A WORKPLACE PARADISE IN LAS COLINAS

A WORKPLACE PARADISE
IN LAS COLINAS
W
hat does it take to turn
a 30 year old building
into an attractive,
functional, and even
relaxing work environment for a
large tenant? Two things: Developer
Wolverine Interests and lead tenant
VHA Inc.
The building at 250/290 E. John
Carpenter Freeway stood virtually
empty after The Associates was
acquired by Citigroup, and Citigroup
decided to move out of Las Colinas
in 2006. As of August, 2012, when
Wolverine acquired the building, only
a handful of employees maintained an
office on the premises.
Enter VHA Inc., a company which
recently completed a merger with
Chicago-based UHC, to form the
largest member-owned healthcare
company in the country. VHA has
been headquartered in Las Colinas
since the early 1980s. The lease for
their office space on Las Colinas Blvd.
was expiring and VHA capitalized
on the opportunity to find new space
to consolidate its employees with the
employees of subsidiary companies
Novation and Provista, under one roof.
Cathy Sweeney, a managing partner
of Wolverine Interests LLC, explains that
Wolverine got the call to help create
the work environment VHA requested
for the company’s employees in its
vacant office complex. Some of the
more critical elements included an
upgraded fitness center, new café,
upgraded restrooms and elevators,
and general overhaul of the common
areas of the building. Wolverine, along
with designer Donna Vaughan, created
an outdoor common area, complete
with koi pond, waterfall, and shaded
outdoor seating clusters in the campus’
central courtyard. The design offers
employees a Wi-Fi enabled quiet area
to take a break, work outdoors or
even hold an outdoor meeting in an
otherwise busy section of Las Colinas.
Creative design did not stop with
the common area amenities. VHA
engaged the design firm Staffelbach
to create a remarkable office space
for their employees spread over almost
300,000 square feet. Additionally,
Staffelbach was asked to create a
work environment within the VHA lease
space which, when combined with a
number of the upgraded amenities,
would earn VHA a LEED certified
environment.
To complete the project, Wolverine
and VHA used environmentally friendly
materials where possible in construction
including Energy Star rated equipment
continued on page 3
>
CHARTING A
NEW COURSE
T
o compensate for changes in wind direction, ocean
currents, and weather changes, a ship’s captain may
have to chart a new course in order to reach his
desired destination. Corporations are no different
as they must adjust to changing markets and stiff
competition. And, as a community continues to grow and mature,
a property owners’ association may need to expand and redefine
its role.
Directors of your Association’s Board spent the entire
day some six weeks ago contemplating what the Las Colinas
Community should be and the role that the Las Colinas
Association can have in reaching that vision. What should the
Association’s role be in charting the path that Las Colinas as a
community would take? Everyone present, including Board
Members and Management, believed that the Association, as a
body, must Lead. Along with management, the Directors soon
embraced that being Proactive was mandatory. As Las Colinas
evolves there has to be a commitment to Perpetuate Our Trend
which was resoundingly endorsed. The Association’s leadership
will Be Unified because anything less will only be unproductive.
In essence, the Association has to Be Responsible for Las Colinas.
These five guiding principles affirmed the Association’s role and
were the framework for the Vision statement, Mission statement,
and goals that evolved during the day.
Anticipation quickly grew as Mr. Ben Carpenter’s vision
of some 42 years ago was revisited. The brand that became
synonymous with development master planning is still recognized
around the country. The quality Mr. Carpenter demanded is still
a part of the culture. With a few adjustments for how Las Colinas
has evolved in the years since and considering opportunities
that still exist, a new vision for the Las Colinas Community and
the Las Colinas Association soon became clear: “Las Colinas
to be the finest, most functional, and the most economically
successful urban development ever created.” A vision which is a
statement of pride, commitment, and ownership, that hopefully is
shared by every owner of property, every business and employee,
every resident, every visitor to Las Colinas. A vision that reclaims
Las Colinas’ position in the North Texas region as “the place”
to be.
The guiding principles that were adopted by the Directors
mandated a powerful mission statement that was challenging and
attainable. Directors focused on the fact that Las Colinas is not
new and many of the residential and commercial structures are
nearing 40 and 50 years of age with some limited redevelopment.
2
Yet there is a robust and vibrant new development occurring at
the same time. Was the Association’s existing mission statement
adequate? It went a long way towards what the Directors were
looking for but fell short and needed refinement to embody
the future. With that in mind, the Mission of the Las Colinas
Association is “Create, sustain, and lead a renowned community
of lasting value and presence.”
