Stage is set for another banner year in Arlington

ARLINGTON, Texas (January 5, 2018) If past is prologue, Arlington is set for a banner year in 2018.

I’m sure there are other communities with projects and prospects of consequence, but I know of none the size of Arlington with the magnitude of what’s underway in what city leaders are proud to say is America’s Dream City.

Among the work in progress — most of which will celebrate ribbon cuttings throughout this new year — there is almost $3.5 billion of investment in 10 big projects that will provide thousands of jobs and drive the city’s economy for years to come.

[caption id="attachment_20047" align="img-wrapleft" width="276"] SEIR Building, UT Arlington[/caption]

The cranes in the sky over UT Arlington should finish work on two major projects changing the face of the university — again.

By next fall we should see the completion of the 220,000-square-foot Science and Engineering Innovation and Research Building. The UT System has invested $125 million in the new modern glass and steel structure moving the teaching and research achievements of the university to new heights.

More than $50 million is being invested on the west side of the campus in a complex that includes a new residence hall, dining hall and parking garage.

The new $22 million George W. Hawkes Downtown Library will swing open its doors to 80,000 square feet of modern design, the latest technology and invaluable public programming to meet the needs of a growing and diverse population.

Included in that project is a new City Council chamber — the place where you can witness and participate in the continued upward mobility of a city on the move.

There’s more, of course — lots more across the vibrant city. It’s the cornerstone of the city’s legacy to keep moving ever forward... 

Read the full column by Richard Greene in the January 5, 2018 issue of the Star-Telegram. Greene is a former Arlington mayor and served as an appointee of President George W. Bush as regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency.