Search found 72 matches

by WilCo
22 Jun 2018 18:10
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Expected traffic to the venues is about 45% below plan for this period of development. I worry that the Texas Live development in Arlington may be the straw that breaks the camel's back on what has been a huge disappointment so far. All indications are that the other Live developments have been a h...
by WilCo
12 Jun 2018 10:59
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Again, no longer in the area, but I have been told that Grenada Market is shutting down. Honestly I have always been shocked they have stayed open for so long. Never seemed too busy for how big the space is. I am curious if that space gets leased out. There were talks they were going to move to Wate...
by WilCo
04 Jun 2018 14:57
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

I didn't know all that about the lawsuit. Good for them for fighting it, but sounds like it was too late at that point. Wasn't it Herbert Gears that originally engaged Billy Bob on the project? Surprising how many private businesses with a history of success signed off and like you said guaranteed t...
by WilCo
04 Jun 2018 13:26
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

We recently moved away from the area, but saw the news about Big Beat. What a disappointment. I was initially excited about the project but quickly realized it wasn't going to work out the way they intended at least. I did not expect the abrupt closing, though. I was hoping the shared liquor license...
by WilCo
07 May 2018 12:53
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Alamo Draft house is now giving 'FULL VALIDATION' instead of 2-hour validation. So now you can feel free to hang out in the area afterwards. Is it just me, or does this particular thread predict the future? lol Hmmm, that's interesting. I wonder if Alamo is picking up the additional cost in some so...
by WilCo
01 May 2018 15:13
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

My problem so far... No Happy Hour! I, personally consider a decent Happy Hour as a gateway for introducing people to a new restaurant. Their default prices are definitely steep, but a solid Happy hour offering can introduce people to a product that otherwise wouldn't give it a chance. Since the pr...
by WilCo
25 Apr 2018 08:29
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

In other news, it appears Smoothie King is moving their national headquarters from New Orleans area to "Irving," I would assume Las Colinas but the article doesn't specify where. Not sure how many work in their headquarters but obviously a pretty big company. http://www.nola.com/business/i...
by WilCo
23 Apr 2018 17:22
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

I hope Drafthouse can come up with a deal with the parking company to get longer validation. I can't remember the last time I was in and out of a theater in two hours. Why go there when you can go down the street to NW Highway/35 and park for free at Studio Movie Grill? I can name quite a few reaso...
by WilCo
17 Apr 2018 13:08
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

We went out to Grimaldi's on Saturday night and walked around a bit. Grimaldi's is still having some new restaurant pains with the servers. They have gotten our orders wrong there several times. The Music Factory area was very busy on Saturday night, but there was also a concert. No opinion on this ...
by WilCo
12 Apr 2018 15:00
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Are all of those beer and snack carts supposed to be permanent fixtures? Or, are they just part of an opening timeframe? They are pretty tacky and kinda contradict the vibe of the surrounding establishments. As time goes on, they should dial back on those carts (or completely remove them), and run ...
by WilCo
12 Apr 2018 13:52
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Not to mention Las Colinas is not known as a destination for more than office and residential so that's an expensive mountain to climb. I have never lived on that side but I certainly have never been invited by friends who live there to come out. It's always them coming into the city so we will see...
by WilCo
12 Apr 2018 13:41
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Yep. It's always about demographics, and the area doesn't support it any more than Victory Plaza did in Dallas. Yeah I think people overestimate the demographics of the area. We really don't even come to close to immediate Addison area for population density in Urban Center. While MacArthur is very...
by WilCo
12 Apr 2018 12:55
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

I think the exposure from Alamo Draft House will help significantly. That will easily bring in crowds that otherwise wouldn't know about Big Beat. They were also working hard yesterday (I walked thru at lunch time) to build out those two outdoor bars that interact with the main stage. Texans love t...
by WilCo
12 Apr 2018 12:24
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Gave Big Beat another try last night. Hate to beat a dead horse, but there's no way they are going to be able to sustain the current concert schedule. This has to be a marketing technique until they get up-and-running before they tone it down to maybe 2-3 concerts a week. Last night there were maybe...
by WilCo
10 Apr 2018 10:51
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

