Merriman Anderson Architects (MAA) has carved a significant niche in Dallas’ urban core over the past 25 years.
Positioned at the intersection of Commerce and Ervay, MAA has played a pivotal role in redeveloping downtown Dallas, with notable projects including the Allen building, the Statler Hotel, and the old Dallas Library, which now houses The Dallas Morning News.
Throughout its history, MAA has revitalized more than 20 vacant buildings into vibrant apartments, hotels, offices, and educational institutions.
In an interview with MAA principals Milton Anderson, David Masters, Jennifer Picquet-Reyes, and John Carruth, the firm shared insights on their commitment to transforming the city from within.
When asked about their focus on downtown Dallas, Masters recounted a personal connection.
He stated, “Jerry Merriman actually worked for George Dahl early in his career, so I think there was a real passion there.” Their journey began in the early 1990s when they were engaged in tenant work for Trammell Crow while still based in Preston Center.
Upon initiating the Interurban project, they realized the need to establish a downtown presence for their downtown work.
Masters noted, “Downtown is home. And at that time, downtown needed us.”
MAA is known for its numerous historic renovations, leading to a question about what generally prompts these transformations.
Picquet-Reyes explained the importance of the city’s natural life cycle, stating, “When we moved into downtown Dallas, there were roughly 30 buildings that were completely vacant.
We converted 20 or 22, many of which were Class B or Class C offices.
These buildings were unlikely to attract new tenants and remained vacant for decades.”
The conversation shifted to properties that posed challenges for renovation.
Carruth revealed that current projects are often not historic buildings, with many perceived as unviable.
He remarked, “The truth is, we’ve studied a lot of buildings, but not all of them got done, mostly because of financial reasons.”
Picquet-Reyes concurred, acknowledging that financial constraints have halted several projects.
However, she emphasized the various financial incentives available, mentioning collaborations with the city of Dallas on TIF funding, PACE financing, and historic tax credits, which many clients have utilized.
As they contemplated the future of downtown, the principals discussed its evolution beyond a central business district.
Carruth envisions a mixed-use and entertainment landscape, highlighting the transformative potential of the upcoming changes at the Kay Bailey Convention Center.
He stated, “That project is going to allow the Cedars to really be enveloped into downtown.
And if — or when — the high-speed rail comes, how it connects to our existing light rail system will be a big deal too.”
Anderson added that a vibrant residential community is developing, noting, “There are great places to live now.
I’ve got friends who moved from Garland and elsewhere into downtown, partly because of the new schools coming in.
There are jobs here, there are corporations here.
Now, people can actually live this urban lifestyle that didn’t feel possible before.”
Looking ahead to the next 25 years, the firm’s ambitions remain robust.
Masters shared that MAA has ongoing projects around City Hall, with hopes for significant development in the coming years.
He expressed a particular interest in growth south of I-30 while also expanding their presence beyond Dallas.
With an office already in Fort Worth and a recently opened location in Covington, Ky., Masters noted the need for their expertise in new markets.
When discussing plans for additional offices nationwide, Masters clarified, “Growth is always important, but it’s just never been what drives us.
Many firms, especially in engineering and architecture, have been acquired by companies focused solely on scaling, often compromising quality in the process.”
Anderson concluded, highlighting their commitment to maintaining a manageable size: “We’ve never had to grow too big.
I think we’re around 70 people now, maybe a little more.
But we’ve always stayed in that 55-70 range.
The reason is simple: The quality of what we do and the timeliness we do it in.”
As Merriman Anderson Architects continues to influence the fabric of Dallas, their dedication to quality and community transformation stands clear as they look toward a vibrant future.
image source from：dallasnews
