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Developer to sell former Dallas Morning News building as revamp plans fade

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Developer to sell former Dallas Morning News building as revamp plans fade


The property developer who purchased The Dallas Morning News’ old headquarters is selling it to a data center provider, all but foreclosing on his original vision of transforming the property into a modern hotel and entertainment complex.

Ray Washburne, a local developer and co-owner of Highland Park Village, told The News in an interview that he had a buyer in contract for the landmark building, located at 508 Young Street — a stone’s throw from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, which is slated to undergo a massive overhaul.

Citing confidentiality, Washburne declined to provide a sale price, or the name of the buyer, but said it was “one of the major data companies.” The deal is expected to close in April, he added.

Chips and salsa — and dreams of a better Dallas — with Ray Washburne

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According to Washburne, the new buyer intends to preserve the original News edifice, including the three-story “Rock of Truth” stone facade inscribed with a credo about journalism, but will build a new addition on the back end of the building for its data needs.

Back in 2019, A. H. Belo Corporation sold the downtown campus to Washburne for $28 million, whose original idea was to turn it into a linchpin of the area’s revitalization.

“My intention was to turn in into an entertainment district, and I was waiting to see what would happen, but I couldn’t get anything out of the city,” Washburne said.

In a statement provided to The News, newly appointed Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert said, “[The city] remains committed to the delivery of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (KBHCC) master plan. With that in mind, we will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure strong collaboration to the benefit of all.”

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Washburne originally planned to turn the old newspaper campus into a hotel, entertainment and apartment development, but those ideas were upended by Dallas’ plan to spend at least $3.5 billion on a sprawling new convention center.

A lack of explanation from city officials about that plan prompted him to abandon his aspiration of turning it into Dallas’ analogue of San Antonio’s Pearl District, he told The News.

“My preference was to sell it to the city, or develop an entertainment district, but I never got clarity on what they wanted to do,” Washburne said, citing a lack of understanding about the new convention center’s layout.

“I wanted to do a joint venture, and I spent millions on plans, but I can’t go ahead without a firm understanding of what the city wants to do,” he added.

“Communication has been basically zero… [and] I’m not going to wait another 5 years.”

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The convention center reboot “is critical to the long term economic growth of the City,” Bizor Tolbert said.

“We have worked in good faith… but we will not negotiate something as critical as this in the press. We are scheduled to brief City Council on Wednesday during executive session, and will provide additional details as it appropriate,” she stated.

— Staff writer Devyani Chhetri contributed to this report



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Dallas, TX

Maxx Crosby-Ravens Trade Dead, Opening Perfect Cowboys Opportunity

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Maxx Crosby-Ravens Trade Dead, Opening Perfect Cowboys Opportunity


Dallas Cowboys Nation’s hopes of landing superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby were dashed last weekend when it was announced that he was being traded to the Baltimore Ravens. However, less than 24 hours before the new year, the trade has fallen apart.

On Tuesday night, the Las Vegas Raiders announced that the Ravens have backed out of the trade.

“The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby,” the statement read. “We will have no further comment at this time.”

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The news sends a major ripple for the league, with the Crosby sweepstakes once again open. Before his trade to the Ravens, the Cowboys were considered one of the teams closely monitoring the situation and a team that made a legitimate offer for Crosby.

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Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby leaves the field following a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

At this time, there is no word on why the trade between Las Vegas and Baltimore fell through. When the trade was first reported, the Raiders were set to receive a 2026 and 2027 first-round pick from the Ravens.

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Now, his future is in limbo. Before he was traded to the Ravens, it was believed that the Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Los Angeles Rams were the top candidates to land him. In fact, the Cowboys were “considered runner-ups” in the sweepstakes.

Dallas’ Original Trade Offer

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Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby reacts during the second half at SoFi Stadium. | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys initially offered the No. 12 overall pick in the 2026 draft, a 2027 second-round pick, and an unnamed veteran player.

“Dallas kept a hard line throughout. The franchise wasn’t willing to part with two first-round picks, hoping its 12th pick in April’s draft, plus a future second-rounder, would be enough to entice Las Vegas. Dallas was also willing to package a veteran player to sweeten the deal, but Vegas wasn’t interested in that. The Raiders prioritized picks,” Fowler wrote.

Last season, Crosby recorded 73 total tackles, 28 tackles for a loss, 20 quarterback hits, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception.

We’ll have to see if Dallas ends up being his new home, now that the team has a second chance to make something special happen, but there will be some serious competition. The 2026 NFL calendar year officially begins on Wednesday, March 11, at 4:00 p.m. ET.

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Dallas weather: Severe storms bring hail and tornado threats | See timing

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Dallas weather: Severe storms bring hail and tornado threats | See timing


Severe thunderstorms are forecast to return to North Texas late Tuesday, bringing threats of damaging hail, high winds and localized flooding. While the primary concerns are wind and hail, a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

Tuesday Forecast

Scattered showers and storms are expected to develop as a dryline to the west moves into the region. Storm conditions are expected to intensify as the day progresses.

The greatest concerns remain damaging winds and large hail. The leading edge of the storm front will likely be the most intense, with the potential for straight-line winds and brief spin-up tornadoes.

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LIVE Radar: Dallas-Fort Worth

Dallas Storms: Timing and Impact

The highest potential for severe weather in the Metroplex is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., though lingering activity could continue until 2 a.m. Wednesday. Residents are advised to seek shelter immediately if a warning is issued for their area.

7-Day Forecast

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A final round of storms is expected Wednesday, primarily between noon and 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. These storms carry a threat of half-dollar-sized hail and damaging winds. 

Behind this system, North Texas will dry out and briefly cool off. Sunny skies return Thursday with a high in the mid-60s. Temperatures will then warm into the upper 70s on Friday before a sunny weekend with highs in the low 80s.

The Source: Information in this article comes from the National Weather Service and FOX 4 forecasters.

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How a women-led nonprofit is helping South Dallas residents stay in their homes

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How a women-led nonprofit is helping South Dallas residents stay in their homes




How a women-led nonprofit is helping South Dallas residents stay in their homes – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth



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