Dallas May Buy Old JCPenney Store

By BJ Austin, KERA News

Dallas, TX – The Dallas City Council is getting into the shopping mall business at least for a little while.

The Economic Development committee has approved a plan to spend 97 thousand dollars for a six-month option to buy the vacant JC Penney store at Southwest Center Mall.

Councilman Tennell Atkins urged approval.

Atkins: What are we trying to accomplish here? I think we're trying to save a neighborhood. I think we're trying to save a community.

Purchase price for the property is about two million dollars. That money would come from a public-private partnership fund in the 2010 city budget. Officials decline to give details, but say the purchase is part of a "deal" that's in the works to revitalize the ailing South Dallas mall.

The full city council must give final approval to buy the old JC Penney site.

Email BJ Austin