Kim Everett | September 21, 2010 -- photos by Edd Holden

A good time was had by all at the Wild West Cowboy Roundup on Saturday, September 18.  Entertainment, along with good music, food, and shopping were the order of the day as cowboys and cowgirls of all ages braved the heat for a day of family fun.

Music was plentiful both outdoors and indoors with musicians performing on the square, on a stage at Dos Banderas Tex Mex Restaurant, and in the Plaza Theatre. The Light Crust Doughboys celebrated their 80th anniversary during shows at the event, and the Jim Paul Miller Fiddler's Contest drew participants from several age groups.

There were games, clowns, crafts, pony rides, and a petting zoo for the kids, along with stagecoach rides and old west shootout re-enactments.  Shopping included arts and crafts vendors, jewelry sellers, western art, candles, and more.

Food and snacks were provided by traditional vendors, downtown restaurants, and genuine chuck wagon cooks.

Local organizations including the Lions Club, VFW Post 5076 Ladies' and Men's Auxiliaries, and Friends of Olde Downtown Garland were represented.

Kim Everett | August 30, 2010

A group of Garland residents met with Council Members Laura Perkins Cox (District 2) and John Willis (District 5) last week to discuss the possibility of establishing a policy to ensure that no historic structures are demolished or their historic significance compromised.

The group’s concern stems from the fact that the Garland Civic Theatre, which currently owns and occupies the buildings on the east side of the square, was recently approached by Jim Stone, Parks Department managing director, and Deputy City Manager Martin Glenn about moving out of their current location. 

Although GCT has not given their consent to move, the city has hired a consultant to find them a new location in the downtown area.  Funds are being spent on the consultant, but Cox maintained that it was not a waste of money.  “Exploration is never a waste of money,” she said. 

Cox said that she had heard nothing about the city’s plan to relocate GCT and that no proposal to demolish any structures has been brought before the City Council.  “A design consultant hasn’t been hired yet,” she said. 

Willis also said that nothing had been brought up to council about the demolition of any buildings on the square.

The city has not given any official indication about why they would like to acquire the GCT property or what for what purpose they would use the property, but relocation meetings with GCT indicate that they want it. 

Deputy City Manager Martin Glenn confirms that an architect has been hired to analyze the space needs and locate suitable quarters for GCT if they are agreeable to relocation.  According to Glenn, if the city owns the property on the east side of the square, improvements recommended by a soon-to-be-hired architectural design consultant could be easier to implement.  Glenn also said that if GCT does not wish to move, the city will “say OK” to that.

“We posed the question to the Garland Civic Theatre,” Glenn said.  “If they say they aren’t interested, we’d have to take a careful look at that and how it could effect design.”

He said that there are many options for improving the square, which he cited as the city’s main objective.  “We feel that the square isn’t as user-friendly as it could be,” Glenn said.  “Anything is possible.”  He confirmed that “anything” does include the demolition of historic buildings.

City staff will formally request that the City Council authorize City Manager Bill Dollar to enter into a contract with an architectural design firm at the September 21 meeting.  The firm’s task will be to study the area and propose a plan for improvements.

Robert Smith, who renovated the property currently occupied by the Generator Coffee House, is not opposed to historic reconstruction, but he is against the removal of the historic footprint.  “I’m concerned because I was told by Deputy City Manager Martin Glenn that ‘all options are on the table.’” Smith said.

Jerry Flook, who opposes demolition, said that Garland’s historic square should be considered sacred and be protected by the establishment of city policy.  “Much of Garland’s history has been lost, and what is left must be preserved,” he said.

Barring no unforeseen complications, Glenn indicated that the design firm should present its square redesign proposal to city staff in approximately six months.  “The process will be public, and the plan must be approved by council.” Glenn said.  “The policy we have now is transparent…We’re trying to be as open as possible.”

City staff has also approached the Garland Landmark Society about moving the Santa Fe Depot that houses the museum, along with the rail car to a new location.  They are considering a location along the Katy Railroad line on Walnut Street.

Glenn said that he does not know if the Pace House and Lyles House would stay where they are currently located or not.  “There has been lots of discussion of various options,” he said.  “A lot of brainstorming has been going on.”

Chairperson Cleo Holden, who has an infectious spirit for bringing attention to and preserving Garland’s downtown, was pleased by the attendance at the party and is happy to know that there are many who share in her dreams for the area.

The Mayor and Mrs. Ronald Jones stopped by to share in the celebration and congratulate the organization on its first year.

Holden believes, “The heritage we leave our children and our future citizens depends on what we do today – what we protect and preserve, what we add, what we delete.”

E-mail tcbelle@verizon.net for more information.

