Mockingbird Station

[downtownguy25]

People don't love their cars. 80% of the built environment was constructed since WWII, and is auto centric, meaning convenient for the car and not convenient for any other mode of transport. We "love" our cars just like kids love getting vacines.


If people dont love their cars then why do we spend so much money taking care of them like a pet. Taking them to the car wash once a week, getting them waxed. Go to car shows, oggle over the exotic car that speeds past? I dont cant think of the last time I looked forward to getting my next vacine shot, but I do look forward to when a new model of a car I may want to buy comes out.

[FoUTASportscaster]

^Don't confuse yourself and your Highland Park upbringing with the majority. Most people don't do all that to their cars. Most clean it once a month maximum, less than a house or rental property. Just walk through a standard parking lot if you don't believe me.

[ksig121]

^Don't confuse yourself and your Highland Park upbringing with the majority. Most people don't do all that to their cars. Most clean it once a month maximum, less than a house or rental property. Just walk through a standard parking lot if you don't believe me.

I think that you may be the one who is out of touch on this one. I grew up in the Grove and I can tell you that there are a LOT of folks in this town, who aren't from HP, that treat their cars better than their pets (or their homes).

While I agree that it is not necessarily the best thing to be a city that is in love with the automobile, you can't ignore the fact that there is a LARGE (as in more than 20) percentage of folks in DFW that love their cars. Cars are considered status symbols from Red Bird to Willow Bend. That is part of our culture.

Sorry to derail the thread, but I had to comment on that one.

[FoUTASportscaster]

I think that you may be the one who is out of touch on this one. I grew up in the Grove and I can tell you that there are a LOT of folks in this town, who aren't from HP, that treat their cars better than their pets (or their homes).

Don't disagree. But, just because a thousand people do it, doesn't mean we love our cars if two thousand don't. Sad to say, there's a large number of people who are into child porn. But that doesn't mean we all do. In fact, vastly larger portions of people despise it.


While I agree that it is not necessarily the best thing to be a city that is in love with the automobile, you can't ignore the fact that there is a LARGE (as in more than 20) percentage of folks in DFW that love their cars. Cars are considered status symbols from Red Bird to Willow Bend. That is part of our culture.

Sorry to derail the thread, but I had to comment on that one.

What we are actually in love with, is what is convenient. 11,000 trips are generated oncommuter rail. 70,000 trips on light rail. 81,000 total. For most of those people, it is more convenient via rail, for whatever reason. The facts are still clear. Most everything built post WWII has been auto-oriented and 80% of the built environment has been built since WWII. It is no wonder we are "in love" with our cars. It is more convenient than anything else.

[Uptown72]

Hopefully we will love our non-combustible cars just as much 20 years from now, when the price of gas, no matter how many MPG we get, will be too burdensome. Maybe that old cartoon called the Jetsons wasn't so silly after all. Getting back to the topic, how would a center like Mockingbird Station look with the gas guzzler car no longer vying for that coveted surface parking spot? :rasta:

[vman]

I went to Angelika tonight, and the long vacated Asian restaurant across from the theater is being occupied by a dental clinic of some sort. Odd location for this sort of thing...the location screams restaurant, but i'll be glad to see it utilized.

[palchik]

http://www.hyenascomedynightclub.com/dallas.asp

[ancientshoes]

http://www.hyenascomedynightclub.com/dallas.asp


this is awesome, it'll be PERFECT for mockingbird station.

[tamtagon]

Some photos and displays from the Mockingbird Bridge meeting in December from Angelahunt.com

http://www.angelahunt.com/photos/list.photos.asp?folder=2007/12_December/2007.12.18_-_Mockingbird_Pedestrian_Bridge_Meeting

What's going on with the bridge?

[msutton]

Has anyone been to Hyenas?

[cowboyeagle05]

http://www.mockingbirdstation.com/press_details.aspx?type=news&id=186

http://www.vapianointernational.com/

Looks like they signed another restaurant although I am unsure where but it does say opening in April

PS those who are curious Student Body is a college clothing if you want to buy a t-shirt with SMU on it Student Body is where you can go.

[smudoode]

Vapiano faces the access road across from West Elm.

[mjblazin]

I went to Angelika tonight, and the long vacated Asian restaurant across from the theater is being occupied by a dental clinic of some sort. Odd location for this sort of thing...the location screams restaurant, but i'll be glad to see it utilized.

Monarch Dental across the street does well. In the 21st Century expect health care everywhere when it's 20% of GNP.

[palchik]

I went to Angelika tonight, and the long vacated Asian restaurant across from the theater is being occupied by a dental clinic of some sort. Odd location for this sort of thing...the location screams restaurant, but i'll be glad to see it utilized.

