Spotlight On...

Ann Todora,

Founder of Parkit Market

When did you open Parkit Market:
My husband Frank and I opened Parkit Market in 1962 and we are now celebrating our 53rd year in business. My five sons -- Tony, Pete, Michael, Steve and Johnny -- and my daughter, Gina, continue to operate the business today. I serve on the board of directors and also contribute by preparing homemade deli items like our meatloaf, egg salad, barbeque and much more.
 
How has Greenville Avenue changed since you have been in business:
When we opened in 1962, there was no red light at the corner of Greenville and University. At the time, E. University Blvd was a dirt road, the Energy Square property was a tree farm, and there was no Village Apartments or Old Town shopping center. We felt like pioneers, but we knew this property had great potential.
 
A favorite place to have breakfast in the UCPID and what you typically order:
I usually eat one of our breakfast sandwiches at Parkit Market, but we sometimes stop in at Starbucks for a cup of coffee and a cheese roll.
 
How do you think the UCPID will change in the next few years:
It's been wonderful watching this area change over the past 50-plus years, and I think UPCID will create a tremendous advantage. When we work together, we can increase security, keep the streets clean, and promote the Greenville Avenue in a positive manner.
 
Your favorite television show:
Law and Order, Everybody Loves Raymond, or any western TV show or movie.

Pedestrian Bridge at Mockingbird Station: A DMN Story

By MELISSA REPKO

Follow @melissa_repko

mrepko@dallasnews.com

Staff Writer

Published: 26 February 2015 11:07 PM

Updated: 26 February 2015 11:25 PM

For pedestrians and cyclists who’ve dodged traffic for years near Mockingbird Station, relief finally is in sight.

That’s the promise city officials are making with the latest timeline for a multimillion-dollar bridge that will span busy Mockingbird Lane near North Central Expressway.

They say construction could begin by fall, with the suspension bridge opening 15 months later. But neighbors say the city has missed so many deadlines that some have dubbed the bridge across the six-lane street “an urban myth.”

“I truly won’t believe it until I see it now,” said Millicent McLane, who first heard about the bridge idea when she moved into her nearby condo. That was eight years ago...

Read the full article at Dallas Morning News

 

UC Member Update: Greenville Parade Info

Dear Neighbor,

The Greenville Avenue Area Business Association (G.A.A.B.A.) is proud to present the 36th Annual Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival on Greenville Avenue, which will be hosted on Saturday, March 14, 2015. We are equally proud and excited to announce our Presenting Sponsor, the Dallas Mavericks, and marketing partner, Cyber Dust (a Mark Cuban Company). We are also excited to announce the addition of key sponsors such as FIAT of Dallas, Monster Energy, Emergency Ice, Snuffers Hamburgers, DART, Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Dallas Morning News, and Ben E. Keith Distributors. Please help us by showcasing their products or services whenever possible, within your business or out in the community.

As you might have noticed or heard in the news, yes, we are the new Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival, and although our vision for the parade has expanded, the location has and will not change. We truly have become the largest annual parade in North Texas and the largest St. Patrick’s parade in the Southwest.

We are excited to announce our continued partnership with the Meadows Building (Sunwest Real Estate Group) for our second annual Family Zone, sponsored by the Family Place of Dallas. Again, we have secured prime bleacher seating along the parade route for one thousand lucky parade attendees ($20/seat available for purchase at www.dallasstpatricksparade.com). We are also excited to announce the addition of our first annual Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade “BREW FEST” sponsored by Ben E. Keith Distributors, which will be located at the Office Depot parking lot. The Mavericks will host their “Mavs Corner” by the CVS Pharmacy and we are also hosting VIP Tailgate Sections for a nominal fee. We would like to thank Westwood Financial Corp (WFC) for their valued partnership.

The Parade is good for all of us: the City of Dallas benefits by the thousands of visitors and valuable tax revenue that the Parade brings to the city. And for the sixth year, G.A.A.B.A. is proud to continue its DISD Scholarship Fund for deserving graduating high school seniors in our immediate area.

