Spotlight on...Stonewall Jackson

With Site-Based Decision Making Committee Co-Chair, Chris Peterson...

• Quick Facts and Contacts

• Grade Levels: K-5

• Enrollment: 615 students

• Feeder Pattern: Woodrow Wilson High School

• School Colors: Blue and white

• Mascot: Stars

• Principal: Melanie Schiff

• Assistant Principal: Deranda Scudder

• Site-Based Decision Making Committee Co-Chairs: Chris Peters and Beth Temperley

• PTA President: Sara Hundley

• Dads' Club President: Matt Johnson

• Stonewall Gardens President: Kari Myers

Why do parents choose to send their children to Stonewall Jackson Elementary?

Many people choose to live in our neighborhoods due to the strong sense of community at Stonewall Jackson. Parents are drawn to Stonewall Jackson due to several factors including the school's academic reputation, strong faculty, parent involvement and special programs, such as the Deaf Education and Dual Language programs. 

What activities are offered to students and what are the benefits? 

Every student spends part of their science studies each week in Stonewall Gardens, our 20,000-square-foot science lab. For students in the Deaf Education and Dual Language programs, there is the opportunity to learn American Sign Language and Spanish, respectively. Most Thursday mornings before school starts, you will find the Dads' Club working with every grade at Math Club. In addition to field trips to many local cultural organizations, Stonewall Jackson has a Carnival in the fall and a Field Day in the spring. There are many youth sports teams comprised of Stonewall Jackson students that are coached by their parents. Our 5th graders have been enthusiastically learning ballroom dancing, a rite of passage every spring, thanks to the efforts of our PTA. 

Have any of the teachers and/or faculty at Stonewall Jackson stood out by going above and beyond? 

Stonewall Jackson Elementary has outstanding faculty, many of whom have been recognized by Dallas ISD over the years. The faculty is one of the major draws of our school. Annually, Stonewall Jackson recognizes excellence with a Teacher of the Year award. 

Tell us a little bit about Stonewall Gardens.

Every student spends part of their science studies each week in Stonewall Gardens, our 20,000-square-foot science lab. Every student plants several crops each year and also learns about eco-systems in Wildscape. Our garden was established in 1988 and has grown into one of the largest school-based gardens you can find and is visited by many school/organizations who are planning to start their own. For more information, you may visit their website. Visitors may organize tours through Kari Myers, President. The garden is funded through Stonewall Gardens, a parent-run 501(c)(3). There are opportunities to support our students and staff by donating to Stonewall Gardens. 

Is there anything else that University Crossing should know about Stonewall Jackson? 

There are ample opportunities to connect Stonewall Jackson Elementary and University Crossing. For University Crossing members, we can always use volunteers. There are also sponsorship opportunities at many of our fundraisers as well as opportunities to host a "Stonewall Night" at neighborhood restaurants. These opportunities will strengthen the relationship between the Stonewall Jackson community and University Crossing businesses. 

When your family is not at Stonewall Jackson, where do they like to spend their time? 

For the Peters family, we head to the Angelika for movies and we like to stop by Ozana after soccer games. 

A Note from the Executive Director

Spring is in bloom in the University Crossing Public Improvement District! We hope you are out and about enjoying the mild weather and the wonderful restaurants, entertainment, shopping and dining there is to offer in the UCPID.
 
We have several upcoming public events in the PID thatI wanted to make you aware of.
 
First, Happy St. Patrick's Day on March 17! University Crossing is home to Dallas' largest St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival. The parade will be rolling through Greenville Avenue on Saturday, March 19 and there will be fun for all ages. Please check here to make sure you are aware of any lane closures or delays. Have fun! Be safe! And, if you SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING.
 
Next, the TouchDown Club will be hosting its 3rd Rib and Appetizer Cookoff benefitting the RISE School of Dallas on Saturday, April 2 in the Energy Square parking lot. Good food, live music and prize money for the best ribs and appetizers - what more could you want for a Saturday? The event kicks off at 10am and wraps up at 6pm.
 
