Near East Dallas: New Henderson Ave. Developments

[carousel]

I like the store - however when I pass by, I think "would it have killed them to put in a little landscaping?"

My thoughts exactly. A tree or two would have been nice.

[sheilock]

I like the store - however when I pass by, I think "would it have killed them to put in a little landscaping?"

A manager from the store is planning on attending the next Cochran Heights NA meeting...we'll ask them as much; regarding some landscaping...

[BGM]

I spoke to an investor...they're shooting for a soft opening during 4th of July weekend.

The Hacienda on Henderson to open in former Cuquita's spot

Late-night diners hated losing of Cuquita's on Henderson, where you could order falls-off-the-bone chicken in a sweet and spicy mole at 3 a.m. The beloved Mexican restaurant closed last summer, but there are more tacos to come. Dallas restaurant and club veterans Patrick Tetrick and Miles Zuniga have teamed up to bring live music, enchiladas and $2 frozen margaritas to the patio. Their new restaurant, the Hacienda on Henderson, is expected to open in the old Cuquita's spot in the first half of June.

"We were very lucky to get that space," Tetrick said. "A lot of people were interested in it. That area is blowing up and I think it could be the next McKinney Avenue. It's an excellent property."

Tetrick owns Lotus, a posh but relaxed McKinney lounge, and has been in the club business for 20 years. Zuniga owns two neighborhood bars on Henderson -- the Slip Inn and Vickery Park.

Read more about the Hacienda on Henderson after the jump.





Tetrick and Zuniga have hired "a well-known kitchen manager," but cannot say who he is yet. The menu is expected to include moderately priced Tex-Mex, and the Hacienda will still be open late nights. "The property is known for that, and we intend to keep it that way," Tetrick said.

Tetrick and Zuniga are doing a major renovation of the property, including the addition of a Henderson-facing patio. The restaurant was built in the 40s or 50s and the partners have encountered major hurdles in pulling permits and getting it up to code. "It would have been quicker and cheaper to scrape it and build something new," Tetrick said. "But we like the old house and we think it's a place that people recognize, so we wanted to keep it."

http://www.advocatemag.com/lakewood/blog/43881998.html?c=y

I was at Capital Pub Sat night but couldn't see much--are they still on track for opening this weekend ? They do have a big covered patio which looks good.

[sheilock]

...pushed it back a few weeks because of fight over patio setback...resolved, and back on track for 3 weeks from now

[carousel]

Monday, July 6, 2009

Urbino Pizza e Pasta opening on Henderson in Dallas in spot vacated by Pulcinella
By Teresa Gubbins

Urbino Pizza e Pasta is coming soon.
DALLAS — Urbino Pizza e Pasta is a new pizza place opening next week on Henderson Avenue in Dallas, in the spot vacated abruptly by Pulcinella. Owner David Pedack is a restaurant and bar veteran who's colonizing Henderson; the one-time manager at Nikita, Suite, and The Club also co-owns Blue Collar Bar.

"Urbino is a riff on the word that means 'city'," Pedack says. Fortunately, he's gutted the previous tenant's tragically overblown design, with its fake Tuscan stone interior and confusing multiple levels, and replaced it with a design that Pedack calls not just mid-century modern but mid-century rustic farm.

"You’re gonna see the classic cork wall fixtures, but it's modern and clean, white with chocolate hues, and accents of wood, and I mean real logs," he says. Tables are 7-foot-long community tables with benches that further emphasize the "modern farm" look.

"The food is what we've been working on," Pedack says. "We're 100% natural, nothing frozen, nothing out of a can. All of the produce, almost all the cheese are from local growers and local farms."

For the menu, he consulted with a circle of chefs and colleagues who all have "day jobs" but who nonetheless contributed ideas and offer input.

