2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 8STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEETerry Bertrand

Robert S. Johnson

John Hall

Nanci Johnson-Plumpecretary

Cliff Mycoskie

Rick Merri

Ryan Dodson

DIRECTORSDr. Moody Alexander

John Arnot

Dr. Jim Burgin

O.K. Carter

DIRECTORS CONTINUED

Charles Clawson

Mayor Robert Cluck, M.D.

Carl Cravens

Pa Diou

Emory Estes

Randy Ford

Jeff Jordan

Kris Landrith

Varun Mallipaddi

Valerie McDonald

Kevin McGlaun

Audra Moore

Ronnie Price

ACKNOWLEDGMENTSDIRECTORS CONTINUED

Randal Rose

Beverly Salvant

Council Member Lana Wolff

STAFFTony Ru gliano

Aimee McMullen

Alex Pietroforte

PLANNING CONSULTANTWendy D. Shabay, Assoc. AIA, AICP

Cody Richardson, RLA

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 4

PLANNING AREA 6

ABOUT DAMC 8

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS 10

CITY OF ARLINGTON: DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN 17

WHAT WE SUPPORT 18 WHAT WE DO NOT SUPPORT 19

DOWNTOWN’S IMMEDIATE ISSUES 20

HIGH PRIORITY ACTIONS 24

GOALS, OBJECTIVES, ACTIONS AND METRICS 25

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 26

MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS 30

SAFETY AND CLEANLINESS 32

BEAUTIFICATION 34

OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT 36

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The Downtown Arlington Management Corpora on’s (DAMC) Strategic Ac on Plan (SAP) provides direc on and ac vi es to be completed during the next fi ve years. The plan represents consensus among the DAMC board, members and staff . It establishes DAMC’s common vision for Downtown Arlington as a unique community, rich in opportuni es. The purpose of this SAP is to:

• Establish a “to do” list by se ng DAMC’s course for the next fi ve years

• Defi ne high priority ac ons to be completed over the next two to three years

• Provide policy guidance and a reference point for future decision-making

• Iden fy a refl ec on of needs, values and desires in Downtown

• Capture a clear Downtown vision and ar culate how DAMC can help facilitate ac on

• Help manage DAMC resources and aid in funding opportuni es

In addi on to this Strategic Ac on Plan, DAMC works under the con nued guidance of past plans, most signifi cantly the 2006 City of Arlington Downtown Master Plan. The 2006 Master Plan outlines goals, guidelines, strategies and strategic ac ons. Many of the exis ng goals remain relevant today, thus DAMC recognizes the benefi ts in con nuously revisi ng the Downtown Arlington Master Plan as well as updates to incorporate signifi cant changes in the area.

The SAP planning process built upon recent successes, past planning eff orts and decades of leadership demonstrated by local offi cials, entrepreneurs, stakeholders, educa onal partners and ci zens. The plan is intended to help manage DAMC resources in an orderly fashion and maximize its assets to strategically improve Downtown’s image and physical environment.

The SAP planning process kicked off in late spring 2013 and ended the summer of 2013. Community involvement included several avenues for input such as an online survey, stakeholder workshop and a DAMC Board retreat. For survey results and mee ng informa on, please contact DAMC.

This document outlines the planning process, vision, goals, objec ves, ac on items and metrics to track progress, specifi cally for DAMC as an organiza on. It is a planning tool to help coordinate local eff orts for Downtown and should work in conjunc on with the City of Arlington, Tarrant County, North Central Texas Council of Governments, local organiza ons, property and business owners, and developers. Ac on items are presented in fi ve topic areas according to the exis ng Business Improvement District:

• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS

• SAFETY AND CLEANLINESS

• BEAUTIFICATION

• OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION

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Downtown Arlington Management Corpora on Stakeholder Workshop

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The SAP planning that defi nes Downtown Arlington is the same as the Business Improvement District (BID) boundary. The planning area is approximately 448 acres or 0.7 square miles. With slight varia ons, the BID area is approximately bound to the north by North Street, to the east by Collins Street, to the south by 2nd Street and to the west by Cooper Street. While the BID is a defi ned boundary, DAMC planning strategies go well beyond Downtown Arlington to create an environment that capitalizes on trends, markets, regional infl uences and opportuni es to make Downtown a vibrant des na on.

