BDT & MSD, Trammell Crow Break Ground on 300K SF Office Tower in Dallas

• BDT & MSD Partners and Trammell Crow Company launch 300,000 SF office project
• Anchored by a 76,000 SF lease from Jones Day
• Part of broader 1M SF Knox Street mixed-use development

What the groundbreaking means for office development activity

Construction is officially underway at 4544 McKinney Avenue, marking a notable office start in a market where new development has been more selective. The 12-story project, Knox & McKinney, signals continued confidence in high-end, boutique office product, even as broader office demand remains uneven nationally. Breaking ground with an anchor tenant already secured significantly reduces leasing risk and improves financing confidence.

What the tenant commitment means for lease-up

Law firm Jones Day has pre-leased 76,000 square feet, giving the project a strong foundation ahead of delivery. This type of early commitment is critical in today’s office environment. It demonstrates demand for premium, well-located space and helps attract additional tenants during lease-up. For landlords, pre-leasing at this scale improves cash flow visibility and exit potential.

What the project scale means for positioning

The development will deliver 280,000 square feet of office space along with 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. Rather than a massive corporate tower, the project is being positioned as a boutique office environment, with curated amenities like a tenant lounge, fitness center, and conference facilities. This reflects a shift in office strategy where quality, experience, and location are prioritized over sheer size.

What the Knox Street master plan means for long-term value

Knox & McKinney is part of the larger Knox Street development, a mixed-use district totaling roughly one million square feet. That broader ecosystem includes office, retail, and lifestyle components, creating a walkable, amenity-rich environment that supports both tenant demand and rent growth. For investors, being part of a master-planned district enhances long-term value by ensuring consistent foot traffic and sustained neighborhood activation.

What the capital stack means for institutional confidence

The project is backed by financing from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, with JLL arranging the deal. Institutional capital involvement signals strong confidence in both the developers and the submarket. Even in a cautious lending environment, high-quality projects with pre-leasing and strong sponsorship continue to secure funding.