I also wanted to welcome four new board members to the UCPID. All four were elected to the board and will be serving a three-year term. They are:
 
Brent Halvorson - The Marquis Group
Matt McGeath - GlenStar
Larry Walton - The Highland Residences
Richard Kessler - CBRE, Mockingbird Station
 
Welcome to the UCPID Board and thank you for your interest and service. Approved meeting minutes and security updates are available at www.universitycrossing.com.
 
Finally, we have been working to manage the pet waste problem in Glencoe Park. We have partnered with Dallas Park and Rec to add six pet waste stations to the loop trail and will work with Park and Rec to make Glencoe Park more enjoyable for all. FYI - if you would like to register a practice or an event at Glencoe Park, please visit their website here.
 
Stay tuned next month for an update on landscaping for the Mockingbird Lane medians and pedestrian bridge construction. You may have seen several barricades and preliminary work started - we will work to keep you informed and up to date on progress.
 
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email info@universitycrossing.com.
 
Happy March!  
 
Ginger Greenberg
UCPID Executive Director

Spotlight On

Mockingbird Central Plaza
with Senior Property Manager Kris Schuster. . .

Where is Mockingbird Central Plaza?  
Mockingbird Central Plaza is located at 5400 E. Mockingbird Lane at the southwest corner of McMillan and Mockingbird. It is just east of The Highland and the Katy Trail.

Which businesses are located there?
Mockingbird Central Plaza features a variety of tenants. We have everything from restaurants like Jason's Deli and Burger King to retail like Whole Earth Provisions to recreational businesses such as Pocket Sandwich Theatre, GolfTec, Premiere Video and Keith's Comics to health-related businesses such as Sunstone Yoga, Private Workout, Run On!, Action Chiropractic and Monarch Dental.

The shopping center also includes the School of Contemporary Ballet Dallas, Dallas Tan, Daniel's Salon, Ross Love Insurance, EmbroidMe, Art Custom Tailor and The Mattress Firm. New to Mockingbird Central are Envy Nails and Experimac.

What are some of the unique features of Mockingbird Central Plaza?
The area offers a wide variety of neighborhood retail and service tenants that are vital to this area of town. We've just completed the overall paint project on the center and it looks fabulous!

What are a few things that University Crossing should know about Mockingbird Central Plaza?
The shopping center is located two blocks east of 75/Central Expressway, making us walking distance from SMU and the center is in a high traffic area.

SMU AQUATIC CENTER GROUNDBREAKING

University Crossing PID Members,
 
We wanted to notify you that SMU is hosting a major groundbreaking event for the new aquatics center on Friday, February 26th, in the open area immediately south of SMU Boulevard and west of the DART tracks.
 
A significant turnout is expected, resulting in increased traffic activity on and around SMU Boulevard between 11:15am - 1pm. Guests have been instructed to valet park at the event site, self-park at Everest College or walk from the main campus to alleviate traffic concerns.
 
With these parking options, we don't anticipate that our friends and neighbors in the University Crossing area should expect a disruption to their business, but as this is a very busy area we wanted to make sure you had advanced notice. Thank you for your cooperation and support as we continue to develop this vibrant area.
 
Best,
 
Ginger Greenberg
UCPID Executive Director
info@universitycrossing.com

Spotlight On...

Knife Dallas
with Highland Dallas General Manager David Lemmond

Knife Dallas was named best steakhouse in Best of Big D 2015

What makes Knife Dallas stand out in the thriving restaurant scene in Dallas?
At Knife we choose to go outside the norm. We cater not only to the frequent steakhouse diner but to the foodies as well. We do this by offering our old school cuts such as ribeyes and filets, but take it a step further by serving the ribeyes and sirloins bone-in and dry-aged in-house in our climate controlled display dry-aging room visible when you walk in the restaurant. In addition to the classics you see on every steakhouse menu, Knife offers wagyu skirt steak and 72-hour sou vide short rib, which we finish off over our red oak wood fire grill. Beyond steaks we offer an incredible selection of pastas, nationally praised burgers and a variety of slabs and slices of some carefully selected pork, beef and lamb.

