Long Ago Saw Signs that Garland Square was going to be Redeveloped

 Well, yesterday, I made my annual trip to the downtown square of Garland. Over the years, signs have pointed to a major development in the square that extended beyond the little things that have taken place over they years. Today, the local media were showing what the development was going to be. All I can say is NICE!!!! Can't wait to see it completed. 

First, the old houses from pre incorporation were moved. Next came the old rail station move, then, the old library on town square was leveled and green space developed with tables, chairs, corn hole game boards. All were signs of future development of the square.

While there, I got a few shots of a decoration scheme that has been reappearing annually.  Will keep the blog updated as to when the project starts. 

In the mean while, enjoy the images and every one have a Nice and safe Thanksgiving. 

Every street corner downtown has display

Happy Easter Everyone!

 My second day back and I was able to walk 4 miles topping yesterday by a full mile. So, in two days, I have made it back to half of my daily totals. It's been a long journey for me to get back to full strength. Then, I remember it took 30 units of blood to get to the point were I could even begin to think about doing what I just did today in miles. 

I have long loved Downtown Garland even before they moved the old houses, rail station and Pullman car.

New Sub-Culture of Creativity

It's not been a slow process. In fact, it has been a rather rapid development in a sub-culture. That culture is of the new industry Rent-and Leave Anywhere bike program. The program started last fall and quickly grew into 5-figures of bikes around the city doing just what the title directed. Rent, then leave anywhere. And the riders did! Thus, the new sub-culture of creativity.

I've talked to several of the guys that are employed to wrangle the bicycles from all over and put them back into service were they are needed. One of the workers told me that he had one on top of a telephone pole. One, was up in a tree---a fairly big tree at that. And, of course, the downside of creativity is destruction. Bike locks have been broken allowing anyon, especially the homeless, to ride the bikes for free anywhere. Seats have been damaged, tire wheel rims have been run over by cars. Pretty much, anything you can think of including the element of surprise called, "biking". That being where a dozen or so of your friends (room to debate that one) rode bikes over to your front lawn and deposited them in said yard.

Today, while looking for something besides crowded parks and BBQ smoke, I came across a rather "cute" creativity mark that I have not seen. And, of course, those are never where they are handy to photograph. This one was on a median island upside down resting on its seat and handle bars. No harm done to the bike (Lime Bike is thankful for that) but making a statement none-the-less.

Making a statement one way or another? Or is it just creativity with no harm done?

The cost of this stunt to Lime Bike is very minimal and I know that they are thankful for that.

At the end of this week, the arches are still standing to the Hypermart USA, the precursor to the Walmart Super Centers.The store closed in May of 2008 and Walmart opened a new super center 2-miles away as the crow flies. The 26-acre site has sat empty since the closing. City of Garland has purchased the property for a Gateway Projecdt for the city.

A Second Star Walk of Fame

Did you know that there is another Star Walk of Fame? There is and it's in downtown Garland.
Oh, it's not as glitzy as the one in Hollywood, but it is a Star Walk of Fame none-the-less. When Sid Grauman opened his Grauman's Chinese Theatre on 18 May 1927, it was the most spectacular in history for a theatre. Ironically, Garland's walk is just outside the Plaza Theatre.

Out side the Bisby Plaza Theatre

Theatre donated in 1991

Billboard list the names of the Council and others when the project was created.