Successes, Accomplishments and Achievements
The creation and subsequent passing of PD 714 may be the greatest accomplishment of the FWADG, as it made everything mentioned on this page possible. However, the group is extremely proud of every success story, large and small. With your help, this list will only grow and become more impressive. We thank you in advance.
Development
Sprouts Farmers Market
After decades without a name-brand organic grocery store, Fort Worth Avenue became a potential site for a Sprouts Farmers Market. Their development plan, however, was not compliant with PD 714. By working with the developer to overcome many site plan issues, hosting community meetings and circulating a community survey, the FWADG was able to secure an acceptable plan and get the project underway. Construction is anticipated to start in 2024.
• For more info, read this article.
Beckley/Commerce Interchange
Back in 1930, all Beckley Avenue traffic, as well as that to and from the Commerce Street Bridge, used an underpass at the foot of the Commerce Street Bridge. When the City of Dallas decided that the underpass could no longer handle the increasing traffic, it designed a mix master-type intersection to replace it. The FWADG led the charge for a design that was not only pedestrian- and bike-friendly, but also routed Beckley around the historic pecan tree.
Sylvan Thirty
Once an underutilized prime piece of real estate, SylvanThirty is now a thriving mixed-use family-friendly development that includes shopping, dining and residential. In 2012, after developers purchased the land and submitted site plans, the FWADG worked with them to achieve a development plan that worked within PD 714.
Preservation
Western Heights Cemetery
This historic cemetery is the burial ground for many Dallas families, as well as veterans of the Civil War, World War I and World War II. Overgrown and neglected, it was adopted by the FWADG in 2009, who kept the grounds mowed and trees trimmed. In 2022, through active fundraising, the group raised community awareness and participation by undertaking a master reclamation and restoration project involving volunteer maintenance, monument repairs, a web-based directory of gravesites and participation in a pilot program transforming the cemetery into a native eco-system. Currently commemorative bricks are being sold to create an entry pathway.
- For more info, read this article
- For FWADG archived info and Dropbox, click here.
- To participate in our Buy-a-Brick fundraiser, click here.
West Dallas Gateway Pecan Tree
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Located at the foot of the Commerce Street Bridge, this 175-year-old tree was an important waypoint marker for the trail leading from central Dallas across the Trinity River to points south and west. It survived the construction of the first Commerce Street bridge in 1855, the Great Flood of 1908, the building of the Trinity River levee system in 1919, and the construction of the Beckley/Commerce intersection in 2015. In 2023, the Texas Historic Tree Coalition issued a proclamation recognizing this tree as a “living legend.” The FWADG is partnering with the Trinity Park Conservancy on the tree’s historic designation plaque.
Belmont Hotel
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Opened in 1946 to serve travelers driving between Fort Worth and Dallas, the Belmont is a classic example of acclaimed local architect Charles Stevens Dilbeck. After many years of being closed and falling into disrepair, it was bought by former FWADG Board member, Monte Anderson. He not only brought new life to the hotel, but also to the surrounding corridor and neighborhoods. Today, the FWADG is underwriting the hotel’s designation as an historic landmark.
Cemetery Gallery
For more information about Western Heights Cemetery,
go to the Western Heights Cemetery Dropbox folder.
Beautification
The Spare pARTS Public Art Initiative
To encourage street life along the Avenue, FWADG created Spare pARTS, awarding grants for juror-selected pieces constructed from repurposed materials. Community artists created the artwork which FWADG funded and installed within walking distance of one another. Today’s walking tour includes the following pieces.
Magic Bike
Artist: Roburtus Joost van der Wege
Wayfinder
Artist: David Lyles
Four-Door Gallery
Artist: Gretchen Goetz
Mobius Bench
Artists: Erik Glissman & Nicole Horn
Steam Punk Bird
Artists: Scott Shubin & Juli Hulcy
Carlton Radial Drill
Artist: Juan Martinez
The Wind Sculpture
Artist: Gary Buckner
Sylvan I-30 Underpass Mural
Artist: Fred Villanueva and JM Rizzi
And More
Although we weren’t directly involved in the development of any of the following, all were made possible by the existence of PD 714. We’re proud to be a primary reason they’re here, and we’re glad to have them all as part of our community.
Artstillery
Performance theater art shows take place at Artstillery, as well as on the sidewalks of West Dallas neighborhoods.
Inn of the Dove
Originally known as the Triple A Ranch Motel, Inn of the Dove was listed in the Green Book, a travel guide produced from 1933–1966 that identified safe places for African-American motorists to stay during a time when Jim Crow laws were in effect.
Henry’s Majestic Restaurant and Bar
24-Hour Fitness
Home Depot
Chase Bank
Hello Carwash
Chipotle
Smoothy King
McDonald’s
Walgreens
Subway
White Rock Brewery
Another Round (mini golf)
Fort Worth Village (shopping plaza) – under construction
Mariposa Senior Apartment Homes – under construction
Kessler Bluff Townhouses – under construction
Stevens Park Condos – under construction