Another reason why the City Design Studio is the coolest

A few of us over here at DDI were treated to a little hint of the following project in a meeting with Brent Brown, David Whitley and the Dallas City Design Studio team earlier this week.  Now it’s official…all you City Hall Plaza haters, rejoice!

In a flash-mob-Oak-Cliff-Better-Blocks- William-Whyte-style initiative called “Living Plaza”, City Hall Plaza will be transformed with a temporary installation on April 27.  We’re all invited to take part from 11:30am – 2:00pm.  To all of you who are screaming for more streetlife, activated spaces and vibrancy Downtown, this is OUR chance to prove the urbanity of Dallas.  Surprises in store, I can assure you…

More info:  http://betterblock.org/2011/04/15/living-plaza-project-april-27th-at-dallas-city-hall-plaza/

~Kourtny

Downtown Dallas 360 officially adopted by Dallas City Council

"Open Space Activation" Pegasus Plaza Furniture (humor courtesy of Jim)

Here at the DDI World Headquarters, after 18 months of gestation, we are celebrating the birth of our golden child…

Just an hour ago the Dallas City Council adopted the Downtown Dallas 360 plan.  Councilmember Pauline Medrano expressed great support for the plan, and DDI’s efforts (if I do say so).  The motion for approval was made by Councilmember Angela Hunt, who praised the collaborative process of the plan’s creation, and challenged DDI to ensure this would not be (say it with me now), “another plan that’s put on a shelf”. 

Indeed.  For those who have perused the document (available at www.downtowndallas360.com), you will find an implementation matrix in the last chapter.  This outlines the task, as well as the who, what, when and how much of every action item.  So, what will you see first?  Yes, some of those “Quick Wins”…

• In about three weeks you will see downtowndallas360.com transformed into a dynamic implementation tracking site.  Here you can follow each task’s progress, as well as review various subsequent reports and provide comment.
• If you have not yet been introduced, DDI recently hired Dustin Bullard, ASLA , as our Cityscape and Urban Design Manager.  From parks and plazas, to trees, benches, trash cans and pavers –  if it’s in the public realm (or even breathes on the public realm) Dustin has his eye on it.
• Working closely with COD Public Works, the materials palette (pavers, benches, trash cans, etc) for the Main Street District is being integrated into current streetscape improvement projects on Main, Commerce and Akard.
• Check out more sample materials in a potted landscape test area in front of Third Rail Lofts – we have a contingent of volunteers in coordination with the EPA working on this project tomorrow.

  

  Planter pot and contemporary bench for Main Street District (straight off the truck)

• Street vending ordinance revisions are in process – the goal of which is to encourage a greater number and diversify offerings.
• The ordinance which governs supergraphics and video boards is also in the revision process, following the 360 recommendations for the Main Street Retail District.
• Watch for some bright, colorful moveable furniture coming to Pegasus Plaza this month (pictured above).
• Several DDI task forces will kick off next month, focused on specific larger-scale initiatives in the plan like addressing mobility, tunnels, workforce housing and parking.

And those are just a few…  If you spend some time with the Implementation Matrix – you’ll soon understand why, instead of heading to the Tavern to celebrate right now, we’re right back here at hdqts…

 ~Kourtny

DDI Announces 2011 Board of Directors at Annual Meeting

In addition to launching Downtown Dallas 360, DDI also inducted the 2011 Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting and Luncheon, including new Chairman David Lind, Corgan. Larry Good, Good Fulton & Farrell received the Chair’s award.

“This year’s Annual Meeting was a huge success, both in the outpouring of support from the Downtown community with the largest attendance we’ve had to date, and in launching implementation of Downtown Dallas 360,” said John F. Crawford, President & CEO.  “The Plan will guide future investment, development strategies and the activation of our streets in a tangible way for years to come.”

