Downtown Projects to Watch in 2010

Efforts to blend the UT-Arlington college campus into downtown historic neighborhoods, businesses, libraries, parks, theater and entertainment venues continues in 2010 with the March 5 groundbreaking of the $78 million special events center and College Park. Also, the new state-of-the-art engineering research complex opens for classes in 2010 as the university charts a course toward Tier 1 status and becoming a national research institution.

The much anticipated construction of the Arlington Music Hall is underway. The 1,260 seat hall will transition into a multi-functional performing arts venue. Additional off-site parking is being added along Front Ftreet, near City Hall. Phase I of this Center Street Station project, a $30 million mixed-use business development, is set to open in the fall 2010 with Babe's Chicken Dinner House.

Phase II of this project will include new retail and office construction on Division and Center Street. This development is expected to create 36 new retail jobs and 62 new office jobs in Downtown Arlington.

The Vision

The vision for downtown Arlington includes developing a unique identity and brand for the Downtown/University area, separate from other known destinations but related geographically to major generators.  

Downtown Arlington and the University of Texas at Arlington co-exist – inherent in our vision is the opportunity to brand and differentiate this part of Arlington together from other commercial and visitor areas, and to build on its unique strengths.  

Downtown Arlington recruitment efforts will focus on defining a niche for tenants interested in catering to the University audience as well as the 67,000 daytime employees in the area.

A key part of our vision is about making downtown more walkable and attractive, creating an environment that attracts both creativity and investment.

Existing attractions located near I-30 will be enhanced by the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium and the proposed development that will be adjacent to these major sporting attractions.

While we can certainly benefit from business and visitors generated by major sporting and attraction venues located nearby, our downtown Arlington vision will secure a more year-round, community base of tenants and uses that can set us apart from the “run-of-the-mall” tenant mix that pervades large scale development.

Our Master Plan includes defining key corridors and areas that are most condusive to redevelopment, and providing infrastructure, improvements and an active street life in order to enhance the built environment. 

Making connections along  Abram Street and UTA Boulevard, parallel to the University of Texas at Arlington’s campus edge, will be a fundamental part of our strategy to achieve the vision for the Downtown/University District. 

Strategies also include providing long-range planning and solutions to calm traffic, and assist in addressing urban design and transportation issues associated with rail and automobile traffic.

Revitalization  |  Downtown Arlington Master Plan  |  Work Plan Priorities

Several exciting projects are already underway in downtown Arlington, building investor confidence and community support for more.  The Downtown Arlington Management Corporation will assist and facilitate public/private business leaders in connecting, leveraging and promoting economic development projects in the downtown area.

Incentives for Development and Investment in Downtown Arlington

• Tax Increment Financing (all taxing authorities participate)
• Tax Abatements
• CDBG Grants
• Enterprize Zone

Downtown and Mixed Use Design Standards

• Adopted in October 2005
• Helps shape Downtown’s architectural character - look and feel
• Aid in revitalization of Downtown
• Adds predictability to City development review process
• Encourages high intensity, pedestrian-oriented development

Automated Permitting, Inspections and Registration

The City's regulatory environment has been streamlined by the launch of ArlingtonPermits.com, online services designed to provide builders and contractors with a single point of contact for development resources. Property owners, contractors, engineers and architects have 24-hour web access to apply for permits, check the status and view the results of inspections, and make electronic payments for building fees.

Planning & Zoning Requirements