Description
Southlake, in northeast Tarrant County situated along State Highway 114, was named Community of the Year in 2006 by the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association. Southlake is noted for its thriving business district, town square and downtown brownstones. The school district is highly-rated and its football team has dominated area teams, winning several state titles the past few years. Schools and location draw residents, as well as a low crime rate. The city is pretty much built out and it is now focusing attention on green initiatives. If residents plant a tree along their streets, the city pays half the cost. Forbes named Southlake the richest community in the country in December, 2008.
Southlake Real Estate
History
The first land within present-day Southlake was homesteaded in 1866. Settlers from Dade County, Ga., founded White's Chapel Church, which is located at Southlake Boulevard and White Chapel Boulevard, in 1871. The town of Southlake incorporated in 1956 and officially became the city of Southlake in 1965. The city grew rapidly in the 1980s.
Demographics
• Population: 26,224 (as of 7/07 per city-data.com)
• Median age: 36.7 (in 2007 per city-data.com)
• Median household income: $152,287 (in 2007 per city-data.com)
• Crime stats: (For 2007, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety) no murders, 4 rapes, 2 robberies, 6 aggravated assaults, 88 burglaries, 435 thefts and 16 auto thefts.
• School information www.southlakecarroll.edu
• Top employers: Sabre Holdings and City of Southlake
Southlake Real Estate
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Independent and chain restaurants alike are finding Tarrant County to be a hot market for dining
By BARRY SHLACHTER
While staff put finishing touches on his new restaurant, Cat City Grill, Vance Martin weighed the relative merits of opening 24 hours after Valentine’s Day.
In this grim economic climate, what’s remarkable is that Martin, owner-chef of Lili’s Bistro just down the street on Fort Worth’s Magnolia Avenue, is expanding his business horizons at all.
And he’s not alone.
Another Magnolia restaurant, Scampi’s, is enlarging its serving area and adding a bar. And new to the Tarrant market are the Cowtown Diner downtown and Wildwood Grill in Southlake, not to mention out-of-town ventures like Cooper’s barbecue, from Llano, opening in the Stockyards. From Austin comes Mandola’s, moving into Arlington, and El Arroyo, in southwest Fort Worth. Add to that Dallas concepts expanding to Fort Worth, like Tillman’s Roadhouse near West Seventh Street.
BJ’s, a California chain featuring beer from Houston’s Saint Arnold microbrewery, added area restaurants at North East Mall in November and yet another at Alliance Town Center.
Houlihan’s, a more refined version of the 1970s chain, is back with geographically wide-ranging dishes in a casual-dining restaurant at Arlington Highlands.
Closings too
But for all the openings, the economy also claimed victims in Dallas-Fort Worth’s ever-more-competitive environment, which boasts a full-service restaurant for every 299 households.
Luby’s, the iconic Texas chain, closed four unprofitable cafeterias around Tarrant County last fall, while in December, Dixie House Cafe pulled out of its downtown location previously occupied by Bennigan’s, which had abandoned all its company-owned stores in summer 2008. Fuego’s was a summer flame-out.
In recent weeks, Ocean Rock, Aventino’s and Ovation served their last meals, unless someone takes over the moribund operations and resurrects the names.
"As an undercapitalized independent we were unprepared for a wobble, unable to withstand the [economic] sting," Mike Musgrove told the Star-Telegram after shutting down Ovation on the west side after 3 1/2 years. He hopes to find a buyer who can reopen it.
Derrick Paez of Aventino’s told a similar tale.
"Between my father and myself we ran out of capital," Paez said of a difficult year. "We made it happen for 11 months and didn’t think we would be closing down over the Christmas break. My daughter’s cancer had a relapse, and we just had enough."
His family planned to make good on about $500 worth of gift cards sold before the closing, said Paez, who acknowledged that the restaurant expansion and slick, New York-inspired makeover he orchestrated two years ago were out of step with local tastes.
"My vision didn’t match up with the marketplace," he said.
In downtown Fort Worth, restaurant receipts dropped 9.8 during the second quarter of 2009, the latest figures available, according to Downtown Fort Worth Inc., citing the Texas comptroller of public accounts.
While staff put finishing touches on his new restaurant, Cat City Grill, Vance Martin weighed the relative merits of opening 24 hours after Valentine’s Day.
In this grim economic climate, what’s remarkable is that Martin, owner-chef of Lili’s Bistro just down the street on Fort Worth’s Magnolia Avenue, is expanding his business horizons at all.