What is (are) the most popular item(s) on your menu?
The most popular way our guests at Knife like to start off their dining experience is with our famous bacon tasting. Guests are presented with 6 different types of bacon on a wood cutting boarding including: our house-made bacon jam, Wisconsin's Nueske's applewood and cherrywood smoked, Moody's - which does a special cure just for chef - Benton's from Tennessee and everyone's favorite - Iberico from Spain.

Another popular dish is our Longbone 32 oz. dry-aged ribeye for two, which is dry-aged in-house in our dry-age display case. Also popular is our Ozersky burger - named after John's late friend, blogger, food critic and burger expert Josh Ozersky. It is a 6 oz. ground sirloin burger from 44 Farms served on a traditional white bun with American cheese and sliced raw red onion and is paired with salsa verde french fries. It is a very clean and classic burger with every component selectively chosen to bring out the natural flavor of the amazing 44 Farms beef.

Which dish is your personal favorite?
My personal favorite is our penne pasta & black truffle essence. The hand-rolled penne pasta is imported from Italy and tossed with truffle butter monte, then garnished with parmigiano cheese and black truffle shavings. Each time this dish hits the table, everyone's head turns to catch a glimpse of what is producing that heavenly aroma.

Tell us a little about Chef John Tesar.
Three-time James Beard "Best Southwest Chef" semifinalist and "Top Chef" contestant Chef John Tesar is known for his stylish, modern American cuisine prepared with classic European techniques. His innovative culinary perspective and no-nonsense personality have garnered much acclaim throughout his 20+ years in the restaurant industry. This acclaims includes national nods from Esquire (named to Best New Restauurants for two consecutive years), Food & Wine, New York Magazine and The New York Times,appearances on The Today Show and The Early Show and winning the inaugral season of Food Network's "Extreme Chef."

Knife must-knows are?
Knife is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and brunch on Sundays. Knife offers the full menu for late night dining and complimentary valet is always available. Choose from a wide selection of light- to full-bodied cigars from our humidor and enjoy by the fireplace on our beautiful patio.

Are there any secrets that people should know about?
If you're calling for a reservation or looking on OpenTable for a reservation and we are fully committed, try your luck and come on in. Our open kitchen has a chef's counter where we leave space for walk-ins. Sit side-by-side as you enjoy dinner and a show at your leisure. The bar area also has two large cocktail-style tables and can seat 10 people comfortably, which are also available to walk-ins. It is a great environment with the same full-service menu we offer in the dining room.

Is Knife Dallas having any specials for Valentine's Day?
Steaks for sharing such as dry-aged bone-in Akaushi ribeye and 240-day dry-aged ribeye will both be available for dinner. In addition, we will serve a special Valentine's Day dessert from Pastry Chef Eric Cobb - a strawberry panna cotta, citrus sponge, crisped basil leaf and pistachio basil crumble.

Spotlight On...

SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza

SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza recently joined the University Crossing neighborhood

What separates your pizza restaurant from others around the area?

As one of the nation's first Neapolitan pizza restaurants, SPIN! serves a diverse selection of of traditional thin-and-bubbly crust, rustic whole wheat and gluten-free pizzas. SPIN! takes the unique step of roasting its pizza toppings in stone hearth ovens every day to bring out the most flavorful notes of each meat, vegetable and topping.

The pizza dough is made fresh every day using several types of flour. Its gluten-free crust is renowned for its flavor and texture. SPIN! offers both traditional Pizza Rossa (red pizzas with crushed tomato sauce) and Pizza Bianca (white pizzas with roasted garlic olive oil glaze), many hand-grated cheeses and even dairy-free cheese.

What is the most popular pizza on your menu?

While most pizzerias' top selling pizza is pepperoni, SPIN! guests' favorites also include Tre Carni (Three Meats) pizza topped with meatballs, pepperoni and Italian sausage, Spinaci & Aglio & Pine Nuts featuring spinach, roasted garlic and tasted pine nuts ad Margherita with its fresh mozzarella, roasted tomatoes and basil.