In the long-term your Board of Directors and Management
hope to create change, establish economic development metrics,
build a unified community, preserve our culture, establish a
successful education initiative, secure a big attraction, ensure
that this is the place to live and work, and complete full
development of Las Colinas. Six goals were adopted for the
next five years and include: Rebranding of the Las Colinas
community, Communication at all levels, Master Planning for
orderly development, Education viewed as a community strength,
Stakeholder and Community Involvement, and Board and Staff
Development. Twenty-seven objectives were also identified,
which with the six goals, will become the basis for Management’s
Strategic Plan that will be forth coming in the immediate future.
This is what your Las
Colinas Association will be
about. We will continue
What should the
to provide architectural
Association’s role
control including covenant
enforcement, security services,
be in charting the
and common property
path that Las Colinas management. However, more is
required and more will be done
as a community
in order for Las Colinas to be
would take?
reestablished as a place among
preferred communities to work
and live, and as a place that is
once again recognized around the world as a premier development.
An endeavor such as planning for the future of the Las Colinas
community and the Las Colinas Association is only as successful as
the facilitator(s) that give guidance and credibility to the process.
A special thanks goes to Adam Arroyos, PhD, who provided the
tools that made this planning retreat such a success.
This is but a first step and a commitment to the members
of the Las Colinas Association that your Board of Directors
and Management to make “Las Colinas the finest, most
functional, and the most economically successful urban
development created.”
“This type of project demonstrates the commitment
VHA has to its employees, the local community
and to conserving our natural resources. They
started with an existing facility with access to mass
transit that sat vacant for several years. During
the renovation project, they recycled materials
to divert waste from the landfill, improved the
building’s existing systems and selected ‘green’
building materials for sustainability and a healthier
environment for workers.”
- Jonathan P. Kraatz, executive director,
USGBC North Texas
“Both the Las Colinas Association and the City
of Irving have been fabulous to work with, as
we share opportunities for future growth in our
buildings. Our proximity to Las Colinas Country
Club also helps for that late afternoon golf round!”
“With the explosion of business activity in Las
Colinas, we find the complex in the hunt for many
of the larger leases. We also have the ability to
create a special atmosphere for smaller clients
who are looking to distinguish their employee
and client experiences. The courtyard, complete
with koi pond, can be used by tenants and other
Las Colinas organizations for business functions
and entertaining; it’s a very relaxing atmosphere,
allowing employees to have the flexibility to work
through wi-fi in a low stress environment.”
- Cathy Sweeney, a managing partner,
Wolverine Interests LLC
A WORKPLACE PARADISE (continued from page 1)
to lower energy costs, high efficiency plumbing fixtures to
reduce water consumption and high efficiency light fixtures
and lamps, with supporting controls and occupancy sensors
to reduce energy use. Wolverine helped with transportation
efficiencies by creating special parking assignments for
carpools, shared parking spaces and adding sidewalks from
DART bus lines to the building.
“VHA is extremely proud of the LEED designation. In
approaching this project we wanted to demonstrate to the
community, employees and members the importance we
place on social responsibility and sustainability practices that
help ensure a healthy environment,” said Colleen Risk, EVP
of Research, Public Affairs and Human Resources for VHA.
“Staffelbach and the team from Wolverine have created an
incredible office space for us that’s aesthetically pleasing,
energy efficient and environmentally responsible.”
Altogether, the improvements make this campus the largest
project to be LEED certified in Las Colinas, and one of the
largest contiguous spaces in DFW!
What more could a tenant want than a workplace paradise in
Las Colinas? For information on leasing, email Cathy Sweeney
at CSweeney@wolverineinterests.com.
3
EARLY FALL
SPRUCE UP
TIME
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
Since summer vacation is over, now is a wonderful time
to assess the “drive-up appeal” of our Las Colinas homes.
Maintaining the beauty of our neighborhoods is a goal that
everyone at the LCA shares with our residential
village associations.
Maintaining the beauty and integrity of our buildings and
retail centers is a goal everyone at the Association shares
with our commercial property owners. We are proud of
the standards our Las Colinas members continue to meet
and exceed.
A well-maintained and groomed streetscape of quality
homes will provide all of us maximum enjoyment of our
Las Colinas community. It will also lift resale values for those
of us who may wish to sell our residence at some point in
the future.
