DALLAS, TEXAS
OCTOBER 2 -4, 2019
Explore. Absorb. Network.
The BDA's 2019 Downtown Dallas Study Tour was packed with new insights, fresh perspectives, and lessons learned. The group walked the revitalized urban core, toured Klyde Warren Park, visited the Nation's longest contiguous Arts District, explored new development, and witnessed a community in action at the Bridge Homeless Recovery Center.
Information regarding the next Study Tour will be available Q2 2020.

2019 STUDY TOUR DELEGATION
PHOTO FLIP BOOK
Scroll through the images to get a glimpse of the 2019 Study Tour. The 60 member delegation covered a lot of ground in a few days - literally and figuratively.

BDA's Commitment
Year-after-year, the Study Tour grows in popularity and quality of programing. At the BDA, we acknowledge the value of experiencing the successes and challenges of other urban environments. We also know relationships are built through these experiences, away from the comforts of our familiar surroundings. Our commitment is to provide a fun, informative, inspiring, thought-provoking and worthwhile experience. We want you to return home with fresh perspectives, stronger relationships, and confident, bold ideas.

Klyde Warren Park
As the anchor for the Study Tour, the delegates spent an entire morning learning about the park's history, placemaking programs, engineering feats and challenges, and operations and maintenance. For years, the Downtown Bellevue community has referenced the park as a comparable resource for the Grand Connection's I-405 crossing vision. Visiting the location elevated our understanding, building confidence for future decisions.

A City's Response to an Underhanded Slight
Over the course of the trip, the delegates were reminded of a pivotal point in Dallas's history. Boeing decided to locate its headquarters to Chicago in 2001, not Dallas. Why? It was noted that Dallas lacked cultural appeal. The aftermath was a massive, united effort to showcase culture. Led by the community, Klyde Warren Park was envisioned and driven towards completion. The Arts District was expanded. Since then, investments in these areas have yielded amazing returns. Billions of dollars in development and economic activity has sprung up and around the park.

Bridge Homeless Recovery Center
Delegates witnessed firsthand the facility operations and programs of Downtown Dallas's unisex low-barrier shelter. Serving a daytime population of 1,000 people and sleeping 300 at night, the Bridge continues to serve its mission while responding to an increase of homelessness.

Ebb and Flow of Study Tours
Three days of extensive learning can be exhausting, so trips were structured with a balance of walking tours, lectures, and social hours. The Farmers Market team hosted the group at shaded, decorated picnic tables. Water was also provided, helping recharge the group after a walk in 90-degree weather.

Dallas 360 Plan
Delegates learned about the Dallas 360 Plan update, led by Downtown Dallas Inc and the City of Dallas. Building on the transformative strategies from the original plan adopted by the Dallas City Council in 2011, the plan addresses housing, transportation, urban design, parks, and public space. It was drafted in partnership with more than 40 local organizations and with input from more than 1,000 touch points through community partners and stakeholders.

Finding the Fun
Every city has its watering hole attractions, and we know these destinations are important elements of a thriving urban environment. Powered by Puget Sound Energy, the delegation enjoyed a social hour gathering after a walking tour at Waterproof, a sky bar atop the recently revealed mid-century Statler Hotel.

Guided by Local Champions
Lily Wiess guided the group through the Dallas Arts District. She started her career as a ballet dancer, transitioning to a teacher and leader at Booker T Washington Arts Magnet High School (first African American high school in Dallas, est 1892). Now she's the Executive Director for the Nation's longest contiguous arts district.

Dallas Arts District
Located in the northeast corner of downtown Dallas, the Dallas Arts District is the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation, spanning 68 acres and 19 contiguous blocks. This iconic neighborhood has more buildings designed by Pritzker award-winning architects than any location in the world. It attracts 4.1 million annual visitors, including 500,000 students.

Inspired by Art and Culture
Here the group visits the Nasher sculpture garden.
Open since 2003 and located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, the Nasher Sculpture Center is home to one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculptures in the world, the Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection, featuring more than 300 masterpieces.
Open since 2003 and located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, the Nasher Sculpture Center is home to one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculptures in the world, the Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection, featuring more than 300 masterpieces.

Build Relationships
Study Tours can be mentally and physically exhausting. Unwinding after a long day of learning keeps the energy going. Here the group enjoyed a reception at Savor, a restaurant on Klyde Warren Park with views of all the park activities.
Here the group is enjoying a reception at Savor, a restaurant on Klyde Warren Park with views of all the park activities.
Here the group is enjoying a reception at Savor, a restaurant on Klyde Warren Park with views of all the park activities.