"To me, the key was to make it easy to eat, easy to share," Pedack says. "On the pizza side of things, we have flatbreads which are hot right now but also the traditional 16-inch round, Brooklyn style, with a little crust to it. We put a little flaxseed in it, I don't want to be the tree hugger but it's something that, if you like it, you'll be happy it's there. We're doing all fresh pastas, we're using Tom Spicer's arugula, artisan sausage, salumi, pepperoni, prosciutto du Parma, that cheese shop on Oak Lawn, Scardello, is bringing in mozzarella, which right now we're buying from Italy, but we've heard that someone from Texas is doing buffalo mozzarella and we'll go for that."

One extra they're adding that's unique in a neighborhood filled with pizza places: delivery, which they'll do via 100% electric "Zap" cars.

[BGM]

...pushed it back a few weeks because of fight over patio setback...resolved, and back on track for 3 weeks from now

I wonder if they will be opening this upcoming weekend. They had signs up last week for wait staff, etc.

[BGM]

I wonder if they will be opening this upcoming weekend. They had signs up last week for wait staff, etc.

I just saw that they will be opening 7/31.

[Lakewooder]

Cochran Heights Neighborhood Association meeting tonight at Hibiscus - 7 pm.

[Lakewooder]

CHNA Meeting Agenda:

New Business

Newflower Farmer's market representative to speak


Discussion of zoning change for parking behind Tei Tei Robata


PID


Bond 2010


Old business


Fitzhugh PD


Beautification


-Henderson median
-Sidewalks
-Cochran Park
-Sign Toppers
-Graffiti


Crime/Safety


Bonham Elementary


Communication
-email address updates


Fundraising
-Good Neighbor donations
-support of neighborhood businesses

[chicago_transplant]

What was discussed about the median/sidewalks?

[UptownDallas]

I would like to see the city put in a pedestrian crosswalk right on Henderson at Old Monk/Tei-Tei similar to the Katy Trail/Knox one where it lights up when pedestrians are detected. I swear someone's going to get hurt bad right there it's crazy with people crossing and the amount of congestion.
I've had that exact same idea for a long time but have been too lazy to do anything about it... even after I almost got hit by a car in that exact same location two months ago. Between the bend in the road, parked cars, heavy traffic, high speeds, vehicles whipping around cars turning left and cars rapidly turning on to Henderson from side streets it is a real nightmare for pedestrians.

Unless something is done, I suspect a pedestrian will be seriously injured or die at that location within the next two years.

[kenc]

Anyone notice the film crew in the Newflower parking lot all day yesterday ? Anyone know what that was about ?

[BGM]

New restaurant just opened called The Park--former chef from The Green Room. Next to Barcadia, etc. With the new place at Cuquitas Henderson is starting to take shape.

http://www.parkhenderson.com/

http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2009/jun/03/park-new-dallas-restaurant-chef-marc-cassel-kitche/

[sheilock]

New restaurant just opened called The Park--former chef from The Green Room. Next to Barcadia, etc. With the new place at Cuquitas Henderson is starting to take shape.

http://www.parkhenderson.com/

http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2009/jun/03/park-new-dallas-restaurant-chef-marc-cassel-kitche/

Park Bite
Park Restaurant Opens


Your life’s no picnic.

So Park it.

Named for its heavy landscaping (inspired by L.A.’s famous Eames House), the new restaurant-bar feels more laid-back nature preserve than urban bistro. Wooden benches and tables are hashed from reclaimed cottonwood trees, and every seat has a view of the great outdoors (okay, the lush city patio), which includes bamboo, Japanese maples, and a towering live oak transplanted from Wilmer.

But it’s former Green Room and Dragonfly chef Marc Cassel’s menu that really branches out. His Live Oak “picnic basket” entree is a Windy Meadows herb-roasted half chicken, chunky potato salad with spicy ancho mayonnaise, and a buttery sweet cream biscuit.

It’s a hit out of the park.


Park, 1921 North Henderson Avenue (214-824-3343 or parkhenderson.com).

