Cedar Hill Reimagines Downtown Development Site as a Vibrant Interim Park
by: D CEO Staff
D CEO Magazine
On a 2.68-acre stretch of downtown Cedar Hill once waiting for its next chapter, there’s now a reason to stop and stay.
Colorful shade structures rise over outdoor seating. Trees and public art soften the property, while open space makes room for markets, events and other gatherings. The site, known as “Phillips Property,” has become a temporary park, giving residents a place to use today while Cedar Hill considers what could eventually take shape there.
Owned by the Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation, it will be an interim community gathering space while the City seeks the right partner to create a permanent mixed-use development featuring restaurants, retail, entertainment, open space or other complementary uses.
The temporary activation creates value today while building visibility and momentum for future investment. It also allows prospective developers to see how the property can attract people, support events, and contribute to a more active and connected Historic Downtown.
A temporary use with a purpose for Phillips Property
The interim park features an interactive asphalt mural, colorful shade structures, containerized trees, outdoor seating and flexible open space. More than 450 ft. of banners have also transformed the temporary fence along the back of the property into a large public art installation, making the site more welcoming, visible and memorable during the development process.
The City officially opened the interim park on Saturday, Aug. 22, with a community celebration featuring live music, coffee, mimosas, food trucks and a community toast to the future of the property. The Cedar Hill Farmers Market was also brought into the park to help activate the space.
The celebration provided an early look at the property’s ability to support markets, community events, pop-ups and other Historic Downtown experiences.
A larger vision for Historic Downtown
The long-term vision for the Phillips Property is guided by the Heart of the Hill Downtown Action Plan. The plan was adopted by the City of Cedar Hill in early 2026 following nearly a year of community engagement. Feedback from residents, businesses and other stakeholders helped shape a vision for thoughtful growth that reflects what the community wants to see and experience in Historic Downtown.
Positioned in the heart of downtown along Belt Line Rd., the site has the potential to generate new activity and support a walkable mixed-use development that brings together dining, shopping, entertainment, recreation and inviting public space.
To view the Heart of the Hill Downtown Action Plan, learn more about the Phillips Property, or explore development opportunities in Cedar Hill, visit GrowCedarHill.com.
City of Cedar Hill has been selected to receive the Silver Planning Achievement Award in the Urban Design category from the American Planning Association Texas Chapter (APA Texas) for Heart of the Hill: An Action Plan for Downtown Cedar Hill. The City will be formally recognized during the APA Texas Annual Conference this October.
“The Phillips Property represents one of the most important development opportunities in Downtown Cedar Hill,” said Henry Florsheim, director of economic development for the City. “We saw an opportunity to demonstrate its potential while we pursue the right long-term partner.”