Welcome (back) to Maverick Country!

This week in Arlington, more than 125,000 students of all ages are going back to school for the start of a new academic year. Over 64,000 attend one of 76 Arlington ISD schools, and others go to Tarrant County College Southeast Campus or one of several private schools throughout the city.

The rest? They’re hitting the books right here in Downtown. They’re Mavericks of course, and their alma mater is one of the country’s fastest-growing, most diverse and forward-thinking universities, ranked as a Carnegie Research-1 “highest research activity” institution: The University of Texas at Arlington.

What’s new at the U

“No man ever steps in the same river twice...”

            - Heraclitus, Greek philosopher

The mighty UT Arlington “river” is clearly not the same as it was a year ago or even a month ago. The number of new research activities, programs and creative endeavors is mind-boggling. As you attempt to encapsulate all that’s going on at UTA, we recommend you start with SEIR.

Science and Engineering Innovation and Research Building (SEIR)

This Fall, construction begins on SEIR, a $125 million, 220,000 square foot glass and steel building which will bring together faculty and students from across engineering, science and health disciplines. The project marks the next phase in UTA’s growth, the acceleration of discovery and innovation within the area of health and the human condition under the university’s 2020 strategic plan.

“The SEIR building will enhance UTA’s capacity to meet the state’s need for the generation of a highly skilled workforce and intellectual capital while assuring that we continue to rise in reputation as an R-1 university,” UTA President Vistasp M. Karbhari said. “(SEIR) supports multi-disciplinary teams working in large multi-use, collaborative spaces and will foster the generation of new ideas and solutions to real-life problems.”

Substantial completion of SEIR is expected in summer 2018. The building is designed in accordance with sustainable practices, using high energy-efficiency heating and cooling systems, water conservation practices and sustainable materials for flooring and interior finishes.

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SEIR isn’t the only new development at UT Arlington. Let’s take a virtual walking tour:

404 Border and The Arlie

Driven in large part by the on-growing growth and prosperity of UT Arlington and Downtown Arlington, two privately-developed, premium living communities -- 404 Border and The Arlie -- opened this fall.

The Arlie, a student lifestyle community, provides UTA students a unique selection of luxury apartment homes located just one block north of campus. Greystar Student Living, the project developer, is a leader in the evolving student living industry, known for building unique environments that enhance each resident’s collegiate experience through proactive student programming.

[caption id="attachment_13063" align="img-wrapright" width="5512"] The Arli, a new student housing project with state-of-the-art amenities.[/caption]

With features such as private garages, balconies, a resort pool and outdoor entertainment area, 404 Border provides a premium living option that previously didn’t exist for downtown employees, UT Arlington staff and faculty, graduate students and young professionals. The complex is a short walk from all Downtown destinations including UT Arlington and minutes from the entertainment district. 404 Border was co-developed by Dodson Development of Arlington and Carleton Residential Properties.

[caption id="attachment_13062" align="img-wrapright" width="6000"] 404 Border is a new 135-unit urban multi-family development that is only a short distance from UTA.[/caption]

“Placemaking is critical to the long-term vibrancy of downtown,” said Tony Rutigliano, president and CEO of the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation. “Creating and sustaining a supply of desirable and varied housing options are fundamental to placemaking. More housing options in downtown mean more locals, and as we know, locals are great for business.”

Career Development Center

This week, UT Arlington opens a new Career Development Center in the E.H. Hereford University Center. The facility offers numerous professional development programs to UTA students and alumni, and it provides employers a host of recruitment services including job fairs, on-campus interviews, information sessions, a candidate database and more.

The central waiting area of the new center is being named for Texas Trust Credit Union, which donated $100,000 toward the new 6,000 square-foot facility.

“UTA continues to produce the highest caliber graduates who contribute to a vibrant regional economy,” said Jim Minge, Texas Trust Credit Union CEO, in a statement to the Star-Telegram. “As a local employer we have a natural interest in helping these students succeed. We hope this gift will allow UTA to further enhance its career development services.”

Veteran’s Business Outreach Center

Thanks to a two-year, $500,000 Small Business Administration grant, the UT Arlington College of Business recently established a Veterans Business Outreach Center that offers educational, training and consulting services to veterans who are starting or growing a business. The UTA Veterans Business Outreach Center is the largest metropolitan center in the country to date and only one of 19 nationwide.

UT Arlington counts more than 3,000 military veterans and their dependents among its student population. Military Times magazine ranks UTA as No. 16 among four-year schools nationwide that offer undergraduate or graduate degrees or both. The magazine also ranks the UTA College of Business among the nation’s top 50 business schools for veterans.

College Park District and UTA Bookstore

The UT Arlington College Park District is a blend of entertainment space, student residences, restaurants, retail, a public park and the UTA Bookstore. Bombay Chopstix is the newest restaurant to open in the District. Anchored by the premier sports/event facility College Park Center, the District is home to the UT Arlington Maverick women’s and men’s basketball teams, UTA volleyball, the Dallas Wings, 17 area high school graduation ceremonies and year-round events.

Less than a year ago, a new Starbucks opened on the southeast side of the UTA Bookstore, and now the retailer is wrapping up a $2 million renovation that will echo the contemporary vibe of its surroundings. The make-over completes its transition from an old-style bookstore into a contemporary retail experience for the campus and the community.

While students can still find everything they need for their coursework at the new UTA Bookstore, expanded Wi-Fi coverage, more seating and collaborative spaces make it easy for everyone to shop, have a cup of coffee, meet friends, read, work and stay connected. With free parking for College Park District visitors, access is simple and convenient.

“The transformation of the UTA Bookstore into a retail and meet-up space will further connect the UTA campus with Downtown Arlington and beyond,” said Tony Rutigliano.

Office of Alumni Relations

At least 130,000 people living in North Texas are UTA alumni, and if you’re one of them, congratulations! You’re a part of the Maverick tradition in Downtown Arlington.

We hope you’ll come back to the UTA campus and “step in the river” again, behold all that’s new and everything you fondly remember. When you do, be sure to stop by the new Alumni Relations office in Davis Hall and learn about the new programs, benefits and events designed especially and exclusively for you and your fellow Mavericks.

Post, tweet and tag

As you post or tweet about Downtown Arlington and UT Arlington, be sure to tag us with @utarlington, #authenticallyArlington and @dtArlington!

About Downtown Arlington

Ranked as one of the top urban districts in the country in 2016 by TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals, Downtown Arlington Texas blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown Arlington is home to a top tier public university, prolific cultural arts institutions and live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. Downtown Arlington brings together a plethora of cultures and inspirations with a character all its own.