Dallas, TX
The long journey of revitalizing downtown Dallas must continue
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/dmn/D5OVEBJAORGUVMVOBB3KMLM5V4.jpg "The long journey of revitalizing downtown Dallas must continue")
Seven males have been sitting across the convention desk: six businessmen and the newly appointed metropolis supervisor, Richard Knight. That assembly in 1986 was the start of the revitalization of downtown Dallas.
Each motion requires a set off, a spark that ignites devoted individuals to motion. This was that second, and the teachings from that assembly and what ensued over the following 36 years are equally legitimate at the moment.
The again story is important for individuals who didn’t expertise the decline of downtown. I returned to Dallas only one 12 months previous to that assembly and was shocked by its additional decay throughout my seven-year hiatus. The notion that this decline was the inevitable results of progress had crept in, and it was removed from actuality.
The reality was that the town had begun years earlier pulling sources from downtown in pursuit of northward enlargement. Metropolis sources for downtown had been lowered, and buyers adopted go well with.
When the decline turned apparent, the town tried a reversal within the ordinary means for a authorities administration. For instance, an enormous venture, a authorities sponsored downtown mall, would compete towards suburban retail. Not solely was this ill-conceived, but it surely aggravated the issue as main thriving downtown buildings have been deserted to make means for the shopping center. Happily, the doomed mall by no means occurred.
On the assembly in 1986, a small group of downtown enterprise leaders objectively confronted the fact of the downtown state of affairs. The framework of the turnaround was set and presents a lesson for the town’s future.
First was a dedication by the non-public and public sectors to work collectively. Importantly, there was settlement {that a} true turnaround would take no less than 25 years, which has been confirmed true. Main civic initiatives are susceptible to unreasonable expectations of fast fixes. Seldom is there a silver bullet that circumvents perseverance.
The fundamentals needed to be dealt with first, a course of that might take the preliminary 12 years of the hassle. Till primary wants have been glad, buyers and customers weren’t going to take part. Following primary wants, additions of facilities by means of philanthropy can be attainable in addition to new capital funding.
Lastly, downtown supporters needed to deal with the particular aggressive benefits that downtown needed to supply, quite than attempting to show downtown right into a suburban mall.
What occurred has been a outstanding achievement. By the Central Dallas Affiliation group, now referred to as Downtown Dallas, a downtown enchancment district was fashioned. This was a channel for property homeowners to fund cleansing crews and safety patrols to reinforce the police presence. A tax increment financing district was fashioned to fund enhancements. Over time, not simply the fact however the notion of downtown’s cleanliness and safety started to vary.
The primary housing addition, the redevelopment of the deserted Joske’s, previously Titche’s, division retailer took a number of years of effort. The Downtown College Heart was created and has morphed at the moment into the College of North Texas at Dallas’ downtown legislation faculty. A plan was developed to construct and fund downtown parks and inexperienced areas.
No main civic endeavor succeeds with out overcoming naysayers and opposition. The motivation for these debates ranges from a healthful distinction of opinion on civic priorities to the pursuit of separate agendas.
A very good instance is the Victory improvement and American Airways Heart. Given its success, it’s straightforward to overlook the battle cries towards it. Solely by means of the work of the Larger Dallas Chamber teaming with Mayor Ron Kirk’s energetic involvement did the town persevere. Now, these complaints are silenced as venture after venture has added billions of {dollars} to the town’s tax rolls.
Downtown can solely be as vibrant as its surrounding neighborhoods. Revitalization of downtown has been coupled with the great progress of Uptown, the developments within the Victory space, and currently the enlargement to the east. The voices advocating a standalone downtown effort have quieted as the advantages of the symbiotic relationships have confirmed apparent.
What stays to finish the area-wide revitalization is prudent improvement to the south of downtown. With coming financial catalysts comparable to the brand new conference middle and the high-speed rail terminal, the prospects are good, however they may solely achieve success if the teachings of the previous are heeded.
Downtown Dallas is a good instance of restoring a civic power. Additionally it is an informative studying lab on accomplish a serious civic venture.
David Biegler is a civic volunteer and recipient of the Linz award for civic service. He previously served as president of Lone Star Gasoline and TXU utilities. He wrote this column for The Dallas Morning Information.
Discover the full opinion part right here. Bought an opinion about this challenge? Ship a letter to the editor and also you simply would possibly get printed.
CeeDee Lamb signed a massive extension with the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the 2024 season and then put together another impressive campaign.
The fifth-year pro recorded more than 1,100 yards for the fourth season in a row while hauling in more than 100 receptions for the third. He did so despite dealing with a brutal shoulder injury throughout the year. No one else was there to consistently draw the defense’s attention away from him either.
MORE: Dallas Cowboys’ returning defender projected to be major bust in 2025
That’s not going to be the case in 2025, thanks to the addition of George Pickens. Added in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickens is being called the best No. 2 wide receiver Lamb has worked with. Lamb, however, doesn’t agree.
Lamb and Pickens were together at Kyler Murray’s celebrity charity softball game and said there’s no WR1 and WR2 combo with them. They also said it’s not 1A and 1B, but rather, they give Dallas two No. 1 wide receivers.
That might be a nightmare for opposing teams, but Micah Parsons just finds the humor in it. The Dallas pass rusher shared a video of the two receivers, saying Lamb “done found a new best friend.”
Dallas is coming off a frustrating 7-10 campaign. While injuries played a huge part in that, they still struggled on offense when they were fully healthy due to a lack of weapons outside of Lamb.
