A Note from the Executive Director

Greetings to the University Crossing community! January was a busy month in University Crossing, and as such, there are some updates I would like to share:
 
As noted last month, the University Crossing Public Improvement District (UCPID) contracted with the City of Dallas to provide additional safety improvements to our area.  Specifically, the City of Dallas will upgrade many of the pedestrian signal heads to include "count down timers," which will help pedestrians to gauge the time it will take to cross intersections. Additionally, the City of Dallas will upgrade pedestrian push buttons to make it more accessible to cross intersections. These upgrades will provide additional safety for pedestrians and cyclists throughout our area.  Installation should begin in February, and we are pushing to have this completed by the end of the month.

 

In addition to safety improvements, the UCPID executed a contract to install trash receptacles at the US75 overpasses along Mockingbird Lane, SMU Blvd., and University Blvd. Once the receptacles are installed, trash will be emptied once a week. We hope to have installation complete within the next four to five weeks.

 

Regarding construction of the University Crossing Bridge ("Bridge"), the City of Dallas has indicated that during the month of February there will likely be lane closures along Mockingbird Lane to accommodate continued construction. As soon as the UCPID receives information on the times and dates of the lane closures, we will update our website. In addition, the UCPID has installed a camera, which takes time lapse photos of the Bridge construction. For up-to-date information related to the Bridge construction, lane closures, or to view the time lapse photos, please visit our website at:  www.universitycrossingbridge.com.

 

After a holiday hiatus, Music on Mockingbird returned in January and will continue through the spring. The UCPID sponsors the live music taking place every Friday morning from 8:00-9:00am, in front of the Angelika Theater near the Mockingbird DART Station. Musicians will perform a variety of musical genres for the public once a week. We hope you will come out and enjoy the music!

 

Also in January, the UCPID began a Lunch & Learn program, which is focused on public safety. The UCPID collaborated with local businesses to have a Dallas Police officer visit their locations and discuss "best practices" related to calling 911, motor-vehicle safety, homeless concerns, and more. If you are interested in having a Lunch & Learn at your property, please contact us at the email below.

 

Going forward, the UCPID will continue to work on capital improvements for the area, as well as new programming ideas. If you have any questions or would like more information about one of the programs described above, please email us at: info@universitycrossing.com.

 

Thank you for your support! I look forward to working with you throughout 2017.
 

 

Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director

The Latest From Mockingbird Station

From Mockingbird Station "What's Next"

We’re taking this whole “New Year, New You” thing seriously. Exciting changes are coming to Mockingbird Station in 2017 that will give you new ways to experience old favorites and find new obsessions along the way.

Two new restaurant concepts will open their first-ever locations at Mockingbird Station this year. Mezze Mediterranean Kuzine will open by summer and will feature fresh flavorful Mediterranean fare. Edith’s Patisserie is bringing classic French pastry techniques to the Station and plans to be open by summer.

The Katy Trail expansion and Mockingbird pedestrian bridge are underway. The bridge will allow pedestrian traffic to cross over Mockingbird Lane between the DART rail stop at Mockingbird Station and the south side of Mockingbird Lane, just east of Central Expressway. The project is currently planned to be nearly complete by the end of April.

Mockingbird Station has already begun a transformation with new signage and a new look, which will continue in 2017. New green space and updated storefronts are on the horizon as the next phase of updates begins.

Spotlight on SMU Tate Lecture Series

SMU TATE LECTURE SERIES: ANGELA DUCKWORTH

The Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series invites stimulating and entertaining icons to the SMU campus, where the audience can engage in enlightening discussions with world-changing entrepreneurs. This year marks the 35th season of the Tate Lecture Series at Southern Methodist University. 

The series upcoming speaker, Angela Duckworth, will educate the Dallas community on the character trait of "grit" attributed to top performers. The professor and psychologist is an expert on the topic and a New York Times best-selling author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. 

January 31, 2017 at 7:00pm

McFarlin Auditorium

 

 

A Note from The Executive Director

A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

 

Happy New Year to the University Crossing community! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday season. December was a busy month in University Crossing, and as such, there are some updates I would like to share:
 
During the past month, the University Crossing Public Improvement District worked with the City of Dallas to provide safety improvements for our area. Specifically, the City of Dallas will upgrade many of the pedestrian signal heads to include "Count Down Timers," which will allow pedestrians to better gauge their time to cross intersections. Additionally, the City of Dallas will upgrade pedestrian push buttons to make crossing easier. Together these upgrades will provide safety features for pedestrians and cyclists throughout our area.

