Developer Challenges Dallas Rezoning Decision for High-Rise

Ed Okpa, head of real estate consultancy Okpa Company, is challenging the Dallas City Planning Commission’s rejection of his rezoning request for Winners Tower, a proposed high‑rise in South Dallas. 

The commission voted against the proposal in October, citing concerns about potential displacement, the Dallas Business Journal reported. Okpa has since filed an appeal that will send the project directly to the Dallas City Council, which could vote on it as early as January and has the authority to override the commission with a simple majority.

The current project plan includes a 150 to 160‑room hotel and 60 to 65 condos on a site that now houses a pharmacy, event center, offices and the Winners Assembly Christian Church. 

The church is the property owner, with Okpa functioning as development adviser.

City staff previously recommended rezoning the site for buildings up to five stories, far below Okpa’s original 25‑story vision. He argued that South Dallas has long been overlooked and that a signature tower could help the area compete with more affluent parts of the city. 

While Okpa, who ran unsuccessfully for Dallas mayor in 2003, disputes claims of displacement of residents — emphasizing that no additional land acquisition is planned — he has indicated a willingness to scale the project down to roughly 20 stories.

Economic impact studies commissioned by the developer estimate the project would cost $240 million, create about 200 jobs, and generate roughly $9 million in annual tax revenue. Okpa has pledged to allocate $90 million in construction spending to minority‑owned firms. He also told commissioners that C‑PACE financing could cover about $70 million of the cost, supported by the tower’s planned solar‑energy components.

Okpa insists on condos rather than rental housing to promote long‑term ownership and stability. He also argued that South Dallas lacks quality hotels, despite its proximity to Fair Park, a major regional events hub, he told the Business Journal.

He believes skepticism from commissioners stems partly from doubts about financing, and partly from bias related to his Nigerian background and immigrant business partners, according to the Business Journal. Other minority entrepreneurs who have projects in the South Dallas market include Terrence Maiden’s Russell Glen Company and Rev. T.D. Jakes’ namesake firm, Reverend T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures.

Meanwhile, alternative visions for the site exist: Pastor Austin Anetekhai of Winners Assembly has floated an affordable housing tower with five to 13 stories.

South Dallas has seen limited high‑rise development. The only comparable tower to Okpa’s project is the 13‑story Park Manor, built in 1970, according to the Business Journal. 

— Joel Russell