First Saturdays in historic downtown

Posted August 11, 2010 -- Photos by Mark Harkins

Downtown merchants are reviving the "First Saturdays" tradition by planning sidewalk sales, discounts, and lots of fun activities for the first Saturday of each month in downtown Garland.

Vetoni’s on Main: 
Authentic Italian cuisine at great prices

Kim Everett / July 15, 2010

Vetoni’s on Main, with its authentic Italian cuisine, friendly staff, and reasonable prices was a welcome addition to downtown Garland when it opened in 2008. 

Owner Eddie Krasniqi grew up in Queens, NY where he worked in an Italian food restaurant as a teenager.  He and his family have lived in Garland since 1989, but he owned restaurants in North Dallas and Rockwall before deciding in 1995 that he wanted to learn more about, and do business in, the town in which he lived.  That decision led to the sale of those restaurants and the opening of his South Garland location at 3420 Broadway Blvd. in 1996.  “I just felt like I should have my business in the town where my family lived and my kids went to school,” he said.

Krasniqi believes that the downtown area is headed in the right direction and looks forward to more businesses moving in.  “It’s headed in the right direction,” he said.  “I’d like to see downtown become a place where more people come to eat and shop and find more entertainment.”

In addition to serving delicious Italian food, Krasniqi, for his part in bringing more people to the downtown area, offers live entertainment on Saturday nights.  Diners can enjoy live jazz music every Saturday evening, and a live comedy show every other Saturday.  In addition, lunch specials are available every day, and catering is available.

City hosts Christmas celebration

Kim Everett | December 12, 2010 -- Photos by Edd Holden

Garland held its annual Christmas on the Square event Thursday, December 9, and people of all ages gathered in downtown Garland to celebrate the season.

There was fun and entertainment for everyone with snow tubing hills, carriage rides, ice sculpting, and the official tree lighting ceremony.  Santa Claus was on-hand for photos with the kids, and school choirs entertained families as they waited in line to see him.
 
Additionally, the Garland Firefighter's Association collected toys for needy children.  Anyone who missed the event can still drop off toys at any Garland fire station.

Great food and service make
Dos Banderas a favorite dining spot

Kim Everett / June 29, 2010

As the owners of Dos Banderas, one of Garland’s most popular restaurants, Carlos and Jodie Porras do more than serve great Tex-Mex food.  They are both integrally involved with the Garland business community which inspires them to work tirelessly to bring attention to the downtown Garland area.  More important to them, however, is being the proud parents of a 7-year-old son, Joshua.  Joshua is the driving  force for Carlos and Jodie’s unrelenting support of the Garland schools and church communities.

They chose downtown for its charm and history, and since becoming the owners of the restaurant more than two years ago, they have been involved in numerous events to promote the area.  From the Wild West Cowboy Roundup to First Saturdays to July 4^th celebrations, this community-minded couple spends countless hours working to promote downtown.

They have found the perfect venue to integrate their faith, lifelong knowledge of people, the restaurant business, and hard work.  They also strive to ensure that guests at Dos Banderas have an enjoyable dining experience, and they meet that goal every day with their friendly, welcoming attitude.  Whether stopping in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, customers can expect great service as well as delicious food at a reasonable price.  The wait staff is friendly and attentive, and it is apparent that they are dedicated to the comfort of the customers.

Dos Banderas is a family-friendly restaurant – with the emphasis on family – and welcomes guests of all ages.  Both adults and children enjoy the happy, upbeat atmosphere of the restaurant, and it’s a great place to host parties, both large and small.  “We want people to come and bring the kids and eat and relax,” Jodie said.  “We like to treat our guests like family.” 

The food, from the salsa and chips to the entrees to the desserts, is great, and the portions are generous.  The menu offers something for everyone, and guests never go away hungry.

Both Carlos and Jodie have extensive food service experience, and buying Dos Banderas was for them, the realization of a dream.  They searched for more than two years before finding the right restaurant.  Jodie found it for sale while searching the internet, and when she went to check it out in person, she said that it felt like home.

The couple knows that they are here to serve God, family, and community, and their Christian values have them constantly on the lookout for more ways to serve others.  “I want to leave behind a legacy of faith and love for God and love and commitment for family and all others,” Carlos said.  

The Generator: 
Stop in for the best coffee in town

Kim Everett / April 29, 2010

Having a coffee house/community resource/gathering center is a dream come true for Tammy and Chris Long, owners of The Generator.  Their original thought was to provide a place for teens to gather and visit, but they are happy that it has turned out to be a gathering spot for all ages. 

The building, originally constructed in 1901, has previously housed Handley Drug Store, Western Auto, and a Singer Sewing Machine shop.  It was vacant for 15 years before it was purchased and renovated by developer Robert Smith.

