southern Methodist University held a public meeting June 24 to provide information on planned improvements to property it owns on the south side of Mockingbird Lane between Central Expressway and Airline Boulevard.

About 40 people attended the meeting, where they asked questions about traffic, lighting and ground water.

The property to be improved will include the site of the former Mrs. Baird’s bakery and adjacent businesses on t—he south side of Mockingbird. SMU’s plans are for non-commercial campus development that “will result in an attractive enhancement of this space,” says Paul Ward, SMU vice president for legal affairs and government relations.

Under current University plans, the redeveloped property will contain facilities such as tennis courts and a throwing field for SMU athletics activities. The southern tip of the property will house a University data center and an enclosed, partially below-grade electrical substation. Structures and landscaping “will reflect the level of quality characteristic of the SMU campus,” Ward says.

First steps will be to address environmental conditions created by previous businesses that included a dry cleaning facility and gasoline stations. To address these environmental conditions, the University is applying to the City of Dallas for approval of a Municipal Setting Designation (MSD). An MSD identifies areas of contaminated groundwater that is not being used for drinking and ensures that the groundwater underneath that area will not be used for that purpose. If approved by the City, SMU would apply for final approval of the MSD from the State of Texas through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The city will hold a public meeting June 30 to discuss the MSD application. SMU is working under the Texas Voluntary Cleanup Program, which allows parties to address affected properties voluntarily, Ward says. 

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