Key Parade elements and timelines are listed below:

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Southbound Greenville Ave. from Blackwell to Yale Blvd. will be closed at 9:00 a.m. Northbound Greenville Ave. from Yale Blvd. to Blackwell will be closed at 10:00 a.m.

Cross streets that will remain open (under police traffic control) are Caruth Haven, Southwestern, and University Blvd.

G.A.A.B.A. will again be hiring Moore Disposal, Inc. to provide the street clean-up this year. Prior to the parade, the clean-up crew will do a run-through to collect all trash accumulated. Cardboard bins will be placed throughout the parade route. During the parade, crews will be moving along the route, collecting trash and disposing of it in the dumpsters. Immediately following the parade, the street sweeper and crews will clean all of the remaining street trash. 

G.A.A.B.A. is again partnering with recycling companies to promote a “Go Green” atmosphere. The Dallas Sierra Club (www.texas.sierraclub.org/Dallas/) will also be providing volunteers and recycling bins to clean up along the parade route.

G.A.A.B.A. will be placing port-a-lets along the parade route. Having these port-a-lets on your property will help minimize unwanted restroom traffic before, during and after the parade. If you would like to order additional port-a-lets, please contact: Gloria Salas with Moore Disposal at 214.357.4357 ext 417.

All merchants/property owners are responsible for clean-up in their parking lots and on their property.

Below is a list of our preferred vendors for any assistance in your parade planning:

BEN E. KEITH:

Benny Cavazos (Area Sales Manager) Cell: 214-869-0562 bennycavazos@benekeith.com

GOLF CARTS:

Stephanie Wright
Grapevine Golf Cars
Office: 817-251-8032 Stephanie@grapevinegolfcars.com

BARRICADES (Fencing, etc.):

Jeremy J. Glenn
Senior Sales Account Manager
Cell: 972-877-4653 jeremy.glenn@unitedsiteservices.com

Will Finch
Ops Manager
Cell: (817) 822-8362 Willliam.finch@unitedsiteservices.com

Dave Annis
Fence Manager
Cell: (817) 822-6398 David.annis@unitedsiteservices.com

TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS:

Francisco: 972-363-3001 Franciscor@thmtx.com

SANITATION:

Gloria Salas
Sales Coordinator

_________ 

Moore Disposal
Cell: (214) 980-3756
EXHIBITOR RENTALS: David or Jill Husband (817) 343-5353

EMERGENCY ICE:

For all your “Emergency Ice” needs, and only minutes away, call the Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade official ice provider, Emergency Ice.
Earl Toler
Emergency Ice, Inc.

earl@emergencyice.com

214.631.3535

INSURANCE:

John Betty john@friscoia.com
Frisco Insurance Agency, Inc 9555 Lebanon Rd, Ste 201 Frisco, TX 75035 214-619-1700

PRINTING:

Versa Print:

Sergio@versaprinting.com

972-243-5353

According to the City of Dallas Office of Special Events, the following clean-up schedule will be in place for Saturday, March 14, 2015:

10:00 AM 4:00 PM - G.A.A.B.A. responsible for cleaning of parade route (sidewalk to sidewalk)

10:00 AM 4:00 PM - Merchant parking lot “cleaning check”

4:00 PM - G.A.A.B.A. completes parade clean-up, provided event begins on time and there are no issues during event

4:00 PM - Merchants continue responsibility of cleaning their parking lots

Note: Merchants are responsible for maintaining trash clean-up in their parking lots and around their property line. The City of Dallas Code Compliance team will be performing random inspections every hour. If trash is not being maintained, the merchant will be written a citation. Trash bins removed from the event site onto private property will become the responsibility of the merchant to maintain. The Code Compliance City Ordinance states:

SEC. 7A-18. DUTY TO MAINTAIN PREMISES FREE FROM LITTER.

An owner, occupant, or person in control of private premises commits an offense if he places, deposits, or throws; permits to accumulate; or permits or causes to be placed, deposited, or 

thrown, any litter on the premises or in or on any gutter or parkway adjacent to the premises or on one-half of that portion of an alley adjacent to the premises, unless the litter has been deposited in an authorized private receptacle for collection. (Ord. Nos. 10371; 13804; 20599).