And he’s not alone.
Another Magnolia restaurant, Scampi’s, is enlarging its serving area and adding a bar. And new to the Tarrant market are the Cowtown Diner downtown and Wildwood Grill in Southlake, not to mention out-of-town ventures like Cooper’s barbecue, from Llano, opening in the Stockyards. From Austin comes Mandola’s, moving into Arlington, and El Arroyo, in southwest Fort Worth. Add to that Dallas concepts expanding to Fort Worth, like Tillman’s Roadhouse near West Seventh Street.
BJ’s, a California chain featuring beer from Houston’s Saint Arnold microbrewery, added area restaurants at North East Mall in November and yet another at Alliance Town Center.
Houlihan’s, a more refined version of the 1970s chain, is back with geographically wide-ranging dishes in a casual-dining restaurant at Arlington Highlands.
Closings too
But for all the openings, the economy also claimed victims in Dallas-Fort Worth’s ever-more-competitive environment, which boasts a full-service restaurant for every 299 households.
Luby’s, the iconic Texas chain, closed four unprofitable cafeterias around Tarrant County last fall, while in December, Dixie House Cafe pulled out of its downtown location previously occupied by Bennigan’s, which had abandoned all its company-owned stores in summer 2008. Fuego’s was a summer flame-out.
In recent weeks, Ocean Rock, Aventino’s and Ovation served their last meals, unless someone takes over the moribund operations and resurrects the names.
"As an undercapitalized independent we were unprepared for a wobble, unable to withstand the [economic] sting," Mike Musgrove told the Star-Telegram after shutting down Ovation on the west side after 3 1/2 years. He hopes to find a buyer who can reopen it.
Derrick Paez of Aventino’s told a similar tale.
"Between my father and myself we ran out of capital," Paez said of a difficult year. "We made it happen for 11 months and didn’t think we would be closing down over the Christmas break. My daughter’s cancer had a relapse, and we just had enough."
His family planned to make good on about $500 worth of gift cards sold before the closing, said Paez, who acknowledged that the restaurant expansion and slick, New York-inspired makeover he orchestrated two years ago were out of step with local tastes.
"My vision didn’t match up with the marketplace," he said.
In downtown Fort Worth, restaurant receipts dropped 9.8 during the second quarter of 2009, the latest figures available, according to Downtown Fort Worth Inc., citing the Texas comptroller of public accounts.
Robson Ranch
Margaret Scribner specializes in Robson Ranch Homes. Robson Ranch is a retirement community for active adults interested in enjoying a luxurious lifestyle, while maintaining affordability.
Robson Ranch is a great place to retire, and has tons of fun amenities and activities for the active adult from golf to parties and charity events.
Situated on a beautiful stretch of wide-open land, within a few miles of historic downtown Denton, Texas, Robson Ranch is offering a lifestyle as big as Texas. It is an ideal location away from the big city life yet within easy reach of family, friends, jobs and favorite haunts in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Here you will find the values and roots of a small town combined with the sizzle of the big city. It is the best of both worlds.
Located within a half hour of the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, Robson Ranch is the best-selling active adult community in North Texas. It is attracting people who appreciate tradition, fun, relaxation and friendships; people who want more from life, not less. In fact, it was voted one of the nation’s best retirement places by Where to Retire magazine. From neighborhood barbecues to dining at the Grill, new friendships are easily formed because your neighbors are just like you.
Do more. Learn more. Be more. It’s all here. Imagine waking up and going for a brisk walk or bike ride through the community, head to the Grill for a tasty lunch with friends and wrap up the day with a sunset libation in the Lounge. Other days you’re hitting the tennis courts in the a.m. or a golf game scheduled for the afternoon. Or maybe you’ll try your hand at basketball in the multi-purpose gymnasium.
Robson Ranch Real Estate
Robson Ranch is a great place to retire, and has tons of fun amenities and activities for the active adult from golf to parties and charity events.
Situated on a beautiful stretch of wide-open land, within a few miles of historic downtown Denton, Texas, Robson Ranch is offering a lifestyle as big as Texas. It is an ideal location away from the big city life yet within easy reach of family, friends, jobs and favorite haunts in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Here you will find the values and roots of a small town combined with the sizzle of the big city. It is the best of both worlds.