A few new updates: Alamo Drafthouse will open May 1st, way behind original schedule, but better late than never -- http://dallas.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/04-05-18-alamo-drafthouse-las-colinas-toyota-music-factory/ This hasn't been announced yet, but the folks at Nosh & Bottle told me th...
by WilCo
03 Apr 2018 11:13
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

When I went the other day, I received a $10 food coupon, that was good for any of their restaurants when you spend $50 or more (excluding drinks). Perhaps, that is their plan... I don't know. Interestingly enough, they gave it to me prior to the time they started charging cover. Either way... that ...
by WilCo
03 Apr 2018 10:41
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

This might be a dumb question, and I honestly don't know the answer. But let's say it's after 9pm and me and some friends want to grab a burger at Highway 61 South. Do we have to pay the $12.50 just to go in and eat? I think Big Beat will be a good destination for business travelers looking for som...
by WilCo
02 Apr 2018 10:46
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Stopped by The Music Factory a few times this weekend... I'm going to give Big Beat some time, but considering how much hype and $$ they spent to advertise and promote the grand opening it was disappointing. Met some friends after work at Highway 61 South for a few drinks. Place was maybe 40% full....
by WilCo
01 Apr 2018 17:18
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Las Colinas is in position to be like Addison was 30 years ago-- turning into a destination alternative for the Dallas Night Life. If Irving starts municipal management like it's a world city instead of a rural Texas town, Las Colinas will turn into the third "downtown" in North Texas, bu...
by WilCo
01 Apr 2018 17:10
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

It may be a long learning curve on the whole Music Factory's part to attract a younger crowd, with so many other places (West 7th, Legacy, Uptown, Deep Ellum, Denton, etcetc) to go that they know already. There could be a case of habit--younger folks may not think of Las Colinas as a place to go at...
by WilCo
31 Mar 2018 23:45
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

So after the "new car smell" has worn off, at least for me, Big Beat definitely has some serious flaws. The prices have upped even since the soft opening. Martini Ranch, which I was hoping might draw a younger crowd has totally squandered that by making the dress code business casual. Real...
by WilCo
27 Mar 2018 14:32
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Issues/News
Topic: Legacy West Retail
Replies: 517
Views: 478666

Re: Legacy West

I don't mean to use the term suburb with any negative connotation. It is just a term of art. It means the surrounding area of a principal city in a metropolitan area. Dallas and Fort Worth are the two principal cities of the DFW metroplex. DFW is unusual because some of the suburbs of Dallas have su...
by WilCo
27 Mar 2018 13:13
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Issues/News
Topic: Legacy West Retail
Replies: 517
Views: 478666

Re: Legacy West

Those amenities will never be the same as Dallas or Fort Worth. Those are true urban centers that have been urban centers since the late 1800s and the type of residents that seek urban centers warrants those types of amenities. Eh. I mean judging by that, Dallas & Ft Worth can never be 'true' u...
by WilCo
27 Mar 2018 12:16
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Issues/News
Topic: Legacy West Retail
Replies: 517
Views: 478666

Re: Legacy West

Plano will always feel like a bubble because it is so far out of the way and the only access is two tollways. They built it there knowing this and the type of people living there are okay with that fact. In fact, they embrace it because the bubble means much better schools than Dallas and the inner...
by WilCo
27 Mar 2018 10:45
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Issues/News
Topic: Legacy West Retail
Replies: 517
Views: 478666

Re: Legacy West

I think you can add all the museums and cultural amenities you want but it will never compare to central Dallas or central Fort Worth because you can't manufacture history and character. I know both have a limited history in the grand scope of things, but it is still much longer than Plano, which l...
by WilCo
27 Mar 2018 10:06
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Issues/News
Topic: Legacy West Retail
Replies: 517
Views: 478666

