A WORKPLACE PARADISE IN LAS COLINAS
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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
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CHARTING A NEW COURSE
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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.
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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.
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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
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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!
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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.
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“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!
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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.
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Las Colinas experiences additional earthquakes over the summer
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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 Fence No Charge Painting No Charge Retaining Wall No Charge Driveway No Charge Landscape Maintenance No 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 Signage No Charge Landscape Maintenance No 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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.