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.

Museum Tower Tops Out

The Museum Tower topped out as the construction reached the 42nd floor progressing toward a late 2012 completion date. The 42-story Museum Tower condominium building has been under construction for more than a year in the Arts District. The luxury residential tower won’t open its doors until next fall, but the high-rise has already made a big change to Downtown skyline.

The project’s General Contractor is Austin Commercial; designer is LA-based architect Scott Johnson; developers are Brook Partners principals Lyle Burgin and John Sughrue, with Turtle Creek Holdings partners Dan Boeckman and Gregg Greene.

The $200 million tower will have about 110 condos, starting at more than $1 million. Museum Tower is the tallest Downtown building constructed since the 55-story Chase Tower was completed in 1987. And it’s one of the tallest buildings under construction in the country.

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!

 

Two Major Downtown Groundbreakings Call for Celebration

Downtown Dallas, Inc., the City of Dallas, Forest City Residential and Hamilton Properties invited the public for a celebration to announce the redevelopment of the Continental Building and Lone Star Gas Lofts. These projects are bringing new vibrancy to this southeastern quadrant of Downtown.

“This area of Downtown is becoming a prime destination and these new projects are going to add to the momentum,” said John Crawford, President & CEO, Downtown Dallas, Inc.

With existing assets such as Main Street Garden, the UNT System, the Mercantile on Main (Element), Comerica Bank Tower, Dallas Chop House, Wild Salsa and the soon to be developed Statler Hilton, this southeastern quadrant is one of Downtown’s fastest growing areas.

“We thank everyone at Forest City and Hamilton Properties for investing in Downtown,” said Crawford. “We are grateful

for their continued support in making Downtown a world premiere destination to live, work and play.”

The Continental Building, developed by Forest City will provide 203 apartment homes; 41 apartment homes are

 designated as affordable housing for families earning 80% of Area Median Income.

“We’re excited to begin construction and bring new life to the historic Continental building,” said Jim

Truitt, senior vice president of development, Forest City Texas. “This dynamic residential building will continue the momentum of Downtown Dallas while invigorating a piece of the city’s urban fabric for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.”

The Lone Star Gas Lofts, formerly the Atmos Complex, developed by Hamilton Properties will bring 230 new affordable loft apartments. Mayor Mike Rawlings praised Hamilton Properties, Forest City, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development for bringing new affordable housing Downtown.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Rawlings. “This is all about how government and private enterprise work together.”

The redevelopments also will act as connectors bringing the Main Street District and Farmers Market together.

“This is about knitting our neighborhoods back together again,” said Councilmember Angela Hunt.

400 Ervay Promises Modern Urban Living with Historic Charm

Imagine playing pool, cards, or sipping on a cocktail in the same room where legendary Judge Sarah T. Hughes presided. Residents of the historically significant, United States Post Office and Court House building at 400 North Ervay St. will be able to do so. The new residences will be ready for occupancy first week of October and we got a sneak peek.

Developer Builder Shawn Todd hit this one out the park. This building is the perfect example of Italian Renaissance with the latest in deluxe apartment living. Inside the mostly one-bedroom rental units are the latest in Brazilian Acacia brown granite counter-tops and modern stainless appliances. Architect David Demarest successfully combined the old with the new. The resident amenity areas — which are accessed off a separate lobby on the ground floor of the post office — look pretty much as they did when the building opened in 1930.

“The renovation wasn’t easy but it’s nearly complete and we are so happy,” says Todd. “We couldn’t have done with without the help of John Crawford and his team at Downtown Dallas, Inc.”

Two courtrooms including one used by Judge Hughes have been preserved as public amenity areas for residents. The rental units average around 800 square feet and range in price from $1,200 for the smallest one –bedroom to $4,000 a month for the biggest two-bedroom with an outdoor deck overlooking Bryan Street. Todd says they’ve has already begun leasing the units.

“We had a waiting list of people who had observed the construction,” Todd said. “And we’ve already signed some corporate leases.”

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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Downtown Dallas, Inc. Receives Top Honors from International Downtown Association

DDI wins IDA Merit Award for Downtown Dallas 360 Plan & the Retail Activation Strategy 

Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI) is being honored by the International Downtown Association (IDA) after receiving a Merit Award for its work on the Downtown Dallas 360 Plan and the Main Street District Retail Activation Strategy. 

