The stretch of Henderson Avenue between Glencoe Street and McMillan Avenue is in the middle of a major transformation, one that aims to turn a once-quiet corridor into one of Dallas’ most walkable and inviting districts. Over the next couple of years, this quarter-mile strip will become a modern mixed-use neighborhood with new sidewalks, landscaping, retail, chef-driven restaurants, and an office building designed with hotel-style amenities.
The project, a collaboration between Acadia Realty Trust and Dallas-based Ignite-Reebees, includes ten buildings with tens of thousands of square feet dedicated to dining, shopping, workspaces, and community gathering areas. It’s being built from the ground up to feel pedestrian-friendly, social, and full of energy—something Henderson Avenue has always hinted at but never fully delivered.
At the center of this redevelopment is Romy, the first restaurant announced for Henderson East and a concept meant to signal the tone of the entire district. Created by well-known restaurateur Tristan Simon, with partners Taryn Anderson and chef Matt Ford, Romy is designed to evolve throughout the day. In the morning and afternoon, it will function as an elevated bakery-café with house-made pastries, espresso drinks, and light seasonal dishes. In the evening, it will shift into a modern American restaurant featuring handmade pastas, wood-roasted meats, and a thoughtful wine program. The name comes from Anderson’s oldest daughter, a personal touch that mirrors the intimate, warm style the team wants to create.
The space is being crafted by designer Kate Murphy and the Rebees Hospitality team, who are leaning into natural materials—oak, marble, brass, and hand-finished plaster—to bring a sense of calm and sophistication to the restaurant. Outdoor seating will play a major role, connecting Romy directly to the walkable vision of the wider development. Beyond serving diners, Romy is also expected to support the office tenants within Henderson East by providing breakfast and lunch service, catering, and even in-office dining experiences, blending hospitality seamlessly into the workday.
Construction on the development began in 2024, and its first office-over-retail building has already gone vertical. The full project is expected to reach completion in late 2026, with Romy slated to open in December of that year. For East Dallas, this marks the beginning of a new chapter—one where Henderson Avenue becomes a neighborhood people can stroll, linger, and return to throughout the day. And for Dallas diners, Romy hints at a future where thoughtful design, flexible dining, and a strong sense of place come together in a single destination.
