The Changing Face of Love Field

The Changing Face of Love Field

The New Gateway to Downtown Dallas: The Changing Face of Love Field
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It’s no secret that Texas is a great place to live and do business, and that Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, continuing to emerge as a national destination for leisure and business travel. Corporations from across the nation are looking to the competitive advantages of our region, such as low taxation, regulation, and cost of living when considering relocations. In addition, our sheer geographic location (no more than four hours by air to anywhere in the country) is a draw, and our transportation systems—from a sophisticated network of highways to the largest light rail system in the nation—position Dallas, and more particularly downtown, in the center of it all.

Happy New Year! 2012 in review and looking forward into 2013

2012 was an incredible year for Downtown Dallas and I believe the best is yet to come. Many extraordinary projects came to fruition this past year with even more on the horizon for 2013. Many of you probably saw the recent articles “Downtown Dallas begins to come of age” and “Real-life adventures of New Dallas” by Cheryl Hall in the Dallas Morning News. Each piece detailed the new energy experienced in the city’s core….from the tree lighting ceremonies at City Lights, the AT&T Performing Arts Center and Klyde Warren Park, to the everyday activities and special events at Belo Garden and Main Street Garden; there is something for everyone in Downtown 365 days a year.

As we look back on 2012, it was a year full of construction, grand openings and grand announcements. The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge became a gateway to the up-and-coming West Dallas, Belo Garden replaced a concrete parking lot as a quiet, tree-lined sanctuary, and the Dallas Arts District footprint was completed with the opening of City Performance Hall. The Statler Hilton added to the beauty of Main Street Garden with its blue LED night lights, the Omni Dallas Hotel surpassed all projections in its first year, Downtown became connected to Uptown with the new 5.1 acre Klyde Warren Park spanning across Woodall Rodgers Freeway and last but not least, we experienced the grand opening of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

Looking forward into 2013

We’ve recently heard a number that well over $2b has been invested Downtown.  And we are seeing first hand that corporations are recognizing the value of a Downtown address.  In fact, there are five new office buildings with potential groundbreakings in 2013 including Two Arts Plaza, The Spire, Hall Financial, KDC and Crescent.

 

Residential development projects in Downtown Dallas set for 2013 completion include the Continental Building and Lone Star Gas Lofts, adding more than 200 residential units each along with ground floor retail. Museum Tower will add 100 luxury high rise condominiums in the mix and several residential, hotel and mixed-use developments such as The Joule, 500 S. Ervay, Fairfield Residential – West End, 1600 Pacific, the Statler Hilton and Mill Creek  have been announced or are already under construction.

We now boast 7,800 residents in the Central Business District and 38,000 throughout the greater Downtown area. We project those numbers to grow to 12,000 and 55,000 respectively over the next five years.

On behalf of the team at Downtown Dallas, Inc., please be assured how thankful we are for your goodwill and commitment to Downtown and our organization. Thanks to the personal and financial commitment and support of our Board of Directors, Member Organizations, and other stakeholders including our friends in the local media, growing residential population, and partners at the City of Dallas, what was a vision ten years ago is now a reality in way too many ways to mention. From sidewalks to skyscrapers, we are committed to building a “sense of place”, reinforcing to some, and transforming the mindset of others that Downtown Dallas is more than a location– it is a destination. Downtown is a community, a lifestyle, an evolving environment that changes the perception and reality of what that means. We have much to be proud of but excellence is the gradual result of proactively and consistently striving to do better, raising the bar and moving the ball down the field.

Please mark your calendars to attend and support the Downtown Dallas, Inc. Annual Meeting Luncheon on March 5^th at the Sheraton Hotel. Sponsorships are available and Annual Meeting Sponsors receive a special discount for ad space in the Power Broker March Issue of D CEO. Please contact Downtown Dallas, Inc. at 214.744.1270 for more information.

As Goes Downtown, So Goes Dallas—the best is yet to come. Happy New Year!

John Crawford
President and CEO
Downtown Dallas, Inc.

Introducing DDI Board Member Marijke Lantz

As Senior Vice President of Investments, Marijke Lantz is responsible for the acquisition of office, industrial, multi-family, retail and land to grow the Billingsley Company’s real estate portfolio.

Ms. Lantz has 25 years of experience in commercial real estate including asset management from acquisition to disposition. Before joining Billingsley, she was Senior Vice President and Acquisitions Officer at Valencia Capital Management and prior to that Managing Director responsible for the Asset Services Group for Cushman & Wakefield in Dallas. This role included property management, project leasing and facility management for more than 19 million square feet with properties located throughout the U.S.

Prior to her time with Cushman & Wakefield, Ms. Lantz was a Vice President to the Archon Group (a Goldman Sachs Company) and was responsible for the overall operations of the commercial asset management group and dispositions over $2 billion. This included more than 180 commercial assets located throughout the United States total over 32 million square feet.

Ms. Lantz earned her Bachelor of Arts from Western State College in 1982. She graduated with honors from the University of Dallas with a Masters of Business Administration in 1985.

Did you Know?

Marijke’s favorite Downtown destination is CityLights at Main Street Garden, during the holiday season. It’s beautiful!

Marijke is passionate about Downtown because the Downtown is full of vibrancy wherever you look.

Marijke’s favorite Downtown memory is taking my girls on a tour of the Arts District. We began our day by going up to my office where we had a perfect view of where we were to tour. It was a beautiful day. We enjoyed lunch in the plaza and our afternoon at the Dallas Museum of Art. To wrap up the day, we stopped by the Cathedral and it was truly inspiring seeing such a beautiful church.

Marijke supports Downtown Dallas, Inc. because it is exciting to be part of an organization that has such impact. I look forward to working together with the Board to make changes that will bring more of a sense of community to our great City.

Downtown Dallas, Inc. Hires Veterans to Serve in the Downtown Safety Patrol

Earlier this month, Downtown Dallas, Inc. hired 7 new officers for the Dallas Safety Patrol, but they aren’t your typical recruits. Five of the candidates hired have military experience and three have combat experience, serving overseas.

“These men and women have offered the ultimate sacrifice to provide freedom and democracy around the world, now is the time to thank them for a job well done by supporting them and their families as they return to civilian life.” said John Crawford, President & CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc.

Earlier this year, DDI decided to increase the Safety Patrol fleet by 10%, so it partnered with The Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP), to identify candidates for the open Safety Patrol Officer positions. On March 23^rd, DDI welcomed the following officers: Officer Sharon Pilot, Officer Jeremy Epps and Officer Robert Croxton, Officer Pilot was deployed to Kuwait in 2008, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Officer Epps was deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Officer Croxton was deployed to Iraq in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Everyday DDI strives to maintain the highest quality of life for Downtown workers, visitors and residents by ensuring the neighborhood remains one of the safest in the city,” said Crawford “We very pleased to welcome these new graduates and we offer them congratulations.”

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.

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.

From our Family to Yours: Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dinners take 18 hours to prepare.  They are consumed in 12 minutes.  Half-times take 12 minutes.  This is not coincidence!!!!

In our hurry, hurry lifestyle, don’t forget to slow down for just a little while, enjoy all Thanksgiving offers, reflect and be grateful for our many blessings and have some fun.

As the Holiday Season begins (kicked off in fine fashion by over 40,000 people Saturday night with CityLights at Main Street Garden), here’s your thought to get the Season started:  “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late”; wish I could take credit for that thought but it was Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Downtown and DDI are better because of your support and commitment.  We would not be where we are today without you and we need your continued support going forward to achieve our mutual goals and objectives.

May today and everyday be blessed with simple and quite moments of Thanksgiving.

All the best,

John Crawford

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.