Following is a commercial exterior assessment checklist to
see how your property compares. Please give us a call if
you have questions or need assistance.
Below is a home assessment checklist. Why not use it to rate
your property and see how it measures up?
Home Exterior Assessment Checklist
❏ Trim and paint, good color, no peeling
❏ Doors and windows in proper repair
❏ Roof in good shape
❏ Drain pipes in working order
❏ Gutters and downspouts solid, well attached, free of leaves and debris
❏ Wall surfaces (brick, stucco, siding) not showing signs
of distress
❏ Sidewalks, driveways level without uneven breaks
❏ Landscaping, turf, shrubs and trees in good condition
❏ Irrigation system working with uniform coverage
❏ Fences (wood, brick) not in need of repair
❏ Foundation condition
❏ Retaining walls uniform and in good repair
(railroad ties and landscape timber walls should be replaced with masonry/stone material)
“Do” the
Right Thing
4
Exterior Assessment Checklist
❏ Dumpster gates closed
❏ Parking lot striping fresh
❏ Parking lot fire lanes marked and visible
❏ Areas of concrete in good repair
driveways, sidewalks, curbs)
❏ Landscaping, turf, shrubs and trees in good condition; no breaks in screening hedges
❏ Signage in good condition; no fading or peeling letters
❏ Dock areas in clean and neat shape without visible stor
age of items
❏ Trim and paint, good color, no peeling
❏ Doors and windows in proper repair
❏ Roof in good shape
❏ Wall surfaces (brick, stucco) not showing signs of distress
❏ Irrigation system working with uniform coverage
❏ Available trash receptacles throughout
LET’S ALL WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE
LAS COLINAS THE MOST DESIRABLE PLACE
TO WORK AND LIVE!
We are ever reminded (in more ways than one sometimes) when pet owners fail to
pick up their pets’ waste. Over 15 years ago, the LCA installed numerous “Pet Pick-Up”
mounted bag dispensers with trash receptacles throughout our parks and walkways to
continue to enhance the cleanliness and beauty of our common areas. The bags are
biodegradable plastic mitts with handy fold over tops. Please use these products to
pick up after your pet and give us your thoughts regarding the program.
Thank you for helping keep Las Colinas beautiful!
FLAGS FLY OVER
LAS COLINAS!
A
sk any Las Colinas business
owner or resident what their
favorite time of the year in
our community is, and nine
times out of 10, they will
pick July 4th. Why? Well, it could be the
awesome fireworks over Lake Carolyn,
or it could be the hundreds of families
enjoying picnics and get-togethers in our
parks and greenbelts.
But truth be told, their favorite thing
about July 4th is the thousands of
American flags planted throughout
the neighborhoods, streets and
thoroughfares of our community. Big
flags. Small flags. All kinds of flags
waving freely in the Las Colinas air
to mark the arrival of our country’s
Independence Day.
This abundance of flags is the result
of two very unique programs in our
community.
The first is the FLAGS OVER IRVING
program – a partnership between the
Irving-Las Colinas Rotary Club and the
Boy Scouts of America. For only $40,
businesses and residents can have a 3
foot by 5 foot American flag on a 10
foot metal pole planted in front of their
businesses and homes on five holidays
throughout the year - Memorial Day,
Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day and Veteran’s Day. They appear
overnight like magic.
“Nothing beats waking up to Old
Glory flying proudly in your front
yard,” stated Las Colinas resident Craig
Boleman. Boleman continues, “We get
so busy with our lives and work that
we sometimes forget that an important
holiday is coming up. When you see
the flag flying, it gives you a reason
to stop and reflect. My wife Kass and
I recommend everyone be a part of
the program, and we say a huge
thank you to the volunteers who make
it happen – led by the incomparable
Kathy Howard.” More information
about “Flags Over Irving,” including
instructions on how to sign up, is
available at www.FlagsOverIrving.com.
One hundred percent of the proceeds
support scholarships and youth programs
in our community.
The second program has a storied
history thanks to its founder and loyally
patriotic leader, long-time Las Colinas
resident Nell Anne Hunt. Nell Anne
started the GREAT FLAG CAPER over
20 years ago. “The first year, I put out
200 flags in a concentric circle around
my house,” Nell Anne remembers.
“Everyone liked them so much that the
next year, I put out 400. Then the whole
neighborhood wanted coverage and
asked to help.” It became the equivalent
of holiday lights in the summer because
people from Dallas came out and drove
the streets to see the display.
