Holiday Caroling at Mockingbird Station

Mockingbird Station® Presents Holiday Caroling at Mockingbird

Celebrate the Season with Complimentary Live Performances, Festive Snacks, and Holiday Cheer

 

Mockingbird Station®  is excited to partner with WRR, Verdigris, and University Crossing, to present Holiday Caroling at Mockingbird. Join the station on the first three Saturdays of December for a series of magical holiday performances featuring a festive quartet of Verdigris Ensemble carolers. These festive evenings will take place in the open-air amphitheater outside the Angelika Film Center, located at 5321 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75206, on December 7, 14, and 21 at 5:00 p.m. Holiday Caroling at Mockingbird is free to the public and is the perfect one-of-a-kind holiday caroling experience to enjoy with friends and family.

 

Guests can enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks while being serenaded by the stunning four-part harmonies of the Verdigris Ensemble. These talented carolers will fill the shopping center with the beauty of traditional holiday songs and seasonal favorites, spreading warmth and joy to shoppers and diners alike.

 

Mockingbird Station®, WRR, Verdigris Ensemble, and University Crossing share a passion for making music accessible to the Dallas community. Together, they are continuing Mockingbird Station®’s tradition of hosting dynamic live music events like the “Music on Mockingbird” and “Summer Classical Music Series.”

 

Kick off your holiday season with joy, music, and community at Holiday Caroling at Mockingbird. These free performances offer the perfect way to make lasting memories while supporting local artists and celebrating the spirit of the season.

Holiday Caroling at Mockingbird Dates:

·       Saturday, December 14 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

·       Saturday, December 21 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

 

While at the event, be sure to scan the QR code for a chance to enter a special drawing hosted by Verdigris Ensemble. Winners will receive tickets to one of the group’s upcoming performances of ‘Song From The Uproar,’ offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy the magic of live music further.

 

After the performance, make the most of your evening by exploring the diverse dining and shopping options available around Mockingbird Station®. Enjoy a delicious meal or drink at spots like The People’s Last Stand, Dallas Grilled Cheese Co., Sushi Mockï, JingHe Japanese Asian Fusion, Wulf Burger, The Londoner Dallas, or The Finch. And don’t forget to check off your holiday shopping list at Perrault, Centre, Sneaker Haven, West Elm, Loft, Bath & Body Works, or Urban Outfitters.

 

To learn more about the music series, visit the event page or on Facebook linked here.

 

High-Res event graphic and photos are available here:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/qfn6w2do37t01yims66fa/AF0pBZiFAuX0t4XBmnTjoFc?rlkey=xneitvvyt7bkzafhrgek7xv1d&st=jiujv5pi&dl=0

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mockingbird Station®  and Verdigris

 

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ABOUT MOCKINGBIRD STATION®
With 35 of the most vibrant eateries, shops, and entertainment venues in Dallas, you’ll always be able to upgrade your wardrobe, pamper yourself, or channel your inner foodie. Conveniently located in thriving midtown Dallas, Mockingbird Station® offers a picturesque mixed-use development with premier shopping, critically acclaimed restaurants, unparalleled entertainment, contemporary residential living spaces, and first-class workplace options designed to represent the very best of life in Dallas. More info can be found at www.mockingbirdstation.com

 

ABOUT UNIVERSITY CROSSING
University Crossing is a vibrant neighborhood consisting of more than 200 dynamic businesses and organizations including shops, restaurants, arts attractions and more – all thriving within a 122-acre radius defined by certain borders of North Central Expressway (US 75), Mockingbird Lane, Greenville Avenue, and Lovers Lane. Find more information about University Crossing at www.universitycrossing.com

ABOUT VERDIGRIS:

Verdigris Ensemble transforms the world through the power of the human voice and immersive storytelling. Based in Dallas, Texas, Verdigris redefines vocal music by pioneering creative programming, commissioning new works, and exploring diverse genres to tell compelling stories that resonate across communities. The ensemble is dedicated to fostering a new music movement through bold innovation, technological integration, and a commitment to engaging audiences in meaningful, transformative experiences. Verdigris invests in its musicians by prioritizing education, mentorship, and community outreach, ensuring the growth of artistic talent and cultural enrichment in North Texas and beyond. To learn more visit www.verdigrismusic.org.