 

Regarding construction of the University Crossing Bridge, the City of Dallas has indicated there will likely be lane closures along Mockingbird Lane to accommodate continued construction within the next month. As soon as the UCPID receives information on the times and dates of lane closures, we will update our website at: www.universitycrossingbridge.com.

 

In addition to capital improvements, the UCPID enjoyed a live holiday music performance last month. The UCPID worked in collaboration with SMU, Bridge the Gap, and Mockingbird Station to bring you the Holiday Music program. On December 10th, musicians form SMU's Meadows School performed at Mockingbird Station and helped bring some holiday cheer to the area. To catch a glimpse of the performance, visit our website at: www.universitycrossing.com and click the UC Spotlight link. Returning on January 27th, we will continue the musical collaboration program, Music on Mockingbird, every Friday morning from 8-9am in front of the Angelika Theater near the Mockingbird DART Station. We hope you will come out and enjoy the music!

 

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the dedication of the Dallas Police Officers who work in the UCPID's Extended Neighborhood Patrol. These officers are working closely with community stakeholders to make our area safe. Last month demonstrated their valiant efforts with a couple of quality arrests. A "tip of the hat" to our ENP officers for a job well done!

 

In the New Year, the UCPID will continue to work on capital improvements for the area and new programming ideas. Some of our improvements will focus on maintenance issues, such as providing additional trash receptacles at strategic locations in our area. Other projects will focus on capital improvements, along both Mockingbird Lane and Greenville Avenue. As these projects develop, we will keep you informed. In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, please email us at:  info@universitycrossing.com.

 

Happy New Year! I look forward to working with you in 2017.

 

 

Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director

A Note from the Executive Director

Greetings to the University Crossing community. I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday! November was a busy month in University Crossing, and as such, there are some updates I would like to share:

 
The University Crossing Public Improvement District (UCPID) has contacted various vendors in an effort to provide improvements for our area. We are exploring additional improvements along Mockingbird Lane, more trash receptacles at strategic locations in our area, additional safety features at intersections, and a possible public mural. Once we have all necessary cost estimates we will update the community.

 

As noted last month, the UCPID is working in collaboration with SMU, Bridge the Gap, and Mockingbird Station to bring you Music on Mockingbird. Every Friday morning from 7:30-8:30am, musicians will perform different genres of music in front of the Angelika Theater near the Mockingbird DART Station. In addition to our regularly scheduled program, our collaboration is happy to bring you a Holiday Music program.  On November 25th, musicians from SMU performed holiday music at Mockingbird Station and on December 10th, these musicians will reprise their performance. To that end, we hope you will come out at 7pm to enjoy the music at Mockingbird Station in the communal area near the Urban Outfitters store.

 

Additionally, UCPID community stakeholders met with staff from the City of Dallas to discuss construction of the University Crossing Bridge ("Bridge"). City staff explained that within the next month there will likely be lane closures along Mockingbird Lane to accommodate construction. We will update our website as soon as we receive information about the potential lane closures. For up-to-date information related to the Bridge construction, you can visit our website at: www.universitycrossingbridge.com.

 

Finally, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the police officers that work in the UCPID's Expanded Neighborhood Patrol Program ("ENP"). For those of you who are not familiar with the ENP Program, the UCPID pays off-duty Dallas Police Officers to patrol our community. Each month these officers provide extra security for our area, and the month of November was no exception. The officers working in our ENP Program have shown themselves to be conscientious and pro-active, and I wanted to publicly acknowledge their service. A "tip of the hat" to the men and women in blue.

 

The University Crossing community is diverse and dynamic, and I believe the interplay between our dynamism and diversity makes us special. It has been a pleasure working with such a special community this year, and I look forward to what 2017 holds! In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments please email us at:  info@universitycrossing.com.

 

Happy Holidays! I look forward to working with you in the new year.

 

Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director

A Note from the Executive Director

Greetings to the University Crossing community! I hope everyone enjoyed their summer. 

