300 North Ervay Street, Dallas, TX 75201
The Republic Bank Center redevelopment is a story about a passion for truly unique iconic buildings. This project was a partnership between The Whitmore Company, Roseland Property Company and The Koll Bren Company.
The Republic Bank Building (36 floors) and the Republic Bank Tower (50 floors) were once the headquarters of the largest bank in the state of Texas. Both buildings were iconic for decades to the downtown Dallas skyline due to their aluminum clad skin, the altered four point Texas star, and the “rocket” tower on the bank building. Unfortunately, during the late 1980’s, the bank was absorbed by Bank of America and the headquarters buildings were vacated, and subsequently purchased by an investor. The Whitmore Company successfully negotiated a contract to purchase the buildings, and subsequently initiated the redevelopment of the entire complex which had approximately 1.8 million square feet of space.
The underwriting for this renovation of these buildings was in itself a tremendous exercise. Dee Brown of Dee Brown Masonry assisted Mr. Aston in this effort by assembling every major general contractor, subcontractor and architect in the Dallas area to meet in one room. Mr. Brown stated that the rules were they had to work for free during the underwriting process. He pointed out that these were world class buildings and their efforts would result in a better Dallas. Not one contractor refused the “no pay” offer and within one year the buildings were purchased and the work began.
The property has since been sold and under the management of different owners.