Dean Cardwell Named to ULI Dallas Commercial Retail Council

Bohler Principal Dean Cardwell has been appointed to the ULI Dallas Chapter’s Commercial Retail Council (CRC); a group dedicated to advancing the commercial retail sector in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The CRC serves as a platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas and explore the latest trends in retail property development, rehabilitation, reuse, and acquisition. With a focus on best practices in financing, leasing, management, and asset disposition, the council aims to drive innovative retail development in the region.

We caught up with Dean to learn more about his role and how the council plans to support retail growth across DFW.

Where do you see the most opportunity for retail development in DFW?

The most significant opportunities for retail development in Dallas-Fort Worth are emerging in two distinct areas: the suburbs and the urban core. In the suburbs, we’re seeing strong demand for new retail spaces driven by population growth and residential expansion.

There’s also a lot of momentum in the redevelopment of urban spaces, particularly in Dallas’ urban core. A notable trend is the transformation of traditional malls into vibrant, outdoor mixed-use centers. These projects blend retail with multifamily, entertainment, and dining options, creating dynamic environments that appeal to both residents and visitors.

Wynnewood Village is a great success story. A once-popular shopping center that had declined is currently being revitalized after the shopping center owner worked closely with the city to secure funding for critical public infrastructure within the center. This redevelopment is not only rejuvenating the shopping center but also sparked growth in surrounding neighborhoods, including the addition of market-rate apartments—something previously unimaginable.

What are the challenges that the retail community is facing right now?

One of the key challenges, particularly in areas like Preston and Park in Plano, is the disconnect between the market demand and local zoning regulations. On one side you have shopping center owners and developers who are eager to meet the demand of the market by creating highly active, mixed-use centers that incorporate multifamily housing alongside retail. On the other side are city officials, staff, and adjacent residents who are hesitant to support this change due to the unknown effect this blend of uses may have within their communities.

Balancing the market demand for vibrant, integrated spaces with local zoning and community preferences is a complex issue that requires unique solutions which do not always fit the prototypical mold. Therefore, shopping center owners and developers need to explore each opportunity with an open mind and be prepared to negotiate on the deal points to bring their projects to life.

How can the Commercial Retail Council help to address those challenges?

The Council helps by fostering collaboration between developers, city officials, and residents. By creating opportunities for open dialogue, we can present data and case studies that show the benefits of mixed-use developments and address common concerns, such as noise, lighting, or increased traffic. Through town hall-style discussions, the Council can work to dispel misconceptions, highlight successful projects, and demonstrate how thoughtful design can mitigate, or even alleviate, many of their concerns.

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For example, companies like Brixmor, Edens, and Kimco are at the national and local forefront of revitalizing strip malls and outdated retail spaces into more active, mixed-use developments that not only support retail but also integrate residential and other uses.

How does your role on this Council create opportunities for Bohler’s clients?

My position creates valuable opportunities for Bohler’s clients by giving us a direct connection to key players in the development community, including city leaders and decision-makers. Being part of this council allows me to stay informed about the latest trends, zoning challenges, and opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which helps guide our clients in the right direction for their projects.

As I build relationships with city officials and other developers, it becomes much easier to open doors for our clients when they’re working in those jurisdictions. I can leverage the connections made through the Council to facilitate smoother, more productive conversations on behalf of our clients, helping them navigate regulatory processes and move their projects forward more efficiently.

What is your personal connection to supporting this Council?

It comes from a desire to be part of the solution. It’s easy to sit back and complain about the challenges in development, but I believe in taking action and being involved in shaping the future. Joining the council gives me a voice and the opportunity to help influence decisions that impact our neighborhoods and communities in a positive way.

With nearly 30 years of experience across multiple states and jurisdictions, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t in various areas. This allows me to bring transferable solutions to the table that can be applied to the challenges we face.

My motivation is to share that knowledge and help steer discussions toward productive outcomes. As Dallas continues to grow, sprawl alone isn’t the answer. We need to address these issues head-on to create more sustainable, well-planned communities. Being on the council allows me to contribute to that effort and work toward solutions that will benefit everyone.

Ready to move forward in Dallas? Contact Dean.