What is your all-time favorite SPIN! pizza?

SPIN!'s Margherita pizza, which was named one of the 50 best foods in all restaurants - not just pizzerias - in the entire U.S. by Restaurant Business Magazine! It's truly amazing.

What are some other items you offer other than pizza?

SPIN! also serves a tremendous selection of fresh salads topped with made-from-scratch dressings, homemade soups, signature Panini and Italian deli sandwiches, appetizers, small plates and all-natural gelato ice creams.

In addition to its food, SPIN! is renowned for its rotating roster of affordable premium wines priced well below traditional restaurant prices. SPIN! also makes homes white, red and blood orange sangrias and offers a selection of barrel wines and craft beers.

What is the SPIN! Club and what perks come with being a member?

The SPIN! Club is SPIN!'s way of saying thank you to our guests. With every $200 spent, you get $10 in "SPIN! Dough" to use on a future visit. On every eighth visit, you'll receive a voucher for a free gelato. Every Monday, you can buy two pizzas and get your choice of a third pizza or any full size salad for free! To celebrate your birthday, you'll receive a gift of a coupon for 20% off at SPIN!

What else would you like the University Crossing community to know about your restaurant?

In addition to our wines and affordable artisan menu, SPIN! is recognized for our convenient service model. Guests place their order at the counter and then relax at their table where servers developer their food and beverages. This allows guest to control their time, whether they are in a hurry or in the mood to leisurely hang out in a fun, social environment.

www.spinpizza.com

A Note from the Executive Director

Welcome to the neighborhood Pollo Tropical and SPIN! Pizza. These two new restaurants are joining us in University Crossing, and they are both wonderful additions to the neighborhood fare.

SPIN!, located at 5627 SMU Boulevard, serves artisanal Neapolitan pies and other Mediterranean-style eats, as well as gelato in a counter-serve setting. If you feel that you are a pizza aficionado, SPIN! is hiring. You can apply at spinpizza.com/jobs. My family loves SPIN! and it is kid-friendly too.

 
Pollo Tropical is a fast-casual chicken restaurant that has just opened a new location on Greenville Avenue in University Crossing. Its signature dish is citrus-marinated grilled chicken, but the menu also includes mojo pork, beef, wings and tropical ides such as rice, beans, yucca and sweet plantains. The cuisine is Caribbean, which makes it stand apart from Mexican-themed chicken restaurants. As an added bonus, Pollo Tropical offers catering which you can order by visiting www.pollotropical.com.
 
Other ideas for catering in University Crossing include Central Market, Jason's Deli and Café Express.  
 
Did you know that Mockingbird Station is one-of-a-kind when it comes to the combination of a major transit stop, residential and retail? DART knew and asked Brian Leslie, UCPID Board President, Suzanne Massey, UCPID Marketing Chair and me to lead a Mobile Workshop for the DART RAILVOLUTION conference in October. We were able to spotlight and introduce the UCPID as a transportation/retail/residential success to transportation professionals from across the country. We also toured the George Bush Library and the SMU campus to discuss how the students and SMU community take advantage of the transit options in the University Crossing neighborhood.
 
The UCPID Security Committee would like to remind you to LOCK your car and TAKE your valuable belongings with you. We've had several car break-ins and in the majority of the instances, cars were unlocked and valuables were left in plain view. Also remember to SAY SOMETHING if you SEE SOMETHING. University Crossing offers increased security service in the neighborhood through the Expanded Neighborhood Patrol (ENP), who is on duty to keep our neighborhood safe and secure.
 
STAY TUNED for UCPID-branded LOCK, TAKE and HIDE signs available for businesses in the PID. I will be in touch as to how you can obtain the parking signs for your businesses and parking areas.
 
Exciting times in University Crossing! Thank you, again, to the volunteers and board members who are helping to shape and support the University Crossing neighborhood.
 