 

ABOUT WRR:  

Since 1921, WRR has served North Texas as the state’s first licensed radio station. Though its origins began as a groundbreaking event in public service for police and fire on the AM band, WRR has provided classical music as a commercial station on the FM band at 101.1 since 1964. Through the decades, WRR’s priority has been to bring world-class music and arts programming to its listeners, and to be a champion for the local arts community. As of January 3, 2023, WRR is a noncommercial classical radio station under management of KERA.  More information about WRR can be found at www.wrr101.org

 

New Art Fence in University Crossing

We are proud to introduce more public art into the University Crossing Public Improvement District! The newest art fence designed by acclaimed artist Michael Van Enter and his team has been added to the foot of the Mockingbird Pedestrian Bridge on the south side of Mockingbird Lane.

The University Crossing PID Board voted to add the new bridge to enhance the experience along the University Crossing Trail and work to combat vandalism on the bridge facade.

Enjoy your walk or ride along the trail and take a look at the new art!

Bach in the Subways at Mockingbird Station

Mockingbird Station® Presents Annual Bach in the Subways Concert

Bach in the Subways celebrates classical music with a live concert open to the public


Bach is back! Mockingbird Station® welcomes Bach in the Subways, a derivative of “Music on Mockingbird,” for a special concert featuring music from famous musician Johann Sebastian Bach in collaboration with WRR Classical 101, Friends of WRR,   KERA, University Crossing, and the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, a diverse organization of highly talented young musicians from over 50 communities in the Metroplex.  In celebration of Bach’s 339th birthday, Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra will join thousands of musicians across the world for the annual tradition of performing Bach in public – subways, parks, cafés, zoos, and other public spaces – while declining donations.

Patrons of Mockingbird Station® are invited to enjoy Bach in the Subways on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 7:00 pm. The public is invited to attend this free performance at Mockingbird Station, 5307 E. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas, TX 75206. Some of Bach’s most beloved chamber music works will be included in the program. Seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to bring along their own chairs or blankets. Complimentary sub sandwiches will be provided by New York Sub in Highland Park.

“Our mission is to bring Bach to as many people around the world as possible,” says Dale Henderson, the New York City-based cellist who founded Bach in the Subways Day in 2010 and leads the movement today. "My long-term vision for Bach in the Subways," Henderson says, "is to bring a renaissance of interest and inspiration and excitement about classical music to, ideally, the globe."  This year’s celebration will be large and global, transcending cultural boundaries and engaging musicians of all talent levels and instruments.

For more information about the national event, click here.


High Res Images Are Available Here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/figbwbytiyx7xty2eae6x/h?rlkey=1iyenfnqftqcm9gwagwu9pkqk&dl=0

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mockingbird Station®


For information about Bach in the Subways, including details and coverage from performances around the world, click here or write to info@bachinthesubways.org.

ABOUT MOCKINGBIRD STATION®
With 37 of the most vibrant eateries, shops, and entertainment venues in Dallas, you’ll always be able to upgrade your wardrobe, pamper yourself, or channel your inner foodie. Conveniently located in thriving midtown Dallas, Mockingbird Station® offers a picturesque mixed-use development with premier shopping, critically acclaimed restaurants, unparalleled entertainment, contemporary residential living spaces, and first-class workplace options designed to represent the very best of life in Dallas. More info can be found at www.mockingbirdstation.com


ABOUT UNIVERSITY CROSSING
University Crossing is a vibrant neighborhood consisting of more than 200 dynamic businesses and organizations including shops, restaurants, arts attractions and more – all thriving within a 122-acre radius defined by certain borders of North Central Expressway (US 75), Mockingbird Lane, Greenville Avenue, and Lovers Lane. Find more information about University Crossing at www.universitycrossing.com

ABOUT GREATER DALLAS YOUTH ORCHESTRA

The mission of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra is to inspire and cultivate excellence in youth through music education, ensemble building, and performance opportunities. The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, founded in 1972 by a group of parents, educators, and musicians who valued music education and the outcomes it could provide. The program cultivates learning and creativity, as well as social and motivational skills in around 470 talented young musicians, performing in ten ensembles. GDYO musicians socialize with a diverse group of highly talented peers from over 50 communities in the Metroplex, as well as interacting with professionals from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Dallas Opera Orchestra, the Dallas Winds and multiple other local music ensembles. Find more information at www.gdyo.org. 

