Ken Hughes, Mockingbird Station Developer, Dies After Brief Illness

Mockingbird Station developer Ken Hughes has died. Hughes was instrumental in the birth of this mixed-use development that still remains a standard-bearer in Dallas. (Photo: Dallas Morning News)

We were saddened to hear that the developer of the transit-oriented development by which North Texas judges all other rail-adjacent construction, Mockingbird Station, has passed.

Ken Hughes was the brains behind the mixed-use project that was anchored to the DART Rail station on Mockingbird Lane near US 75. It was a revolutionary concept when built in 2001, and still remains the standard-bearer for much of Dallas’ urban mixed use projects.

As Steve Brown reported today, Hughes passed after a brief illness:

Hughes’ other developments include the Quadrangle in Uptown, 3311 Oak Lawn and the Pavilion shopping center in Houston.

He first gained recognition in local real estate working for the legendary Henry S. Miller.

And he handled the leasing of retail space in downtown’s Plaza of the Americas.

But it was Mockingbird Station – the first true transit oriented development in Dallas – where Hughes made his true mark in the local property market.

“The world has lost a great man and a visionary real estate developer,” said longtime family friend Michael Jackson, with Wynne/Jackson Inc.

Rest in peace, Ken.