 
Best wishes,
Ginger Greenberg
UCPID Executive Director

Spotlight On...

Village Baking Co.

Contact 214.951.9077
Village Baking Co. provides UCPID residents with artisan breads and pastries

What motivated you to open Village Baking Co.?

Kim and I honeymooned in France. It was there that we both recognized the lack of true old-world-style breads in Texas. That's really been our mission ever since -- combining traditional baking methods with unique Texas flair. Boulangerie, our retail store name, is what every village bakery is called in France, hence the name Village Baking Co.  

What are some unique aspects of Village Baking Co.?

Many of our pastries are from specialized regions of France and we make everything using the traditional methods. These are items you cannot find almost anywhere else in the USA, let alone Texas! Additionally, our flour is milled right here in Texas, and we use local and organic ingredients whenever possible. We are proudly a non-GMO facility.

What is the best part of owning a business in the UCPID?

We have immediate access to a great and loyal customer base. Additionally, we love the proximity to SMU, many students of which have become wonderful and cherished employees.

When you are not working, where is your favorite place to dine, shop, or relax in the PID?

Twisted Root Burger Co. on SMU Blvd is a favorite dining spot! Additionally, we love going to the Angelika Film Center to catch a unique movie or documentary.

If you had to choose one Village Baking Co. bread to eat every day for the rest of your life, which would it be?

Our Pain au Levain. It means "sour bread" in French, and is made with our 14-year-old sourdough starter. It has become a signature loaf here for our customers.  

SPOTLIGHT ON..

Holt Veterinary

Contact: Holt Veterinary Clinic at holtvet.com

Tell us a little about Holt Veterinary Clinic
Holt Veterinary Clinic is a full-service clinic that has called University Crossing home since 1946. While recently renovated, the clinic pays homage to the history of the neighborhood with a pictorial timeline of milestone events for the neighborhood and the clinic. Today, Geoff Bratton, DVM, owns the clinic and runs the practice with four other veterinarians.

What should we know about Dr. Bratton?
Dr. Bratton is a part of the clinic's history as well. As a high school student at Highland Park High School, Dr. Bratton worked at the clinic and was inspired to pursue veterinary medicine as a career. He feels the clinic is a piece of his family and works hard to maintain the family feel for every pet and pet owner who comes through the door.

What are some quick facts about the clinic?
Holt Veterinary Clinic's five doctors serve more than 24,000 pet patients every year
Holt treats pets from the M Streets, Park Cities, Lake Highlands and more
Services the clinic provides include: boarding, pet dentistry, pet vaccinations, grooming, pharmacy services, pet surgery and more
The staff has a tenure of 7-10 years or more
Many clients have been with the clinic for several generations

When not working, where can we find the doctors of Holt Veterinary Clinic?
You will most likely find the doctors at University Crossing's Union Coffee.
 
What makes Holt Veterinary Clinic special?
Holt Vet is committed to providing old-fashioned service with cutting-edge medicine for your pets -- they've been doing it for more than 60 years. If you are interested in learning more about Holt Veterinary Clinic or the doctors and staff, we encourage you to visit the website at www.holtvet.com. 

A Note from the Executive Director

A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Football is king in Texas; so, it's a good thing we can enjoy it in our own backyard with a new season of SMU football! The UCPID is excited to support SMU in its Unbridled 100th Anniversary. We are inviting all of the UCPID to Gerald J. Ford Stadium for the SMU v. James Madison Homecoming game on Saturday, September 26th at 6:00pm. With your homecoming game tickets, the first 5,000 attendees will receive a Peruna bobblehead, all earn a chance to win a Mustang and a fireworks show after the game. You can purchase your ticket here.
 
As we enter a new season of football and a new school year, it is important to remember that UCPID has provided for additional security in the PID with the Expanded Neighborhood Patrol (ENP) through the Dallas Police Department. UCPID funds are allocated to help keep our PID safe and over the past year the ENP team has decreased response time for emergency calls, put the panhandlers on notice and made several arrests for shoplifting and burglary. Because of the UCPID investment in the ENP, we are a safer and more secure neighborhood for our residents, business and visitors. Here's a link to charts showing the security statistics, courtesy of our ENP.
 
