New Hope For Empty Dallas Skyscraper?

A new plan is being introduced by a Dallas firm to breathe new life into a now empty downtown skyscraper.  The Dallas Morning News reports Rees Architecture is just one of several interested in doing something with the now empty nearly 50 year-old black and white striped Elm Place Tower.  The 1.5 million square foot 52 story building has been vacant since earlier this year, but, architects are already envisioning 600 mostly affordable apartment units.  SMU economist Mike Davis says with all the luxury living downtown that would be a smart move, but he says all the pieces would have to fall into place for a complex that big to be a success.  Grocery stores and other day-to-day retailers would have to go in first.  The firm says if funding is secured, they'd make Elm Place the greenest building in Dallas by putting in efficient generators and solar panels.