August was a busy month in University Crossing, and as such, there are some exciting developments I wanted to make you aware of: 

I am happy to report that, as part of an agreement with the City of Dallas, a contractor hired by the University Crossing Public Improvement District (UCPID) removed the shrubs and bushes that had overgrown the medians along Mockingbird Lane, between NBFR 75 and Matilda. Removing this shrubbery will improve visibility, which, in turn, will improve pedestrian and vehicle safety.

In addition to clearing these medians, the UCPID plans to execute a maintenance agreement along Mockingbird Lane so that the medians, as well as, some of the adjacent sidewalks will be cleaned of trash and debris.

Also, in August, the UCPID had Pet Waste Stations installed at Glencoe Park. In all, five Pet Waste Stations were installed strategically around the park. We also purchased a sixth station which we plan to install once the new University Crossing Bridge and Katy Trail extension are complete. We hope these stations will add to your enjoyment of the park!

In addition to capital improvements in our area, our community also got to experience a live musical performance from the musicians at the School of Rock Dallas. Working in collaboration with the School of Rock Dallas, the UCPID and Mockingbird Station were proud to bring you a live performance that really...rocked! Going forward, the UCPID hopes to collaborate with other community stakeholders to promote the arts in our area, so stay tuned for other exciting initiatives coming your way.

Don't forget, as work continues on the pedestrian bridge that will cross Mockingbird Lane and extend the Katy Trail, the UCPID is working closely with the City of Dallas to provide up-to-date information on Bridge construction as well as lane closures. To get the latest information, visit our website at: www.universitycrossingbridge.com.

Finally, as noted last month, the UCPID obtained a Master Plan for a streetscape and design study, which focuses on improvements for the Greenville Avenue corridor as well as the new Katy Trail extension. This Master Plan, combined with another study completed earlier in the year, will provide a framework for improving pedestrian and bicycle safety throughout our area. To that end, the UCPID is looking forward to working with the City of Dallas and other relevant agencies to implement these proposals.

In the meantime, if you have suggestions, please email info@universitycrossing.com.

Happy September! 

Patrick Sanders 

UCPID Executive Director

A Note from the Executive Director

Greetings to the University Crossing community! 

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer, including all the amenities our community has to offer.

Our University Crossing community is a dynamic and vibrant area, and as such, there are some exciting developments I wanted to make you aware of: To begin, work continues on the pedestrian bridge that will cross Mockingbird Lane, and extend the Katy Trail (the Bridge). The University Crossing Public Improvement District (UCPID) is working closely with the City of Dallas to provide up-to-date information on Bridge construction, as well as, lane closures.

Since my "Note" last month, we have added new links to our website. Now, you can find a Schedule of Work, that provides in-depth information about the construction, a Rendering of the Bridge, and photos showing Bridge Fabrication Underway. To get the latest information, visit our website at: www.universitycrossingbridge.com.

Also, the UCPID has entered into an agreement with the City of Dallas to improve and maintain the medians along Mockingbird Lane, between NBFR 75 and Matilda. As soon as their schedule permits, the UCPID's contractor will remove the shrubs and bushes, which currently grow in these medians. Removing this shrubbery will improve visibility, which in turn will improve pedestrian and vehicle safety.

Next, the UCPID has obtained a Master Plan, for a streetscape and design study, which focuses on improvements for the Greenville Avenue corridor, as well as, the new Katy Trail extension. We aim to use this Master Plan to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, along Greenville, as well as, improve infrastructure such as sidewalks and intersections.

Finally, the UCPID encourages the promotion of the arts, throughout our community, and welcomes the chance to partner with stake holders in our area. Presently, we are working with Mockingbird Station and the School of Rock Dallas to bring live music to our community. We hope to announce details soon!

Stay tuned next month where we hope to provide you updates on improvements in Glencoe Park, as well as, the other projects mentioned above.

In the meantime, if you have suggestions, please email info@universitycrossing.com.

Happy August! 

 

Patrick Sanders 

UCPID Executive Director

Spotlight On...

