Dallas, Texas

A website describing some of the nicest places in Dallas, Texas.

Featured Images

Featured References

• Downtown Dallas: Overview

  Though it has been likened to a glorified office park with no cultural character, the area is undergoing a transition as dozens of residential conversions and new high rise condos bring more permanent residents to the downtown area. (See: North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).[1]) Its redeveloped Main Street has recently become more of a place for Dallasites to play after several restaurants, hotels, and residential towers opened their doors along the strip. Downtown's growth can partially be attributed to Dallas Area Rapid Transit's (DART) two (soon to be 4) LRT lines and the one commuter line that run through Downtown and an aggressive stance taken by the city to drive development at all costs. The city has forked over $160 million of public funds in downtown Dallas for residential development that attracted $650 million of private investment.Two of the first new-construction office building projects downtown in over 20 years broke ground in 2005-One Arts Plaza, a mixed use office, retail, residential development in the Arts District which will be the new home of 7-Eleven's headquarters; and the vibrant Hunt Consolidated office building.

• Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: The Uniform

  The uniform itself is a carefully guarded trademark and may not be duplicated in any way without the written permission of the DCC. The internationally recognized blouse, vest and shorts were originally designed by Paula Van Waggoner, of the Lester Melnick store in Dallas. Since first introduced with the formation of the squad in 1972, there have been only six modifications to the uniform. In May of 1989 the original "go-go" boot had gone out of style and a more western oriented design was selected. In 1991, the large buckled belt was left behind in favor of shorts with a more flattering cut. 1992 brought a cowboy-style boot to the uniform, and in 1993 crystals were added to outline the fifteen stars on the vest and shorts. 1994 brought a more western shape to the blouse lapels, and finally, in 1999 crystals were added to the fringe line of the vest. Each modification, after careful consideration by Director, Kelli McGonagill Finglass, was implemented to enhance the image that the uniform has represented from the very beginning - an image made all the more consistent through the efforts and dedication of Ms. Leveta Crager, who for twenty four years made and hand tailored every uniform worn by a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Upon her retirement, designer Greg Danison was selected at the start of the 1996 season to continue the tradition of individual craftsmanship in each Cheerleader's uniform.

• University Park, Texas: History

  The current status of University Park was not arrived at easily. The city began as a cluster of homes surrounding the fledgling Southern Methodist University, which was founded in the then-rural Dallas County in 1915. The university supplied these homes with utility service until 1924, when the growing population could no longer be supported by the school's utilities. In response, the area's homeowners first sought annexation into the Town of Highland Park, but were refused due to the high cost which would have been required to provide the necessary utility and safety services. Shortly thereafter, Dallas also refused a request for annexation on similar grounds. Determined to confront the challenges before them, community leaders organized to incorporate as a separate individual city. According to state law, incorporation required that area residents hold an election on the issue before the new city could be officially formed and recognized. On April 24, 1924, voters approved the measure by a 5:1 margin. Operating under the Commission form of government, the city began the work of shaping the new government and addressing the pressing need to establish basic municipal services. To provide for the financial needs of the city, another election was held soon thereafter to authorize the issuance of municipal bonds. Passing by a near unanimous margin, the $150,000 bond issue funded the installation of a new water supply system, street paving, and the construction of a new city hall and fire station. When first incorporated, the city encompassed 515 acres, 380 homes, and 1200 residents. As a result of efforts to build and improve the city, University Park grew to a population of over 20,000 residents by 1945 and had become one of the most prestigious locations in the area. In fact, the community's attractiveness and tax value had risen to such an extent that the city of Dallas now wanted to annex University Park into its boundaries. At the time of the election, even the Board of Commissioners favored the election. In the largest voter turnout to that date and still one of the largest in city history, the annexation was denied by a 53% to 47% margin. In 1946 and election to adopt a "Home Rule Charter" was held, but the measure failed and the city continued to operate as a General Law city. In 1989 voters approved a Home Rule Charter which officially adopted a Council-Manager form of government and expanded the three member board of Commissioners into a five member city council. Since the 1940's, the population and area of University Park have remained relatively stable at 22,000 residents and 2,350 acres (4.7 square miles). The city is now surrounded by Dallas on three sides and the Town of Highland Park to the south. The city's unique character, high property values, and low tax rate have been steadily maintained. University Park residents continue to work together with the government to build a distinctive community and have come to expect the high level of personal service with which they have always been provided.