[tamtagon]

So, like, here's one for all the old timers.... Remember when the Knox side of Knox-Henderson was just starting to get popular? Like when the grocery store was the Knox excitement and just about all the places on Henderson catered mostly to Spanish speakers. How does the last year or two with all this new stuff on Henderson match up to the couple of years when Knox was turning into something new?

[BGM]

So, like, here's one for all the old timers.... Remember when the Knox side of Knox-Henderson was just starting to get popular? Like when the grocery store was the Knox excitement and just about all the places on Henderson catered mostly to Spanish speakers. How does the last year or two with all this new stuff on Henderson match up to the couple of years when Knox was turning into something new?

At least Knox was a smooth paved street back then and didn't look like it came straight out of Baghdad like Henderson does.

[lakewoodhobo]

Has anyone been to Urbino yet? The website just has that sexy photo and nothing else. Would it kill them to show the menu? Same thing with Park. No menu. Has anyone checked it out yet?

Also, in case anyone missed it, Pegasus News had the press release for Hacienda today:

Hacienda on Henderson, new Dallas restaurant, opening end of July

By Pegasus News wire
Email Print Tell us your story Comment

DALLAS — Hacienda on Henderson will open to the public on Friday, July 31. The restaurant/bar, located in a newly restored 1940s estate home at 2326 N. Henderson Avenue in Dallas, will feature an expansive outdoor space for patio dining. Hacienda will continue the late night dining tradition of the location's former occupant, Cuquita's.

Dallas restaurant and club veterans Patrick Tetrick, Chris Faulkner, and Miles Zuniga have teamed up to bring live music, tequilas infused in-house with exotic flavors and $5 frozen margaritas to the lush patio space. Executive Chef Mike Dimas' menu will feature a mix of traditional Tex-Mex favorites combined with authentic Mexican "family" recipes served up in a high-energy environment. [Wonder why they have "family" in "quotes"?] Visitors should be sure to sample margaritas made with Hacienda's exclusive house-infused jalapeno, habanero, pineapple, and strawberry tequilas.

Dimas has over 15 years of experience, most recently as executive chef/partner of Wynnwood Special Events. Dimas' strengths lie in transforming restaurants through exceptional food and drink. Coupled with the talents of Tetrick, Faulkner, and Zuniga, Hacienda on Henderson should prove to be a Henderson Ave. anchor and local hot spot for years to come.

Tetrick and Faulkner also own Lotus, a posh but relaxed McKinney lounge, and have been in the club business for many years. Zuniga also owns two neighborhood bars on Henderson — the Slip Inn and Vickery Park. “We are extremely excited to have secured this location, Henderson Avenue is really booming and Hacienda will be a great addition to the neighborhood,” said Tetrick.

[grantboston]

Went to Park this past weekend. This place has a lot of potential. I'd call it a mix of Bolsa and Victor Tangos/Neighborhood Services. The patio is pretty cool and an interesting mix of people you might not see in other restaurants on Henderson. Reasonable prices and decent food and service for the first week. I think the "official" opening was this weekend?

Also, I don't think they take reservations, so show up a little early and have one of their delicious cocktails ($8) or a very reasonably priced beer from their impressive draught collection.

[palchik]

I went to Park too, and its a nice enough place, but man what a disaster Henderson Ave. is in terms of public infrastructure! Henderson just epitomizes so much of what is wrong with Dallas. You've got all of these highly successful private ventures surrounded by completely neglected public spaces. The street is full of potholes, the sidewalks are narrow and uneven (where they exist at all), and crossing the street is virtually impossible because of the lack of crosswalks and signals. Its both embarrassing and shameful. As cliche as it sounds, 3rd world countries pay more attention to their pedestrian infrastructure than Dallas. The most disappointing part of it all though is how indifferent everyone seems to be to the mess, especially in the part of Henderson closer to 75. Car after car pulls up to Victor Tango and the drivers literally abandon them in the middle of the road for the valets to get to when they can. This causes massive traffic snarls, but no one can be bothered to give a damn. Then when they are done with Victor Tango, they get in their car and drive two blocks to the next place and the next valet, because walking would just be too demeaning (and I actually agree, considering the state of the pedestrian infrastructure). Its just such a shame. Dallas has so much potential, but we are like the Shaquille O'Neal of cities: big and flashy, but no attention to free throws (i.e. the fundamentals).