Today, the theme of the Caper is
“We don’t live in America. America
lives in us!” The event now includes
neighborhood associations from all parts
of the city of Irving. Together, families,
friends and neighbors of all ages plant
tens of thousands of American flags
across our community.
Nell Anne says, “My favorite part of
the Great Flag Caper is that it brings
everyone together and it gives us
the opportunity to show our love of
our country.” Well said, Nell Anne!
To support the Caper and for future
volunteer opportunities, please contact
Nell Anne at 972-743-5044 or
nellanne@flash.net.
So, let’s hear it for the red, white
and blue! And more importantly, our
neighbors in Las Colinas who make
these exciting programs happen every
July 4th! God bless the U.S.A.
5
“Streetcars
manufactures the
most comfortable
men’s shoes on the
market and sells
them at the most
reasonable price.”
STREETCARS SHOES
PROUD TO CALL
LAS COLINAS HOME!
Y
ou have most likely seen their comfortable, stylish
men’s shoes in big box retail stores like Kohls,
JCPenney, DSW, Shoe Carnival and more! But did
you know that Streetcars, Inc. has called Las Colinas its
corporate headquarters home for nearly two decades?
Al Simon, Streetcars President/CEO, remembers
the day the company’s leadership selected Las Colinas
for its headquarters in 1985. He reflects, “We wanted a
centrally-located, aesthetically beautiful community that
was convenient to both airports. We scouted locations in
the Metroplex and quickly knew we wanted to be in Las
Colinas. It turned out to be a fantastic decision!”
THE BOOKS ARE
BACK IN TOWN!
The company’s memorable name stems from their
days in Massachusetts where shoes were manufactured
in a factory that had previously been used to produce
streetcars. The brand is best known for their popular
men’s footwear line, but is expecting to expand its market
to women and children in the next few years. Exclusive
to 2015, as part of their 40th anniversary, Streetcars is
releasing a collection of limited edition shoes throwing
back to their most popular styles.
Shop local! Streetcars keeps a variety-filled product
inventory in their Las Colinas offices at 100 Decker
Court. All online orders are filled in Las Colinas, but
customers are always welcome to stop by their offices to
try on and purchase the latest styles!
Congratulations to Streetcars on
their 40th Anniversary!
Good news! Half Price Books arrived in June to its beautiful new
Las Colinas location -- 7631 N. MacArthur Blvd., not far from the
Bush Turnpike. Their first official day of buying books from the public
was June 4, followed by a four-day “Great Opening” June 18-21
which included lots of opening giveaways and specials. More than
100 patrons stood outside the doors to Half Price as Greater IrvingLas Colinas Chamber ambassadors and store employees held a
ribbon-cutting ceremony June 18.
If you haven’t yet visited the new store, which is next door to
Michael’s, make it a point to stop by or call 469.420.9978 for more
information. Go to their website www.hpb.com to join the store’s
email list and find out about future events.
6
Las Colinas
experiences
additional
earthquakes
over the
summer
O
n May 4,
Southern
Methodist
University
presented its findings related
to the series of earthquakes
in Azle, and linked those
events to the injection into the
ground of waste materials
from the hydraulic fracking
process.
This presentation which
was made to the House
Energy Resources Committee,
took a couple of hours and
the scientists were met with
some occasionally hostile
questions regarding the lack
of definitive conclusions
regarding their research.
They stood firmly behind their
results.
Irving Mayor Beth Van
Duyne then testified in favor
of a bill by Rep. Rafael
Anchia asking for a study
of seismic activity to be
presented to state leadership
by the end of next year. Rep.
Anchia’s legislation was filed
at the request of and with
the full support of the City of
Irving. His bill designated the
Bureau of Economic Geology,
a research component of
UT Austin, as the agency to
prepare the report.
Rep. Anchia’s bill did not
pass as a stand-alone bill.
However, legislators included
funding for the study his bill
requested in House Bill 2,
which is the supplemental
budget appropriation that is
passed every session to make
technical fixes in the state’s
current budget. That funding
was augmented by another
$2.4 million to purchase
equipment to gather
information that had been
included in the proposed
state budget, which begins
in September.
The upshot of all of
this is that the state has
appropriated about $4.5
million for equipment and
a study, all of it designated
for the Bureau of Economic
Geology. The better news is
that since it was included in
the supplemental budget,
the money is available
immediately upon that
budget becoming law.
