The year was 1931 and things were changing dramatically all over America.
It was the year Nevada legalized gambling, and when the United States officially adopted the “Star Spangles Banner” as our national anthem. The Empire State Building was dedicated in New York City, while Chicago mob boss Al Capone was convicted of income tax evasion.
And in Dallas, a startling new concept known as Highland Park Village was opening, one that would change the course of retail in America
A few years earlier, developers decided that the Town of Highland Park needed a shopping destination that could function as a town square.
They reportedly traveled to Spain touring Barcelona and Seville, as well as to Mexico and California, meticulously studying the design in order to plan an exciting new concept in retail.
A pair of prominent architects created the Mediterranean-style masterpiece, which is the heart of the town. Located at the corner of Mockingbird Lane and Preston Road, it’s often referred to by locales as “Downtown Highland Park.”
Over the years, the Town of Highland Park, a separate region now located within the boundaries of the City of Dallas, has grown into one of America’s most posh communities, rivaling even Beverly Hills on the west coast
By 1935, the Village Theater, widely considered Texas’s first luxury cinema, opened on the property at an astounding cost of $100,000. Volk’s Shoes (later a department store), S&S Tearoom, and Hunt’s Grocery were also counted among the shopping park’s original stores.
In 1941, Cooter’s Village Camera set up shop. Then in 1953, underground parking was added to keep pace with a flood of cars and other transportation options as Dallas grew into a society of mobility.
Highland Park Village was gaining significant traction as an exclusive locale – exclusive, and open-air with an emphasis on style and luxury.
There was a steady stream of openings and events as the first Christmas Tree lighting was staged in 1976. Two years later Ralph Lauren opened a 6,000 square-foot store, which later expanded to over 13,000 square feet becoming the largest in Texas.
In 1981, Highland Park Village celebrated a milestone: its 50th anniversary. For years it had been considered a model for other successful shopping venues around the country. Now it had the enviable longevity other places could only dream about.
1986 was another banner year in the development of Highland Park Village. It changed management and started the process of repositioning it with special touches and the introduction of international brands such as Chanel (Hermes had opened the prior year, just one of two in the state), while earning its own historical marker. In 1992 Escada’s flagship store opened which open a steady stream of iconic brands including Baretta, the world’s oldest firearm company, Jimmy Choo, Fendi, Valentino, and more
Over 80 years after opening, Highland Park Village has evolved with the seasons and the times. It is considered Dallas’s premier open-air shopping and dining destination.
With its elegant mix of the world’s top fashion brands including Alexander McQueen, Brunello Cucinelli, Carolina Herrera, Dior, Goyard, Tom Ford, Harry Winston and others, Highland Park Village is also home to contemporary favorites, as well as important designers with deep local connections such as Lela Rose.
Dining experiences at one of the eleven restaurants spread around the area include quick and modest, to elegantly magnificent including Bird Bakery, The Juice Bar, Starbucks, Yo! Lobster, The Honor Bar, Bistro 31, Fachini, Mi Cocina, Café Pacific
During Christmastime, Highland Park Village is a must-see for any seasonal celebration, window shopping among 1.5 million brilliantly sparkling lights on display through the property. Enthusiastic shoppers take full advantage of holiday carriage rides through area neighborhoods to see the many elaborate displays while sipping hot chocolate. Highland Park Village is the top, central destination for luxury shopping in or out of the holiday season in Dallas.