ABOUT WRR 101   

Since 1921, WRR has served North Texas as the state’s first licensed radio station. Though its origins began as a groundbreaking event in public service for police and fire on the AM band, WRR has provided classical music as a commercial station on the FM band at 101.1 since 1964. Through the decades, WRR’s priority has been to bring world-class music and arts programming to its listeners, and to be a champion for the local arts community. As of January 3, 2023, WRR is a noncommercial classical radio station under management of KERA.  More information about WRR can be found at www.wrr101.org 

ABOUT KERA   

KERA is a not-for-profit public media organization serving North Texas through KERA TV, KERA Create, KERA World, KERA Kids 24/7, KERA News 90.1., the Triple-A music station KXT 91.7 FM, and the classical music station WRR 101.1 FM. For over 60 years, North Texans have turned to KERA as a vibrant destination for community engagement and lifelong learning. KERA produces original multimedia content, carries the best in national and international public television and radio programs, and provides online resources at www.kera.org

ABOUT BACH IN THE SUBWAYS

Bach in the Subways is a global initiative centered around the birthday of classical composer J.S. Bach each March. The purpose is to share his music in public spaces, performed live, free of charge. Today, more than 150 cities around the world take part, including Dallas. Though the idea originated with a single cellist performing in a New York City subway, performances can take place wherever there are people to hear the music – in malls, on the street, in churches, coffee shops, airports, and more. The most important idea behind Bach in the Subways has always been to bring live Bach, and by extension classical music, to as many people as possible

ABOUT FRIENDS OF WRR:

For over 40 years, Friends of WRR has collaborated with WRR101 and the City of Dallas to ensure that WRR remains a city-owned and independent arts asset and that classical music is a continuous part of the North Texas community.  The organization supports WRR, the voice of classical music and the arts in North Texas, by advocating to keep them city-owned and independent, promoting classical music education, and partnering with arts organizations to increase awareness of all arts programs.

 



2024 Dallas St. Patrick's Parade & Festival - March 16

The Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival is celebrating its 43rd year with more than a hundred floats and thousands of parade goers. The tradition lives on as we are all Irish in Dallas on March 16 at 11 a.m.

PARKING RESTRICTIONS: Be aware of no parking signs, specific to the date and time of the parade. No Parking on Central Expressway Service Rd. Parade facing parking is on a first come basis. Many of the properties along Greenville Avenue are private lots, and thus the owners have the rights to open or close it to the public. Parking that is protected under the event permit of the parade are: Half Price Books, Double Tree Hotel/Campbell Center, 5211 Greenville Ave (Office Depot), Comerica Bank, Lovers Centre, Meadows Building, Milton Street (Greenville to DART Station), Lovers Lane DART Station, Energy Square and Sigel’s Liqueur and Spirits. The above parade event parking restrictions will be enforced from Friday, March 15 at 9 p.m. to Saturday, March 16 at 5 p.m., or as property owners deem necessary. An application for a Special Event Permit has been filed with the Office of Special Events. Interested persons may contact OSE at (214) 939-2701 or specialevents@dallascityhall.com.

DETOUR INFORMATION: The perimeter cross streets such as Park Lane, Northwest Highway and East Mockingbird will not be impacted for cross (East/West) vehicular traffic. All cross streets between Park Lane and Mockingbird will be closed to cross traffic between the hours of 10 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m., or when reopened by the Dallas Police Department. Best alternative route East of Greenville will be to proceed to Skillman Street to access non-effected areas. Expect traffic delays and heavy pedestrian traffic during peek parade hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

For more information about the parade, festival or route, please visit, https://www.dallasstpp.com/

December 2023 Security Update

The UCPID is dedicated to ensuring the community is safe - especially during the holidays. The Security committee of the UCPID consisting of volunteers from the neighboring police organizations, as well as security teams at many of the properties in University Crossing met on December 7 to review the latest report from our Expanded Neighborhood Patrol. The report can be found here.

