Famous North Texas Wineries
April 7, 2008
The community of Grapevine is steeped in history, including the site where the famous villains known as Bonnie and Clyde killed two Texas highway patrol officers in 1934.
The town, originally settled in the 1840’s and 1850’s, had been named after the Wild Mustang grapes that were abundant in the area during that time. Over time, and as the town grew, the Wild Mustang grapes became fewer and fewer. Many people, though, recognized the fertility of Grapevine real estate and its suitability for growing grapes. In recent years, many wineries have sprung up in the area, paying homage to the town’s beginnings.
Taste a Bit of North Texas History
Grapevine real estate once again is producing flourishing vines, and over a dozen wine tasting rooms and wineries can be located throughout this historic town. Many are in the heart of Grapevine, while others can be found on old homesteads spread among acres of gorgeous North Texas countryside.
Each winery offers its own varietals, so it is worthwhile to take the time to visit each one. Many tastings are offered with food samplings, and many of the wineries host themed or special events, maximizing the experience of each visitor.
Grapevine’s wine ambassadors, the Grapevine Wine Pouring Society, can be found at festivals and events within the city, promoting Grapevine’s many wineries throughout the year.
In a land known for its wild frontier days, the elegant wineries of Grapevine masterfully blend a bit of European character with cowboy heritage, providing a truly unique experience for the many tourists who call on Grapevine each year.
Fort Worth Developer Goes Green
March 27, 2008
Fort Worth Real Estate is getting more environmentally friendly thanks to Dallas-based developer Cawley Wilcox. They have broken ground on an office building in west Fort Worth that incorporates a number of earth-friendly features. The Wilcox Plaza at Green Oaks is set to open in 2009, and has earned ratings as the area’s most energy efficient building.
This three story office complex has been awarded the gold level of LEED certification, and is the first such building in Tarrant County to achieve this mark. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a nationally recognized building standard for environmentally friendly construction.
Wilcox Plaza to Incorporate Energy Friendly Features
Bricks from the historic Green Oaks, which once hosted such famous names as Elvis Presley, will be recycled and used in the new building. Approximately 70 percent of the site’s oak trees will remain, adding shaded open spaces that will help cool the area, as will reflective roof panels and paving materials. Vegetation will be planted that will help clean rainwater runoff, and a ponds will store the runoff for use in irrigation. Solar powered faucets and energy efficient glass top off the energy friendly features.
Overall the measures will cut energy use by 15 percent and reduce water consumption by four million gallons each year, which in turn will lead to substantial savings in the cost for utilities.
The builder plans to continue its energy efficient improvements to Fort Worth Commercial real estate by making a commitment to integrate “green” measures into all of its new construction projects. As energy costs continue to rise, such measures are likely to become standard. Cawley Wilcox has done a great job of setting the standard for others to follow.
Arlington Real Estate Expected to Remain Strong
March 26, 2008
Strong job growth in the Fort Worth - Arlington area and the ongoing affordability of homes in the area is expected to keep Arlington real estate strong, according to a report released by PMI. PMI is an insurer of mortgage lenders.
As the economy slows, the Fort Worth – Arlington area is expected to have a less than one percent chance of experiencing any decline in home prices, which is consistent with the rest of the north Texas and Dallas region. Meanwhile, there are many areas of the country that are almost guaranteed to experience drastic drops in home values.
Slow, Sustained Growth has Helped Fort Worth
What has helped keep the real estate market upbeat in Fort Worth and Arlington is the slow, sustained growth these neighborhoods experienced while the rest of the country was booming. Now those areas that skyrocketed in value are paying the price as the market tries to normalize back to the levels home values historically should be at.
In areas such as California, Nevada, and Florida, home prices exploded while job growth fell, and the affordability of homes plummeted. In some areas, only five percent of the population can afford the average home.
In Texas, however, home values have remained very affordable compared to the average income for residents, and job growth has continued at one of the fastest rates in the country. This keeps the demand for real estate high and the values holding steady in a time where others are seeing economic strife.
Overall, the picture for Fort Worth Real Estate and Arlington real estate looks good, and homeowners should take comfort in knowing their home values are expected to hold steady in the coming months.
Cleanup Day Set to Beautify Arlington Neighborhoods
March 24, 2008
For one day in April, Arlington residents have the opportunity to clean up their neighborhoods and get rid of unwanted rubbish at no charge. As a means of maintaining your Arlington real estate, anyone with proof of residency can dump unwanted waste at one of three locations. The event will be held on Saturday April 19, and will run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.,
Get Rid of All of Your Trash
Nearly any type of household or yard waste other than hazardous materials can be dropped off at the Arlington Sanitary Landfill, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, or Sam Houston High School.
Allowable items include trash, yard waste, furniture, appliances, car batteries, carpet, lumber, building materials such as sheetrock, chunks of concrete, and up to four car tires per household. Old lawn mowers and barbecue pits that have had the fuel removed will also be accepted.
Items such as paint, pesticides, and motor oil will not be accepted, nor will roofing materials.
Organizers of the event ask that residents separate yard waste, such as tree limbs and brush, from the other trash. Yard waste will be mulched and stored at the Arlington landfill, which is available for Arlington residents at no charge.
The Event is Free for Arlington Residents
In order to dump your unwanted rubbish, you must be able to provide proof of residency in Arlington by presenting a current driver’s license or a copy of your current water bill. This event is held twice each year, in April and October, and not only ensures rubbish is handled in an environmentally responsible manner, but goes a long ways towards maintaining the beauty and value of Arlington real estate.
New Trail Provides Open Space in Downtown Arlington
March 20, 2008
As part of the revitalization plan for downtown Arlington, Phase I of the new Center Street Pedestrian Trail is underway. This two-mile trail will help beautify the downtown area, helping to raise the appeal and value of downtown Arlington real estate.
Trail Makes Arlington Pedestrian Friendly
The new trail system will be completed in two phases. With Phase I underway, Phase II is now in the design process.
Phase I will run through downtown and connect with the new Founder’s Plaza, and will provide pedestrian access to the new Levitt Pavilion outdoor amphitheater, which will also open in fall.
Along this two-mile walkway, there will be over a mile of upgraded landscaping to add visual appeal to the area. Seating areas will be available in several locations, as well as interesting information about the city’s history.
Minor inconveniences during the construction process include the closing of access driveways to the Central Library and City Hall. These minor inconveniences should only last a short period of time.
Phase II to Access UT Arlington
When Phase II is built, it will begin south of Founder’s Plaza and connect through UT Arlington, then continue on to Johnson Creek. The completion of the trail will provide greater connectivity among downtown attractions.
In addition to the new trail system, other upgrades to downtown Arlington real estate include upgrades to building fronts of existing businesses, the addition of mixed-use developments, and an expansion of owner-occupied housing to bring new life into the core of this historic city.