Based on exis ng developments, ameni es and planned projects, two special planning areas have been outlined on the Downtown Arlington Area Map. These areas should not be viewed as hard boundaries but rather as illustrated strategy areas. This most central area, Core Area (shown in red), off ers an iden fi able zone with the most con guous walkable environment and highest quality urban form. This is due to exis ng buildings and street level ac vi es. It is approximately the area where the average pedestrian would feel comfortable walking, due to street-level con nuity, from one end to the other. This central area is a high priority zone for DAMC eff orts.

Future Expansion Areas (shown in purple), illustrate the central area growth on the Downtown Arlington Area Map. These areas are immediately adjacent to the Core Area and hold the greatest poten al to expand the central walkable area through new infi ll projects and well designed street-level ac vi es. The Future Expansion Areas represent a secondary priority area for DAMC eff orts.

PLANNING AREA

Th e Greens at College Park is a focal point along the City of Arlington’s Center Street Pedestrian Trail.

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The Downtown Arlington Management Corpora on is a private, non-profi t community development organiza on whose purpose is to forge alliances between property owners, business interests, residents and the City of Arlington to improve and enhance the economic vitality and overall environment of Downtown Arlington. Funding sources include City of Arlington, University of Texas at Arlington and a Business Improvement District. The DAMC is charged with ini a ng and managing economic development eff orts for the Downtown/University District. Responsibili es include, but are not limited to: public and private development assistance; Tax Increment Finance consulta ons and management; promo on and marke ng; strengthening and coordina ng eff orts between the City and University of Texas at Arlington; advising the City on parking, security, and overall use of public right-of-way; and oversight on land use and zoning compliance for the Downtown/University District.

DAMC members are ambassadors for Downtown and work to improve quality of life.DAMC has of a diverse group of members with varying backgrounds, demographics, and skill-sets. DAMC is made up of business/property owners, stakeholders, organiza ons, educators, students, local leaders, elected offi cials and ci zens. The organiza on promotes Downtown by collabora ng on ideas, design, marke ng, funding and volunteerism.

ABOUT DAMC

DAMC Board Retreat

DAMC Stakeholder Workshop

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Downtown Arlington is a vibrant des na on for residents, families, students, ar sts, visitors and entrepreneurs.

vision for downtown

“mission

The Downtown Arlington Management Corpora on fosters economic, cultural and educa onal vitality.

“

tality.tality.

“DownDown

“eneurs. eneurs.

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Strategic planning and ac on items have served Downtown and the BID contributors well. DAMC has overseen BID resources since it was formed in 2010. Through the years, DAMC, its partners and board have overseen signifi cant investment and physical improvements to Downtown Arlington. These projects represent millions of dollars of impact to the Downtown’s economy and have improved quality of life for all of Arlington. DAMC’s recent successes include:

• Forma on of Business Improvement District

• Opening of the College Park District

• New restaurants and nightlife in Downtown

• Banner program

• Downtown brand launch

• Li er patrol

• Forma on of Levi Pavilion

• Installa on of trash receptacles in Downtown

• Marke ng and promo on of Downtown

• Community events

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Downtown Logo and Campaign

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Center Street Streetscape Enhancements

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Flying Fish Grease Monkey

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Old School’s Pizza

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Levi Pavilion

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Downtown Farmers Market UT Arlington’s Gateway Tower

Founders Plaza Sanford House

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College Park Center

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Arlington Music Hall

J. Gilligan’s Center Street Enhancements

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The Groundwork...

The City of Arlington: Downtown Master Plan was created in 2004 and provides vision, policy goals and guidelines for the development of Downtown Arlington. The 2004 Downtown Master Plan laid the groundwork for many recent project successes in Arlington and many components s ll remain valid today. DAMC con nues to reference its goals and objec ves and uses the 2004 Downtown Plan for decision making. This SAP is not a replacement document of the 2004 Downtown Master Plan. Rather, the SAP is a complimentary document that builds upon the 2004 Downtown Master Plan and helps to focus DAMC’s ac ons and involvement to further implement the Plan’s recommenda ons.

This SAP sets in mo on what DAMC can do to help further the 2004 Downtown Master Plan, as well as other planning eff orts ongoing with the City and UTA. It is DAMC’s desire to work in concert with viable planning ini a ves such as the Division Street Corridor Redevelopment Strategy, UTA’s master plan and others that exist to promote the health and vitality of Downtown Arlington.