Please reach out to info@universitycrossing.com if your property would like to be added to the University Crossing Security Network.

Here Come the Lights!

The University Crossing Trail located in the University Crossing Public Improvement District has worked with the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department over several years to develop and now install lights along the length of the Trail. An extension of the Katy Trail, the UCT runs through Glencoe Park and follows the Mockingbird Pedestrian Bridge to eventually reach White Rock Lake.

Construction on the lighting began today. You may see construction and barricades while the lights are going in. We ask you to please be respectful of the project and we should be wrapped up by the end of November.

If you have questions about the lights or would like to know more, please contact Patrick Sanders, Executive Director of the UCPID at patrick@universitycrossing.com.

Homeless Outreach Team at Work

The University Crossing Public Improvement District Board, Expanded Neighborhood Patrol (ENP), UCPID Security Committee and Homeless Outreach team are hard at work identifying and building relationships with our homeless neighbors. Since last year, we have worked closely with our outreach team to build relationships with homeless trying to find shelter or those panhandling in the area. We've been able to make connections with several homeless neighbors and assist them with services - setting them up with a more desirable long-term solution.

In addition, we've worked to develop education materials for the property owners, neighbors and students who are in the PID community every day. You can access these materials at www.universitycrossing.com.

Please feel free to copy, use and share these materials to share information on how you can help our homeless neighbors in the community.

Questions? Or you'd like to volunteer your time, please contact info@universitycrossing.com

Lunch and Learn - The Shelby

Last week, residents of the Shelby Building met with Patrick Sanders, Executive Director of the UCPID and members of the UCPID Expanded Neighborhood Patrol (ENP). Members of the ENP are off-duty police officers from the Dallas Police Department who are dedicated to serving the University Crossing community. The UCPID works closely with ENP officers daily to monitor all safety and security concerns in the area.

ENP officers encourage neighbors in UCPID to call 911 when you see anything out of the ordinary. If you see something, say something.

For less immediate UCPID concerns, please email info@universitycrossing.com to contact Patrick Sanders, ED for the University Crossing PID.

To schedule your lunch and learn, please contact info@universitycrossing.com

New Art in University Crossing

We're Adding New Art to University Crossing!

This week, artist J.M. Rizzi started on a large mural that will face the University Crossing Trail as you pass through the trail over Twin Sixties Drive.

This will be the fourth large mural installation project that the University Crossing PID has either commissioned or worked closely with a property owner to commission in the area.

The University Crossing Public Improvement District continues to identify ways to beautify the area and create a sense of community and ownership for visitors, property owners, neighbors, and students to enjoy. Thanks to a partnership with The City of University Park, The City of Dallas, and DART, the University Crossing PID is able to accomplish large projects like this one.

Rizzi will be onsite in the morning and evening through the end of September working on the mural if you'd like to stop by and admire his work. The mural will be a representation of those who use the University Crossing Trail, as well as tell show the symbols of what makes us University Crossing.

For more information other projects or maintenance in University Crossing, please visit www.universitycrossing.com or contact Patrick Sanders at info@universitycrossing.com.

2023 UCPID Annual Meeting

Thank you to all who attended the 2023 UCPID Annual Property Owner’s Meeting on Monday, June 12. We provided an overview of all activities in the PID - and shared some of the goals for the next year. Here are some of the highlights:

  • New Art and garden space coming this summer and fall

  • Partnerships with the City and Parks and Rec to add lighting along the University Crossing Trail

  • Continued landscaping and maintenance throughout the PID

  • Expanded support for security and homeless outreach

  • And more…

The links for the map of current activity and presentation are included below:

For any questions, please contact Patrick Sanders at info@universitycrossing.com

General Election Early Voting Through May 2

GENERAL ELECTION EARLY VOTING TODAY THROUGH MAY 2

ELECTION DAY MAY 6

Several Locations Near University Crossing - Dallas City Council Candidates on the Ballot

General Election early voting begins this week prior to election day on May 6, 2023. You can early vote at several locations near the University Crossing neighborhood, including:

  • Audelia Road Branch Library

  • Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

  • Harry Stone Recreation Center

  • Lochwood Branch Library

  • University Park UMC

Find early voting locations and operating hours here.