The Atwood and The Ellison

The Ellison, coming to University Crossing in 2017

The Ellison, coming to University Crossing in 2017

The Atwood, units available for rent in University Crossing by the end of 2016

The Atwood, units available for rent in University Crossing by the end of 2016

What is unique about The Atwood and The Ellison?
The Atwood and The Ellison will feature modern craftsman architecture and high-end finishes. The two properties will offer the incredible and desirable features of a home in a rent-able, multifamily setting. Private yards, rooftop decks, direct-access garages, spectacular downtown views and fitness centers are just a few of the amenities available at these sister properties.

Why did you choose to build in University Crossing?  
University Crossing is the perfect site for these homes. The area offers primes dining, an array of shops, several key business centers and is in close proximity to Southern Methodist University. University Crossing's central location between Eat Dallas, Uptown and the Park Cities provides a quick commute to other desirable areas in Dallas whether taking the DART rail or traveling via US-75.  

Is there anything else that University Crossing should know about The Atwood and The Ellison?
The Atwood and The Ellison are currently under construction, but will be coming to University Crossing soon. The Atwood is slated to have units available by the end of this year, and units at The Ellison will be available in 2017.  

 

A Note from the Executive Director

Greetings to the University Crossing Community!


As the new Executive Director for the University Crossing Public Improvement District (UCPID), it is my privilege to serve this community.

With summer in full swing, I hope everyone is able to enjoy all the amenities our community has to offer including wonderful restaurants, entertainment, shopping and access to Glencoe Park.

Also, we have several exciting developments in our community I wanted to make you aware of.

First, I am excited to report that construction has begun on the pedestrian bridge that will cross Mockingbird Lane and extend the Katy Trail. Construction has started on the south side of Mockingbird Lane, just east of the Highland Hotel as well as on the north side of Mockingbird Lane, just east of Mockingbird Station.

The UCPID is working closely with the City of Dallas to provide up-to-date information on bridge construction as well as lane closures. To get the latest information, visit our website at: www.universitycrossingbridge.com.

Next, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) has recently completed a pedestrian and bicycle safety study of our area, with particular focus on Mockingbird Lane and NBFR 75. This study provides numerous recommendations to improve the safety of our community, and the UCPID we will be working closely with all relevant agencies to implement these recommendations.

Finally, the UCPID has commissioned its own pedestrian and bicycle study, which focuses on the Greenville Avenue corridor as well as the new Katy Trail extension. Once this study is complete, we plan to use the recommendations to make the Greenville Avenue corridor safer for both pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Stay tuned next month where we hope to provide you updates on plans for the Mockingbird Lane medians as well as updates on the projects mentioned above.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email info@universitycrossing.com. Happy July!


Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director

 

Spotlight On...

Pollo Tropical

Pollo Tropical on Greenville

Pollo Tropical on Greenville

Where is Pollo Tropical?
Pollo Tropical has locations all over - the Southern United States, Central America, the Caribbean and even a few in South America - but the University Crossing location is found at 4622 Greenville Avenue.

When did the restaurant open?  
The University Crossing location opened in the fall of 2015. The first Pollo Tropical store opened in 1988 in Miami and has spread to more than 150 locations.

What are some of the unique qualities of Pollo Tropical?
Pollo Tropical is one of the few Carribbean-cuisine restaurant chains in the nation. Their commitment to fresh quality food extends all the way to chickens that are free of hormones and trans-fats.

Pollo Tropical also offers catering for any size group for delicious flavor, fresh feasting and instant happiness.

What's on the menu?
Chicken is the classic choice, but there are also: Caribbean ribs, mojo pork, calypso beefs, soups, salads and an array of adventurous sides - tastiness, Carribbean corn soufflé and fried yucca - are just a few of the items on the menu.

A Note from the Executive Director

So. Many. Things. In. April!

University Crossing is bustling with activity in April! The Angelika Mockingbird Station and The Highland Dallas are hosting the Dallas International Film Festival #DIFF2016, SMU is hosting a Community Day, and Central Market is launching Passport Mexico with authentic Mexican cuisine and cooking classes. 

We are also in the midst of street repairs on Mockingbird, which should be wrapped up by the end of the month, barring any additional rain. 

The UCPID board met on April 5, and we are moving forward on creating a master landscape and improvement plan to present to the City of Dallas in preparation for the 2017 bond. We have also ordered pet waste stations for Glencoe Park and are working to clean up the park for the various team games and practices that take place there. Further, we are working with the city's Parks and Rec Department to discuss improvements and plans for the Mockingbird bridge and trail as construction commences late this spring or early summer. 

