East Dock to open this spring

Just before the curve of East Clarendon Drive, a historic site approaches a year in the process of being restored.

The 62,000-square-foot space, known as East Dock, will soon be home to a variety of shops, offices and businesses — all within century-old buildings.

According to East Dock’s website, since the early 1900s, the property has been home to Oak Cliff Ice & Cold Storage Co. and the Guiberson Corporation, which added metal warehouse buildings for their aircraft engine and parts factory. After sitting vacant over seven years, Proxy Properties took on the project.

“We really worked to prioritize local businesses and our neighbors,” says Haley Leavitt, manager of the community and business development. “Every person that we’ve met, we’ve met through weird happenstance.”

Leavitt says that these chance meetings, like running into each other at the pool a couple of times, are what is filling the building.

Some of the confirmed occupants include two athletic spaces that are already operating within East Dock, Abdias Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a weightlifting gym Archon Fitness & Performance.

For food and drink, Leavitt says Kuluntu Bakery is confirmed to move in along with a smoothie and açai shop.

Another food staple at East Dock will be the Latin-American restaurant Barro. The restaurant will highlight different countries through food every three months bringing in a Chopped winning chef from Colorado, Leavitt says.

The building has the potential to host a maker space in the 9,000-square-foot section where machinery for creatives could be accessed through a membership for artists. She also says that they hope to prioritize interior tenants to be things that don’t require a lot of public foot traffic, such as office spaces, while keeping retail spaces accessible with a storefront.

By providing those storefronts at East Dock, she says that each business space can feel like they have their own autonomy.

The annual Oak Cliff Art Walk was the first time the space was open to the public in October. Leavitt says that the opportunity not only helps creatives but gives locals the chance to understand that East Dock is here.

Businesses and nonprofits will continue to move in February through April, with an official completion of the project expected in spring 2026.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article was published Sept. 10, 2025. This version of the article is a part of our 25 moments of 2025 for the January 2026 print edition and has been edited to meet the style of our print publication.

Abdias Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Family-owned academy offers classes in both Gi and No-Gi formats, self-defense and a supportive, community-oriented training environment.

Archon Weightlifting

Training space for small group fitness classes and personalized Olympic programs.

Barro

Latin-American restaurant and market.

Bite: Sushi & Tapas

Chef-ownered branch of Yume Foods with a strong emphasis on Japanese culinary techniques and premium ingredients.

Halperin Park

Corporate office of the five-acre bridge park that will span I-35E between Ewing and Marsalis Avenues.

Kuluntu Bakery

Nonprofit bakery that specializes in small-batch sourdough bread and South African-inspired pastries.

Lola’s Cantina & Snacks

A hangout spot for snacks, cocktails and vibes

Oak Cliff Revival

Curated destination with sustainably sourced vintage and local goods.

Rough Draft Makers Collective

Membership space where individuals can use creative resources and participate in workshops. Supplies include everything from leatherwork, paper crafts, candle making, and beauty products to ceramics, photography and more.

The Lucky Crew

A Japanese-inspired arcade boutique with claw machines and skill-based games that offers high-quality licensed plushies and collectibles.

Eight businesses and organizations will move in every month between December and April. Future openings are planned for May with activations in June for FIFA with Halperin Park and Dallas Zoo.

East Dock is always looking for ways to collaborate and activate the property. If any arts or community organizations need space for programming, email Haley Leavitt at info@proxypropertymgmt.com.