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Grand Prairie to demolish aging buildings, build amphitheater and narrower Main Street as downtown revamp begins
Summary
City leaders said the city will remove the old annex and financial buildings, begin an amphitheater project at City Hall, consider demolishing Calvary and work with TxDOT on a long-term Main Street redesign that could finish construction around 2028.
City officials said the long-planned downtown redevelopment will begin with building removals and site preparation, followed by new public amenities and a street redesign meant to improve walkability.
"The old annex building and the old financial building will be removed, starting to make way for what we've got going," City Manager Bill Hill said on the 2025 State of the City program. Officials said the iconic architectural elements removed earlier have been placed in safekeeping and will be incorporated into new development.
Officials said the city is evaluating the possible demolition of the Calvary building further west on Main Street and noted construction has already started on a new Sonic. Mayor Ron Jensen described plans for an amphitheater "right in front of the City Hall where the fountain is." He said the project also would include an apartment complex "of about 300 and some rooms" and provide downtown parking.
City leaders said they are working with the Texas Department of Transportation on a long-term plan to convert the current four-lane Main Street into a two-lane, walkable corridor with sidewalks and a median. Hill said construction of the first phases might be finished around 2028, with further transformation occurring as new businesses move in.
Officials said asbestos in older buildings made removal and replacement a safer and more economical option than renovation. The program did not include detailed project budgets or a phased construction schedule.