Every year IDA Achievement Awards features innovative best practices projects from Downtown Associations around the world. These projects are creative, diverse and present the best and brightest in leadership, public space and economic development. 

“It’s wonderful news and well deserved based on the time, effort and results we are already seeing with 360,” said John F. Crawford, DDI President & CEO. “This is the perfect example of what can occur through public/private partnerships.” 

DDI collaborated with the City of Dallas to create Downtown Dallas 360. This strategic, action –oriented development plan addresses public spaces, transit and transit oriented development, a long-term parking strategy, creating housing for all income levels, adding retail to the city’s core and making stronger physical connections between Downtown’s fifteen Districts. The plan focuses in large part on how Downtown should look and function in the future, and specifically how to get there. 

DDI will be honored next month at an award’s ceremony at this year’s IDA Annual Conference and Tradeshow to be held in Charlotte, NC.  DDI has won IDA awards in years past in Community Development for the Universities Center at Dallas; Business and Economic Development for the original Main Street District Retail Plan; and Marketing for the Where’s Your D Spot Marketing Campaign.

Museum Tower Taking Shape Downtown

We took a tour of the highly anticipated Museum Tower today. Yes, it was HOT but, we were happy to brave to heat to get a sneak peek of this 42-story residential high-rise under construction in the heart of the Arts District. Scheduled for completion in late 2012, Museum Tower will have 112 ultra luxury condominiums. It’s the tallest purely residential high-rise under construction in the United States. Each home will have direct elevator access and will range in size from an intimate 1,500-square-foot to a sprawling 8,700-square-foot penthouse. 

Museum Tower is located in the heart of the Arts District, steps away from The Park. This 5.2-acre deck park will create a front lawn which provides a seamless transition from the Arts District to Uptown. It’s scheduled for completion in 2012

Beautifully blurring the line between indoors and out, each home’s sky room is surrounded by glass and open to an outdoor terrace, perfect for furnishings, shade, fresh air and expansive views. 

The picture to the right shows the view from the 16th floor. As you can see, Museum Tower will offer some of the best views of The Park, the Margret Hunt Hill Bridge, and the future Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Luxury living at its finest right here in Downtown!

DDI Helps Fund DPD’s Bait Car Program

Downtown Dallas, Inc. donated more than $2,000 for the Dallas Police Department’s Bait Car Program.  Bait cars, equipped with cameras and tracking equipment act as theft deterrents. They’re used by law enforcement around the country. Bait cars have resulted in 245 arrests since the program began in Dallas in 2004.

Other donors include:

• Atmos Energy Corporation
• Electronic Tracking Systems
• Go Oak Cliff
• Phillip Huffines
• National Insurance Claims Bureau
• North Dallas Chamber of Commerce
• Northpark Neighborhood Association
• Safelite Auto Glass
• Stemmons Corridor Business Association
• Target

Donors have raised more than $23 thousand for the program.

DDI’s Newest Addition Doesn’t Mind Getting His Hands Dirty

Dustin Bullard was selected as the Cityscape and Urban Design Manager for Downtown Dallas, Inc. in March 2011. The first position of its kind within the organization, it combines both Dustin’s efforts and his passion concerning Downtown’s revitalization, which he has been actively engaged in since 2004.

Prior to his appointment, Bullard served as a Landscape Architect with La Terra Studio, a downtown-based design firm. Within this role, he actively engaged with his clients in order to successfully execute designs from his drawing board to their ribbon cutting. Primarily tasked with the design of municipal parks and public spaces, he quickly learned the importance of balanced budgets, forward thinking and the formation of relationships with clients along with construction and park staff members.

As Cityscape and Urban Design Manager, Dustin is tasked with the active cleanliness, maintenance and improvement of Downtown’s public spaces.

An active member of the Downtown Resident’s Council for the last six years, Bullard has advocated for the requests of his neighbors; recently, he lobbied for the implementation of a litter and waste public campaign to help improve their space. In addition, Dustin served on two input committees, starting in 2010, to establish the Downtown Dallas 360 Plan and Main Street Retail Activation Strategy. The experience gave Dustin an understanding and familiarity that will help him settle into his new position.

Dustin graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor degree of Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech University in 2004, where he also served as Student Chapter President of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).