RED Development announced that international law firm Akin Gump has leased nearly three floors within the 22-story office tower, totaling over 68,000 square feet, at The Union Dallas, which broke ground last year and is under development.
Within the next two years, the firm will move its existing Dallas-area office to the 800,000 square-foot, mixed-use destination that includes a Class-AA office tower, a 23-story apartment building, retail, a variety of dining options from white tablecloth to fast-casual, an outdoor central plaza with a park-like setting, and a 60,000 square-foot Tom Thumb grocery store.
“With offices around the globe, we’re excited to have such a distinguished brand like Akin Gump join the office mix at The Union Dallas,” said Mike Ebert, managing partner at RED Development. “The firm is a great addition, and its more than 150 on-site employees will help support the other components of the project. The Union is now more than 60 percent leased and the office tower is shaping up to be the most prestigious business address in the city.”
Akin Gump’s Dallas office is home to approximately 100 lawyers and advisers, more than 170 total personnel, and many of the firm’s key practices, including corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, investment funds, private equity, tax, litigation, intellectual property, financial restructuring, outsourcing and technology and real estate and finance.
“Our firm was founded in Dallas over 70 years ago, and this move reflects our commitment to maintaining a strong and dynamic presence in this city for many years to come,” said Kim Koopersmith, Akin Gump chairperson.
Dallas partner in charge Ken Menges added, “By making this move, we are gaining a great new space in which to serve and receive our clients that emphasizes efficiency, convenience and collaboration. We look forward to welcoming clients old and new to our Uptown location.”
The Union Dallas provides easy access to many main thoroughfares into and out of the Downtown and Uptown areas. It is also ideally located within walking distance of Dallas’ premier sports, entertainment, museum and outdoor park venues. Designed by Dallas-based architect, HKS, Inc., the contemporary blue-hued office tower offers sweeping views of the city with unparalleled conveniences and amenities to tenants.
In recent months, RED has announced leases with The Henry and North Italia, both Fox Restaurant Concepts; Vinson & Elkins, one of the nation’s largest law firms; and Weaver, the largest independent accounting firm in the Southwest.
Located near American Airlines Center and delivering in 2018, RED Development announced The Union in May 2014, and is also leading the design and construction for the project.
Project plans for The Union Dallas include a 23-story residential tower with 309 apartments, a 22-story office tower above retail, restaurants, above- and below-grade parking and a shared amenity deck. Overall, the project is being designed to connect the many elements of nearby Dallas neighborhoods, with an energetic, 24/7 mix of uses in a sustainable, distinctive setting that features an engaging, open-air central plaza.
A wholly integrated commercial real estate company, RED Development maximizes asset value and performance for its high-quality retail and mixed-use portfolio that comprises 35 properties totaling 19 million square feet in 11 states. For more than 20 years, RED has been a preferred partner for national retailers and investors.
Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