The more diversity, the better (as we have learned from Victory's failures). The dental office will bring more day-time activity to Mockingbird Station, giving the restaurants more sales oportunities. Just the staff itself will be a source of constant business. The same should be true for West Village, once the Methodist clinic opens.

[cowboyeagle05]

Once the excitement wears off these mixed use developments that try to be shopping destinations the reality hits in and they finally let in neighborhood services. Cleaners, Clinics, Doctors, Dental offices, Therapists, Convenience Stores, etc. They may be less flashy but its what makes it a neighborhood and not just a single use shopping mall.

[sterling]

Once the excitement wears off these mixed use developments that try to be shopping destinations the reality hits in and they finally let in neighborhood services. Cleaners, Clinics, Doctors, Dental offices, Therapists, Convenience Stores, etc. They may be less flashy but its what makes it a neighborhood and not just a single use shopping mall.

Amen.

[Dallasite24]

Once the excitement wears off these mixed use developments that try to be shopping destinations the reality hits in and they finally let in neighborhood services. Cleaners, Clinics, Doctors, Dental offices, Therapists, Convenience Stores, etc. They may be less flashy but its what makes it a neighborhood and not just a single use shopping mall.

The problem is that most of those types of uses don't do enough revenue to justify the rents the developers require given the land and construction costs that went into the project.

[vman]

The more diversity, the better (as we have learned from Victory's failures). The dental office will bring more day-time activity to Mockingbird Station, giving the restaurants more sales oportunities. Just the staff itself will be a source of constant business. The same should be true for West Village, once the Methodist clinic opens.
I wasn't knocking the dental clinic. I total agree that a mix of service oriented businesses are good for developments like this, as they can make the development more than just an entertainment center. I was commenting on the location. A location with huge patio/outdoors space directly across from the Angelika and Hyena Comedy Club just screams restaurant to me. FWIW, The Asian place that was previously there was where my significant other and I had our first date....7 long years ago.

[cowboyeagle05]

The problem is that most of those types of uses don't do enough revenue to justify the rents the developers require given the land and construction costs that went into the project.

Yeah the money that went into the project at the beginning keeps rent high but as time sets in the rental rate tends to slide based on market diversity.

The West End was great for a time but the simple fact that the suburbs all built their own clean urban neighborhood destinations took the clientele away. Now the West End is seeing a second evolution as a mixed use neighborhood with not just an entertainment/office district. They are seeing increasing attraction for more residential units and retail space for neighborhood services. Market Street maintains itself as the entertainment section of the West End with office space above the restaurants. Then the side streets see residential unit construction with commercial space for more daily goods and service business which include such things as sandwich shops. These spaces are designed for cheaper renters not looking for such high end finishes on the inside for cheaper cost services.

The same idea applies to many other districts in Dallas as these Urban hipster areas become more frequently built and less unique due to a continuing density trend in many of Dallas surrounding neighborhoods. Another words as more of these projects get built its less of a oh and ahh and more of a everyday life thing which overall can reduce the price of living in these areas. Right now there are few areas where you can live that mixed use and pedestrian lifestyle as more of these projects are built out its not a big deal anymore bringing the overall market cost down.

Course there will always be developments that are manged so well that they can manage high rents decades after the fresh paint has dried but not every project will and not every commercial space can afford to hold on to new construction rates.

[vman]

The West End was great for a time but the simple fact that the suburbs all built their own clean urban neighborhood destinations took the clientele away. afford to hold on to new
Wow, you're one of the few people that have echoed my sentiment that the late "80's, early 90's boom in the burbs was a large factor in the West End's decline.

[mrgrieves]

Wow, you're one of the few people that have echoed my sentiment that the late "80's, early 90's boom in the burbs was a large factor in the West End's decline.
That's part of it, but Having lived in the suburbs in the 90s we always went to Deep Ellum to party, because we felt the bars were better and less touristy...

[dallasbrit]

That's part of it, but Having lived in the suburbs in the 90s we always went to Deep Ellum to party, because we felt the bars were better and less touristy...

I'm sure that's very true, but Deep Ellum was edgy and offered something the burbs couldn't. West End on the other hand, was very "anywhere USA" and offered little that you couldn't find in Plano.

[NThomas]

I'm sure that's very true, but Deep Ellum was edgy and offered something the burbs couldn't. West End on the other hand, was very "anywhere USA" and offered little that you couldn't find in Plano.
Which is why West End MarketPlace remained empty for so long (Along with alot of other buildings... :( )

Mockingbing Bird Station will have to compete with "service oriented business" just down the road near the Greenville Ave intersection (Near Kroger). I would expect to see more TOD developers build with service oriented business in the next cycle. IMO, I think they would be a bigger amenitiy to prospective residents.

