A popular European-based wellness mega resort could be heading to Downtown Dallas.
Austria-based Therme Group wants to expand its popular wellness resort concept with its first U.S. location, right here in the Big D.
The massive project is expected to cost $800 million, with $500 million estimated for construction and $300 million for other expenses, like design fees. In a press release, Therme Group said it plans to seek approval to build the massive complex, which could span “hundreds of thousands of feet,” per WFAA.
The press release said the facility would provide “a vibrant hub in the heart of the city,” giving residents access to an “affordable diversity of wellness experiences” such as saunas, mineral pools, thermal baths, waterslides, and more.
“The Trinity River, with its natural beauty, breathtaking views of the skyline, and proximity to the Dallas Water Commons and the Cedars neighborhood, is a unique and perfectly suited location for a wellbeing destination.”
The Therme Group currently operates multiple resorts in Europe and elsewhere in the world. However, the company’s website shows at least five projects currently in development, not including the proposed North Texas location. These include Therme Dubai, Therme Canada, and Therme Incheon, South Korea.
“With our deep expertise in creating Europe’s most-visited wellbeing destinations, we see Dallas as the perfect place to introduce our concept—one that will provide an unparalleled experience for residents and visitors while contributing to the city’s economic and social vitality. We are grateful to the City of Dallas for welcoming this vision, and we look forward to making Therme Dallas a transformative space for the community,” Therme Group CEO Robert Hanea said in an announcement.
Therme Group U.S. CEO John Alshuler said Dallas is the ideal location for the company’s U.S. expansion since it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. He also highlighted Dallas’s embrace of innovation.
Therme Group estimates the Dallas resort would pull in over $1.8 billion in tax revenue during its first 30 years. Dallas City Council member Jesse Moreno, whose district would house the resort, supports the project.
“Therme will contribute greatly to the economic growth in District 2 and quality of life improvements in our City. I look forward to working with Therme as they engage with community members and stakeholders in the coming months,” said Moreno.
Reviews of existing Therme resorts are positive, albeit with some complaints of crowding. Therme Erding in Germany, for example, has over 50,000 reviews and an average of 4.5 stars on Google.
“One of the most entertaining places I’ve ever been to, this place is huge, perfect for cold winter days and I assume summer is even better, so many things to do here,” wrote one reviewer late last year.