Downtown Dallas Inc. Unveils It’s Economic Development Plan

DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)- Downtown Dallas Inc. unveils it’s economic development campaign.

Kourtny Garret President of DDI said it’s aimed at business recruitment, retention and investment.”We are on the course to add 20,000 more residents in the city center within the next five years and grow the center of Downtown to over 15,000,” said Garret. “Within a ten minute or less commute there’s convenient access to housing options ranging from lofts, apartments, town homes to single-family homes,” she said.

Downtown Dallas Inc. is the developing strategies and effecting change to improve infrastructure, stimulate a vibrant environment, enhance economic competitiveness and position the area as a global destination.

The idea is to make Downtown Dallas more live-able by adding more green space, improving public safety and beautifying the area.

Garret said they’re also making huge advances in education with a new Montessori opening downtown in August, expansion of El Centro and establishing the UNT College of Law in the historic municipal building.

Also, part of the plan is the AT&T Discovery District opening in May. AT&T is turning it’s downtown headquarters into an entertainment hub for everyone.

AT&T plans to bring 5G experiences to life in the district. Visitors will also be able to experience a state-of-the-art media wall which will create unique backdrop that sets any mood for those hanging out in the district.  The plaza will host events, show the latest movies and will have weekly shows, free to the public.

The centerpiece plaza will be at Commerce and Akard Streets.

According to the “Between Now and When” highlights from 2014-2019, $39 million dollars has been invested into services and improvements into Downtown. Over 53 park acres have been maintained and/or added, over 558,000 safety patrol hours and over 32,000 off-duty DPD hours were added, there were over 140,000 clean team hours with over 95 18-wheelers of litter removed. There has also been over 60 shops and over 160 restaurants/bars added with 35 new restaurants coming soon.