Many more exciting events are happening in the UCPID this month! We are working with TXDoT to finalize a pedestrian study so that improvements can be made along the frontage roads and into the PID. In addition, the City has awarded the construction contract for the University Crossing Bridge and Trail extension. Preliminary construction will begin on this project in October.
 
Business and development is thriving in the UCPID! With new restaurants like Spin Pizza, new neighbors at the Shelby, and businesses like Glenstar moving in, the UCPID community is growing every day. And as our PID grows, we are looking for more volunteers to join our board committees. If you are interested in serving on a UCPID volunteer committee, please do not hesitate to contact me at ginger@universitycrossing.com.
 
Also, mark your calendars for the upcoming UCPID mixer. Please join us on September 17th from 5:30 - 7:00pm at The Highland Dallas for our UCPID Happy Hour. Big thanks to The Highland, Knife and Holly Bock Deason for your support.
 
To close, I'd like to wish SMU a Happy 100th Birthday! I'll be at the Homecoming game. I hope you'll join me to root on our neighbor Mustangs!
 
 
Ginger Greenberg
Executive Director

Spotlight On...

SPOTLIGHT ON...
SMU Unbridled 100

Contact: Suzanne Massey, Director of Community Outreach

Share with us a brief history of the founding of SMU:
Southern Methodist University originated as a bold vision shared by church, civic and education leaders. Although the university's location was initially undecided, land and funds provided by the Caruth, Armstrong, and Daniel families, strengthened the Dallas bid. On April 17, 1911, the charter was signed establishing SMU in Dallas. Southern Methodist University was meant to be a new breed of university -- centrally located in an urban center and European-styled with a premier school of arts and sciences surrounded by professional schools. SMU was also designated to be nonsectarian in its teaching while cherishing the spiritual and moral values of the church.

Looking back on the past century, what were some of the most memorable moments:
Since the opening of SMU's first classrooms in 1915, the university has celebrated momentous occasions for students, faculty, and institutions alike. In 1948, three-time All-American running back, Doak Walker, won the Heisman trophy -- a first in SMU history. In 1969 SMU's school of arts was officially named in honor of benefactor Algur H. Meadows. Recently, the Meadows School of Arts was named the top music school in the country by USA Today College. One of the most memorable moments in SMU history occurred in 1980 when SMU graduate, James Cronin, won the Noble Prize in Physics. The university grew with the opening of the SMU-in-Plano campus in 1997 and with the return of SMU football to the Dallas campus in the year 2000.

More recently, in 2013, the George W. Bush Presidential Center opened on the SMU campus. This center -- consisting of a library, museum, and an independent institute --was a huge honor for SMU to receive over six other competitors. Although SMU is proud of all the memorable moments from the past one hundred years, the university believes the best is yet to come.

How can we celebrate this momentous milestone with SMU:
To commemorate the Centennial Anniversary, SMU is hosting several events on campus. A few of these events include: the Homecoming Parade on September 25th, the Celebration of Lights on November 30th, and various exhibits at the Meadows Museum and Bush Center. To find out more, please visit www.smu.edu/100. Let's celebrate SMU's Centennial together.

A Note from the Executive Director

Every summer has a story. Even this one. August in the University Crossing Public Improvement District is full of exciting new beginnings and also the celebration of rich history in the area.
 
We will welcome students back to school at SMU and Stonewall Jackson Elementary in mid-August for a new school year. Keep an eye out for back-to-school shoppers and students new to the area who are testing out the University Crossing neighborhood.
 
It is also the beginning of celebrating the rich history and 100th anniversary of SMU. Help us celebrate by joining us in a SMU Reads Common Read of Emily Mandel's Station Eleven, as well as an open talk with the author on September 9th at 6pm in McFarlin Auditorium. You can register for SMU Reads here.
 