[BGM]

I went to Park too, and its a nice enough place, but man what a disaster Henderson Ave. is in terms of public infrastructure! Henderson just epitomizes so much of what is wrong with Dallas. You've got all of these highly successful private ventures surrounded by completely neglected public spaces. The street is full of potholes, the sidewalks are narrow and uneven (where they exist at all), and crossing the street is virtually impossible because of the lack of crosswalks and signals. Its both embarrassing and shameful. As cliche as it sounds, 3rd world countries pay more attention to their pedestrian infrastructure than Dallas. The most disappointing part of it all though is how indifferent everyone seems to be to the mess, especially in the part of Henderson closer to 75. Car after car pulls up to Victor Tango and the drivers literally abandon them in the middle of the road for the valets to get to when they can. This causes massive traffic snarls, but no one can be bothered to give a damn. Then when they are done with Victor Tango, they get in their car and drive two blocks to the next place and the next valet, because walking would just be too demeaning (and I actually agree, considering the state of the pedestrian infrastructure). Its just such a shame. Dallas has so much potential, but we are like the Shaquille O'Neal of cities: big and flashy, but no attention to free throws (i.e. the fundamentals).

If you read my post further up I did call the city about their plans and actually did get a call back. Henderson is on their agenda--they just don't have a specific timeframe to when they will work on it.

[OrangeMike]

If you read my post further up I did call the city about their plans and actually did get a call back. Henderson is on their agenda--they just don't have a specific timeframe to when they will work on it.

Probably not any time soon, unfortunately.

Tight budget forces Dallas to scale back street repairs (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/072709dnmetdalstreets.3dbd97c.html)

[LH_Newbie]

Went to Park this past weekend. This place has a lot of potential. I'd call it a mix of Bolsa and Victor Tangos/Neighborhood Services. The patio is pretty cool and an interesting mix of people you might not see in other restaurants on Henderson. Reasonable prices and decent food and service for the first week. I think the "official" opening was this weekend?

Also, I don't think they take reservations, so show up a little early and have one of their delicious cocktails ($8) or a very reasonably priced beer from their impressive draught collection.
My wife and I also went to Park. It was acceptable, but I doubt we'll go back. While it's nice to get some unique options on the menu, I certainly felt their menu was strange and nothing really called out to me. The building had an amazing make-over though. Very nicely done. The huge covered patio/bar area will be nice when the weather cools a little.

[torycronin]

My wife and I also went to Park. It was acceptable, but I doubt we'll go back. While it's nice to get some unique options on the menu, I certainly felt their menu was strange and nothing really called out to me. The building had an amazing make-over though. Very nicely done. The huge covered patio/bar area will be nice when the weather cools a little.

We went to Park as well and our experience was similar, although our entire table (11 people) was comped as a result of poor service and an hour and a half wait for our food. Management certainly handled it in the end so that was nice to see. I'm looking forward to the Bocce courts and will definitely go back for drinks. I will proabably stay away from the food though. They also need to sort out their parking situation. There is no exit at the back of the side lot so the way they have valet set up, it becomes a nightmare very quickly.

On that note, we ate at Sushi Axiom last night and noticed that Hacienda was packed. I believe it was a friends and family soft opening. The traffic situation right there was just a sign of things to come when the new apartments at Belmont come on line and more businesses open. I think people wanting to use Henderson as their main cut through to 75 will need to start making alternative plans.

The manager at Sushi Axiom also mentionet that Urbino was open and pretty good.

All in all, this strip has made an amazing transition in the past few years.