We continue to take UCPID security very seriously and remain engaged with a dedicated Extra Neighborhood Patrol seven days a week. Several UCPID businesses have installed their Hide.Lock.Take. signs and that is helping to keep motor vehicle burglaries down and raise awareness in University Crossing. 

I would also encourage you to try THREE new things in University Crossing this month, you won't regret it! 

  1. A yummy cheese empanada from Pollo Tropical located at 4622 Greenville Avenue.
  2. Take in a softball game at Glencoe Park on Thursday nights - you might be surprised by who you see on the roster!
  3. Book a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Mexican appetizers at Central Market.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email info@universitycrossing.com. 

Have an awesome April! 

Ginger Greenberg

UCPID Executive Director

Spotlight on...Stonewall Jackson

With Site-Based Decision Making Committee Co-Chair, Chris Peterson...

  • Quick Facts and Contacts

  • Grade Levels: K-5

  • Enrollment: 615 students

  • Feeder Pattern: Woodrow Wilson High School

  • School Colors: Blue and white

  • Mascot: Stars

  • Principal: Melanie Schiff

  • Assistant Principal: Deranda Scudder

  • Site-Based Decision Making Committee Co-Chairs: Chris Peters and Beth Temperley

  • PTA President: Sara Hundley

  • Dads' Club President: Matt Johnson

  • Stonewall Gardens President: Kari Myers

Why do parents choose to send their children to Stonewall Jackson Elementary?

Many people choose to live in our neighborhoods due to the strong sense of community at Stonewall Jackson. Parents are drawn to Stonewall Jackson due to several factors including the school's academic reputation, strong faculty, parent involvement and special programs, such as the Deaf Education and Dual Language programs. 

What activities are offered to students and what are the benefits? 

Every student spends part of their science studies each week in Stonewall Gardens, our 20,000-square-foot science lab. For students in the Deaf Education and Dual Language programs, there is the opportunity to learn American Sign Language and Spanish, respectively. Most Thursday mornings before school starts, you will find the Dads' Club working with every grade at Math Club. In addition to field trips to many local cultural organizations, Stonewall Jackson has a Carnival in the fall and a Field Day in the spring. There are many youth sports teams comprised of Stonewall Jackson students that are coached by their parents. Our 5th graders have been enthusiastically learning ballroom dancing, a rite of passage every spring, thanks to the efforts of our PTA. 

Have any of the teachers and/or faculty at Stonewall Jackson stood out by going above and beyond? 

Stonewall Jackson Elementary has outstanding faculty, many of whom have been recognized by Dallas ISD over the years. The faculty is one of the major draws of our school. Annually, Stonewall Jackson recognizes excellence with a Teacher of the Year award. 

Tell us a little bit about Stonewall Gardens.

Every student spends part of their science studies each week in Stonewall Gardens, our 20,000-square-foot science lab. Every student plants several crops each year and also learns about eco-systems in Wildscape. Our garden was established in 1988 and has grown into one of the largest school-based gardens you can find and is visited by many school/organizations who are planning to start their own. For more information, you may visit their website. Visitors may organize tours through Kari Myers, President. The garden is funded through Stonewall Gardens, a parent-run 501(c)(3). There are opportunities to support our students and staff by donating to Stonewall Gardens. 

Is there anything else that University Crossing should know about Stonewall Jackson? 

There are ample opportunities to connect Stonewall Jackson Elementary and University Crossing. For University Crossing members, we can always use volunteers. There are also sponsorship opportunities at many of our fundraisers as well as opportunities to host a "Stonewall Night" at neighborhood restaurants. These opportunities will strengthen the relationship between the Stonewall Jackson community and University Crossing businesses. 

When your family is not at Stonewall Jackson, where do they like to spend their time? 

For the Peters family, we head to the Angelika for movies and we like to stop by Ozana after soccer games. 

A Note from the Executive Director

Spring is in bloom in the University Crossing Public Improvement District! We hope you are out and about enjoying the mild weather and the wonderful restaurants, entertainment, shopping and dining there is to offer in the UCPID.
 