Working with the city and our new sponsors will allow us to continue to make this an even better parade now and in the future. And working together as a community will further ensure a successful event. Not only do Greenville Avenue and the surrounding area depend on the success of this event, but also thousands of North Texans make plans every year to celebrate with us. Let’s keep the tradition going.

Sincerely Yours,

Kevin Vela G.A.A.B.A. President 


A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

If you weren't able to attend our first UCPID happy hour, then you miss a great time and some especially great pizza.  A huge thanks to Old Chicago Pizza for hosting our group. Be sure to attend the next one in April - we will keep you posted on the date, time and location. 

I realize I am quite the optimist when it comes to our new pedestrian and bike bridge over Mockingbird Lane. I can assure you it will happen and happen soon! In fact, I will have some good news to share in our next newsletter along with additional projects connected to the bridge. Also, please take a moment to drive down SMU Boulevard to see how it's coming together. We are very proud of this project as well.

If you haven't watched college tennis, especially in a facility like the new SMU Tennis Complex, then we urge you to choose a date to watch this spectacular sport in this state-of-the-art facility. Go SMU tennis!  

Finally, I would like to send a special thanks to Larry Walton of the Highlands Residences and their HOA for inviting me to speak to them on the latest happenings in our PID - we have many great things to highlight in our district. Please stay in touch and let us know about any exciting goings-on in your business or area in general.

Barry Annino

Executive Director

Spotlight On...

Doug Snyder, 

General Manager of Dallas Central Market

How long have you worked with Central Market: 

I have been a General Manager with Central Market for seven years; with the last four years here at the Lovers Lane location.

How has Greenville Avenue changed since you have been with Central Market: 

Certainly the far south Greenville Ave. restaurant and retail strip has blossomed, giving more exposure to all of Greenville. The addition of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum has certainly raised the awareness about the area.

A favorite place to dine in the UCPID and what you typically order:

Café Brazil for breakfast - give me a cheese and tomato omelet any day! And of course, for lunch, you can't beat Central Market's chef's case, chef's specials or salad bar - always great options.

A favorite business you frequent in the UCPID and why: 

The Wave Wash is a winner - it's great service, a great product and a quick and easy way to take care of my car!

A favorite perk or service Central Market offers that some of us may not be aware of (yet!): 

Our Cooking School! We offer diverse classes, like celebrity chef Martin Yan on February 27 for a class on Chinese New Year's, or our popular Basic Knife Skills class, taught by our team of chefs, every third Saturday morning of the month.

SPOTLIGHT ON: EMPIRE BAKING COMPANY

Meaders Ozarow, along with her husband Robert Ozarow, own and operate the European-style natural bread supplier, Empire Baking Company. With headquarters and a wholesale shop located in the UCPID, they are known near and far for their baked goods that grace most of the restaurant tables in the city, as well as their storefront in Inwood Village.

When did you move the Empire Baking Company corporate office and wholesale store to its 5614 East University locale:

We moved into the district 11 years ago.

How has the neighborhood changed since you opened in your current space:

The neighborhood has changed tremendously and has evolved so much over the last 11 years. SMU has taken a presence in the neighborhood, which has energized the area, and there has been apartment development and lots of new restaurants. Central Market's opening has brought traffic across Central and into the area. Mockingbird Station has also been a great retail destination with such nice energy, and a major DART station adding easy access. The Bush Library has been a recent newcomer, and even though it is not in the district, its proximity has added excitement.  Most recently, when Starbucks added a store, it confirmed that the area is growing and exciting.

Favorite place to dine in the UCPID:

I am a big Rusty Taco fan. I order two #6 Rajas Tacos and sometimes the #7 Fish Taco;  also chips and queso.  I love the design of the restaurant and the outdoor patio.  

