University Park council awards $11.6 million contract for Miracle Mile improvements

At its March 18 meeting, the University Park City Council voted unanimously to award the contract for the Miracle Mile improvements (Lovers Lane between Douglas and the Dallas North Tollway) to SYB Construction Company, whose proposal for $11,636,719 was selected over a higher bid from RevCon.

City staff told council the project will reconfigure intersections, add pedestrian safety features and decorative lighting, and create roughly a dozen net new parking spaces for businesses along the corridor. "These improvements really are not just about motorists. It's also about pedestrians. It's also about parking spaces, for our patrons of our businesses in this area," said Shanna Sims Bradish, assistant city manager.

Staff and the purchasing manager said the city received two proposals and a review committee evaluated price, work plan, relevant experience, resources and financial stability. "While both proposals were very well thought out, the staff is recommending SYB Construction Company for the award of this contract," Elizabeth Anderson, purchasing manager, told the council. Anderson reported SYB presented a detailed work plan and schedule the city found acceptable.

Why it matters: the project is a large capital investment intended to reshape a key commercial corridor and is supported by outside funding that lowers the city's net cost. Dallas County has committed up to $4,600,000 through its Major Capital Improvements Program for eligible construction costs on the project, and DART has committed $2,154,000 for construction and design. As part of the DART agreement, the city is required to have the project substantially complete by January 2027.

Timing, scope and mitigation: staff told council construction is slated to begin May 12, 2025, with initial stormwater and road work focused at the project ends; significant impacts to businesses are expected to begin in June. The project is projected to finish by early fall 2026. Staff said work will be phased block-by-block (similar to prior work at Snyder Plaza) so that access to businesses is maintained during construction. Staff also said they are coordinating two public meetings (one virtual, one in person) for merchants and residents.

Parking and temporary accommodations: the project will add about a dozen parking spaces by clarifying entrances and reconfiguring curb lines. Staff described mitigation plans including use of an off-street lot made available by Highland Park Independent School District and talks with a currently vacant bank property to provide temporary parking for employees and customers during construction.

Funding and oversight: Elizabeth Anderson noted the city factored funding sources into its evaluation: "We are fortunate. This is a significant capital project and investment we're making, but we also have partners that are helping us with this project, specifically Dallas County ... as well as DART." Staff emphasized they reviewed schedule, contractor availability and references in recommending the award.

Concerns raised: prior to the motion, a council member expressed concern that the city had not obtained permanent easements for some areas on the south side of the corridor and questioned whether public funds would be used to improve privately owned property without securing public access rights. Council did not delay the vote; the motion to award passed unanimously.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (six items) — Approved (unanimous). Items included: change order with Durable Specialties ($75,225) for additional curb and pavement repairs at a signal location; purchase of a Toro Track compact utility loader ($66,744) for parks; changes to library meeting-room policies and code of conduct (including disallowing vaping and eliminating a notary requirement for reservations); a resolution approving agreement with Dallas County to pursue $4,600,000 in Major Capital Improvements Program funding for the Lovers Lane/Miracle Mile project; sole-source authorization for decorative Miracle Mile streetlights ($134,352); and approval of March 4 meeting minutes. - Item 25-056 (Miracle Mile improvements) — Motion to award contract to SYB Construction Company approved (unanimous). Staff recommended award to SYB based on scoring of proposals and schedule availability. Vote recorded as unanimous aye votes by those present.

What remains: staff said they will conduct public outreach meetings before major construction impacts begin, finalize parking-mitigation agreements and coordinate with Dallas County and DART on funding and schedule requirements. Council members may request follow-up on easement documentation for private parcels within the project corridor.