Stronger Together through Pride: Weekly Message from Maggie Campbell, President and CEO of DAMC

Volunteers will be rolling up their sleeves all around the city this weekend as a part of Unite Arlington, a two-day community service event organized by a collaborative group of churches called Engage Arlington. Here in Downtown, volunteers can help out with numerous projects at Mission Arlington, the Downtown Library, and other locations.

Click here to sign up for Unite Arlington, which takes place Oct. 3 and 4 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. 

It’s so empowering to roll up your sleeves, isn’t it? It’s the first act of taking action, of choosing to do something instead of spectating. In the case of Unite Arlington, hundreds of people will be rolling up their sleeves in acts of kindness and community pride. 

There are countless ways to demonstrate pride of place. In Downtown Arlington, several non-profit and commercial entities with deep community ties have recently been rolling up their sleeves in different ways. The end results? Beautiful new spaces that engender a sense of pride and are full of new possibilities.

For instance:

•    Thanks to property owner Kay King and her daughter and son-in-law Rachel and Seann Slosson, one side of an entire city block in historic Downtown is full of creative potential. In addition to beautifully renovated commercial space ready for leasing, Create Arlington is already bringing the 300 block of W. Main to life. 
•    The northwest corner of West and Abram Streets is being re-envisioned from the outside in by its new tenant, award-winning and longtime Arlington law firm Curnutt & Hafer LLC. 
•    Mission Arlington has finished renovations on their 400 W. Abram community building. Inside, you’ll even find a relic from the building’s former days as Lone Star Gas with the original inlayed tile flame.   
•    Hurtado BBQ completely renovated their patio, adding in shade trees, gravel, benches, and extensive patio seating with a BBQ themed mural to boot, one of many patio improvements taking place across the district.
•    DynoRock is getting a fresh coat of paint, signage, and entrance to welcome downtown’s more adventurous types. Get your climb and enjoy the new views.

If you own or operate a business in Downtown Arlington, I invite you to take a stroll around your property. As you do, think about the locals who are returning to Downtown after months of absence, thanks to the trust you’ve built by preparing your location for COVID-19 safety. Think of your employees who have been able to return to work.  Now, think about the World Series and National Finals Rodeo fans who will be discovering Downtown for the first time this Fall. 

What will they see? What do you want them to see?

Downtown Arlington might be able to help with that. We accept applications for our BID Improvement Grant on a rolling basis. The Downtown Arlington BID Improvement Grant program empowers local commercial property owners to make facade improvements that enhance the experience for those that live, work and visit the Downtown area. If your project falls outside of the program’s scope, we’d still love to talk with you about your ideas. Contact Katie Gosa, BID Services and Communications Manager.

Let’s act on the pride we feel for our Downtown community. Let’s roll up our sleeves together. 

No Reservations Required! Live and Live-Streaming at the Levitt   

Thanks to all the great live music fans in North Texas, the Fall 2020 Levitt Pavilion concert season has already become one for the history books! First, live-streaming of concerts through their Facebook page has introduced thousands of new fans to the Levitt. Second, because of the successful execution of the Levitt’s “social squares,” these socially-distanced viewing areas have been extended into the street.

Finally, starting this weekend, lawn and street seating will no longer require a reservation! Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis when gates open at 6:30 p.m. until all available seating is taken. This Friday night features Giovannie & the Hired Guns, with Saturday night hosting the Ray Johnston Band.Remember, groups can include up to eight people for each social square. Subscribe to the Levitt Pavilion e-newsletter for more info.

See you at the Levitt! 

Sunday Fundays at Urban Union   

As you know, this Fall is turning into a sports-watching season of fan-tacular proportions! 

Now you can cheer for the Cowboys with your friends on Sunday Fundays at Urban Union. Gather round a big screen set up in the parking lot between Legal Draft and Cartel Taco Bar for the games on October 4, 11 and 25. Some seating will be provided, but it’s suggested you BYO lawn chair to ensure you have a seat. Urban Union businesses will be open their regular hours and will be offering specials during the games. Sunday Fundays at Urban Union will offer COVID-19 safety protocols including hand sanitizing stations around the area and distanced spaces marked by the screen. YYou must bring and wear your own mask while at any downtown business.

Remember, before you fan up, check out Downtown Delivers to find the perfect patio and Downtown Outdoors to guide you there. #ExploreDTArlington 

Community Celebration of Abram Street   

Join the City of Arlington and Downtown Arlington as we celebrate the completion of the largest (and award-winning) street revitalization project in the history of our city, right here in Downtown! 

On Friday, October 9 at 1 p.m., you’re invited to the Abram Street Celebration which will take place at the intersection of Abram and Mary Streets. I’m so proud to take part in the program with Mayor Williams, Councilman Nunez, and Keith Brooks, Arlington Public Works and Transportation Director. There will be plenty of room for us to spread out and abide by social distancing protocols, and please remember to wear your mask. Come a little early to enjoy live music and light refreshments, and be sure you pick up our memento of the occasion: a limited edition, signed poster from our Downtown Outdoors initiative.

Bud Kennedy Kicks Off Arlington on Zoom on October 13  

Since Fall 2015, Arlington On Tap has been Downtown Arlington’s own speakers series, casual and compelling conversations with local experts on a variety of hot topics. This Fall, we’re carrying on the tradition in a world of social distancing by presenting the series online as Arlington on Zoom! 

Held as always on the second Tuesday of the month, we’re pleased to launch the 2020-21 Arlington on Zoom starting October 13 at 6 p.m. with one of our favorite guests, journalist and Eats Beats columnist Bud Kennedy. We can’t wait to hear what he has to say about the brave new world of running a restaurant during a pandemic, his favorite comfort food, and the indomitable creativity of restaurateurs. Tune in to watch and chat with Bud via Downtown Arlington TX Facebook Live.

The next Arlington on Zoom will take place November 11, then we’ll take a break in December and resume in January 2021. Before you tune in, don’t forget to check Downtown Delivers for Zoom-watching flavors, courtesy of your favorite Downtown Arlington restaurants and bars.