Shelle Sills, DDI 2009-2010 Board Chair discussed the organization’s 2010 accomplishments and 2011 priorities which include: Public Safety, Creating Vibrant Streets and Public Spaces, Ensure Great Urban Design, Community Education, Engagement and Advocacy, and Support a 21^st Century Economy. Sills also presented the Chair’s Award to Larry Good and inducted the 2011 Board of Directors, including new Chairman David Lind.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Chairman of DDI and to be able to work with our Board, members and staff to further our mission for development of safe and thriving Downtown in which to work, play and live,” said Lind. “We have a set of especially exciting opportunities ahead as we launch and begin to implement the Downtown Dallas 360 Plan which will provide the next stage for the continued revitalization of Downtown. “

Lind has served on the DDI Board of Directors for six years, and has played an instrumental role on the Capital Improvements Committee, chaired past DDI Annual Meetings and served on several task forces and focus groups.  He began his career at Corgan in 1977, and has been involved in countless projects both here at home and abroad.  In 2010, Lind assumed the role of Corgan’s chairman of the board.

“David’s passion, creativity and innovation will make him a great leader of the organization,” said Shelle Sills.

Additional directors include:  Vince Ackerson, Texas Capital Bank; Michael H. Anderson, Chavez Properties/Star Parking; R. Craig Baker, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP; Ted M. Benn, Thompson & Knight LLP; Ronald C. Berg, PlainsCapital Bank; Brian Bergersen, Spectrum Properties, Ltd.; Dan Berner, Deloitte & Touche LLP; Greg Biggs, Cushman & Wakefield of Texas, Inc.; Lucy Billingsley Burns, Billingsley Company; Brandon Bledsoe, Amegy Bank of Texas; Dan Blizzard, A. H. Belo Corporation; Bill Bogart, J.P. Morgan; Ben A. Brooks, Vinson & Elkins, LLP; Lyle Burgin, Brook Partners, Inc.; Kyle Burtnett, Tenet Healthcare Corporation; Michael Caffey, CB Richard Ellis; David Campbell, Luminant; Brendan Carlin, The Joule Dallas; Robert A. Chereck, Wells Fargo Bank; Doug Chesnut; Gregg Chilton, Bank of America Plaza; John F. Crawford, Downtown Dallas Inc.; Kathy Czorniak, Republic Center; Don Dowell, Comerica Bank Tower; Sandra Doyle, Atmos Energy Corporation; Zenetta Drew, Dallas Black Dance Theatre; Bill Dunn, BB&T; Kent Eastman, Capital One Bank; Mattia J.Flabiano III, PageSoutherlandPage; Larry Good, Good, Fulton & Farrell; Jim Greer, Oncor Electric Delivery Company, LLC; Charles L. Gummer, Comerica Bank – Texas Market; W. Blaine Hale, Lincoln Plaza – CB Richard Ellis; Ted Hamilton, Hamilton Properties Corporation; Ray Hammer, Sheraton Dallas Hotel; Phyllis Hammond, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau; Dan Harrington, Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Sarah Hinkley, Peloton Commercial Real Estate; Jeff Hinson, You+ Media, LLC; Mike Hoque, Ridecentric / DRG Concepts; Angela Hunt, City of Dallas; Lee F. Jackson, University of North Texas System; Randy Jolly, Texas A&M University – Commerce; Doug H. Jones, Balfour Beatty Construction; Beth Ann Kaminkow, TracyLocke; David Karr, Hines Interests; Kristi Kennedy, McGladrey; Linda Koop, City of Dallas; David Lind, Corgan Associates, Inc.; Wendy A. Lopez, URS Corporation; Brad Lowry, Haynes and Boone, LLP; Paul McCarthy, El Centro Community College; Pauline Medrano, City of Dallas; Les Melcher, Woodbine Development Corporation; Jerry Merriman, merriman associates/architects, inc. (maa); Greg Morris, Ernst & Young LLP; Daryl Mullin, Transwestern Commercial Services; D. Roger Nanney, AT&T Performing Arts Center; Byron Nelson, TM Advertising; Dennis Noebel, Chicago Title Insurance Company; Sarah Payne, Stream Realty Partners, L.P.; Holly Reed, AT&T; Ken Reese, Hillwood – Victory ; Randy Robason, Grant Thornton; Jon Ruff, Spire Realty Group, LP – Bryan Tower; Deborah Ryan, Patton Boggs, LLP; Marc Sachs, Republic National Distributing Company; Abrar Sheriff, Turner Construction Company; Kristi Sherrill Hoyl, Baylor Health Care System; Shelle Sills, Neiman Marcus; Mark Smith, Sewell Automotive Company; Michael D. Starcher, Clearview Investments, Ltd.; Pam Stein, Greenberg Traurig LLP; John Stenger, Hunton & Williams, LLP; Kevin A. Sullivan, Winstead; Gary Thomas, Dallas Area Rapid Transit; Michael Tregoning, Headington Oil; Bryan Trubey, HKS Inc.; Jim Truitt, Forest City Residential, Inc.; Ray Washburne, Charter Holdings; Jeff West, Matthews Southwest/Jeff West Consulting; Kirby White, Crescent Real Estate Equities, Ltd.; Lee A. White, Jackson Walker, L.L.P.; Paul Whitman, Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc.; Lisa M. Winston, Energy Future Holdings.  Ex-Offico members include: The Honorable Dan Branch, Texas House of Representatives – District 108 and The Honorable Royce West, Texas State Senate – District 23.

