Thanksgiving Foundation outlines $20M–$30M vision to expand Thanksgiving Square into a downtown district

The Thanksgiving Foundation presented a multi‑million dollar plan on Feb. 18 to expand Thanksgiving Square into a Thanksgiving District in downtown Dallas and asked the Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee for city coordination and public support.

The project team described new public‑facing elements — including a large shade structure (stoa), pop‑up vendor spaces, ramps to make the chapel ADA‑compliant and a new restaurant/event building — and said fundraising would cover construction and endowment costs estimated in the low tens of millions. “My ask of you is to understand what we’re trying to accomplish here and to get behind us and help us make this a reality for the city of Dallas,” said Mr. Ogden, presenting the plan and identified later in the meeting as the project lead.

The committee was told the vision is intended to preserve the Square’s original mission while increasing accessibility and downtown activation. The presentation described Thanksgiving Square’s history,…