[tamtagon]

Is the Henderson nightlife scene heading toward to a similar fate as Lower Greenville -- not enough parking causing friction with neighborhood residents? Here's a situation for the city to get ahead of the curve and build a parking garage just east of Central to handle most of the anticipated parking space needs of a growing entertainment & dining destination. Reducing the need for large parking lots all along the 'Henderson Strip' will encourage property owners to put the real estate to better uses, my favorite being shaded patio-beer-gardens. The city will also be able to reclaim much of the street scape for pedestrians. And way in the future, the parking garage can also function as a Light Rail park 'n ride.

The trend of themed restaurant/bars and restaurant/bars with unique attractions is very interesting. I'm not sure if lawn bowling will last five years, but it's a great sideline. The trend kinda reminds me of The West End and Dallas Alley back in the 80s. For a while it was all the rage until the concept played out and the owners found themselves looking around wondering what happened to all the people.

[dmorg12345]

Cabs also need to get rid of the $2 charge per passenger.

I took a cab from McKinney and Lemon to Henderson and McKinney and the cab was $20 (with 6 people in the cab). They should not have a price structure to discourage safe transportation.

[palchik]

Cabs also need to get rid of the $2 charge per passenger.

I took a cab from McKinney and Lemon to Henderson and McKinney and the cab was $20 (with 6 people in the cab). They should not have a price structure to discourage safe transportation.

Thats only $3.33 a person! I'm sure you spent more than that on a single drink that night. Cabs dont get any subsidies like DART does. They have to charge market rates, or they go out of buisness.

[dmorg12345]

Dallas cab rates are set by the city of Dallas, that is not a market.

In my opinion cab fares should be a function of time and distance, not the number of people in the car.

[palchik]

Dallas cab rates are set by the city of Dallas, that is not a market.

In my opinion cab fares should be a function of time and distance, not the number of people in the car.

The more people, the heavier the vehicle, the more fuel spent.

[Lakewooder]

Henderson and McKinney?

BTW, drove by Hacienda last night and it was packed to overflowing..

[carousel]

We went to Park as well and our experience was similar, although our entire table (11 people) was comped as a result of poor service and an hour and a half wait for our food. Management certainly handled it in the end so that was nice to see. I'm looking forward to the Bocce courts and will definitely go back for drinks. I will proabably stay away from the food though. They also need to sort out their parking situation. There is no exit at the back of the side lot so the way they have valet set up, it becomes a nightmare very quickly.

On that note, we ate at Sushi Axiom last night and noticed that Hacienda was packed. I believe it was a friends and family soft opening. The traffic situation right there was just a sign of things to come when the new apartments at Belmont come on line and more businesses open. I think people wanting to use Henderson as their main cut through to 75 will need to start making alternative plans.

The manager at Sushi Axiom also mentionet that Urbino was open and pretty good.

All in all, this strip has made an amazing transition in the past few years.

I've had pizza from Urbino now on two separate occassions (both the regular crust (thin) and the flatbread). Both were very enjoyable and at a good price point. I haven't tried any of the other menu items but look forward to doing so.

[BGM]

I was at the Hacienda on Henderson sneak peak event and we also walked over to The Park. I live in Lakewood (near Cosmos) and have been here for 10 years--it's great to see all the traffic and buzz. But as I mentioned a few posts ago, the City of Dallas called me back and said they have no immediate date to take care of the Henderson street situation (both re-paving and for pedestrians) but on their agenda.

H of H was packed and it will be popular. The Park I thought was great---the menu is very affordable and the atmosphere was cool. We walked from H of H so I can't comment on the valet parking there. But, yes, there is going to be huge problem as the area grows.

[Lakewooder]

BGM do you walk a dog around there? I go by Cosmo's every day at least a couple of times..well you know, not really to go to Cosmo's but to the point where Skillman starts. Sometimes I even walk.

[BGM]

BGM do you walk a dog around there? I go by Cosmo's every day at least a couple of times..well you know, not really to go to Cosmo's but to the point where Skillman starts. Sometimes I even walk.

No not usually around the Cosmos area.