Located within a half hour of the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, Robson Ranch is the best-selling active adult community in North Texas. It is attracting people who appreciate tradition, fun, relaxation and friendships; people who want more from life, not less. In fact, it was voted one of the nation’s best retirement places by Where to Retire magazine. From neighborhood barbecues to dining at the Grill, new friendships are easily formed because your neighbors are just like you.
Do more. Learn more. Be more. It’s all here. Imagine waking up and going for a brisk walk or bike ride through the community, head to the Grill for a tasty lunch with friends and wrap up the day with a sunset libation in the Lounge. Other days you’re hitting the tennis courts in the a.m. or a golf game scheduled for the afternoon. Or maybe you’ll try your hand at basketball in the multi-purpose gymnasium.
Robson Ranch Real Estate
Friday, August 28, 2009
Southlake Real Estate
Margaret Scribner is a realtor with Coldwell Banker in Southlake, Texas. It is her passion and pleasure to help buyers and sellers in the area. As a 20 year resident of the DFW area, she brings a tremendous background of experience and first-hand knowledge of the area. As a former teacher and counselor, she is dedicated to giving more than is expected when it comes to service and knowledge her creative and innovative approaches to selling real estate have generated lasting relationships with clients "Over the years many of my clients continue to contact me for assistance."Friday, August 21, 2009
Get first-rate recycled furniture at stores in Grapevine, Lewisville and North Dallas
By Rita Cook / The Dallas Morning News
August 14, 2009
We think of recycling household items every day, but what about recycling that "still in good condition" furniture that you don't want anymore? After all, your trash just might be someone else's fabulous find. Besides, recycling furniture is an important part of the bigger ecological picture.
Besides buying used, furniture shoppers have another Earth-friendly option: A Dallas company makes furniture and accessories out of reclaimed wood.
Full Story
McKinney Homes Texas
August 14, 2009
We think of recycling household items every day, but what about recycling that "still in good condition" furniture that you don't want anymore? After all, your trash just might be someone else's fabulous find. Besides, recycling furniture is an important part of the bigger ecological picture.
Besides buying used, furniture shoppers have another Earth-friendly option: A Dallas company makes furniture and accessories out of reclaimed wood.
Full Story
McKinney Homes Texas
Southlake restaurants open doors for good cause
By Christina Rowland / Southlake Times
August 11, 2009
Twelve years and still going strong is something not only to be proud of but to brag about. KRLD restaurant week will be starting August 17.
The event features over 120 DFW upscale dining restaurants that are lowering their prices all in the name of charity. Each restaurant will offer a three course meal for $35, $7 of that $35 will go directly to the North Texas Food Bank and Lena Pope Home (a Tarrant County charity). Last year the event raised $440,000.
Two Southlake restaurants, Trulucks and Kirby’s Prime Steak House, will be participating this year. Both are participants have taken part in the event for years.
Full Story
August 11, 2009
Twelve years and still going strong is something not only to be proud of but to brag about. KRLD restaurant week will be starting August 17.
The event features over 120 DFW upscale dining restaurants that are lowering their prices all in the name of charity. Each restaurant will offer a three course meal for $35, $7 of that $35 will go directly to the North Texas Food Bank and Lena Pope Home (a Tarrant County charity). Last year the event raised $440,000.
Two Southlake restaurants, Trulucks and Kirby’s Prime Steak House, will be participating this year. Both are participants have taken part in the event for years.
Full Story
Places to run in Fort Worth: Trinity Trails
By Tanya Menoni / Examiner.com
August 17, 2009
Looking for a new running route to shake up your long run? Head out to Fort Worth for a day trip. The city has a number of running hot spots, but few are as scenic or popular as Trinity Trails. These biking and running trails wind their way throughout the city and are not to be missed if you are visiting the area. With nearly 30 miles of trails throughout the city, you can see something new and shake up your running routine.
The majority of the trail system runs along the Trinity River, with mostly paved paths -- although some sections are crushed limestone. For the most scenic view of some of Fort Worth's attractions, pick up the trail at Overton Park and continue north past the Fort Worth Zoo, Botanic Garden and Trinity Park. If you need a long run, you can start down in Pecan Valley Park for a longer route. There are numerous water fountains along this section of the running path, and lots of trees along this route provide welcome shade in the summer. Other areas of the trail system are less shaded, so bring sunscreen.
