Introducing DDI Board Member: Tara Green

Tara Green is Chief Revenue Officer at Center Operating Company (COC), the entity that manages the American Airlines Center, home of the World Champion Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars. Green has been there since August.

Prior to that Green spent three years as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee. In that position, she led, managed and directed all day-to-day operations for the Committee. That included myriad responsibilities such as: the maximization of departmental efficiencies; oversight of all operations including fulfillment of the group’s NFL bid commitments; administration of the NFL Experience’s grassroots marketing programs; and the coordination of regional participation for Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington and Irving. Green also managed local participation in the Texas Major Events Trust Fund.  The North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee generated more revenue than any previous host committee in the 45-year history of the game. Green was also part of the regional team that pursued and brought Super Bowl XLV to North Texas.

Prior to her duties with the Super Bowl, Green worked at the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau where she served as Vice President of Sports Marketing for 11 years, bringing many major sporting events to the community and increasing room-night production from 30,000 to 100,000 room nights in a five-year period.

As Chief Revenue Officer at American Airlines Center, Green will be responsible for leadership and direction that will generate and retain revenues across multiple channels for Suites, Club Seats and Sponsorships. She will implement strategies, tools and systems to make sure American Airlines Center has continued success in Dallas.

Did you know?

Tara is passionate about Downtown because Downtown Dallas is the heart of the city. It is the place were commerce, culture and sports intersect. It is where you feel connected to the business and entertainment offerings of the city.

Tara’s favorite Downtown memory is Big D NYE.  For the last four years, American Airlines Center has hosted Big D NYE. It is the place to ring in the New Year in Dallas. Always a favorite memory.

Tara supports Downtown Dallas, Inc. because it’s a way to connect all of the businesses and residents in downtown to American Airlines Center and I hope that we can improve how those businesses and residents enjoy their experiences in Downtown.

Save the Date – DDI Spring Forum

Please mark your calendars for the Downtown Dallas, Inc. Spring Forum. Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings will be giving a State of Downtown Address on May 24^th at the Sheraton Hotel. 

He should have plently to say as we continue to celebrate a monumental year for Downtown. As you may recall from our Annual Meeting, 2012 is set to be a big year with the openings of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Belo Garden, The Park and more.

We hope you will join us in the celebration by again “Investing Yourself” in Downtown. How will you “Invest Yourself”? 

Downtown Takes Its Message on the Road

Downtown Dallas, Inc is booming and people want to hear about it.

The North Texas Chapter of Certified Commercial Investment professionals or NTCCIM hosted our very own DDI President and CEO John Crawford at a luncheon on February 16^th.  Crawford gave the group an update on status of Downtown Dallas’ revitalization and how it will help the region as a whole, allowing Dallas to be on a level playing field with other great American cities.  The audience consisted of executives in the Commercial Real Estate industry.  photo left to right: John Crawford, DDI, Janice Peters, Hudson Peters Commercial & Jeff Boykin, Boykin Partners

Crawford also moderated a panel discussion on The Future of Downtown. The panelists included Jack Mathews, Jack Gosnell and John Sughrue. The discussion is part of a very successful series of real estate related panels and discussions that are hosted by Bob Voelker, a Partner with the law firm of Munsch Hardt.  < photo left to right: Jack Matthews, Mathews Southwest, Jack Gosnell, UCR Urban, John Sughrue, Brook Partners & John Crawford, DDI

Thanks Bob Voelker and Janice Peters for the invitation.  We love talking about our booming Downtown.  If you would like to have us come speak to your group or organization drop us a note at info@downtowntowndallas.org

Season Greetings to Members & Friends of Downtown Dallas, Inc.

2012 is set to be another monumental year for Downtown and Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI), as we celebrate the completion of a number of significant projects. Dallas has been leading much of the nation in economic progress, and the trend is most apparent Downtown; from the construction and recent opening of the Dallas Omni Convention Center Hotel to our world-class Arts District. Openings like the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Belo Garden, The Park and completion of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science will add even more recreation, greenspace, culture and iconic architecture to our Downtown. Cranes will continue to fly high on new residential projects such as Museum Tower, Lone Star Gas Lofts and the Continental Building, as well as pivotal mixed use developments such as the Grand Ricchi at 1600 Pacific, 1401 Elm, 500 S. Ervay and the Statler Hilton.

After just over a decade since the creation of the first Tax Increment Finance district in Downtown, which signified a common vision of the public and private sectors of a revitalized city center, today we are celebrating the realization of urban life. It is a reality of employees living where they work, and working where they play; a reality of entrepreneurial restaurants, a vibrant night life, a resurging commercial office market, and landmark projects that have moved beyond “planned” to groundbreakings and openings. There is a new heartbeat in the center of our city—a new generation of employees, residents and visitors that are changing our environment. Downtown has shifted from a one-dimensional commercial office center to one of many facets – living, shopping, dining, working, arts, recreation and public transportation. We no longer gaze at Downtown through a rendering of the future – instead we can see and feel tangible successes on the streets every day.