Governor Abbott signed the
bill on June 20, and officials
at the Bureau of Economic
Geology have said they
are already moving to get
equipment assembled.
Photo by Joseph Haubert
LAS COLINAS SPRING GOLF TOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
u AT&T BYRON NELSON
The AT&T Byron Nelson is hosted by the Salesmanship
Club of Dallas and has been a premier PGA TOUR event
played in Las Colinas for the last 33 years.
2015 champion Steven Bowditch claimed his second PGA
TOUR win with a 5-under 64 last round four-shot victory. The
win was especially sweet because Bowditch was married last
year at the TPC Four Seasons Resort!
The tournament has raised more than $137 million since
its inception in 1968, making it the most financially successful
charity event on the PGA TOUR. All proceeds benefit
Momentous Institute. The AT&T Byron Nelson is one of North
Texas’ biggest sports attractions and most anticipated social
events of the spring. Over 250,000 attend the tournament in
Las Colinas each year. each year, which generates more than
$38 million for the local economy.
The 2016 tournament will be held May 19-22 at the TPC
Four Seasons Resort Dallas at Las Colinas.
Inbee Park with
Kathy Whitworth,
Hall of Fame member
and Champions
Trophy namesake
u NORTH TEXAS SHOOTOUT
Inbee Park won the LPGA Tour’s North Texas Shootout
for the second time in three years, closing with a bogey-free
6-under 65 for a three-stroke victory.
“I don’t know how I did it, but I did it twice,” Park said.
“I mean I love this golf course. Some people say it’s tough to
play on. But I really like it. It seems like it really suits my eye…
The crowds here, the atmosphere is great, so I love to come
to Texas.”
Volunteers of America North Texas Shootout brought
the world’s best women golfers to one of the country’s most
celebrated locations – Las Colinas, Irving, Texas. The event
was played at the prestigious Las Colinas Country Club. The
6,439 yard, par 71 has proven to be a great venue and
also a challenging course that has hosted many great golf
tournaments in the past few years.
Save the dates for 2016 -- the LPGA will return to Las
Colinas April 28 – May 1!.
7
New Las Colinas Association
Architectural Control
Fee Schedule
Effective June 1, 2015, the LCA Board of Directors has implemented a revised Architectural
Control Submission Fee Schedule. With the exception of new home, home remodel, new
building, or building remodel, the fees have dropped significantly -- and in some instances,
there will be no charge. For residential submissions, if the specific improvement is not listed,
there will be a flat fee of $25; and for commercial submissions, there will be a flat fee of $50
if the specific improvement is not listed.
Please remember that an electronic version of the submission needs to be submitted at the
time of the submission.
Any questions may be directed to the Plan Review Department at plans@lascolinas.org
or 972.541.2345.
RESIDENTIAL
Fee
New Home Submission$250 Good for 120 days
Structural Remodel Submission$120 Good for 120 days FenceNo Charge
PaintingNo Charge
Retaining WallNo Charge
DrivewayNo Charge Landscape MaintenanceNo Charge
All Others$25
COMMERCIAL
Fee
New Building (50K+ square feet)$1,000 Good for 120 days
New Building (<50K square feet)$750 Good for 120 days
Structural Remodel/Addition$500 Good for 120 days
Residential Attached (Multifamily, Condos$1,000 Good for 120 days
and Townhomes)
Banner/Temporary SignageNo Charge
Landscape MaintenanceNo Charge
All Others$50 Submission
fee can
be paid by check, cash,
or online
(www.lascolinas.org)
LCA COURTESY
REVIEW MAKES FOR
A SMOOTHER SALE
Are you considering
selling your property in
the near future?
Did you know that an LCA
covenant enforcement
representative will be
happy to provide a courtesy
review to let you know what
issues you need to address
before putting your home
or commercial property on
the market?
Once a purchase offer has
been made, things move
quickly, so planning ahead
makes sense. Give us a call
at 972.541.2345 or email
enforcement@lascolinas.
org to request your no-cost
property review.
SEND SUBMISSION TO
plans@lascolinas.org or
FAX 972.650.0229
FRIENDLY NOTICE
The Association has
begun leaving yellow
door hanger notices to
remind neighbors of
areas of their property
that need attention.
We hope these friendly
reminders will assist in
keeping Las Colinas a
beautiful place to live,
work and play.