CITY OF ARLINGTON: DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN

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what we support

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what we do not support

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The DAMC supports roadway and streetscape enhancements to Abram Street that elevate its status as an urban gateway street. It is desired that future improvements would incorporate a similar concept as recent updates to Center Street. Enhancements should include strong aesthe cs, removal of overhead u lity lines and increased streetscape elements. Such elements include street trees, banner poles, landscaped areas, site furnishings and signage. Safe pedestrian spaces are encouraged though the use of wide sidewalks, decora ve pedestrian crossings, signage and pedestrian ligh ng. Infrastructure improvements and on-street parking should be incorporated to help s mulate a business and customer friendly environment.

Abram Street Design PrinciplesAbram Street improvements are directly related to DAMC’s mission statement, vision statement and all fi ve major goals. In addi on, numerous objec ves and ac ons related to Abram Street can be found throughout the SAP. Specifi c design principles desired for Abram Street reconstruc on include:

1. Incorporate strong urban design, quality urban forms, and pedestrian improvements to create a sense of place and to promote Abram Street as a gateway experience for Downtown.

2. Remove or relocate u lity poles and overhead u lity lines. 3. Provide infrastructure to support Downtown events.

ABR

AM

STR

EET

downtown’s immediate issuesTwo signifi cant projects that will greatly impact Downtown will be constructed or designed in the next few years. These key projects are

the Downtown library and Abram Street. Both projects are located in the heart of Downtown and will be highly visible. Their designs and physical a ributes will set the tone for future Downtown improvements. These projects will con nue to defi ne how Downtown is

used and developed for decades to come. Rather than create conceptual design solu ons per project, DAMC is providing the following descrip ons and design principles for each.

4. Reduce traffi c speed.5. Provide pedestrian ameni es.6. Create streetscape to promote fi rst-fl oor uses in buildings

and ac ve public spaces.7. Incorporate wide sidewalks.8. Provide unique landscaped areas.9. Provide street trees.10. Provide both vehicular and pedestrian ligh ng.11. Use interes ng materials, textures and colors similar to

Center Street streetscape enhancements for sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.

12. Incorporate site furnishings with con nuity in design character that include benches, trash receptacles, light and banner poles.

13. Incorporate public art.14. Provide safe pedestrian crosswalks that are well lit and

provide design interest at intersec ons.15. Provide parking solu ons that promote a business- and

customer-friendly experience. Parking should be easily accessible to businesses, par cularly ground fl oor retailers.

16. Minimize unnecessary driveway cuts and increase cross-access between businesses.

17. Incorporate design elements that visually connect the Levi Pavilion, new road improvements and the City Hall block.

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ELEMENTS OF A GREAT STREET

Wide sidewalks for cafes and store front activity Streets help to defi ne character with street trees and strong relationships to buildings

Ground fl oor retail, restaurants and pedestrian activity Well defi ned crosswalks and multi modal considerations

Streets interact with surrounding uses and are part of programmed events

Incorporate parking strategies

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The DAMC supports improvements to the exis ng Downtown library in the form of redevelopment, renova on and/or reloca on in Downtown. The site of the current library is in a key, prominent loca on in Downtown. However, the current design does not relate to the urban fabric by promo ng ac vity on all four sides. Future design and/or reloca on should promote a pedestrian-friendly realm on all four sides, par cularly on the blocks that front Center, Abram and Mesquite. DAMC believes the Downtown library provides an essen al public space and community services that should be a part of the Downtown environment. DAMC stresses its desire for Arlington to maintain its central library branch in Downtown. Updates to the library

DO

WN

TOW

N L

IBRA

RYshould help ac vate fi rst-fl oor uses and create be er street-level ac vi es. DAMC supports be er rela onships between the library to surrounding context such as land uses, sidewalks and streets. DAMC encourages the City to consider a public-private partnership to help fi nance the redevelopment project.