For several years now, the change Downtown has been most noticeably pronounced in its residential community. Historic structures, mid-century office towers and new construction have become home to thousands of new residents in the City’s core. Looking back to 1995, the Central Business District (CBD) was home to only 200 residents. Today you will find more than 7,000 urban dwellers in the CBD, and more than 37,000 who call one of the other 15 Downtown districts that comprise Dallas’s city center their home. All of this has created an exciting vibrancy Downtown that is now attracting major companies as well.

There is no question Downtown is growing by leaps and bounds, and this is just the beginning. Downtown Dallas 360,  a new action-oriented strategic plan for Downtown, is in full implementation mode creating new public-private partnerships, focused heavily on activating our streets, developing transit oriented development (TOD), housing and parking.

One of the real joys of the Holiday Season is the opportunity to say “Thank you” and wish you the very best for the New Year. Happy holidays from all of us at DDI. As goes Downtown, so goes Dallas!

P.S. Mark your calendar for January 24 to attend our Annual Meeting & Luncheon. Go to http://www.downtowndallas.org for details.

John F. Crawford

President & CEO

Downtown Dallas, Inc.

the holidays begin and continue Downtown

The holidays begin and continue Downtown. This year’s CityLights celebration proved to be the most successful to date. A record crowd turned out to be showered in lights and wonder, as we lit Downtown’s 65-foot holiday tree at Main Street Garden, unveiled a one-of-a-kind light installation spanning 5 blocks of Main Street and witnessed Santa’s unforgettable arrival from the North Pole.

CityLights would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors and for that we would like to express our thanks, for making this year’s celebration one to remember, building upon the rich holiday legacy in Downtown Dallas. We must also thank you too for making CityLights a true community event that brings families near and far to enjoy our vibrant city center.

This year we want you to keep coming back to Downtown for more holiday cheer. Our 15 districts have decked the halls and have rolled out the welcome mat for you. Bring your family and friends and make Downtown your holiday tradition all season long.

There are holiday events throughout our 15 districts. Go to http://www.downtowndallas.org and begin planning your holiday with us, Downtown!

Happy Holidays!

Downtown Dallas, Inc. Annual Meeting – Save the Date

On the heels of the debut of the new Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel, 2012 will prove to be a monumental year for Downtown. Openings like the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Belo Garden and The Park will add even more recreation, greenspace and iconic architecture to our city.  Cranes will continue to fly high on new residential projects such as Museum Tower, Lone Star Gas Lofts and the Continental Building, as well as pivotal mixed use developments such as the Grand Ricchi at 1600 Pacific, 1401 Elm, 500 S. Ervay and the Statler Hilton. Downtown Dallas 360 will be in full implementation mode, focused heavily on activating our streets, creating new public-private partnerships and improving transit, housing and parking in the core.  There’s no better moment in time to Invest Yourself in Downtown.

On January 24, 2012, Downtown Dallas, Inc. will hold its annual meeting and luncheon, the only event dedicated solely to the development and success of Downtown Dallas.  This year’s theme, Invest Yourself, will carry through the year, encouraging the dedication of the corporate community and Dallasites as a whole to the continued momentum of the center city.

We are thrilled to announce the 2012 keynote speaker will be Carol Coletta, former CEO of CEOs for Cities, and current head of ArtPlace, a new national initiative to accelerate creative placemaking across the U.S. ArtPlace is a collaboration of the nation’s top foundations, leading banks and federal agencies and the National Endowment for the Arts.  At CEOs for Cities, Carol led a national network of urban leaders building and sustaining the next generation of great American cities, while also hosting a nationally syndicated public radio show, Smart City. Her vast experience in city advocacy and development also extends as the former executive director of the Mayors’ Institute on City Design, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and American Architectural Foundation. Carol is a dynamic and engaging speaker who advocates across the globe for the health of center cities.  In the end, her mission is simple as she sets out to answer the question:  What makes cities succeed?

In addition to the keynote address, as always DDI has a special surprise in store – the announcement of a new initiative aimed at carrying out the Invest Yourself mantra.  Be the first to get the details!

For more information and sponsorship opportunities please call 214-744- 1270.

Downtown Dallas Fall 2011 Wrap-up

We’ve been running around like zombies but not because of Halloween. We’ve been working hard to make Downtown FUN! It all started late last month with a new TX/OU tradition thanks to Downtown Dallas, Inc. and Mike Hoque’s DRG Concepts. Football & BBQ – what a winning combination, if we do say so ourselves!

We put a couple of Texas pitmasters up against some Oklahoma pitmasters before the big game. In the end we had Fort Worth’s Cousin’s competing against Leo’s from Oklahoma City and Cousin’s came up victorious, winning the title of Ultimate Pitmaster.

By all accounts, the first-ever Red River Rivalry BBQ Shootout was a tremendous success, bringing over 1500 people downtown for community and good food!

