The Real Estate Council’s Professional Development Program Kicks Off Catalyst Project in Mill City
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Local leaders are investing dollars and labor into a former Methodist church in the underserved Mill City neighborhood southeast of Fair Park.
Members of the Real Estate Council’s professional development program plan to renovate the former St. Luke Community United Methodist Church building into a permanent home for the Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center.
The TREC Associate Leadership Council’s project is just one piece of a three-year, $1 million Dallas Catalyst Project, a place-based economic development initiative. Last year TREC wrapped up nearly six years of work and 22 projects in the Forest District as part of the inaugural Dallas Catalyst Project.
In addition to the community outreach center, the catalyst project calls for renovating up to 18 vacant lots, upgrading infrastructure, creating a boxing gym, an urban farm, and up to eight affordable single-family homes, the Dallas Morning News reported in December.
The project is funded by TREC Community Investors. Collaborators include Mill City Community Association, Builders of Hope Community Development Corporation, and Urban Specialists.
Mill City Project Will Create ‘Self-Sustaining Pathways Out of Poverty’
The former St. Luke Community United Methodist Church building, vacant for more than a decade, was built in 1941 and rebuilt in 1956 after it was destroyed by a fire.
The church was led by Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. for over 30 years, and in 2020, the building was donated to the nonprofit organization.
The Zan Wesley nonprofit is dedicated to creating “self-sustaining pathways out of poverty for residents through trade skills and entrepreneurial training, job placement assistance, and financial and reading literacy services,” according to its website.
Jeff Matthews is chairing the TREC Associate Leadership Council Class of 2024 alongside ALC project managers Jessica Stroud and Ryan Daniel. Matthews said the project marks a long tradition of community investment from ALC classes as part of their growth toward becoming future commercial real estate leaders.
Since its creation, ALC has helped produce some of Dallas’ most notable industry trailblazers through unique opportunities that include classes, networking, and civic responsibility through real estate-related community service in the city’s most underserved neighborhoods officials said in a press release.
“The Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center renovation project furthers our program’s long tradition of community investment and embodies the goals of TREC Community Investors and the Dallas Catalyst Project,” Matthews said. “Until now, the Center’s leadership team never considered a permanent facility a possibility. With the help of our community partners, we’re making it a reality, and that’s something we’re really proud of.”
Renovation Project at Former St. Luke Community United Methodist Church
The ALC class project involves renovating the 2,020-square-foot former St. Luke Community United Methodist Church building to accommodate staff workspace, training and meeting rooms, an internet cafe, and coworking space.
Class members also plan to upgrade property aesthetics with landscaping, power washing, interior and exterior painting, flooring, and routine cleaning.
The renovation is slated for completion by the end of the year and will cost $393,385 with funding through TREC Community Investors, the philanthropic arm of TREC, and in-kind donations, said Mike Geisler, TREC chairman.
“The Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center plays an important role in the success of the Mill City community and its residents, and we’re excited to strengthen and expand the Center’s impact,” Geisler said. “The renovated, permanent facility will not only help ZWHCOC achieve its mission of creating self-sustaining pathways out of poverty for Dallas families and adults, but it will also help empower residents and instill a heightened sense of pride in Mill City, our ultimate goal through DCP.”