Downtown Library Design PrinciplesLibrary improvements are directly related to DAMC’s mission statement, vision statement and all fi ve major goals. In addi on, numerous objec ves and ac ons related to the Downtown library can be found throughout the Strategic Ac on Plan. Specifi c design principles desires for the Downtown library improvements include:

1. Arlington should maintain a library in Downtown.2. Use Downtown’s library as a magnet for economic

development.3. Downtown’s library should exhibit an urban-style

development which incorporates joint uses such as retail and restaurant

4. The library should promote to street-level ac vi es and other civic buildings and uses. It should create a strong civic area.

5. The library should incorporate well designed outdoor public spaces.

6. Locate the library to serve as an anchor or des na on for new development.

7. Incorporate inspiring architecture to promote civic uses and community pride.

8. Encourage large windows to take advantage of natural light and to provide snapshots into building ac vi es and spaces.

9. If renovated in its current loca on, the design should ac vate street-level uses, par cularly along Abram Street.

downtown’s immediate issues

Example of an urban librarywww.rockvilletownsquare.com

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Colonel Neel E. Kearby Memorial at Downtown’s existing George W. Hawkes Central Library

Existing Center Street improvements adjacent to George W. Hawkes Cen-tral Library

Existing library facade facing Abram Street with unactivated spaces and limited urban design relationship to street

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HIGH PRIORITY ACTIONS

1. Renew Business Improvement District2. Provide streetscape enhancements including addi onal benches, trash

receptacles, trees and street lights3. Provide public art4. Host art event5. Provide murals in Downtown6. Provide increased security patrol7. Create an organized restaurant partner program8. Create complimentary marke ng to brand launch9. Establish a circulator system from Downtown during major events outside

of the Downtown area10. Provide Wi-Fi coverage in Downtown11. Implement parking management program12. Prepare property materials and a end the Interna onal Council of Shopping

Centers exposi on13. Provide incubator space for emerging businesses14. Establish Downtown Arlington as a Cultural Arts District15. Create a grant program to assist property owners with aesthe c

improvements such as facade enhancements, landscaping and tree ligh ng

During the 2013 DAMC Board Retreat, top priority ac on items were iden fi ed. The following are considered high priority ac on items in no par cular order:

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GOALS: DAMC goals are set to guide decision making towards reaching their mission and vision. Goals are what we aspire to be or to create.

OBJECTIVES: Objec ves are strategies to help obtain DAMC goals. Objec ves are defi ned without specifi c me frames but set the path for con nuing eff orts.

ACTIONS: Ac ons are specifi c items to be accomplished. Ac ons can be measured and have priority rankings.

METRICS: Metrics establish baseline informa on and units of measurement to track progress.

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• A ract new businesses to con nue to grow retail, offi ce, entertainment, restaurant and residen al uses• Become the “Go To” organiza on for development ac vity in Downtown Arlington Encourage a mixture of land

uses throughout the core• Encourage research and high-tech businesses to locate within Downtown to support UT Arlington ini a ves• Support residen al units with a variety of housing types including student, market-rate and senior housing• Support small business crea on• Create a Downtown community with a strong, diverse and sustainable economy• Create a culturally rich downtown• Maintain and enhance the role of Downtown as a premier banking, educa onal and governmental center• Support redevelopment of the central library in Downtown • Provide development assistance to business and property owners• Provide liaison between private developers and the City of Arlington• Coordinate economic development ac vi es with the City of Arlington’s Offi ce of Economic Development• Maintain and provide an easily accessible snapshot for Downtown’s demographics, markets and business trends• Ensure the design and installa on of an eff ec ve wayfi nding program for Downtown• Facilitate parking strategies that off er business- and customer-friendly solu ons to address current and future

demands

FOSTER AND PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON

GOAL

OBJECTIVES

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• Create and maintain infrastructure system for economic development and to support Downtown events• Support regional connec ons from Downtown to other parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex• Support a safe and eff ec ve transporta on network within Downtown and to other parts of Arlington• Enhance Downtown’s mobility through mul -modal op ons• Create a more pedestrian friendly Downtown• Support redevelopment of Abram Street, from Cooper to Collins, into a Downtown des na on corridor• Improve aesthe cs and building appearances to encourage development and long-term success• Encourage joint development strategies for Downtown uses serving both the public and UT Arlington• Provide a link between UT Arlington and the entertainment district through the Downtown area• Strengthen es with UT Arlington by extending its educa onal presence and providing services and products

that the university faculty, staff and students need and use• Strengthen development standards to promote high-quality development and to protect investments