Earlier this month we started the Pegasus Plaza Outdoor Markets and the Fall Movies Series. Today is actually your last chance to enjoy the markets and tomorrow is your last chance to pack a picnic and watch a movie at Main Street Garden.

The Outdoor Markets have been very successful and we want to thank all of the vendors who made it a grand success. We want to especially thank YOU for coming out, spending time with neighbors and supporting these local vendors.  These outdoor markets have created great community and we will hope to explore similar endeavors.

Earlier this week we had our 360 Community Forum and Reception. We began the evening with a quick update on Downtown Dallas 360. You may recall the City approved the plan in April. After the update, attendees were treated to yummy street vending, music, art and cocktails, as we activated Browder Plaza. This temporary urban space is an indication of what’s to come as we complete those “quick wins” laid out in the Downtown Dallas 360 plan.  Whew, what a ride. Again, pardon us if we look like zombies… Fall is almost over!

P.S.  Many thanks to Jaime Clintsman & Dustin Bullard for working day and night to make Downtown FUN!

 

Main Street Garden Creates Community Downtown

Main Street Garden will be celebrating its two-year anniversary this fall and we continue to enjoy the added value it brings to Downtown. Earlier this month Main Street Garden hosted two big events: Salutation Nation and the YMCA Healthy Night Out. The park saw some 500 people that day, and not all of them were Downtown residents. In fact, I would venture to say many came from outside of Downtown to participate in these wonderful events.

Salutation Nation is a national event that highlights the health benefits of yoga. Main Street Garden hosted some 200 yogis, as they simultaneously rolled out their yoga mats with other yogis across the country.

They YMCA Healthy Night Out brought some 300 people as they celebrated healthy lifestyles. Families participated in adult & children’s yoga, zumba and more. The YMCA also is hosting the Outdoor Fall Sports Leagues at Main Street Garden. All are welcome, including corporate teams! Individuals or teams can sign up to play Kickball or Wiffle Ball. For more information about playing in the leagues call 972.560.3888 or email bdance@ymcadallas.org .

Come out and see what everyone is talking about including the Dallas Observer, which just named the Lily Pad Café at Main Street Garden the Best Place to Enjoy Downtown. The Observer also recognized the Homegrown Music & Art Festival, which all takes place at Main Street Garden.

DDI Sponsors Park(ing) Day Dallas

PRESS RELEASE 

CONTACT:

C.C. Gonzalez-Kurz

Community Relations Manager

214.744.6646

214.794.2753

gonzalez-kurz@downtowndallas.org

DOWNTOWN DALLAS, INC. SPONSORS INTERNATIONAL PARK(ING) DAY

Dallas, Texas, September 13, 2011 — Downtown Dallas will have dozens of new community spaces this Friday, September 16, as Downtown Dallas, Inc. and others transform parking spaces into temporary “PARK” installations. More than 20 metered parking spaces along Main Street will be temporarily transformed, creating re-envisioned public spaces for Downtown employees, residents and visitors to enjoy.

“It’s all in an effort to create these Quick Wins,” said John Crawford, President & CEO, Downtown Dallas, Inc. “We are working with the Dallas Arts District, Earth Day Dallas and others to help transform these public spaces, allowing the community to experience a more livable, workable, and enjoyable Downtown.”

A series of parking spaces spanning three blocks will be reserved for participants. Organizations, private companies and volunteers will form teams to transform spaces into areas for socializing, networking and some will offer entertainment. These temporary public spaces will come down after a few hours and the space will revert back to metered parking. Teams are encouraged to use sustainable construction materials and partner with local charities to extend the impact beyond the event.

“We’re proud to show support for PARK(ing) Day Dallas by being part of the inaugural event,” said Trammell S. Crow, Earth Day Dallas thought leader. “Like Earth Day Dallas, PARK(ing) Day Dallas is another way to show Americans the importance North Texans place on the environment.”

PARK(ing) Day is an internationally recognized event celebrated annually with the mission to call attention to the need for more urban open space, to generate critical debate around how public space is created and allocated, and to improve the quality of urban human habitat. Started in San Francisco in 2005, the project has blossomed into a worldwide grassroots movement: PARK(ing) Day 2010 included more than 850 “PARK” installations in more than 180 cities in 30 countries on six continents.

For more information:

http://www.downtowndallas.org

http://www.parkingdaydallas.org

http://www.parkingday.org

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Save the Date – DDI Fall Membership Luncheon

Mark your calendars for the Downtown Dallas, Inc. 2011 Fall Membership Luncheon on Thursday, September 8, 2011, featuring keynote speakers Dr. Terry Clower of the University of North Texas and David Johnson of NewsRadio 1080 KRLD.

Downtown Dallas Bucking the Trend: Corporations take notice as national economic competitiveness drives business to Dallas 

The strong North Texas economy continues to make national headlines; just pick up any business publication and you will see. From the most recent Beige Book report to articles in USA Today, distress to the north, east and west is pushing Dallas to the top of the list to attract business, commerce and culture.

More details coming soon!