Re: Legacy West

I think you can add all the museums and cultural amenities you want but it will never compare to central Dallas or central Fort Worth because you can't manufacture history and character. I know both have a limited history in the grand scope of things, but it is still much longer than Plano, which li...
by WilCo
26 Mar 2018 22:01
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Issues/News
Topic: Legacy West Retail
Replies: 517
Views: 478666

Re: Legacy West

^only as much as Las Colinas was the new downtown 20 years ago. Downtown Fort Worth has stagnated for decades, it a small employment center compared to Las Colinas and Plano/Frisco, but it's an actual downtown with actual downtown amenities.... just because a lot of people work there doesn't mean i...
by WilCo
26 Mar 2018 12:10
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

KDGE used to have concerts by the Mustangs, some pretty big alternative names of the day... and that was surreal, too. Las Colinas has had a handful of near misses, one of these days it'll stick, probably this is it. Didn't know that, interesting. Yeah, love it or hate it Big Beat isn't going anywh...
by WilCo
26 Mar 2018 11:19
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Went to the Big Beat soft opening and concert last night. The Band of Heathens, a very good band from Austin, opened things up for the Plaza. Pretty surreal experience having grown up in this area going to an outdoor concert with the Las Colinas skyline in the background. Overall, the sound and expe...
by WilCo
23 Mar 2018 11:53
Forum: Rail + Guided Transit
Topic: Dallas Area Rapid Transit
Replies: 519
Views: 425998

Re: Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Thinking out loud here... But, I know many years ago I suggested that DART create a reduced/free fare area specific to the urban core that would allow DART rail to function more as a streetcar in that area, as it's very suitable to its design. Due to DART's existing fare structure, it actually disc...
by WilCo
23 Mar 2018 09:32
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

So the Music Factory parking is being kinda enforced now and it was a total disaster last night. They just had a lady standing there swiping people's cards and not telling them they had to get a validation at the restaurant. Instead of giving you a piece of paper to validate at the box like most par...
by WilCo
22 Mar 2018 12:09
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

The sooner Las Colinas, UTSW-Parkland medical and Downtown Dallas employment centers grow into each other, the better. I think the redevelopment of the Texas Stadium site is crucial to this. The last plan fell apart but they are aiming to have something lined up by the time the highway construction...
by WilCo
22 Mar 2018 10:59
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

We really need something significant rolling for North Shore development. Having more residents a stones throw from the Music Factory will provide a healthy stabilizing population. While I know much of this development is oriented towards visitors, there are a few concepts, such as the one above, t...
by WilCo
22 Mar 2018 10:43
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Good little article about Nosh & Bottle opening at Toyota Music Factory. I originally thought this was a concept from the Granada Market folks, but doesn't appear to be. Should open in a few weeks. The interior looks pretty nice! This is right behind Bar Louie / Thirst Lion. http://dallas.cultu...
by WilCo
21 Mar 2018 09:45
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

I know my wife’s been clamoring for a grocery store or market around Lake Carolyn. Granada market doesn’t cut it. Grenada Market is well positioned to meet this need, but poorly executed. It seems that there is so much more potential for the floor space in there, yet it hardly provides anything tha...
by WilCo
20 Mar 2018 10:55
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Cypress Waters
Replies: 74
Views: 68454

Re: Cypress Waters

It's funny you bring this development up... I had actually been meaning to post something here as well. The amount of construction is crazy! It's going to be a really great development when everything gets done. You have Signet (Zales) offices under construction and Brinker International under cons...
by WilCo
20 Mar 2018 08:55
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