[lakewoodhobo]

Um, I went to Hacienda for dinner on Friday and was told that while they serve drinks and chips, they are not serving food yet (after I valet the car, no less).

Is it just me, or does that seem like a huge mistake to open your restaurant before you're ready for full service? I can understand not having your liquor license and opening without the bar, but the other way around seems asinine. On one hand, the patio was crowded and you could tell there was buzz developing. But I wonder how many other people were turned away and won't come back before having to call the restaurant to make sure the kitchen is open.

On a side note, I drove by Park and it was insanely crowded (they told me to expect an hour and fifteen min. wait), with their patio and Barcadia's patio seemingly one giant place. I decided to skip Henderson and go to an oldie-but-goodie: Mia's on Lemon. That turned out to be a wise choice because when that freak storm came in, I was enjoying shrimp tacos in the covered patio and couldn't help but wonder about the poor souls at Barcadia and Park.

[grantboston]

I went back to Park last Thursday a week after I had been previously. Whereas my first visit had no wait (the place had been open just a few days), my latest visit required an 1.5 hour wait for a table. I'm afraid this place has been Victor Tango-ed.

[BGM]

I went back to Park last Thursday a week after I had been previously. Whereas my first visit had no wait (the place had been open just a few days), my latest visit required an 1.5 hour wait for a table. I'm afraid this place has been Victor Tango-ed.

But you want that buzz for the area. Yeah it sucks about having to wait--The Porch was like that and some others like Tangos but it will level off of the craziness levels eventually.

[BGM]

Any new updates ?

[DFWCRE8TIVE]

Isn't that The Pearl Cup?

http://thepearlcup.com/

The had a soft opening last Saturday. Nice place.

Went to the Pearl Cup the other night and really liked it. They get a bonus for having a good vegan snack selection, too!

[chicago_transplant]

Brian's wine shop on Monticello in between McKinney & Cole recently moved within the same retail center into a new space. It's larger and three doors down from where he was before.

He's planning on opening a wine bar in his old spot. The tentative plan is 6-8 weeks from now but he just had surgery on his ACL so it's questionable if that timetable will be met. Should be a nice little spot, a lot less expensive than the other wine bars in town.

[BigD5349]

Belmont Apartments one block off Henderson, from last weekend... Looking good.

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/8448/belmont2l.jpg (http://img238.imageshack.us/i/belmont2l.jpg/)

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/5619/belmont1h.jpg (http://img104.imageshack.us/i/belmont1h.jpg/)

[EastDallasLonghorn]

This project has really come together nicely and is a great addition to the neighborhood! I'm impressed with the wide sidewalks and generous budget UDR allocated for landscaping. It is a huge improvement over the run down 2-story surface parked multifamily that was previously on these four blocks.

It is interesting to note the difference in the quality of development UDR was able to deliver with the change in zoning they were granted to allow for 4-story construction compared to what Phoenix was able to build next door at the Eastwood under the quite restrictive MF-2 zoning. The quality of the facade materials and streetscape in the two projects are night and day, and when you are standing on Garrett between the 3-story and 4-story buildings the difference in their overall height is almost imperceptible.

I think these two adjacent projects will be a great future reference for people who have a hard time visualizing the impact a 3-story building will have on their neighborhood compared to a 4-story building. I personally would much rather live next to the wide sidewalks and landscaping of this project compared to the Eastwood, even if it is a few feet taller!

[Speedbump Joey]

Very nice..

[carousel]

This project has really come together nicely and is a great addition to the neighborhood! I'm impressed with the wide sidewalks and generous budget UDR allocated for landscaping. It is a huge improvement over the run down 2-story surface parked multifamily that was previously on these four blocks.

It is interesting to note the difference in the quality of development UDR was able to deliver with the change in zoning they were granted to allow for 4-story construction compared to what Phoenix was able to build next door at the Eastwood under the quite restrictive MF-2 zoning. The quality of the facade materials and streetscape in the two projects are night and day, and when you are standing on Garrett between the 3-story and 4-story buildings the difference in their overall height is almost imperceptible.