We have several upcoming public events in the PID thatI wanted to make you aware of.
 
First, Happy St. Patrick's Day on March 17! University Crossing is home to Dallas' largest St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival. The parade will be rolling through Greenville Avenue on Saturday, March 19 and there will be fun for all ages. Please check here to make sure you are aware of any lane closures or delays. Have fun! Be safe! And, if you SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING.
 
Next, the TouchDown Club will be hosting its 3rd Rib and Appetizer Cookoff benefitting the RISE School of Dallas on Saturday, April 2 in the Energy Square parking lot. Good food, live music and prize money for the best ribs and appetizers - what more could you want for a Saturday? The event kicks off at 10am and wraps up at 6pm.
 
I also wanted to welcome four new board members to the UCPID. All four were elected to the board and will be serving a three-year term. They are:
 
Brent Halvorson - The Marquis Group
Matt McGeath - GlenStar
Larry Walton - The Highland Residences
Richard Kessler - CBRE, Mockingbird Station
 
Welcome to the UCPID Board and thank you for your interest and service. Approved meeting minutes and security updates are available at www.universitycrossing.com.
 
Finally, we have been working to manage the pet waste problem in Glencoe Park. We have partnered with Dallas Park and Rec to add six pet waste stations to the loop trail and will work with Park and Rec to make Glencoe Park more enjoyable for all. FYI - if you would like to register a practice or an event at Glencoe Park, please visit their website here.
 
Stay tuned next month for an update on landscaping for the Mockingbird Lane medians and pedestrian bridge construction. You may have seen several barricades and preliminary work started - we will work to keep you informed and up to date on progress.
 
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email info@universitycrossing.com.
 
Happy March!  
 
Ginger Greenberg
UCPID Executive Director

Spotlight On

Mockingbird Central Plaza
with Senior Property Manager Kris Schuster. . .

Where is Mockingbird Central Plaza?  
Mockingbird Central Plaza is located at 5400 E. Mockingbird Lane at the southwest corner of McMillan and Mockingbird. It is just east of The Highland and the Katy Trail.

Which businesses are located there?
Mockingbird Central Plaza features a variety of tenants. We have everything from restaurants like Jason's Deli and Burger King to retail like Whole Earth Provisions to recreational businesses such as Pocket Sandwich Theatre, GolfTec, Premiere Video and Keith's Comics to health-related businesses such as Sunstone Yoga, Private Workout, Run On!, Action Chiropractic and Monarch Dental.

The shopping center also includes the School of Contemporary Ballet Dallas, Dallas Tan, Daniel's Salon, Ross Love Insurance, EmbroidMe, Art Custom Tailor and The Mattress Firm. New to Mockingbird Central are Envy Nails and Experimac.

What are some of the unique features of Mockingbird Central Plaza?
The area offers a wide variety of neighborhood retail and service tenants that are vital to this area of town. We've just completed the overall paint project on the center and it looks fabulous!

What are a few things that University Crossing should know about Mockingbird Central Plaza?
The shopping center is located two blocks east of 75/Central Expressway, making us walking distance from SMU and the center is in a high traffic area.

SMU AQUATIC CENTER GROUNDBREAKING

University Crossing PID Members,
 
We wanted to notify you that SMU is hosting a major groundbreaking event for the new aquatics center on Friday, February 26th, in the open area immediately south of SMU Boulevard and west of the DART tracks.
 
A significant turnout is expected, resulting in increased traffic activity on and around SMU Boulevard between 11:15am - 1pm. Guests have been instructed to valet park at the event site, self-park at Everest College or walk from the main campus to alleviate traffic concerns.
 
With these parking options, we don't anticipate that our friends and neighbors in the University Crossing area should expect a disruption to their business, but as this is a very busy area we wanted to make sure you had advanced notice. Thank you for your cooperation and support as we continue to develop this vibrant area.
 
Best,
 
Ginger Greenberg
UCPID Executive Director
info@universitycrossing.com

Spotlight On...