^^ Curious to see that... Had there been a residential component to the Music Factory, that would make sense. But as it stands now, I have trouble seeing a 'market' of any type do well here. We are actually pretty excited about this, and it is one of the few components of the project that is for th...
by WilCo
19 Mar 2018 13:41
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Don't get me wrong, I love having all the options that The Music Factory brings.... but walking around yesterday it's starting to look like a very touristy type place. You have paid parking now in effect ($10 if you stay longer than 3 hours), Corporate Sponsors like the Texas Lottery Plaza and the ...
by WilCo
18 Mar 2018 20:56
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Checked out the soft opening of Big Beat Tonight. I was initially skeptical, but I am very impressed so far. It is definitely a bit on the pricey side. However, the food at Texas Jam House at least was very good. The initial price shock goes away when you see how big the portions are. We easily spli...
by WilCo
16 Mar 2018 15:26
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: eSports Stadium Arlington
Replies: 6
Views: 8984

Re: eSports Stadium Arlington

I understand that, but when Irving lost the Texas Stadium they started focusing on Las Colinas. I knowArlington doesn't have a very big business district yet, but we've seen these pop-up basically overnight like they did in Plano. Offer those tax incentives to attracting businesses instead, which wi...
by WilCo
16 Mar 2018 15:11
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: eSports Stadium Arlington
Replies: 6
Views: 8984

Re: eSports Stadium Arlington

In all seriousness, I know these projects have to be good for the economy, I just always wonder how good. By the looks of it, Arlington hasn't turned into the vibrant entertainment capital it hoped to be by adding the Cowboys stadium and other projects. This is a drop in the bucket, but with the rid...
by WilCo
16 Mar 2018 14:08
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: eSports Stadium Arlington
Replies: 6
Views: 8984

Re: eSports Stadium Arlington

I'll say it again and I mean this in all due respect... Always felt like Arlington was what would happen if you let a 13 year old boy design a city.
by WilCo
16 Mar 2018 10:44
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Martini Ranch has already posted DJs playing on their calendar this week. I wonder if this is a private soft opening. All of the Big Beat venues have posted their menus online if anyone is curious. Looks like Martini Ranch will be selling primarily alcohol and few appetizers. C-Bar definitely looks ...
by WilCo
14 Mar 2018 22:33
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

According to my buddy the bartender told them they're getting close to getting in trouble for selling more alcohol than food. I wonder why. I say they convert it to a bar and switch their permit. Maybe focus on a few bar food items.
by WilCo
14 Mar 2018 16:13
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Good find. That last sentence is interesting. I'd love to see another high-rise office building in Las Colinas. I know we will never have another entertainment complex like Music Factory but I am hoping we will continue to add retail/multi-family unit hybrids like Water Street. I know Music Factory ...
by WilCo
14 Mar 2018 11:35
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

For anyone interested, Big Beat Dallas has posted a month's worth of their upcoming acts:
https://bigbeatdallas.com/events/
Actually some pretty good names including Johnathan Tyler and the Northern Lights.
Texas Jam House & Highway 61 have also posted their menus.
by WilCo
14 Mar 2018 10:29
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

These are all new places that are still trying to figure it out, but I don't see El Famoso ever being very good. The owner simply doesn't know what he's doing on the Mexican food front, being a pizza guy. I think this was an experiment for him and it will probably not last.
by WilCo
12 Mar 2018 15:30
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Agree, really wanted El Famoso to be good but it's just gotten worse every time I've gone. Grimaldi's service was pretty awful the last time I went, but it was the Sunday crew. I've been most pleased with Gloria's as far as food & service go. Freshii & Top Round just aren't very good either....
by WilCo
12 Mar 2018 08:43
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Walked past the Big Beat venues yesterday. It looks like they are putting up a second stage in the plaza area which I didn't expect. I couldn't see inside of it, but the establishment in there that catches my eye is Martini Ranch. They are marketing it as a true night/dance club. They will have a DJ...
by WilCo
09 Mar 2018 18:53
Forum: Suburban + Exurban Development
Topic: Las Colinas/North Irving Development
Replies: 1515
Views: 1313963

Re: Las Colinas/North Irving Development

Water Street build our is finally starting to ramp up. State Fare and Cork & Pig are starting to take shape on the inside. El Famoso patio was packed this evening.