Quick Wins & Bold Ideas – Celebrating the Completion & Launch of Downtown Dallas 360

Downtown Dallas Inc. is touting quick wins and bold ideas for a new and improved Downtown. DDI President & CEO John Crawford, DDI Board Chair Shelle Sills and Downtown Dallas 360 consultants Daniel Iacofano and Chris Beynon gave a sold out crowd a sneak peek of an action plan that will provide a blueprint for Downtown revitalization at the DDI Annual Meeting & Luncheon, earlier this month.

From economic development and housing, to public space, transit, and parking, Downtown Dallas 360 outlines key strategies and specific recommendations that will ensure continued development of a vibrant and sustainable Downtown.

“The Plan will guide future investment, development strategies and the activation of our streets in a tangible way for years to come” said Crawford.  “It will bring together the vision of the public, private and community sectors under one common goal – to fuel the creation of a 21^st century Downtown Dallas.”

The plan is based on five strategies to expand downtown transit, beautify streets and public spaces, achieve great urban design, expand affordable housing and revamp parking access. The plan includes investment in light rail and streetcar systems and the development of surrounding areas to promote pedestrian traffic.

Some of the areas targeted include the Farmers Market, the Lamar Corridor near the Convention Center, Reunion/Union Station, the South Arts District and the Main Street District. The plan will be supported through public-private partnerships.

Downtown Dallas 360 Draft Plan

Earlier this month, some 200 people attended the Downtown Dallas 360 Community Forum. For the last year, Downtown Dallas, Inc. and the City of Dallas have been working in partnership to create Downtown Dallas 360, an action-oriented development plan to guide the next phase of revitalization of our city center.

360 will guide future investment, development strategies and the activation of our streets in a tangible way for years to come.  It will bring together the vision of the public, private and community sectors under one common goal—to fuel the creation of a 21^st century Downtown Dallas that creates a live, work, play and invest urban environment.

An important element of the Draft Plan is the implementation strategy, which will provide guidance on implementing key portions of the 360 Plan. This plan outlines recommendations, actions, estimated time frames, costs, and responsible parties in a series of action matrices. The action matrices organize and prioritize investment decisions and identify “Quick win priorities” that can be implemented in a short timeframe to spur additional investment and realize tangible progress. The action matrices are presented in two categories:

1. Transformative Strategies: These form the backbone of the plan. They include: Expand Transit and Realize TOD Potential; Create Vibrant Streets and Public Spaces; Ensure Great Urban Design; Diversify and Grow Housing; and Reform the Approach to Parking.
2. Focus Areas: These specific areas in Downtown hold strong catalytic development potential and have the opportunity to leverage existing and future infrastructure systems. They include Farmers Market; Lamar Corridor; Main Street District; South Arts District; and Reunion/Union Station. Based on discussions with Council members, City staff and other stakeholders regarding prioritizing the various actions, improvements and investments, the project team will refine the implementation strategy, action items and matrices and integrate them into the Final Plan for City staff and Council review and adoption in early 2011.

The components of the Plan provide short-term and long-term objectives.  The plan cannot be accomplished over night and the implementation strategy outlines our approach accordingly, setting priorities, actions, time frames and most importantly – lead accountability. After the first of the year we’ll be seeking Council approval, so please share any comments or questions at http://www.downtowndallas360.com.

Happenings…

Greetings DDI followers!

