Dallas isn’t usually known for being the most pedestrian-friendly city, but city planners are working to change that. According to the Dallas Business Journal, Dallas-based Merriman Anderson/Architects proposed a walkable extension of key routes in Downtown Dallas.

The architecture firm issued their proposal for a route that includes the Farmers Market and Deep Ellum between Commerce and Harwood Streets. It would allow more walkable routes for pedestrians in downtown. This is in addition to plans already in progress or under consideration for expanded trolley service and DART light-rail routes.

The proposal was recently pitched at a meeting of the Urban Land Institute, where it was described by the title “The Statler Corridor.” It includes the Statler Hilton, the Old Dallas Public Library, and the new Harwood Garage and Residency.

"This would link a lot of areas, which is important," said Jerry Merriman, president of Merriman Anderson Architects, in the Dallas Business Journal. "There's so much awareness right now on the city center of Dallas and there's so much interest in the Statler building itself."

The parking garage is already under construction. When it is completed, construction will begin on the residential tower above the garage. The parking garage will have room for 500 to 600 cars. The residential development will have between 180 to 300 individual homes.

The Statler Hotel is just one of several redevelopment projects currently in the works in Downtown Dallas. Many people, including Statler developer Mehrdad Moayedi and the members of the Urban Land Institute, are focused on trying to shape and reinvent the face of Downtown Dallas.