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March 2015
| Business World
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some time and he’s in the process of demol-
ishing them. What he’s coming back in with
is what we would call urban style market rate
dwelling units. He’ll have a higher count,
but it’ll be far better designed and far better
quality.” This redevelopment project will re-
vitalize the North Arlington neighborhood,
situated just a few miles from Arlington’s
Entertainment District.
It’s these types of projects that the city of Ar-
lington is currently seeking out, according to
Payne. Changing the face of Arlington is a
key aspect of attracting new developments,
businesses, and residents.
“It’ll completely change the face of the area,
which is what we’re interested in. If we can
have catalytic and transformative projects
which change the character of the neighbor-
hood and the potential of the neighborhood
in the minds of developers, that’s what we try
to emphasize as much as possible.”
THE FUTURE OF
ARLINGTON
When looking towards the future, the city
of Arlington is committed to building upon
their success thus far. In keeping with the
city’s focus on economic development, Payne
believes that the growth is bound to be seen
within the entertainment industry as well.
“We think we have excellent potential for
not just new development and the growth of
institutions,” he said. “But we think that Ar-
lington will continue to grow and enhance
its entertainment destination status.”
Arlington is home to illustrious sports fran-
chises such as the Dallas Cowboys at the
massive AT&T Stadium, opened in 2009
with an operating capacity of 80,000, and
the Texas Rangers at the iconic Globe Life
Park in Arlington.
“The Cowboys and the Rangers both enjoy
their location here, and they’re actively seek-
ing ways to improve their position and make
the most of the investments that they’ve
made here,” Payne said. “I think we’ll see a
lot of hotel development, and a sizeable ex-
pansion to our convention business. That’ll
drive a lot of business interest in being here,
and being close to the action if you will.”
“I think the prospects for this city are enor-
mous, and in the next five to seven years, I
thinkwe’re likely to see some very big things,”
he concluded.