Glorypark used as example by NAIOP Team

The UTA NAIOP competition team uses the Glorypark development in preparation for competition (starting today).  Team member Rudy Lopez wrote a brief summary of the project based on Mr. Steiner's presentation during the COBA Business Week.  I thought Rudy's summary was very good and I asked him if I could post in on our blog.  Thanks Rudy and good luck NAIOP Team!

...I can, however, comment briefly on the most current mixed-use development project in Arlington, Glorypark by Steiner + Associates.  This was presented by the firm a few weeks ago at UTA and I had the fortunate opportunity to attend.

Glorypark is a $600 million development in partnership with Hicks Holdings (founded by Tom Hicks-owner of Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars).  It is located at the Ballpark and is a mix of retail, entertainment, residential, office and hospitality uses.  The first phase is scheduled to open Fall 2009, while the second is proposed for 2010.  Glorpark is described as the "soul and heart of a new city" and emphasizes its location halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth as one the marketing pitches.  Additional attributes and facts from the website http://www.glorypark.com/our_vision.htm  and presentation program are as follows:

_ household incomes between 50-150K live within a 15-minute drive
_1 million+ people currently live within 10 miles of Arlington
_6.5+ million visitors travel to Glorypark location each year for Ranger games and other attractions
_UTA(approx. 25,000 students) is located less than 2 miles from this location
_full buildout development = 5 million sf
_retail, dining, entertainment = 1.5 million sf
_office = 1 million sf
_health club and recreation = 100,000 sf
_residential = 2000 units
_3 major hotels

Mr. Steiner (CEO Steiner + Associates, Inc.) describes Glorypark as a significant economic addition to Arlington that has the potential to change the metroplex and marketplace.  In addition, he suggests transportation a key component of the design; others include a central outdoor space and greenscapes.  

Aside from economical benefits Glorypark brings to Arlington, from an architectural standpoint the development does not appear to make any connection to the historic Downtown Arlington; it may become Arlington's new downtown.  Also, as transportation a key component, it doesn't appear that alternative modes of transportation (bike, train, light rail) are offered as part of design.  In addition, Mr. Steiner mentions a "sustainable environment," but I'm exactly clear how that is portrayed in the development.  

As mentioned above, these are just a few thoughts to consider should the NAIOP case be a mix-used development.  Perhaps issues of connectivity (physical and historical) and sustainable/ecological designs may be considered as starting points for the case.