We’ve been running full throttle here at the Downtown Dallas, Inc. world headquarters for the last several weeks, so let’s dive right into the updates…

Downtown Dallas 360

Consultants MIG returned to Dallas for “Meeting Window 7” at the end of May, presenting Downtown Dallas 360 progress to multiple working groups and the steering committee.  At the same time, we  launched the Downtown Parking Strategy (approved by Council in April) with particular focus from MIG sub-consultant Kimley-Horn.  At www.downtowndallas360.com you will find a post of the master presentation used at these meetings, with a recap summary to be posted shortly.   But a few of my personal take-aways:

• BE BOLD!  (or “Don’t be timid” to steal a quote from my urban hero, Brent Brown)  In contrast to previous sessions when feedback was consistently based on setting “realistic” goals and prioritizing – the tone seemed to shift, stressing that the creation of 360 is our opportunity to aim high.  Perhaps an indicator that the frugality of the last 24 months  is shifting?  Do I dare say we are becoming more hopeful?  The specific reference in this case was discussion regarding potential deck parks over I-30, ala The Park (Woodall Rodgers Park).  Can we fund and sustain another project like Woodall?  Tell me what you think.  (As a Cedars resident, personally, I say yes!  The connection is critical…)
• Tunnels, tunnels, tunnels.  Yes, friends – start those comments now!  Obviously, this is a consistent question that we here at DDI field daily.  But today, we find the time is right to examine innovative solutions of repurposing (bike parking?  storage?  fiber optic paths?) and incentivizing tunnel dwellers to emerge .
• Parks.  We love our greenspace and there is no denying what Main Street Garden has done for the Main Street District.  But with greenspace comes management, maintenance and programming  (see below for the Main Street Garden updates), begging the question – could Downtown become “over parked” with current plans?  Should we look at a better mix of the typology of our greenspaces (see this part of the presentation on the 360 site), creating more usable, neighborhood places?  Envision pocketparks, playgrounds, basketball courts, more space dedicated to our canines, etc…
• Gateways.  We’ve all seen the designs of overpass treatments with dramatic lighting, artwork and better pedestrian connections – all great things.  But I love, love, love this idea – a skatepark around Good Latimer, seaming together the east end of the Main Street District (Harwood Historic District area) with Deep Ellum.  Already in the works over yonder is “Pillar Park”, more artwork and lighting in the already uber-cool DE Art Park.

Many, many more big ideas have emerged, but we have much to get to in this one little post, so I’ll leave you to check out the 360 site for more.

Main Street Garden – the scoop.

• Yes, we have discovered that the stainless steel in the Tot Lot is too hot!  Ever sat on a black leather car seat?  In August?  In Texas? In Shorts??  Well, we certainly want to ensure every aspect of the park is 110% useable, so we’re working closely with the Park & Rec department to come up with a solution, quickly.  In the interim, parents, please mind the caution signs going up this week.
• The Lily Pad is poised to open – just any minute now!  A complicated permitting process is being addressed as we speak, so you’ll soon be able to grab your multi-grain muffin and coffee on the way to the office.
• PLAY at the Park.  We went out yesterday with the Downtown YMCA folks and tested out kick ball, frisbee and volleyball for upcoming field days and sports leagues (who says this job isn’t fun?).  Dates to be announced soon.
• Vandalism reports.  Yes, unfortunately some no-gooder attempted to break in to one of the restrooms.  In all seriousness, however, the matter was quickly addressed by the Dallas Police Department and Downtown Safety Patrol and camera footage is being reviewed to identify the suspect.  Patrols from both forces have been increased.

Another destination for your morning buzz..
Mercantile Coffee House is set to open at The Merc at the end of this month – featuring Intelligentsia Coffee and Yogen Fruz frozen yogurt.

Some new faces at DDI
Meet C.C. Gonzalez-Kurz, Community Relations Manager and Shawn Corcoran, Interactive Developer/Designer.  They have swallowed the kool-aid and are now part of the DDI team.  Know ’em, love ’em.  Bio’s, obligatory headshots and interviews coming soon…

And one last sidenote for all of you passionate urbanites – I highly recommend picking up this month’s edition of Dwell, which is focused on “Megacities”.  It also includes great articles about urban parks, interesting freeway interventions and demographic forecasts that continue to bode well for downtown growth.

~Kourtny