The downtown Dallas Neiman Marcus took a step toward getting more recognition for its longtime place in the city.
On Monday, the Dallas Landmark Commission approved a public hearing to consider starting the historic designation process for the building, which is located at 1618 Main St. in the heart of the city.
The store’s place downtown stretches back more than a century, a place of local pride and high-end luxury items. The designation would open it up to potential incentives for redevelopment, but could also limit what changes are made.
Neiman Marcus’ owner has not announced what it plans to do with the 9-story structure.
“This iconic building holds deep historical, architectural, and cultural significance to the city of Dallas, the State of Texas, and the broader United States, making it deserving of recognition and protection under local, state, and national preservation programs,” said Jason Harper, a landmark commissioner, in a letter that was provided in the agenda that supported the historical designation.
The Neiman Marcus store is set to close at the end of September after local efforts to save it fell short. In June, Exemplar Luxury Group — which includes Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue — announced the completion of its restructuring process and emergence from chapter 11 under new ownership.
During the meeting on Monday, Andrew Woodworth, chief legal officer for Exemplar Luxury Group, spoke to the commission, noting that the Neiman Marcus site is a historic building.
“We have a great deal of experience with historic buildings,” Woodworth said and noted the city’s own stake in the property. “… I want to be respectful of the process and be a part of it.”