Ballot, candidate and election information can be found at the City of Dallas election website here.

Earling voting ends on May 2 and election day is set for May 6.

The list of candidates for Dallas City Council can be found here.


University Crossing Sponsors 2023 Dallas Mavs St. Pat's Parade and Festival

Greenville Avenue Area Business Association Officially Announces

The 42nd Annual Dallas Mavericks St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival on Saturday, March 11, 2023, featuring Grand Marshal and City of Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson 

The largest St. Patrick’s parade in the Southwest returns this year, continuing one of Dallas’ best traditions, with proceeds benefitting the G.A.A.B.A. Scholarship Fund for graduating Dallas ISD high school seniors. 

The Greenville Avenue Area Business Association (G.A.A.B.A.) is proud to announce the 42nd Annual Dallas Mavericks St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival on Saturday, March 11, 2023, presented by the Dallas Mavericks – the parade’s top sponsor since 2016. The parade will begin at 11 am on Greenville Avenue at Blackwell Street and end at SMU Boulevard and Central Expressway. The festival will run from 9 am until 3 pm.

Attended by over 125,000 people each year, the largest St. Patrick’s event in the Southwest returns with live music, floats, food trucks, and an Irish spirit of celebration, featuring City of Dallas Mayor, Eric Johnson, as this year’s Grand Marshal.

“Every year we look forward to one of the biggest events in Dallas, the St. Patrick’s Parade, and this year we are thrilled to once again partner with the Dallas Mavericks to bring that vision to life,” said Kevin Vela, Board Chairman of G.A.A.B.A. “The Mavs organization has been our number one sponsor for many years and a phenomenal parade partner. We’re proud to work together to bring top notch family-friendly entertainment to the community while making a valuable contribution to area youth through our educational scholarship fund.”

Featured Events

The parade has delighted families and children for more than 40 years and has attracted some of the best entertainment in the Metroplex. Featured event activities are open from 9 am to 3 pm. Noted events include:

·       CW33 (KDAF) Parade Live Broadcast will run from 11 am -1 pm at 5252 Greenville Ave.

·       The Festival Zone will be situated at 5111 Greenville Ave. (Office Depot/CVS) and will feature food trucks, exhibitor booths, sponsor exhibits, family friendly activities, and a VIP Tailgate Area.

·       The 5th annual Comerica Bank Family Zone is located at Lovers Lane and Greenville Avenue and will be equipped with arts and crafts, kids activities and treats for the entire family (no alcoholic beverages allowed in this area).

“The Mavericks are excited to be partnering once again with G.A.A.B.A. in 2023 to showcase one of Dallas’ most beloved traditions,” said Cynt Marshall, Dallas Mavericks CEO. “We love bringing the community together, and as a presenting sponsor, the Dallas Mavericks are showing up big with the Mavs Express bus, Mascots, and ManiAACs.”

Scholarship Goals

Proceeds from this year’s parade will go toward the G.A.A.B.A. Scholarship Fund, which provides a total of $45,000 dollars to graduating seniors in DISD in previous years. Each year, G.A.A.B.A. awards up to $15,000 to select students at Conrad, Wilson, and North Dallas High Schools.

Online donations may be made at  https://DallasStPatParade2023.eventbrite.com Click: “select a time” and then “tickets.” Scroll to the bottom for the Donations box and enter your desired amount.

“Our goal this year is to raise $42,000 in donations, which aligns with celebrating the parade’s 42nd year.

Event Sponsors

·       Presenting Sponsor: the Dallas Mavericks.

·       Official Parade Sponsors: 7-Eleven, Comerica Bank, Visit Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, University Crossing PID, DART, Dallas Blonde, Deep Ellum Brewing, WGU Texas and Thomas J Henry.