Further, we welcome the new Magnolia Hotel to the University Crossing PID and look forward to the cool deals that are available at the new venue.
 
The University Crossing PID continues to provide increased security with the Dallas Police Department Expanded Neighborhood Patrol. In addition, we hosted the first Marketing Connections meeting that was well attend and received many updates from property owners in the PID. If you have an event in the PID that you'd like us to promote through the website or PID social media channels, please let us know.
 
Summer in the PID also included the July University Crossing PID board meeting where members were presented with the results of an urban architecture plan for the neighborhood. If you are interested in being a part of the University Crossing PID Board and Committee, please email me at ginger@universitycrossing.com.
 
Thank you for keeping University Crossing safe and inviting. Stay cool!
 
Happy Summer,
 
Ginger Greenberg
Executive Director

Congratulations to the "Snap & Win" Contest Winner!

Thank you to the contest sponsors:
The Highland Dallas
Knife Dallas
Bánh Shop
Whole Earth Provision Co.
Exhale Spa
Central Market
Grub Burger Bar

"Picture with my BFF at Glencoe Park near #UCDallas #dayout"

Spotlight On...

Magnolia Hotel Dallas Park Cities

View fullsize

Where once stood a Holiday Inn, now stands the Magnolia Hotel Dallas Park Cities, one of University Crossing's newest establishments.

A brief history of the Magnolia Hotel Dallas Park Cities:
A 12-million dollar renovation jump started the debut of the Magnolia Hotel Dallas Park Cities as a 292-room boutique hotel and as the newest addition to the Magnolia Hotel family. The hotel joins sister properties located in the urban centers of Denver, Downtown Dallas, Houston, St. Louis and Omaha - all offering superior service in stunning architectural structures. The brand originated in Denver, with the purchase of an urban building that would then be renovated into the first Magnolia Hotel.

What inspired the move into University Crossing:
The UCPID neighborhood is surrounded by the city's top cultural attractions, corporate offices, shopping and dining. All of these sites are readily available from US-75 or the Dallas DART Rail. Also, the great location is an approximate 5-mile drive to Downtown Dallas and Love Field Airport, allowing for ease of access to Dallas destinations.

A special feature of the establishment:
All Magnolia hotels offer complimentary breakfast buffets in the morning, beer and wine receptions in the evening, and bedtime cookies and milk at night. Additionally, the new hotel houses 12,000 square feet of meeting space, perfect for corporate meetings, conferences or social events.

Contact: Kerry Kincheloe, Director of Sales
kkincheloe@magnoliahotels.com

Spotlight On...

Mike Baughman, Executive Director and Community Curator of Union Coffee 

Please tell us about your role at Union Coffee:

Just as a museum curator takes works of art and puts them together to strengthen the individual pieces, I bring together businesses in and around Union Coffee to strengthen the community. 

When did you move your business into the PID: 

We opened on November 16, 2012.

Your business has a great cause, please share with us what Union Coffee is about:

Union Coffee converts the typical coffee shop model into a hub of generosity for the neighborhood. We dedicate 10% of all coffee sales to area non-profits in the hope we can inspire our customer to be more generous. And every four months, we adopt a new cause by raising funds, awareness and engagement. We consistently support Stonewall Jackson Elementary, Southern Methodist University and a project called Capes 4 Kids that puts superhero capes on the backs of children with chronic diseases. At Union Coffee, we try to build connections to mobilize our community for good.

How has the neighborhood changed since Union Coffee opened:

More businesses and residential developments are moving into the neighborhood -- and we love it. There is a culture of cooperation rather than competition in University Crossing. We are eager to develop creative partnerships and exchange other ways we can support the businesses around us.

You host unique events at the Union, which event is your favorite:

I love The Naked Stage on Fridays. It is an uncensored story-telling and spoken-word, poetry stage where people tell their stories without notes, props or microphones. It's a great opportunity for people in our neighborhood to hear each others stories, learn about the incredible work of area non-profits, laugh, be inspired and connect with other people. 

Spotlight On...