Tammy helped design the interior by producing drawings that showed Smith basically what she wanted.  He turned the drawings over to the carpenters, and they made it happen.  The result was a beautifully restored building with a warm, inviting feel.  Recovered/recycled wood was used for the floor, and recycled bricks make up the west wall.  The north and south walls still have the original brick.

The coffee house serves coffee and espresso drinks, Guatemalan hot chocolate, sodas, teas, and pastries.  They also serve soups, salads, and sandwiches, along with other lunch fare.  The menu also includes vegan/vegetarian items and a variety of gluten-free choices.

The Generator has either live entertainment or an open mic event every Friday and Saturday night.  Several groups including Bible studies and knitters/crocheters hold weekly meetings at the coffee house as well.  Yoga classes are available on Monday and Wednesday. 

The coffee house also serves as a spot for local artists to showcase their work with no commission fee. 

“The Generator is open to everyone.  We like to think we have the best coffee around,” Chris said.  “We use only fair-trade, organic, shade-grown coffees that come from sustainable plantations.”  The cocoa used in the hot chocolate is also fair-trade.

The coffee house is a great addition to downtown Garland, and the Tammy and Chris would like people to feel that it is “their place.”  Tammy has always loved the area, even as a child.  “There’s so much charm, and I love the small-town atmosphere,” she said.

She would like downtown to become a place where more people walk around and enjoy themselves and believes that more family-oriented entertainment is needed.  “It has so much history and potential,” she said.

The Generator has a conference room, and since it is literally a “mom and pop” shop, they are able to put together whatever is needed for groups, meetings, and parties.

Vetoni’s on Main serves a variety of authentic Italian food including New York style pizza, pasta, seafood, and veal specialties, appetizers, salads, and desserts.  Happy hour is 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday.  On Friday nights, join the fun at the Garland Comedy Corner at 9:30 p.m. – 11 p.m., and come by to enjoy live music on Saturday nights at 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Dos Banderas Mexican Cuisine & Cantina is a favorite breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot for many Garland residents.  They serve authentic Mexican cuisine, offer daily specials, and margaritas are $2.50 everyday between 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.  Dos Banderas also offers breakfast every day.  Catering services are available, and they are happy to host company events and parties. 

The Generator, a coffee house serving only fair-trade, organic coffees, opened in 2009 and has fast become a favorite gathering spot.  They also serve teas, sodas, smoothies, pastries, soups, and sandwiches.  The coffee house hosts live music shows and/or open mic night on Fridays and Saturdays, yoga classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, and knitting knight on Tuesdays.

Downtown Garland was once home to a hotel - The Garland Hotel - on the northwest corner of State and Fifth Streets.  It burned in 1932.

Come home to historic downtown

Kim Everett / April 30, 2010

Downtown Garland, in addition to being a unique and charming gathering place, is a tribute to the city’s history.  Buildings dating back to the late 19^th century stand together with the urban living style 5^th Street Crossing apartments, the recently opened Richland College campus, and freshly constructed municipal buildings to prove the city’s ability to appreciate its rich history and handle progress simultaneously.

The area, which is currently undergoing several positive changes, has a lot going for it according to District 2 Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Laura Perkins Cox.  One of the most important is the square.  “One of the biggest assets is that we actually have a real square.  We’re pretty unique in Dallas County that we have a real square,” she said. 

Cox refers to downtown as a “growing, happening, exciting place to be and encourages everyone...more to visit the area and see all the positive things that are going on.

She does not deny that the revitalization of the area could be difficult.  “We have some challenges, certainly; the vacant buildings are a challenge.  But remember, two years ago if we were sitting in this building [The Generator], we’d be sitting on a dirt floor with brick piles, but here we are,” Cox said.

“Somebody had a vision to create a unique business that would draw people.  It appeals to a different variety of folks.”

Attracting foot traffic and adding more entertainment venues are two of the most important things that must be accomplished.  To get more people to the area, more must be available for them to do and see.  “We have opportunities with some vacant buildings where we can try to work with the business owners and think about what would be interesting and unique and generate foot traffic,” Cox said.

“We need to work to get businesses down here that will draw people to the square because of what they are.  I love the antique shops…and Suzy’s Quilt Shop draws people to the square from all over East Texas because of what it is.  That’s the kind of unique businesses we ought to have on the square.”

Entertainment venues are also important.  “Vetoni’s recently added a comedy night, which is doing great, and we need more opportunities like that,” Cox said.

The 5^th Street Crossing development has attracted residents to the downtown area, and the units are currently 50 percent leased.  A small store, Fifth Street Marketplace, will open soon.