[maconahey]

Vapiano, Germany-based chain, opening at Mockingbird Station in Dallas on Monday May 11

DALLAS — The wait is over this month for all of those eager to experience the first Vapiano in the U.S. west of the Mississippi. This German-born, "fresh-casual" chain will open its first Texas location at Dallas' Mockingbird Station on Monday, May 11. The innovative European concept of made-to-order, fire-roasted pizzas; fresh, house-made pasta; and hand-tossed gourmet salads will bring a fun twist to the Metroplex "foodie" scene.

An out-of-the ordinary restaurant experience, Vapiano introduces customers to the "chip card," a unique and convenient ordering and payment system. The restaurant also will feature an indoor herb garden (transplanted from a regional herb farm), which will be tapped to make their homemade salad dressing, as well as a live olive tree derived from a Texas olive tree farm.

In addition, Vapiano will offer a hip lounge and patio along with an open, showroom kitchen. This will allow guests to watch how fresh pasta, pizza dough and more are made continuously in equipment specially designed for Vapiano. Visit the Web site for more information.

http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2009/may/04/vapiano-germany-based-chain-opening-mockingbird-st/?refscroll=294

[vman]

Kidrobot opening Mockingbird Station store.

Never heard of this store, but a location will be opening in Mockingbird Station this week.

http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2009/07/gee_whiz_kidrobot_invades_dall.php#comments

[Mballar]

Vapiano, Germany-based chain, opening at Mockingbird Station in Dallas on Monday May 11. . . .
I was in Vapiano's on Saturday for dinner. The place was packed. I've eaten there about 5 or 6 times over the past couple of months, and have noticed a steady increase in customers. I think the word is out now. What a great place this is. I think it's going to be around for a while.

[dfwcre8tive]

I was in Vapiano's on Saturday for dinner. The place was packed. I've eaten there about 5 or 6 times over the past couple of months, and have noticed a steady increase in customers. I think the word is out now. What a great place this is. I think it's going to be around for a while.

I was there on Friday and also noticed how business has really picked up. It will be even busier when the SMU students return.

[amarkscpa]

I was there on Friday and also noticed how business has really picked up. It will be even busier when the SMU students return.

I have eaten at Vapianos 3 times and it is okay, but prefer Rockfish or Cafe Express... Vapianos does not yet get many late night customers, Trinity Hall still is really the only late night bar/pub with a lot of business. Hyenas Comedy Club appears to be doing quite well, better than I expected and believe its proximity to Angelika gives it some synergy.

Really enjoyed the outdoor fireplace at Vapianos when it first opened and weather cooler, but this outdoor area gets practically no business now, especially compared to outside at Trinity Pub. Believe things will pick up a bit for Vapianos when SMU students get back.

FWIW, I live here so my perspective is pretty good...

[vman]

I was there on Friday and also noticed how business has really picked up. It will be even busier when the SMU students return.
I've eaten at Vapiano's twice and really loved it. When I read about the concept online, I expected a cheesy experience. But I was impressed by how good and fresh the food was, as well as the cool decor. It was really busy both times I went. I'm also glad to see that empty space utilized next to Angelika. I went there Friday night, and Hyena's seemed to be packed.

Margarita Ranch's patio is always lively. I've only eaten there once, but was very unimpressed with the food and the high priced drinks. I didn't think the place would make it. Guess I was wrong.

[nrrhgreg]

Another store will be coming soon to the 2nd level of the new phase right behind Vapiano's, where Student Body was planning to go. Don't think I have the okay to name what the store is yet, but I'll pass it along as soon as I can.

[palchik]

So is Student Body staying in their "temporary" spot?

[lakewoodhobo]

This is not technically in Mockingbird Station, but has Trader Vic's shut down? They looked closed the last two times I drove by.

[nrrhgreg]

Student Body is apparently still moving over there but its plans have been scaled down as far as I know.

The new store coming will only be taking one of the store fronts, the one closest to 75, on that second level, not all three that Student Body was going to go into.

[nrrhgreg]

Well, the coming soon signs are up so I guess it can be said that Index Skateboard Supply will be opening up their 2nd store in Mockingbird Station within the next couple of months. It's a locally owned skateboarding shop that has had a store in Hurst for almost 5 years now. The Hurst store will stay open. http://www.indexskateboarding.com

http://www.nrrh.net/pics/index.jpg

[palchik]

Wow...putting them at the top of the stairs seems a bit risky.

[nrrhgreg]

Also, I was at the grand opening for Kid Robot today. About 400 people were in line at last count to get 1 of 200 of these guys:
http://www.nrrh.net/pics/dunny.jpg

I was very nice to see such a big turnout for a store like this. As of right now it's a temporary store that will stay open at least through the holidays. They'll determine if they're going to stay open for good after that.