Pickens, as well as rookie running back Jaydon Blue, hope to change that as the Cowboys look to get back on track.
— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —
3 most important Dallas Cowboys revenge games for 2025 NFL season
6 easiest games on Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 NFL schedule
Dallas Cowboys make NFL history with unprecedented schedule stretch
Micah Parsons calls BS on Cowboys insider’s claim ‘handshake deal is done’
Meet Reece Allman: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc
Injuries were a problem for the Dallas Cowboys throughout the 2024 season. Star players such as Dak Prescott, Zack Martin, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence saw their seasons end prematurely as they were sent to the IR.
In addition to established stars, the Cowboys saw lost Sam Williams who was on the verge of a breakout campaign.
MORE: Michael Irvin gives unexpected prediction for Cowboys win total in 2025
Williams was set for an increased role following the departure of Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong. During his first two seasons in the NFL, Williams had 48 tackles and 8.5 sacks, leading to excitement over his prospects.
Unfortunately, Williams suffered a torn ACL during training camp and missed the entire year. Executive vice president Stephen Jones recently expressed his excitement over Williams’ return to health, but the depth around him suddenly looks much different.
Not only did Fowler return, but the Cowboys signed Payton Turner and selected Donovan Ezeiruaku in the 2025 NFL draft. Throw in the presence of Micah Parsons and Marshawn Kneeland and Mike Clay believes Williams will hardly see the field.
MORE: NFL analyst names shocking Dallas Cowboys cut candidate
In his 2025 projection, the ESPN insider has Williams taking just 54 snaps with four tackles.
Williams entered the league as an athletic phenomenon. He stands 6-foot-4 and 261 pounds and ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash. That speed led to him playing gunner on special teams, something unheard of from defensive ends.
Even with that talent, Clay doesn’t believe Williams will contribute in 2025, which will cost him a lot of money as he enters free agency in 2026.
— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —
3 most important Dallas Cowboys revenge games for 2025 NFL season
6 easiest games on Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 NFL schedule
Dallas Cowboys make NFL history with unprecedented schedule stretch
Micah Parsons calls BS on Cowboys insider’s claim ‘handshake deal is done’
Meet Reece Allman: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc
El Capitan is heading south. Despite the advantage in the series entering Saturday’s game, FC Dallas lost the Texas Derby in 2025 thanks to a 2-0 loss against the Houston Dynamo.
The win was Houston’s first at Toyota Stadium since the 2011 season.
The first half lacked excitement until the 38th minute when Anderson Julio tried to score a goal from midfield. His lofted attempt forced Jonathan Bond to push the ball over the crossbar.
The Dynamo found the game’s first breakthrough in the 64th minute on a shot from distance from Jack McGlynn. The former Philadelphia Homegrown received the ball about 25 yards out from goal from Griffin Dorsey, took one touch before firing a rocket of a shot past Michael Collodi.
Houston doubled its lead in the 80th minute as Dorsey added a goal to his tally for the night. The Dynamo played a quick counter up the right side of the field where Dorsey and Toyosi Olusanya played a give and go near the top of the penalty area before Dorsey got the ball and shot it into the back of the net.
This story is available for free to everyone, no subscription required. If you’d like to support us but don’t want to commit to a full subscription, you can leave us a tip of any amount (this helps keep our coffee/beer mugs full).
Show Your Support
Instant Reaction: We’re immune to winning at home, aren’t we? I’ll have a lot more to say about this on Monday. Right now, I’m just…tired.
About the Subs: Eric Quill went to his bench at halftime to bring off Petar Musa for Logan Farrington. Musa was only expected to play around 45 minutes in this one. With 20 minutes to go in the match, Quill made a double sub with Paxton Pomykal and Lalas Abubakar coming on for Kaick and Nolan Norris. The final subs came shortly after the second Houston goal with Bernard Kamungo and Tsiki Ntsabeleng came on for Ramiro and Shaq Moore.
Man of the Match: Skip.
Where does this fit into the season: The loss not only sees El Capitan head to Houston for this year, but it also sees the Dynamo pass FC Dallas in the standings at 16 points. Dallas does have a game-in-hand at this point.
What’s next for FC Dallas: Following a two-game home stand, FC Dallas will begin a two-week stretch that sees them play on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Up first will be a US Open Cup match against the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night in New Jersey.
Video: How a Mexican Navy Ship Crashed Into the Brooklyn Bridge
Why OL coach Hank Fraley chose to return to Detroit Lions
Cowboys’ Micah Parsons playfully roasts new BFFs CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens
Lionel Messi Details How Inter Miami Escape Slump
Celtics’ Jaylen Brown reportedly played through partially torn meniscus
-
Austin, TX1 week agoBest Austin Salads – 15 Food Places For Good Greens!
-
World1 week agoNew German chancellor aims for stronger EU ties with France and Poland
-
Technology1 week agoThe best iPad to buy
-
Lifestyle1 week agoA Guide to Bravo’s New Shows, Including “Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition”
-
News1 week agoJudge Orders Release of Rumeysa Ozturk, Tufts Student Detained by ICE
-
News1 week agoTrump cuts tariffs on U.K. cars, steel and aluminum but keeps 10% base duty
-
Culture1 week agoBook Review: ‘The Family Dynamic,’ by Susan Dominus
-
Business1 week agoA Decade-Long Search for a Battery That Can End the Gasoline Era