Seeds were sown years ago, with a healthy dissatisfaction for, as Tom Cravens would say, the lack of a “downtown” in our hometown. A flag was planted in 2006, when we created a non-profit organization, the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation. Since then, we’ve been coming to work to see what seeds we can sow, and what we can do next to keep growing this place we call downtown.
Those seeds first sprouted with big ideas, like creating the Levitt Pavilion or building a Special Event Center for our growing University. The City has sown its own seeds by investing significantly in downtown’s infrastructure, setting the table to attract other private investment. These early catalyst projects were the sprouts, and today serve as the trees and branches that support our dynamic district. We continued to sow seeds, like every time we get a new business excited about opening here.
Sometimes, these seeds take a long time to grow. Today, three major legacy owners are preparing their land for sale. I say “legacy” owners, because these parcels represent large, underdeveloped properties that are coming to the market for the first time in decades. Future development will likely include walkable housing, due to pent up demand in the market. People want quality places that attract quality employees and experiences – and there’s no better place for that than Downtown Arlington.
We are not the only ones sowing seeds. Bob Pruitt, a local artist, was so inspired when he visited “Burning Man” in 2013 that he inspired our organization to purchase and raise funds to bring the DREAM sculpture here as a public art investment. Seeds were sown by our own Garret Martin, who saw a dog park where there was nothing but a need. We are seeing the tangible, visible results of those individuals’ nurturing work, along with many others, with the opening of the Rotary DREAM Park and our new Doggie Depot in early 2025.
So many big ideas have taken root here, with a simple approach: if you can create a vision and strike a responsive chord in the community, it just might come to life in our downtown. Our new monthly “First Thursdays” is a great example. It began in 2015 when we started organizing our arts community with the dream of being a Texas Cultural District. Today, The Arlington Cultural District is thriving in our downtown, the place where arts and the community come together. Come experience it for yourself!
Downtown Developments: Completed and Upcoming Projects
Downtown projects recently completed:
1. New Downtown Fire Station in 2023
2. Urban Union expansion on W. Front Street, developed by Street Realty (formerly Dodson Development), including new corporate offices for Sutton Frost Cary. New tenants will include Mama Cuca’s Mexican Restaurant, Blue Mint Thai, Breakfast Brothers, Bonchon Chicken, Goldilinks Jewelry, Laquer Box Nail Salon, and the Rambler Inn, plus 23 boutique, short-term stay rentals on the upper floors.
3. Urban Union expansion along Division Street, including Bill’s Trim Shop renovation housing Urban Tattoo, Truth Vinyl, and Victory City Cycles.
4. Zetta Townhouses developed by Nehemiah Company, 42 individual single-family homes for rent at 500 S. Mary Street, between Chase Bank and the Arlington Cemetery. Now available for lease.
New downtown projects in the works:
1. Rotary DREAM Park on Front Street, scheduled to open by January 2025.
2. Doggie Depot, the new off-leash dog park located at 100 Mesquite Street, scheduled to open in late January 2025.
3. Balfour Lofts, at the site of the old Johnny Balfour Electronics Store located in the 700 Block of South and Dugan Streets, behind the Tarrant County Sub-Courthouse. Pershing Capital is developing these single-family lofts and will feature 65 three-story townhouses, offering efficiencies, 1- & 2-bedroom homes for rent.
4. TNC Main Street 1 LLC is developing a mixed-use project at the corner of Main and Oak Streets (222 W. Main and 208-212 W. Main), to include 160 residential units, 40K square feet of commercial space including office, retail, restaurant and personal services, as well as a minimum 300-space parking garage, with 150 public parking spaces.
5. TNC Front Street 1 LLC is developing a mixed-use project along E. Front Street, with numerous properties located in the 200 blocks of Front and Oak Streets. This proposed project would include 150 units of multi-family housing, 14,500 square feet of commercial space, and a multi-level parking garage with a minimum of 320 spaces, with at least 160 public parking spaces. This agreement also contemplates support and investment in historic preservation, including support for the historic Knapp Heritage Park.
6. Caravan Court hotel is set to offer a unique blend of mid-century modern style and contemporary luxury. Slated to open in 2026, the hotel will offer 145 rooms and seven suites, each designed with inspiration from 1960s art, architecture, and automotive aesthetics.
One of the most notable features of the hotel will be the preservation of the Caravan Motor Hotel sign, a nod to the property’s historical roots. The design is aimed at creating a nostalgic yet modern experience, honoring the charm of the motor court hotel while offering guests an upscale, amenities-packed stay.
In terms of facilities, Caravan Court will offer around 5,000 square feet of meeting space, catering to business and event needs. Dining and entertainment options will include a range of bars and restaurants, with highlights such as a rooftop bar, a martini bar, and a poolside bar and restaurant. These amenities will be designed to appeal to both leisure and business travelers seeking a stylish, comfortable environment.