The city is currently studying redesign proposals, which Cox believes is key to the area’s success.  “The square needs to be redesigned and redeveloped…It is clearly not a functional space right now,” she said.  “The general plan is to bring it all up to street level and turn it into a plaza.”

The current design was implemented 1970s, and it was a parking lot before that.  “The water feature is beautiful, but it takes up a lot of usable space, and there are maintenance issues, too," Cox said.

“First Lady Rosalyn Carter came to the dedication, and it was a big deal.  It was great for the time, but it has outlived its usefulness.”

Cox believes that everyone’s views – business owners, residents, and people that visit the square, need to be considered in the redesign.  She said that redesign plans should be finalized within this budget year. 

Currently, funds that were allotted in the capital improvement program are being spent to make the streets more walkable and provide a more attractive look - trees, paving, planting, for example.

Construction of the new buildings – the Charles E. Duckworth Utility Services Building at 217 N. Fifth St. and the Utility Services Remote Payment Drive-Thru at 717 W. State St. – should be finished, and the buildings should be occupied as of June 7.

The Utility Services Building will house Customer Service, Tax, and GP&L Administration.  The Remote Payment Building will house the drive-thru payment personnel, meter readers, and field services.

Paw Paw’s Sweet Shop & Café is the place for anyone with a sweet tooth.  Homemade pies and cakes and malts, shakes, and sundaes made with Blue Bell Ice Cream, tempt diners to have dessert before lunch at this 1950s style soda shop.  Paw Paw’s serves sandwiches and salads, along with other lunch fare.  Catering and boxed lunches are also available.

Carole Harkins was raised in Garland and has worked in the downtown area for 14 years.  Since 1986, she has enjoyed helping people decide on the right hairstyles and color.  She recently had the honor of doing the hair of the contestants of the Ms. Senior Garland Pageant.

Corner Pocket Sandwich Shoppe, Garland owned and operated for 35 years, offers a wide range of choices for lunch and dinner.  It’s most famous for its pocket sandwiches, homemade frozen custard, and homey atmosphere.  The Corner Pocket has long been a favorite meeting/dining place of Garland residents.  Catering, business lunches, and delivery are available.

Garland resident has dreams for downtown

Kim Everett / June 4, 2010

Garland resident and businesswoman Margie Sloan is on a mission to bring both attention and visitors to downtown Garland.  Her dream is to get all merchants working together to attract people of all ages to the area.  One of the projects that Sloan and several other downtown merchants are currently involved in is the First Saturdays Marketplace, held on the first Saturday of each month in downtown Garland.  Merchants have sidewalk sales, various vendors are invited to participate, and the Garland Animal Shelter is on hand for pet adoptions.  More activities are being added each month.

Sloan has a vision of a family-friendly event where families can come on the first Saturday of each month to enjoy a variety of fun activities for children and adults alike.

And she sees a downtown neighborhood where the merchants make a good living, have a deep a community spirit, and work together to help each other succeed. 

“I’m trying to ignite some excitement.  We talk a lot about McKinney and Plano, but this is Garland – let’s be unique, let’s find our niche, and let’s work together to accomplish it – all for one and one for all,” Sloan said.

She believes that everyone is so busy these days that people have splintered off in too many directions.  “Downtown is technically a small town within itself.  We’ve got the restaurants, businesses, city offices, entertainment, so it’s like a small town, but our lifestyles have changed so that everyone is disconnected,” she said.

“I’d like to get that changed and get it back to that old neighborhood feeling.  We’ve got the foundation right here.  This is where Garland started.  I’d like to see that warmth re-established.” 

Sloan was born and raised in Garland and has only lived outside of the Garland/Sachse area for 12 years when she lived in Dallas.  “Garland is my home.  We have property here, residential and commercial property,” she said. 

Until a couple of years ago, Sloan was happy to keep the books for their real estate leasing company, take care of her family, and help wherever she could, but in December 2008, she realized that she wanted to do more.  God was pushing her toward helping out in the downtown area.  “I got a message telling me that He planted me in Garland, and that He wanted me to sow and water in Garland,” she said.  “And since then, I’ve been doing everything I can for the downtown area.”

She is excited about what is happening, the new development, and the improvements that the city is making.  “The 5^th Street Crossing Apartments are great, and we have a variety of businesses.  What I feel like we need in downtown is more entertainment, more for kids to do,” she said.  “And we need to enhance what we already have.  My desire is to build up downtown, and my vision is growing all the time.”

August 10, 2010

According to Jessica Acosta, organizer of the historic downtown Garland Independence Day celebration, several other cities cancelled celebrations because the threat of bad weather.  This was not the case for the downtown celebration, and a good time was had by all.