Full Story
August 17, 2009
Looking for a new running route to shake up your long run? Head out to Fort Worth for a day trip. The city has a number of running hot spots, but few are as scenic or popular as Trinity Trails. These biking and running trails wind their way throughout the city and are not to be missed if you are visiting the area. With nearly 30 miles of trails throughout the city, you can see something new and shake up your running routine.
The majority of the trail system runs along the Trinity River, with mostly paved paths -- although some sections are crushed limestone. For the most scenic view of some of Fort Worth's attractions, pick up the trail at Overton Park and continue north past the Fort Worth Zoo, Botanic Garden and Trinity Park. If you need a long run, you can start down in Pecan Valley Park for a longer route. There are numerous water fountains along this section of the running path, and lots of trees along this route provide welcome shade in the summer. Other areas of the trail system are less shaded, so bring sunscreen.
Full Story
Batteries Plus positive on plans for Fort Worth market
By Aleshia Howe / Fort Worth Business Press
August 17, 2009
With one successful location on Camp Bowie Boulevard in Fort Worth, Hartland, Wis.-based Batteries Plus is charging up to install four to six new locations in the Fort Worth area in coming months.
Batteries Plus, a franchise battery retailer, has targeted the greater Fort Worth area for expansion plans and currently is searching for qualified franchisees.
“Fort Worth is primed for additional Batteries Plus expansion,” said CEO Russ Reynolds. “Our track record in similar markets, coupled with a significant and growing consumer demand for battery products and services, makes Batteries Plus a lucrative opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs in the Fort Worth area.”
Full Story
August 17, 2009
With one successful location on Camp Bowie Boulevard in Fort Worth, Hartland, Wis.-based Batteries Plus is charging up to install four to six new locations in the Fort Worth area in coming months.
Batteries Plus, a franchise battery retailer, has targeted the greater Fort Worth area for expansion plans and currently is searching for qualified franchisees.
“Fort Worth is primed for additional Batteries Plus expansion,” said CEO Russ Reynolds. “Our track record in similar markets, coupled with a significant and growing consumer demand for battery products and services, makes Batteries Plus a lucrative opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs in the Fort Worth area.”
Full Story
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Deadline for property appraisal protests nears
By SCOTT PRICE Wednesday, May. 20, 2009
The deadline for most property owners in Tarrant County to protest their appraisals with the Tarrant Appraisal District is June 1, 2009.
Fort Worth-based attorney Ryan E. Ray said many people do not take advantage of their opportunity to have the tax value of their home or other property reduced. He said this can save people a lot of money.
Ray said last year he assisted a Colleyville homeowner whose tax value was reduced from about $1 million to $750,000. He said that reduced the annual property tax bill by about $6,000.
Full Story
The deadline for most property owners in Tarrant County to protest their appraisals with the Tarrant Appraisal District is June 1, 2009.
Fort Worth-based attorney Ryan E. Ray said many people do not take advantage of their opportunity to have the tax value of their home or other property reduced. He said this can save people a lot of money.
Ray said last year he assisted a Colleyville homeowner whose tax value was reduced from about $1 million to $750,000. He said that reduced the annual property tax bill by about $6,000.
Full Story
Cowtown City Hall Considers Going Postal
By BRETT JOHNSON May 19, 2009
The Fort Worth City Council has approved money for a study on moving City Hall into the city's historic downtown Post Office building.
The city is considering renovating the state landmark into a new City Hall.
"And we should do that, because its a centrally located facility, it's at the heart of the Lancaster corridor development (and) it has great access to current and future mass transit," said Randall Harwood, director of the city programs office.
The City Council approved $200,000 for a study to determine if the project would be economically feasible.
The question is: Do the numbers work?
The city would be on a 20 to 30-year lease purchase agreement at up to $6.4 million a year.
"And if they (the numbers) don't work, then as excited as I am about this project, as excited as this council is, I will be the first one willing to say, 'Let's pull the plug,'" Mayor Mike Moncrief said.
In a soft real estate market, are tax dollars better spent on existing structures?
The city of Southlake is considering buying the soon-to-be vacated Gateway Church for a multipurpose facility.
"There's a whole lot of variables that may make buying an existing structure much more beneficial for the taxpayer," Southlake Mayor Andy Wambsganss said.
Full Story
The Fort Worth City Council has approved money for a study on moving City Hall into the city's historic downtown Post Office building.
The city is considering renovating the state landmark into a new City Hall.
"And we should do that, because its a centrally located facility, it's at the heart of the Lancaster corridor development (and) it has great access to current and future mass transit," said Randall Harwood, director of the city programs office.
