Contact:
Morgan Lyons

January 14, 2000

Transit-oriented workshop set February 4

Officials/Developers Eye Future Garland Rail Stations

Uncover transit-oriented economic opportunities in Garland when city leaders, DART, and the Garland Chamber of Commerce host a special conference on February 4 in the Garland City Hall council chambers, 200 N. 5th Street.

The conference will focus on transit-oriented development opportunities around Garland-area rail stations opening in 2002. The stations will be located near the intersection of Forest Lane and Jupiter Road, and at DART's Garland Central Transit Center in downtown. The goal of the conference is to educate potential developers, financiers, station-area property owners and local stakeholders about the promise, the profits -- and possible problems -- of development along rail lines.

The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and features commercial developers who are creating innovative projects near DART's existing rail stations. Other speakers include nationally-known economic development experts who will highlight opportunities at the future stations in Garland.

Conference speakers include Garland Mayor Jim Spence; DART Board of Directors Garland Representative Jerry Russell; DART President/Executive Director Roger Snoble and Garland's Managing Director of Development Services Neil Montgomery.

Other participants are Peter Coughlin, Southside on Lamar; Ken Hughes, UC Urban; Robert Shaw, Amicus Partners, Ltd.; Elizabeth Morris, Insight Research Corporation; Ed Verde, Focus Realty Advisors; Dr. Bernard Weinstein, Center for Economic Development and Research at the University of North Texas; and Allan Zreet, Wallace, Roberts & Todd.

Coughlin is investing $150 million in the Southside on Lamar project at DART's Cedars Station. Located just south of downtown Dallas, the project involves the conversion of the historic Sears Roebuck and Co. warehouse into 460 loft apartments, flanked by entertainment, retail, office and hotel facilities.

Hughes' project at DART's Mockingbird Station involves the renovation of a former Southwestern Bell Telephone warehouse and office tower to house 220 loft apartments, with plans for additional mixed-use development including an 8-screen movie theater complex, restaurants, office space and a music store.

Shaw is developing the new Plano Transit Village at the future downtown Plano Station, featuring 250 loft apartments and retail stores.

The conference is free, but registrants must RSVP by January 28. Reservations can be made by contacting Anita Russelmann, assistant director of Planning, City of Garland, at 972-205-2449.

-- 30 --