·       Media Sponsors: CW33, iHeart Radio, Lonestar 92.5, Star 102.1, 97.1 The Freak, 102.9 NOW, and 106.1 KISS FM.

·       Festival Partners: St. Paddy’s Day DASH, US Energy Square LLC, Meadows Building at Energy Square, Half Price Books, Versa Printing Inc., American Golf Cars Irving, DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas-Campbell Centre, Buyers Barricades, Revel XP Elite Fan Experiences, and The Gild.

Timing & Transit Tips

The parade will begin at 11 am, but the public is invited to arrive on Greenville Avenue for festivities beginning at 9 am. Because of the crowds and popularity of the parade, visitors should plan to arrive early and leave late. The festival runs from 9 am until 3 pm.

The parade route starts on Greenville Avenue at Blackwell Street—with street closures scheduled to start at 10:00 am for north and southbound lanes of Greenville Ave—and ends at

SMU Boulevard at Central Expressway. Alternative routes around the parade area include Loop 12, Mockingbird Lane, and Park Lane with access to Skillman. Parade-goers are encouraged to

ride share or ride the DART Rail, as parking is extremely limited. Recommended DART Rail stations include Mockingbird Station, Lovers Lane Station, and Park Lane Station.

About G.A.A.B.A. & the Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival

The Greenville Avenue Area Business Association (G.A.A.B.A.) was formed in 1987 to help unify area business and promote the Greenville Avenue region. Its first objective is and always will be the presentation of the annual Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival. The Parade has grown to be one of the largest St. Patrick's Parades in the country, with over 125,000 attendees and more than 100 parade entries. Proceeds benefit the G.A.A.B.A. Scholarship Funds benefiting Dallas ISD Seniors.  More than $150,000 in scholarships have been awarded.

About the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and began as an expansion franchise in 1980. The Mavs have won one NBA Championship (2011), four division titles (1987, 2007, 2010, 2021), and two conference championships (2006, 2011). The team is led by Owner Mark Cuban, General Manager Nico Harrison, and Head Coach Jason Kidd. In addition to on-court success, the Mavs are committed to making a difference in North Texas through outreach programs and the Dallas Mavericks Foundation. Learn more at www.mavs.com.

 

Holiday Music on Mockingbird - Dec. 17

Holiday Music on Mockingbird

Join us for a fun holiday event with LIVE MUSIC at Mockingbird Station. On Saturday, December 17, from 5-6pm SMU’s Bridge the Gap Chamber Players will be playing live holiday music to get you in the spirit of the season. Musicians will be available to take requests and engage with the shoppers and diners in Mockingbird Station who are feeling festive and merry. The event is presented by the University Crossing PID, Mockingbird Station and Bridge The Gap Chamber Players. Jeff Tullis Music also be at the event. We hope to see you there!

TRAIL SAFETY

GET OUTSIDE!

Tips on how to stay safe in Glencoe Park and on the University Crossing Trail!

UCPID Board member, Kristin Munson, worked with Dallas Park and Recreation to create a quick Public Service Announcement about how to be safe while using the University Crossing Trail.

Thank you, Kristin and Dallas Park and Rec for a great partnership! We look forward to seeing you out on the trail!

Check out the video here!

#DallasTrailSafety

New View - UCPID Camera

We have a new view! We’ve moved the time-laps camera in the PID to a new location. You can log on to watch the action across the Mockingbird Pedestrian bridge. Thank you to Larry Walton and The Highland for making the move and getting the camera set up for viewing!

Here’s the link for viewing! Click here.

2022 Dallas Mavs St. Patrick's Day Parade + Festival

The parade will kick off on Saturday, March 12 at 11am on Blackwell Street and will travel down Greenville Avenue ending up with a Festival and concert at Energy Square.

The parade route and more details can be found at this link.

Organizers have again partnered with the management of the Meadows Building, Westwood Financial Corp, and lots from Office Depot to CVS to provide exhibitor accommodations, food trucks, and activities for all ages.

