• Arts & Entertainment
• Downtown History
• Facts & Figures
• Business Connection
• Neighborhood Connection
• Real Estate
• University of Texas at Arlington 

Defined during Board Planning Retreat, April 2008

Major Accomplishments

• Levitt Pavilion successfully planned, incubated by DAMC
• UTA purchases of apartment properties, planned demolition
• Center Street Station/Arlington Music Hall proposed development
• Vandergriff Building almost restored, occupied
• Strong vibe, growing belief in downtown’s future
• Board leadership developing

Help property owners see the vision
Go beyond “It’ll Do”

• Assist property owners, developers in getting it right, aligning with Master Plan
• Promote Design Standards
• Study Zoning Needs
• Offer Incentives to qualified projects to attract investment/reduce risk in market
• Tie public and private investment to vision, Master Plan goals

Primary Land Use Drivers
 ***** indicates strongest potential, priority

1. Housing
   1. Student
   2. Faculty
2. Office
   1. Government
   2. Business
3. Specialty Retail
   1. Local Serving
   2. Destination
4. Restaurants***
   1. Sushi
   2. Specialty/Independent operators with proven concepts
5. Entertainment****
   1. Music Venues
   2. Live Performances
6. Culture/Arts*****
   1. Museums/Galleries
   2. Programs/Events

DIRECTION 

Board agreed that most immediate success would be realized in recruitment/retention of restaurants, entertainment, and arts and culture.  It was generally agreed that Housing, Office and Retail are potential drivers, but that first we should attract entertainment and retail. 

Action Areas
Improve Downtown Transit

1. Continue to support/attract density along Railroad R.O.W.
2. Advocate for Quiet Zone implementation/approvals/Improve Pedestrian Safety around Center and Mesquite crossings to support redevelopment

Support UTA Economic Development

Support Key Catalyst Projects:

1. Address opportunities with Big Brothers Big Sisters Building sale/lease opportunity and its potential impact on Main Street combined with the timing of its vacancy next door to the Museum.
   
2. Implement Quiet Zone advocacy – NOW.  This key project was identified due to timing of public works project and priority of the City, tied to public safety for revitalizing areas downtown.  Board discussion focused on ensuring that this effort would be implemented at the Center and Mesquite crossings at the same time as other intersections in the City.
   
3. Investigate May-Ray Initiative opportunities – JULY ’08.  This prospective vision for a new in-fill neighborhood that is proposed for the older multi-family dwellings that front Mitchell Street between Mary and Center Street.
   
4. Advocate for Abram Street & Division Street improvements – JULY ’08.  This project was identified as a priority relative to the bond package discussions underway by the City Council, for the proposed ballot initiative in November 2008.  The importance of a safe and pedestrian-friendly environment on Abram Street was stressed in discussions about this priority.
   
5. Pursue Way Finding – Coordinate  with City effort - SUMMER ’08.  The need for a coordinated signage program for the Downtown/University District was emphasized as something that needs to get done in the coming year; however, it was acknowledged that this would be funded by the City as part of a larger wayfinding signage program currently being designed.