RUE partners Jeremy Zidell, Bennett Bark and Michael Nagy have been churning out some of the hottest real estate projects in Dallas, striving to make positive, long-lasting impacts on communities.
RUE partners Michael Nagy, Jeremy Zidell and Bennett Bark
Tell us about the inspiration behind RUE?
Jeremy Zidell: RUE was inspired out of the recognition that the real estate industry was ripe for a company whose approach to progress and innovation looked largely to the human spirit. In a world that is windburned by the incredible pace of advancement specific to data and technology, RUE wants to achieve a sense of nostalgia and revival from within the workplace. We are big believers in investment in youth. We love that with youth we maximize our exposure to creative thought and entrepreneurialism.
What’s your design philosophy?
JZ: From an aesthetic perspective, I would classify our design as midcentury-modern industrial. We were very intentional in creating a work environment that harmonized the wonderful imperfections of the exposed brick with a design eye that took inspiration mostly from the 1950s and ’60s. … If anything, we wanted our space to feel genuine and sincere and therefore comfortable to stay awhile.
The firm’s midcentury-modern industrial office space, the bullpen is topped by a custom steel planter. “By adding live plants there,” says Zidell, “we thought that would create a real softening effect and overall texture to our floor plan.”
Why is Dallas such a hot real estate market?
Bennett Bark: Dallas has incredible fundamentals. We have a very pro-business local economy, a sprawling landscape and a relatively low cost of living—coupled with no state income tax.
What makes development here unique?
BB: As the retail landscape across the country is changing, it’s exciting to see Dallas change with it. We will always be known for NorthPark and Highland Park Village, but we have a lot of amazing retail projects and neighborhoods that are in the midst of change or being redeveloped. From Deep Ellum to Uptown to the Design District, each of these areas is reinventing itself; it brings an excitement and energy to the city. We just want to do our part in assisting this as much as we can.
How does your approach to the market evolve as the retail environment is forever in flux?
BB: It’s why we love this industry—the forever influx, the changing of the retail and restaurant landscape, the feeling you get when you walk into a new retail concept for the first time, trying the newest fitness class, the excitement of getting a reservation at the new restaurant. We are lucky to work with our clients across the country and have an understanding of emerging trends in the most innovative markets from coast to coast.
Describe your community involvement.
JZ: We think of the word community as having a spectrum of definitions. We are highly involved in the real estate community on a national front. We love working with brokers, consultants, landlords, tenants, architects and more from across the country. We offer our time and mentorship to those seeking guidance in the business and are highly collaborative as a core value of our company. By definition, it means we are highly welcoming in terms of working alongside and for other companies in our space as we accomplish our clients’ goals. … Our people have sat on the boards and made substantial contributions in support of local charities such as The Wilkinson Center. We support our neighborhood through our efforts with the Deep Ellum Foundation. We cleaned the streets with others in the wake of June’s looting. We have funded, decorated and donated hundreds of lunches for underprivileged children to the Vogel Alcove. In locking arms with local retailer Rye 51/Q Clothier, we donated over 6,000 masks to various facilities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We take our commitment to community very seriously and will continue to give back in lots of great ways.
Any projects you can’t wait to unveil?
JZ: As we continue to focus on the urban cores across the country, we are about to announce a redevelopment of one of Dallas’ best addresses. Stay tuned!
Photography by: Courtesy of RUE