Windle Turley, Founder of Turley Law Firm

Please tell us about your current role at the Turley Law Firm:
I started the Turley Law Firm in 1973 and moved the firm in 1983 to its current location at University Boulevard and North Central. We have remained there, and I am still the chief manager and senior trial attorney of our firm. We continue our practice focused on personal injury litigation.

Favorite UCPID place to have lunch and what you typically order:
I enjoy several local lunch spots, including Kostas, Cafe Brazil, and Ozona's.

Last movie you saw at the Angelika Film Center:
My wife and I frequently return to this neighborhood for a weekend film at the Angelika. We have seen some great ones there.

A charity you consistently support and why:
We enjoy supporting The Education Foundation and scholarships for graduating seniors from our small hometown of Cheyenne, Oklahoma. We were both raised in that community -- there were 13 in my graduating class, and 3 in my wife's class -- and we want to encourage these students to continue with their education.

Spotlight On...

Meadows Building

A nine-story office building, built in the '50s, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this month. Located on north side of the PID, on Greenville and 75 Central Expressway, we chose to feature this grand monument for our May feature.  
 

A brief history of the Meadows Building:  
Built in 1955, the building is celebrating its 60th year this month.  It was built to house the oil and gas company of Algur H. Meadows, the General American Oil Company of Texas.  They occupied the upper floors, while the lower floors were 100% pre-leased before the construction was completed.  Mr. Meadows gifted the establishment to his company's retirement plan, and in return, they honored him by naming it the Meadows Building.  His family and their foundation, The Meadows Foundation formed in 1948, have been and continue to be amazing benefactors to the Dallas community.
 
The architectural significance:
The architect for the building, J.N. MacCammon, incorporated design elements that Mr. Meadows and his wife Virginia appreciated after spending quite a bit of time in Spain. They fell in love with the architecture and art there, as is reflected in the red brick seen on the building, along with the long balconies that are accessed from individual offices and the marble in the building lobby. The design of the plaza behind the building was heavily influenced by Mrs. Meadows, and was a stylized artist's palette with the design extending onto the roofs of the two wings of the building surrounding it.  The art the Meadows collected while in Spain became the beginnings of the collection now housed at the Meadows Museum at SMU.  The building has been preserved both on the interior and the exterior to retain that Spanish flair, along with the classic mid-century modern elements of the '50s.
 
How the UCPID neighborhood has changed since the opening of the Meadows Building:
When the building was built, it was the first high rise outside of the immediate downtown area.  Industrial buildings - on a two-lane Greenville Avenue and a four-lane US 75 -surrounded the establishment. This area is now vibrant with businesses both large and small, and holds its own in the city as a must-see destination.
 
A unique feature or service of the establishment:
Because of its determination to retain the retro-cool elements, the building now has become a haven for creatives.  Its suites are filled with architects, designers and other businesses that support their industry - these tenants have sought out and chose to office in a building that makes a creative statement just as they do.
 

DART, Uber Stepping Up "Complete Trip" Efforts

North Texas travelers should find it easier to park their cars and let someone else do the driving thanks to an enhanced collaboration between DART and the popular car service, Uber.

Following a successful trial during the Dallas St. Patrick's Parade, Uber and DART are helping travelers connect with the Uber application through DART's GoPass℠ mobile ticketing application. Now DART customers can reach the Uber app to order their car to begin or finish their transit trip through the "Events & Offers" section of the GoPass app. Both apps are available for Android and Apple smartphones through Google Play or the App Store.

This type of connection makes it easier for travelers who begin or end their trips in places not easily served by DART to use a train or bus for the longest portion of their trip. Transit agencies across the country are trying to solve the "first mile/last mile" riddle and the DART, Uber collaboration is seen as one way to do that.

To encourage people to try the new combination, Uber is offering a free first ride (up to $20) to new customers. Transit customers can use the GoPass app to plan a transit trip and purchase a DART pass before arriving at the station or stop.

Uber information is available at Uber.com and DART information is at DART.org.

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.