LAS COLINAS BLVD. PAVING PROJECT BEGINS FALL 2015
T
he City of Irving has announced plans for the Las
Colinas Boulevard Reconstruction Project, a $14 million
project to improve the section of Las Colinas Blvd. from
Fuller Dr. to Riverside Dr.
The plan includes new roadway pavement as well as
replacement of the water and storm drainage located under
this section of the boulevard. The project will provide two traffic
lanes in each direction along with bicycle lanes and dedicated
parallel parking in proximity to the various retail businesses
8
along the boulevard. The sidewalks at the two bridges will be
widened to provide better pedestrian access. New pedestrianfriendly streetlights will be installed for improved security. The
Las Colinas Association is working with the City on landscaping
plans for the boulevard.
The project will be bid in late summer, and construction is
expected to begin this fall and projected to take approximately
15 months to complete. Two-way traffic will be maintained
along the boulevard during construction, and the section
PROJECT
T
he Midtown Express project will provide
improvements on 27 miles of roadway along
State Highways (SH) 183, 114 and Loop 12 in
Dallas and Tarrant counties. The project is expected
to improve mobility by expanding portions of SH 183
from SH 121 in Tarrant County to Interstate (I) 35E in
Dallas, as well Loop 12 from SH 183 to I-35E and SH
114 from SH 183 to SH 121/International Parkway.
LET’S GO SURFIN’!
LCA UNVEILS
NEW WEBSITE
DESIGN
With an all-new website design
at www.LasColinas.org, surfin’
in Las Colinas is definitely in
season this summer! Earlier
this year, the LCA partnered
with Las Colinas-based design
and creative firm SoloShoe
Communication, LLC to create
a fresh and inviting design that
offers residents and businesses
“quick click” references to LCA
news, resources, governance,
maps and more. Plus, the site is
100% secure so that members
can make payments to the
LCA safely and securely in the
payment center. Looking for
more ways to interact with your
Las Colinas community? Visit
the new homepage and sign-up
for the LCA e-newsletter. And be
sure to follow along Facebook
and Twitter at lascolinastex!
Did you know the Las Colinas
Association manages another
site filled with more community
related information? Make sure
to visit www.LasColinas.org
to see it all!
The interim $847 million project includes design,
reconstruction and replacement of deteriorating
roadways and the addition of toll managed lanes.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
awarded the project to SouthGate Constructors, a joint
venture between Fort Worth-based Kiewit Infrastructure
South Co. and Dallas-based Austin Bridge & Road.
SouthGate Constructors will provide 25 years of
maintenance for portions of the project.
Construction began in spring 2015 with substation
completion anticipated in 2018.
Here’s a look at what is planned for SH 114:
SH 114 BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL PKWY
AND ROCHELLE BLVD
Managed
lanes (toll)
(each dir.)
General
purpose lanes
(each dir.)
Frontage
lanes
(each dir.)
Existing
0
2-4
0-4
Interim
1*
2-4
0-4
Ultimate Project
Configuration
2
4
2-4
*Managed lane in WB direction only from
International Pkwy to SH 161.
For more information on the project and to sign up
for automatic e-alerts, visit the project’s website:
www.drivemidtown.com.
What’s Happening—O’Connor & SH 114
between Fuller Dr. and O’Connor Blvd. is expected to be completed
first to facilitate access to new developments along the western end of
Las Colinas Blvd.
City staff along with TranSystems Engineers, who are designing the
improvements, have conducted several community meetings with the
residents and businesses along the roadway to gather input and answer
questions. For further information, contact David Springob with the
City at 972.721.2784.
You may have noticed all the work going on at
O’Connor and John Carpenter Freeway (SH 114),
the area also known as “Island Green” that the Las
Colinas Association developed with TxDOT and the
City of Irving in 1999. This is the land between the
service roads and the highway that has flags, ponds,
trees, turf and seasonal color.
Widening of the freeway is necessary to ease the
heavy traffic burden of crowded lanes. Although
every effort has been made to save the existing
trees, some will be removed to make this happen.
However, with the size and placement of the trees,
the area will not seem to have been disturbed when
the Midtown Express construction is complete.
Rest assured that the Las Colinas Flower Clock and
its adjacent green space will not be altered in any
way with the construction!
9
Meet the Newest
LCA BOARD MEMBER
BARTON HANKINS
“I’m extremely passionate
about Las Colinas, and I can
assure you, my passion will be
evident in everything I do to
make Las Colinas one of the
best communities in
the country!
