Henry S Miller III, a developer and steward of a century-old Dallas real estate empire, died Saturday at the age of 79, his family confirmed.
Miller was a driver of high-profile real estate projects around North Texas, including mixed-user and pedestrian-friendly developments, even before such ideas became more common in the U.S.
Miller’s most notable project was arguably the West Village, the mixed-use development that covers roughly 400,000 square feet in Uptown. The project opened roughly 25 years ago and has become one of the city’s enduring attractions and a model for the modern mixed-use project that incorporated residential, shopping, dining, homes and other amenities.
He played a key role at Dallas-based commercial real estate firm Henry S. Miller, which was founded by his grandfather in 1914.
D-FW Retail News
He also played an important role with Highland Park Village and its ascent into luxury retail. His father, Henry S. Miller, Jr., and the family purchased it in 1976. The father-son duo oversaw a meticulous revitalization that elevated its profile, even as it looked to preserve its character.
Through Henry III’s tenure, the center’s shops would include luxury brands not yet located in Texas. The family sold the property in 2009 to developer Ray Washburne.
Henry III was also involved in the Preston Royal Shopping Center, a property developed by his father alongside Trammel Crow in 1958.
Henry S Miller III was a founder of the family’s Houston office and served as director of the firm’s Investment Property Division from 1973 to 1978.
From 1986 to 2009, he served as managing partner of Miller Family Investments and Highland Park Village.
Henry S Miller III was Dallas native and graduate of Southern Methodist University.
He is survived by his children Kathryn Miller Rabey and her children Nicholas, Maximilian, and Olivia; Henry S. Miller IV and his wife Lydia, and their children Henry, Jack, Owen, and Mimi; Michael Alexander Miller and his wife Lindsey, and their children Layton Garrett, Miles, and Samuel; and Alexander Lewis Miller.
“My beloved Uncle Henry was a pioneering real estate developer who revolutionized the urban infill retail and residential mixed use market with West Village,” said Greg Miller, CEO and president of Henry S. Miller Companies.