Join the tradition and sign up for exclusive float and exhibitor entries.

You may also choose to Celebrate St. Patty’s Day at the official concert of the 41st ST. PATRICK'S PARADE & FESTIVAL featuring the TOADIES, 40 ACRE MULE, JAKE QUILLIN, 4 BARS, DJ, FOOD TRUCKS & more!

University Crossing Trail Detour Update

Please plan accordingly, the University Crossing Trail will be experiencing a detour in the upcoming weeks. The University Crossing PID has commissioned a local artist to provide a mural and add beautification to the area. From Monday - Friday and 9am - 5pm, the trail section included below will be blocked off so that the artist can complete his work. Please contact info@universitycrossin.com if you have any questions.

Resources for Managing Panhandlers in University Crossing

Individuals panhandle for a variety of reasons, but most of those who have engaged with the UCPID street outreach staff and the City of Dallas End Panhandling Now have expressed they are fulfilling basic needs, such as food or shelter.

Between 70-80% of the individuals engaged by UCPID street outreach are considered homeless, however many do not consider themselves to be homeless.

An example of this might be an individual who panhandles daily to pay for a motel room and food for the evening. Others might be living in encampments near the areas where they solicit. Among the most common referrals made by staff is to local shelters.

Additionally, many clients have shared that their mental health prevents them from getting and keeping traditional employment, or prevents them from seeking social services from shelters.

Panhandlers report earning anywhere from $20-$300 daily. The average age of individuals engaged by University Crossing street outreach is 46 years old.

In an article from The Dallas Morning News in February 2021, the former Office of Homeless Solutions Interim Director, Kevin Odom, advised against giving to panhandlers directly.

Odom stated, “multiple persons at the intersection are permanent residents of motels in the area, and choose that area to remain due to the profitability that panhandling provides. I would offer the advice that the most effective way for panhandling to cease in an area is for giving directly to persons to cease."

Odom continued, “I would also recommend that staff and the public not collect and provide on-site donations to the persons camped in this location as donations, though well-intended, can continue to discourage persons from accepting placement in a shelter or other housing options."

He encouraged members of the community to instead donate directly to service providers who can provide long-term assistance with their homeless recovery.

The solution to ending panhandling is simple.

If you want to end panhandling, stop directly giving money to panhandlers.

Giving to panhandlers:

  1. Puts them physically at risk as they maneuver through traffic

  2. Discourages people from accessing homeless recovery resources to change their long term situation

  3. Funds may be used to fund addiction

  4. May put the giver in danger if the panhandler becomes aggressive

Alternatives to giving money directly:

  1. Provide food, water, hygiene kits, and other basic essentials

  2. Provide employment opportunities and job skills training while emphasizing the importance of doing work

  3. Provide shelter

  4. Give to organizations that provide homeless recovery resources

Ways to Give:

Holiday Safety Tips from University Crossing

We’ve made it! The holidays are upon us!

We want to be sure that you’re being safe during the hustle and bustle of the holidays while you shop in the University Crossing neighborhood. That’s why our security team has prepared a list of safety tips to help you get to and fro safely. Remember! IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!

Take care and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

General safety tips when you’re out and about!

  • Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device

  • If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area

  • Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows

  • Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked

  • Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside

  • Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight

  • Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car

  • Shop with a friend or relative. There is added security in numbers

  • Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door

  • When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings

  • Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area

Tips To Thwart Porch Pirates

  • Ship to an Amazon locker

  • Ship to a FedEx or UPS office

  • Send the package to your work address if your business allows

  • Send to a family member or friend who will be at home when the package is delivered

  • Install an outdoor security camera

  • Keep your property well lit

  • Request notifications on your deliveries

  • Set up a vacation hold if you plan on traveling during the holidays so gifts won’t be left on the doorstep

  • Never accept a surprise delivery where a payment is required, and never give out personal information when receiving a delivery that you purchased as it may be a scam

 Several ways to report a crime

  • Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies

  • Utilize the Dallas Online Reporting System to file a report online

  • Visit your local police substation to make a report in person

  • Utilize the iWatch app to anonymously provide information about criminal behavior