Dallas Market Center has started construction of its $21 million lighting expansion project, slated to open in January 2007.

"We are thrilled to have the project underway," said Bill Winsor, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. "This project will allow us to answer the growing demands of our exhibitors and buyers by providing space for more product, strengthening our position as the leading lighting market in the world."

By the end of October, more than 90% of available space in the lighting addition was leased, DMC announced. Many of the 260 lighting companies already in Dallas extended leases or expanded their showroom space in the last 18 months.

Companies making multi-year commitments to increase their DMC lease space include: Fine Art Lamps, PLC Lighting, Alico Industries, StylIcon, Minka Lighting, Access Lighting, Vaxcel Lighting, Hunter Lighting Group, WAC Lighting, International Lighting, Alexander John, Justice Design Group, Elite Bohemia/Bar-Del Lighting, Maxim Lighting, Hudson Valley/Corbett/Troy Lighting, Hubbardton Forge, Framburg, Dolan Designs, Capital Lighting Fixture, Aziano Lighting and Oggetti Luce.

The expansion will extend the four floors of the Trade Mart adjacent to Harry Hines Blvd. The first two floors of the expansion will be convertible space initially accommodating buyer parking, but allowing for future showroom expansion. The third and fourth floor expansion will house showrooms contiguous to current lighting areas.