Glimpse of the past and future
By: Robert Miller

DALLAS MORNING NEWS
Published June 24, 2005

Fort Worth Avenue, that rundown arterial dowager that once provided the main western entrance to downtown Dallas, is due a facelift that will turn her into a Botox beauty if her admirers have their way.

The renaissance that awaits this stretch of highway - which starts where Commerce Street crosses the Trinity River and winds its way to Pinnacle Park at Davis Street - will be the subject of a free Saturday morning public meeting.

World-renowned architect and urban planner Antonio DiMambro of Boston will offer his vision of what the future could hold at a 9-11:30 a.m. session in the Hitt Auditorium at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.

The President of DiMambro and Associates oversaw the planning for the recent expansion and renovation of Boston's Logan Airport and is in charge of developing a 40-year plan for Washington, D.C.'s monumental core.

He has also worked on projects for several communities in Dallas' southern sector, including the St. Philips neighborhood.

Pushing this revitalization program is the Fort Worth Avenue Development Group, an all-volunteer organization of homeowners and business owners dedicated to improving the aesthetics and business mix of the boulevard.

During the last two years, they have helped recruit a Home Depot, a Walgreen's and a townhouse community, the Wedglea Creek Garden Homes, which has opened and sold out.

In the coming months, a 1940s motor court designed by famed residential architect Charles Dilbeck "will reopen as a hip boutique hotel - the Belmont," said group spokesman Jeff Herrington.

Construction has also begun on new-urbanist condo community the Villas at Dilbeck Court.

A $2 million conference center and a Chase bank are nearing completion.

The corridor received Dallas City Council approval in February for a new zoning overlay.

Joseph Hernandez, the group's president, noted that until recently, the development has offered few business services that cater to residents.

"Dallas deserves a great gateway into downtown," he said, "and the residents of North Oak Cliff and West Dallas deserve a great thoroughfare upon which to shop, dine and play with their kids."

Reservations are required for Saturday's summit. Register online at www.fortworthavenue.org or on site beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Drop by and ask about the bygone Semos family's Torch restaurant and the Sivils Drive-In carhops who had made the cover of Life magazine - both storied food emporiums were at the confluence of Forth Worth Avenue and West Davis.

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