2015 LAS COLINAS ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
H
ello, Las Colinas! Since 2008, my family and I have
enjoyed calling this spectacular community home,
and I am now privileged to serve you through the
Las Colinas Association Board of Directors.
We reside in and have found Cottonwood Valley the
perfect place to raise our children; we are grateful for
the small town experience while also having a major
metro environment. I am the Owner/Managing Partner of
Westway Ford employing over 150 people. I possess keen
business acumen and understand operations from many
levels that will contribute to the LCA Board of Directors.
I’m actively involved in our community and am extremely
passionate about children and education, as I feel those are
the foundation of every community.
I am a member of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber
of Commerce, and since 2010, I’ve served as the Vice
President of the Board of Trustees for The Highlands School.
I’m also a 2016 “Imagine Irving” Comprehensive Planning
Committee member, Las Colinas Association Residential
Architectural Control Committee member, and the
2015 President of the Cottonwood Valley HOA.
Albert C. Zapanta, Chairman
David A. Cole, Vice Chairman
Rachel S. Kramer, Secretary
R. (Ben) Brewer, Treasurer
Charles A. Boyce
Barton Hankins
Dr. Steve Nguyen
LCA Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
David Cole, Bill Tichy, Jennifer Austin, Charles Boyce,
Oscar Ward, John Danish, Dr. Elba Garcia, Al Zapanta,
Beth Van Duyne, John Carpenter, Carl McKee and
Rick Bidne cut the ribbon at the new LCA corporate
headquarters on Teleport Blvd.
10
LAUGHS BY THE LAKE
An evening of comedy and
music along Lake Carolyn
Friday, Sept. 4, 2015 • 7 to 10 p.m.
Las Colinas Urban District
501 E. Las Colinas Blvd.
Free Admission; Food and Beverages Available
Open Lawn Seating – Bring a Blanket/Chair
Headline comedian Paul Varghese;
live music by Memphis Soul Band
More info including parking at
www.cityofirving.org/1296/Laughs-by-the-Lake
HA PP EN IN G S
LAS
COLINAS
9TH ANNUAL DRAGON BOAT,
KITE AND LANTERN FESTIVAL
Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015 • 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lake Carolyn
Las Colinas Urban Center
Full day of activities, competitions, performances,
ethnic food, music, and other family-friendly entertainment.
Visit www.dfwdragonboatfestival.com or
www.marcopoloworldfoundation.org
CELEBRATION OF
THE MUSTANGS OF
LAS COLINAS
“30+1” ANNIVERSARY
Wednesday, Sept. 23 –
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015
Meet Robert Glen, Mustangs sculptor,
and attend various activities at
City Hall and Williams Square
including an open house and
concert! Look for future details at
www.cityofirving.org or call the
Mustang Museum at 972.869.9047
(open Wed – Sat)
NIGHT HIKE ON CAMPION TRAIL
Friday, Oct. 16, 2015 • 8 to 10 p.m.
Explore the nighttime world of animals on Campion Trail with
native species experts and learn more about the sights, smells
and sounds of nature at night.
(Limited to ages five and up – no pets or strollers)
Pre-registration is required for all participants at
www.cityofirving.org/Activities/Activity/Detail/Night-Hike-onCampin-Trail-32
To find out more Las Colinas Happenings, please visit www.LasColinas.com.
11
3838 TELEPORT BLVD.
IRVING, TEXAS 75039-4303
The Spirit of Las Colinas is a
publication of the Las Colinas Association,
covering issues unique to the Las Colinas
master-planned development.
www.lascolinas.org • 972.541.2345
IN THE NEWS!
Las Colinas Neighborhood Makes
“Hot Neighborhoods” List
University Hills
was in the
July issue of
D Magazine as
#5 on the list of
the next hot
neighborhoods!
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Have you paid your
LCA assessment?
A special THANK YOU to everyone
who paid your annual LCA
assessment which was mailed the
second week of May and was
due July 1, 2015. Payments made
after July 31 are subject to a
.83% late fee.
If you are unsure whether payment
has been made or you have any
questions, please contact us at
membermoney@lascolinas.org or
call at 972.541.2345 and ask
for the Accounting Department.
Payment may be made by mail,
in person at our offices, or by
credit card via our payment
page at www.lascolinas.org/
onlinepayments.