OBJECTIVES

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ACTIONS

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ACTIONS

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• Market Downtown Arlington and the Business Improvement District• A ract local and regional audiences with eff ec ve marke ng• Convey business, event, product and venue informa on• Adver se available building space and proper es to local and na onal businesses and developers• Promote DAMC’s staff , skill sets and capabili es• Provide precise and accessible informa on • Communicate constantly and eff ec vely with Downtown property owners, visitors and stakeholders• Support and facilitate events and fes vals• Create a unique sense of place and further enhance Downtown to become a des na on• Create and promote an image of being the civic heart with safe places to shop, live, work and visit• Ensure that Downtown Arlington is a community with a clearly established iden ty• Facilitate cross-coordina on/promo on between exis ng events and businesses• Facilitate cross-coordina on/promo on between Downtown, other districts and major City and University events• Facilitate a comprehensive marke ng approach with the forma on of a marke ng commi ee with broad representa on of

Downtown stakeholders• Con nue to work with Experience Arlington, Friends of the Levi , City of Arlington, UT Arlington and others to create/

enhance Downtown events• Promote exis ng cultural and entertainment facili es such as the Arlington Museum of Art, Theatre Arlington, Crea ve Arts

Theatre and School, Levi Pavilion, UT Arlington and Arlington Music Hall

PROVIDE MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS TO INCREASE IDENTITY, AWARENESS AND SUCCESS OF DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON INITIATIVES

GOAL

OBJECTIVES

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ACTIONS

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• Work to provide a safer Downtown and improve visitor percep ons• Promote community involvement, communica on and educa on• Support crime preven on ac vi es• Provide liaison between Downtown businesses and the City of Arlington Police and UT Arlington Police

Departments• Support an eff ec ve, safe and appropriate transporta on system in Downtown Arlington• Advocate for areas with good pedestrian design and ameni es including sidewalks, shade and calm traffi c• Advocate for pedestrian and bike safety• Advocate for healthy environments• Improve the cleanliness of Downtown• Encourage local business and property owners to par cipate in safety and cleanliness ini a ves• Promote compliance with codes, regula ons, safety and cleanliness• Make Downtown Arlington a more enjoyable place to live, work, shop, and play• Foster and support volunteer par cipa on

ENHANCE SAFETY AND CLEANLINESS TO MAKE DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON A MORE ENJOYABLE PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, SHOP AND PLAY

GOAL

OBJECTIVES

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ACTIONS

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• Support a Downtown des na on where people go to experience history, culture and art• Encourage the redevelopment and maintenance of historic structures and areas• Support eff ec ve City codes and ordinances regarding aesthe cs and design• Create streetscape that off ers good urban design, interes ng spaces, landscaped areas and high-quality

aesthe cs• Preserve exis ng parks and promote new parks and outdoor public areas• Ensure appropriate maintenance and care for exis ng landscaping, streetscape, parks, public areas and

buildings• Foster community pride through Downtown beau fi ca on• Encourage local business and property owners to par cipate Downtown’s beau fi ca on ini a ves• Foster and support volunteer par cipa on• Encourage facade improvements to exis ng buildings to include awnings, unique signage, outdoor dining,

storefront visibility and curb appeal

PROVIDE AND STRENGTHEN BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS TO CREATE A UNIQUE DESTINATION AND TO ENHANCE DOWNTOWN’S VISIBILITY AND APPEAL

GOAL

OBJECTIVES

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ACTIONS

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• Oversee DAMC organiza on as the ambassadors for Downtown Arlington• Provide overall management and administra on of the Business Improvement District (BID) ac vi es and

programs• Provide liaison with property owners, merchants, tenants, residents and City of Arlington to maximize the

benefi ts of the BID• Work with all BID commi ees to provide coordina on and support• Improve BID programs and services

RENDER EXCEPTIONAL OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES OF FUNDING RESOURCES

GOAL

OBJECTIVES

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ACTIONS

201 A EAST ABRAM STREET, SUITE 130ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76010

P.817.303.2800 F.817.303.2805DOWNTOWNARLINGTON.ORG

FREESE AND NICHOLS, INC.4055 INTERNATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 200

FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76109P.817.735.7300

WWW.FREESE.COM

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