I think these two adjacent projects will be a great future reference for people who have a hard time visualizing the impact a 3-story building will have on their neighborhood compared to a 4-story building. I personally would much rather live next to the wide sidewalks and landscaping of this project compared to the Eastwood, even if it is a few feet taller!

I agree! If the 4th story allowed the better quality facade, landscaping, etc. - bring on the 4th floor!

[BigD5349]

I looked at these with a friend of mine, the interiors were better quality than I expected. I was overall impressed with the development and how dramatically that area is heading for better days.

[tamtagon]

A little press never hurt:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/103009dnbusbelmont.3d8603c.html
In Old East Dallas, a new neighborhood takes shape
10:29 PM CDT on Thursday, October 29, 2009

By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
stevebrown@dallasnews.com
When developer Mark Culwell chatted with his general contractor at the corner of Belmont and Bennett avenues a couple of years ago, the construction executive kept looking over his shoulder.

There's no fear factor now. The jumble of run-down rental units and ramshackle houses is long gone from the Old East Dallas intersection.

In their place, developers have built an urban neighborhood that would be at home in Dallas' hot Uptown district.

So far, prospective renters don't seem to have any trouble migrating to Dallas' newest rental enclave.

"Most of them are coming from Uptown and downtown," said sales specialist Karly Kuby. "And we've had a few who are moving from out of town.

"We just moved our first resident into the project," Kuby added.

With 465 units, UDR's new Belmont apartment community occupies almost four blocks between Fitzhugh and Henderson avenues just east of North Central Expressway. Next door, another developer – Phoenix Property Co. – has just finished 182 apartments in its Eastwood on Henderson complex.

Together, the developments represent the biggest block of new housing constructed in the area in decades.

So how's all that working out with the recession?

"Our leasing traffic has been good," said Culwell, who's spent almost three years working on the project.

"We've been kind of holding our breath – it's not the perfect time of year to be opening a project like this," he said.

Or the perfect economic environment.

But on a recent Friday morning, potential tenants lined up to tour the new apartment buildings, which have the latest in architecture and – on the upper floors – killer views of downtown Dallas.

A month's rent will run between $800 and $2,000, depending on the unit's size and location.
....

To make the East Dallas project appeal to new urban residents, the developer added wide sidewalks along the streets, lush landscaping and streetside patio areas.

"This is not a retail location," Culwell said. "But we wanted to make the outside inviting and encourage people to walk. "We are just a couple of blocks away from all the new restaurant activity on Henderson Avenue," he said....

With these apartments up and running, it's time to make the changes allowing the next round of construction to be taller, adding greater population density.

[chicago_transplant]

With these apartments up and running, it's time to make the changes allowing the next round of construction to be taller, adding greater population density.

Good luck with that. You're going to have a hard time convincing the neighborhood associations down there that it's in their best interest to increase population density. All you're going to hear is "blah traffic on Henderson blah blah view of downtown." I think you really need to see more three-four story apartment complexes to fill in this area and clean it up before you start talking five+ story buildings. Not only will the neighbors push back on a taller building than three stories, the cost is not justifiable without higher rents in the area first.

Let the Andres brotehrs build their four story apartment complex on Henderson and give that Fiesta project where it was going to be torn down and turned into mixed use retail (including a grocery store) the go ahead.

[Lakewooder]

Most people I know (including the Cochran Heights folks) were for the Andres Brothers project. There seemed to be oppostion from the same group which gave a hard time to Cityville on Greenville and tried to tie up the Arcadia project. I think some of those folks are the ones warring with Avi -- he calls one "Mad Maxine".

I believe Arlene Colbert is talking about the traffic situation just east of Central where the valets block passage and at The Old Monk, where we have been trying to get a crosswalk for several years.

And of course, I think everyone would agree that Henderson needs to be repaved and rebuilt with wider sidewalks.