The City Council approved $200,000 for a study to determine if the project would be economically feasible.
The question is: Do the numbers work?
The city would be on a 20 to 30-year lease purchase agreement at up to $6.4 million a year.
"And if they (the numbers) don't work, then as excited as I am about this project, as excited as this council is, I will be the first one willing to say, 'Let's pull the plug,'" Mayor Mike Moncrief said.
In a soft real estate market, are tax dollars better spent on existing structures?
The city of Southlake is considering buying the soon-to-be vacated Gateway Church for a multipurpose facility.
"There's a whole lot of variables that may make buying an existing structure much more beneficial for the taxpayer," Southlake Mayor Andy Wambsganss said.
Full Story
Friday, April 24, 2009
Red River Wine Fest celebrates Texas' grape-growing traditions
Just call it a swell swiller.
The Red River Wine Festival has been fermenting for a few years now, and we’ve heard through the grapevine that the two-day celebration of Texas’ grape-growing gumption will return for the fifth year, well ripened on the vine and full-bodied, to say the least.
The two-parter wine fest, presented by the Senior Junior Forum, uncorks itself tonight at the Woman’s Forum for the posh, limited-seating Wine & Food Affair. It’s an elegant seated dinner in which several courses are paired with the perfect wines — a culinary art, you might say.
Hundreds gather to protest taxes at TEA Party in Town Square
About 450 people met at Southlake Town Square to blast bailouts and higher taxes on April 15, the day that federal income taxes are due. The event also drew about 50 counter-protesters.
In a partisan presentation, the crowd listened as conservative radio host Mark Davis and U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant, R-Coppell, criticized government spending. Crafted after the famous 18th century Boston Tea Party, which protested British taxation without representation, the TEA in this event stood for "Taxed Enough Already." After a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America, Marchant professed his opposition to the federal stimulus package.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Southlake's Three Dogs Bakery to send Obamas' pooch 'Bo' a special treat
A Southlake bakery is sending a bit of Texas love to Bo, the Portuguese water dog, as he settles into his new digs at the White House.
The Three Dogs Bakery in Southlake is shipping a specialty doggie dessert to D.C. for Bo, who was bred at Amigo Portuguese Water Dogs in Boyd, 35 miles northwest of Fort Worth.
Hundreds turn out for 'tea party' protest at Southlake Town Square
Southlake's Town Square rarely caters to more than lunchtime retreats, making the hundreds of tea bags, "Downsize DC" signs and tiny American flags at noon even more distinctive.
In what amounted to a warm-up for the Dallas "Tax Day Tea Party" on Wednesday night, about 500 people stood in front of Southlake's town hall to boo governmental intervention, burgeoning bank bailouts and the recent stimulus package.
DFW rains help put out most smoldering grass fires
The day belonged to the ducks instead of Easter bunnies.
Booming thunderstorms dumped heavy rains in Tarrant County on Sunday morning, washing out many outdoor Easter plans.
Rain totals ranged from 0.75 inches in Southlake to an inch in the Texas Christian University and Wedgwood areas of Fort Worth to almost 2 inches in Haltom City and north Arlington.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Thursday's agenda: Grapevine Market opens and more
Get ready to shop in the great outdoors
Now you know it’s spring: The open-air Grapevine Market opens for business today in downtown Grapevine. The outdoor marketplace, which offers handmade jewelry, antiques, sweet potato pies and more, will be open 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday through Oct. 17. The market is between the 100 and 300 blocks of Main Street at Liberty Park, across from City Hall. 817-410-3185; www.grapevinetexasusa.com.
Floral tributes
Flower arrangements inspired by Spanish masterworks are on display at Dallas’ Meadows Museum from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Founders Garden Club presents "The Splendor of Spain: the Meadows in Bloom" with 20 interpretive floral creations inspired by paintings in the Meadows collection. There will also be a large number of floral entries on exhibit in Jones Great Hall. Tickets are $6-$8, 5900 Bishop Blvd. on the Southern Methodist University campus. 214-768-2516; www.smu.edu/meadows/museum.
Main Street time!
It’s the kickoff for the four-day feast of arts, music and entertainment otherwise known as the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival. This is the 24th year of the festival, which showcases fine art and fine craftworks, live concerts, performance artists and street performers — along nine blocks of Main Street, from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center. Through Sunday. Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. today; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. www.mainstreetartsfest.org.
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