Favorite business you frequent in the UCPID:

I frequent Park Cities Obedience School, where I acquired our rescue dog, Abbi. She attends doggie day care there, and I occasionally board her there when I'm out of town. I also like Union Coffee up the street on Dyer - it's my gourmet coffee stop. In the afternoon, I am a Coke Zero addict, so I head over to the 7-11 (I love 7-11!).  

A charity that you consistently support:

I drive a route for VNA's Meals on Wheels because feeding seniors and allowing them to age with dignity is important. We donate our Wednesday leftover bread to the Vickery Meadow Food Bank because that is the area serving one of our city's most vulnerable populations. We also support the North Texas Food Bank and have a table at the Empty Bowls fundraiser. We are so blessed to provide bread for some of the finest restaurants in town; but on the other side, there are people in this wonderful city that are food insecure and need our help.

 

www.empirebaking.com

SPOTLIGHT ON: THE HIGHLAND HOTEL


Meet David Lemmond, the new General Manager of The Highland hotel. Lemmond hails from some of the most highly regarded boutique hotels in the nation, such as three locations of The Standard in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami Beach, and most recently, Hotel Vitale in San Francisco.

 

The Highland Hotel Dallas

The Highland Hotel Dallas

Tell us about any exciting additions to the hotel since the transformation from Hotel Palomar to The Highland:

The name change to The Highland Dallas was a big change, and we are the first Hotel in Curio - A Collection by Hilton. The relationship with Hilton brings the Hotel full circle from its original opening as the Hilton Inn in the '60s. We will be making improvements to the property over the coming months including a five million dollar planned upgrade to our guest rooms and meeting/event spaces. I think the property will truly gain a sense of place at the crossroads of style and comfort, culture and sophistication, historic ties and modern touches. 

Favorite lunch spot in University Crossing:

It sounds a little much, but I have eaten many a lunch at Knife since my arrival. We just started serving lunch about a month ago and have been building up momentum! My favorites are a toss up between The Ozersky Burger (cue mouth watering) and the Grilled Reuben!

 Most frequented shop in University Crossing:

I love Atama at Mockingbird Station. The collection of unique and colorful pieces make art and the creative process accessible to just about anyone. It's a fun store to explore even though it is small in scale. Mockingbird Station is right across the street from the hotel so it is easy to sneak over there for some retail inspiration.

Favorite way to spend your free time in Dallas:

As a new resident of Dallas, exploring has been my favorite pastime. I've enjoyed getting in my car and going off in different directions, finding new neighborhoods or landmarks to explore. Dallas is a big place and finding all the hidden treasures is fun. Walking through Highland Park Village or Bishop Arts District are great experiences. A visit to the Dallas Art Museum with dinner at Trinity Groves feels like you have gone to different worlds yet are just a short drive apart.

www.thehighlanddallas.com

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Barry Annino, University Crossing Director

Barry Annino, University Crossing Director

I am proud to send this inaugural newsletter for University Crossing - the recently formed Public Improvement District (UCPID) encompassing the area defined by North Central Expressway (US 75), Mockingbird Lane, Greenville Avenue and Lovers Lane. The UCPID began with a group of business and property owners who felt our area had the potential to claim its own region and personality within the Dallas city limits. The area is transforming into a vibrant mix of uses including education, retail, office and residential - and the goal of the PID is to elevate these businesses to create one dynamic district. These visionaries went to City Hall, met with the district property owners, and the plan was agreed to and passed by Dallas City Council. We now have been approved to tax ourselves, with the tax dollars managed by our Board of Directors, and to receive enhanced services for our area. What we have created is our own district named University Crossing.

My job as Executive Director is to oversee the security, beautification, capital improvements, promotions, and spending, as well as serve as your voice, along with all of our committee chairs, before the Dallas City Council. I hope that you enjoy these monthly newsletters, and please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, concerns or good news to share at ba@universitycrossing.com.

Please visit our website at  www.universitycrossing.com  and stay tuned for a new website that will feature a directory, events calendar and more! We have many new projects taking place over the next year and I look forward to keeping you informed of all the exciting developments.

 

Barry Annino

Executive Director