[cmacemm]

Well, the coming soon signs are up so I guess it can be said that Index Skateboard Supply will be opening up their 2nd store in Mockingbird Station within the next couple of months. It's a locally owned skateboarding shop that has had a store in Hurst for almost 5 years now. The Hurst store will stay open. http://www.indexskateboarding.com

http://www.nrrh.net/pics/index.jpg
this is my favorite store in dfw. so stoked!

[tamtagon]

What's up with the pedestrian bridges?!?!?! It's been almost two years since the design competition (or whatever).

[clipper]

I believe the one across NCX was killed. Don't know about Mockingbird.

[dfwcre8tive]

What's up with the pedestrian bridges?!?!?! It's been almost two years since the design competition (or whatever).

The Katy Trail bridge was mentioned here: http://forum.dallasmetropolis.com/showthread.php?t=1173

[mrowl]

What's up with the pedestrian bridges?!?!?! It's been almost two years since the design competition (or whatever).

http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2009/10/the_bridge_on_the_lane_mocking.php

2011???!?!!!??? SERIOUSLY???

[nrrhgreg]

Index Dallas is opening today! The link below has a couple pictures of the shop. And the Hurst store is staying open, despite what the article hints at. Also, they'll have a new website up at some point today, most likely, http://www.indexskateboarding.com.


http://www.thrillist.com/dallas/index-skateboarding-supply

Index Skateboard Supply
Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun noon-6pm: In Mockingbird Station, 5319 E. Mockingbird Lane; Midtown; 214.824.9777

Running a business in Hurst-Euless-Bedford has its issues, from Dallasites' aversion to driving west, to never really knowing whether you're in Hurst, Euless, or, God forbid, Bedford. Bringing its exhaustive streetwear stock from the Mid-Cities to Mockingbird Station, Index Skateboard Supply, open today.

Still maintaining operations in Hurst (or is it?), Index's new location represents Big D's first locally owned full-service 'board shop, featuring a huge selection of hardware and, more importantly for brittle-boned non-teenagers, an even huger selection of gear. Starting with kicks, boutique brands include Supra, Alife, Etnies, Lakai, and Emerica; they're also N TX's lone official outlet for Nike SB's hyper-limited edition deck shoes, and carry similarly heavy hitters like Adidas, Vans, and Converse, notably Chuck Taylors outfitted with memory foam, hopefully harvested from elephants. The prodigious apparel selection (tees, jackets, denim, and more) likewise encompasses both industry titans (Stussy, Volcom, Levi's, Casio G-Shocks in splashy colors) and underground stalwarts like Crooks & Castles, the Hundreds, Rogue Status, Circa, LRG, and Matix, with just-added lines including Santa Ana and Cali-based IM King -- whose fall “Quiet Riot" line plays great at bar mitzvah's when you're looking to "feel the oys".

To stoke the local scene, Index'll host regular video-release parties/cookouts/pro-boarder appearances, the first being today at 5pm, with five Adio-sponsored riders; don't try their tricks at home though, Eu-less you want to get Hurst and end up in Bed-ford. Oy.

[lakewoodhobo]

Also:


http://www.advocatemag.com/lakewood/blog/69666906.html

Nightclub opening in Mockingbird Station

An exclusive nightclub opens in Mockingbird Station Friday. Deux includes a high-end nightclub and an event space for up to 400 people. The nightclub is exclusive to a VIP guest list, or a general guest for anyone who calls ahead, but they won't get in unless they look right.

"It's going to be similar to PM lounge or Candleroom in terms of what our door is like," says John Mabry, the 30-year nightlife veteran behind Deux. "It's better to call ahead and get on the list, but people can walk up and get in as long as they have the proper attire."

Deux will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and for happy hour on Fridays from 4-9 p.m. Here's a description of the 6,000-square-foot interior, from the media release: "graceful marble water wals, ornate crystal chandeliers, polished marble bars, hand-finished wood floors and comfortable, over-stuffed sofas and chairs."

[cmacemm]

just ran to Index on my lunch break. still so stoked on this!

[tamtagon]

^ It sounds like someone's going for cross between Sex in the City and The Starck Club. Perfect location for it.... SMU, Park Cities, M Streets, Kimpton Hotel, most popular train station, and really nice stretch of Mockingbird Lane from Central to Greenville Ave on tap for complete redo.

[tamtagon]

just ran to Index on my lunch break. still so stoked on this!

?leave your wheels home?

[cmacemm]

?leave your wheels home?
oh yeah...i work right of Galatyn Pkwy so it was super convenient!

[vman]

Went to the Angelika this weekend and noticed a new shop going into the new addtion to Mockingbird Station. Looking at the name, I had no idea what type of establishment it could be, but then a closer look at the banner revealed it to be a brazilian wax spa...called The Pretty Kitty. Ha!!