[BGM]

Most people I know (including the Cochran Heights folks) were for the Andres Brothers project. There seemed to be oppostion from the same group which gave a hard time to Cityville on Greenville and tried to tie up the Arcadia project. I think some of those folks are the ones warring with Avi -- he calls one "Mad Maxine".

I believe Arlene Colbert is talking about the traffic situation just east of Central where the valets block passage and at The Old Monk, where we have been trying to get a crosswalk for several years.

And of course, I think everyone would agree that Henderson needs to be repaved and rebuilt with wider sidewalks.


I've called the city a few months ago (I posted it earlier on this thread) about the plans for that intersection and about Henderson in general---they called me back and said it's in the plans but the city's budget issues have shelved it for now.

[lakewoodhobo]

http://www.advocatemag.com/lakewood/blog/68920976.html


Boutique, bakery opening at Henderson and McMillan

Two new businesses are planning to open in the small shopping center at Henderson and McMillan, adjacent to the Pearl Cup.

We Are 1976, a gift boutique specializing in handmade items, is expected to open in three or four weeks. Vynsie Law of Hollywood Heights is opening the boutique with her brother, Derek Law, and her former sister-in-law, Jully Law.

The store will sell one-of-a-kind items from Dallas designers and artists, as well as from creatives around the world. There are Japanese toy designers and English crafters, Vynsie Law says, and she wants to create a gallery space just for Dallas-based producers of handmade stuff. "We love Dallas, and we just want to showcase some of the talent here," she says.

The other new business, Couture Confections, is a specialty bakery that's set to open nextdoor to We Are 1976. I don't have many details on that yet, but I will be sure to clue you in as soon as I know more.

[GuacaMohle]

All, I know it's last minute, but thought to post this on-line here. A new HOA for the portion of Henderson east of Cochran Heights to Ross is starting up tonight. 7:00pm @ Veritas

See invite I received below. Show up if you can.

More information can be obtain from: hendersonneighbors@gmail.com

Fellow Neighbors:

Several friends and I have spent the last few weeks contacting residents of our area to gauge their interest in establishing a neighborhood association dedicated to increasing the quality of life in our unique corner of Dallas, and I am excited to report that we have received an emphatic response from almost everyone we have spoken to (over 45 people to date)!

Starting a neighborhood crime watch was near the top of everyone's list of priorities, and having a network of email addresses to quickly and efficiently communicate news on thefts, vehicle break-ins, and other area nuisances should go a long way in helping us all feel safer here. Many of you were also excited about the opportunity to get to know your neighbors better through quarterly (or monthly) meetings and events, so I'm really looking forward to our first meeting when we all will have a chance to meet each other in person.

We have arranged to have Veritas Wine Room (2323 N. Henderson Avenue) host our first meeting next Tuesday, December 15th at 7:00 PM, and we plan to keep the "formal" portion of the meeting as short as possible so everyone has an opportunity to socialize.

We hope to adopt a set of bylaws for the Henderson Neighborhood Association (I'd be happy to email a draft of the bylaws in MS Word format to anyone who is interested in reviewing them before this first meeting, please just ask!), elect officers, discuss proposed neighborhood association committees and volunteer opportunities for area residents, and hear news on an urban art competition area artist Scott Trent has organized for Henderson Avenue.

As currently proposed, the Henderson Neighborhood Association boundaries would encompass the north side of Ross Avenue between Henderson Avenue and Fitzhugh Avenue, the east side of Fitzhugh Avenue, to the south side of Mission Street, the center of Henderson Avenue, the south side of Belmont Avenue, the west side of McMillan Avenue, the west side of Henderson Avenue from McMillan Avenue to Ross Avenue. This area currently lacks representation by any other area neighborhood association and it's about time we organized to help make our neighborhood a better place!

Please invite all of your neighbors that live within this boundary to attend, and we look forward to seeing you again next Tuesday. If you have any questions between now and then please don't hesitate to contact me.


Sincerely,