Knife Dallas
with Highland Dallas General Manager David Lemmond

Knife Dallas was named best steakhouse in Best of Big D 2015

Knife Dallas was named best steakhouse in Best of Big D 2015

What makes Knife Dallas stand out in the thriving restaurant scene in Dallas?
At Knife we choose to go outside the norm. We cater not only to the frequent steakhouse diner but to the foodies as well. We do this by offering our old school cuts such as ribeyes and filets, but take it a step further by serving the ribeyes and sirloins bone-in and dry-aged in-house in our climate controlled display dry-aging room visible when you walk in the restaurant. In addition to the classics you see on every steakhouse menu, Knife offers wagyu skirt steak and 72-hour sou vide short rib, which we finish off over our red oak wood fire grill. Beyond steaks we offer an incredible selection of pastas, nationally praised burgers and a variety of slabs and slices of some carefully selected pork, beef and lamb.

What is (are) the most popular item(s) on your menu?
The most popular way our guests at Knife like to start off their dining experience is with our famous bacon tasting. Guests are presented with 6 different types of bacon on a wood cutting boarding including: our house-made bacon jam, Wisconsin's Nueske's applewood and cherrywood smoked, Moody's - which does a special cure just for chef - Benton's from Tennessee and everyone's favorite - Iberico from Spain.

Another popular dish is our Longbone 32 oz. dry-aged ribeye for two, which is dry-aged in-house in our dry-age display case. Also popular is our Ozersky burger - named after John's late friend, blogger, food critic and burger expert Josh Ozersky. It is a 6 oz. ground sirloin burger from 44 Farms served on a traditional white bun with American cheese and sliced raw red onion and is paired with salsa verde french fries. It is a very clean and classic burger with every component selectively chosen to bring out the natural flavor of the amazing 44 Farms beef.

Which dish is your personal favorite?
My personal favorite is our penne pasta & black truffle essence. The hand-rolled penne pasta is imported from Italy and tossed with truffle butter monte, then garnished with parmigiano cheese and black truffle shavings. Each time this dish hits the table, everyone's head turns to catch a glimpse of what is producing that heavenly aroma.

Tell us a little about Chef John Tesar.
Three-time James Beard "Best Southwest Chef" semifinalist and "Top Chef" contestant Chef John Tesar is known for his stylish, modern American cuisine prepared with classic European techniques. His innovative culinary perspective and no-nonsense personality have garnered much acclaim throughout his 20+ years in the restaurant industry. This acclaims includes national nods from Esquire (named to Best New Restauurants for two consecutive years), Food & Wine, New York Magazine and The New York Times,appearances on The Today Show and The Early Show and winning the inaugral season of Food Network's "Extreme Chef."

Knife must-knows are?
Knife is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and brunch on Sundays. Knife offers the full menu for late night dining and complimentary valet is always available. Choose from a wide selection of light- to full-bodied cigars from our humidor and enjoy by the fireplace on our beautiful patio.

Are there any secrets that people should know about?
If you're calling for a reservation or looking on OpenTable for a reservation and we are fully committed, try your luck and come on in. Our open kitchen has a chef's counter where we leave space for walk-ins. Sit side-by-side as you enjoy dinner and a show at your leisure. The bar area also has two large cocktail-style tables and can seat 10 people comfortably, which are also available to walk-ins. It is a great environment with the same full-service menu we offer in the dining room.

Is Knife Dallas having any specials for Valentine's Day?
Steaks for sharing such as dry-aged bone-in Akaushi ribeye and 240-day dry-aged ribeye will both be available for dinner. In addition, we will serve a special Valentine's Day dessert from Pastry Chef Eric Cobb - a strawberry panna cotta, citrus sponge, crisped basil leaf and pistachio basil crumble.

Spotlight On...

SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza

SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza recently joined the University Crossing neighborhood

SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza recently joined the University Crossing neighborhood

What separates your pizza restaurant from others around the area?

As one of the nation's first Neapolitan pizza restaurants, SPIN! serves a diverse selection of of traditional thin-and-bubbly crust, rustic whole wheat and gluten-free pizzas. SPIN! takes the unique step of roasting its pizza toppings in stone hearth ovens every day to bring out the most flavorful notes of each meat, vegetable and topping.

The pizza dough is made fresh every day using several types of flour. Its gluten-free crust is renowned for its flavor and texture. SPIN! offers both traditional Pizza Rossa (red pizzas with crushed tomato sauce) and Pizza Bianca (white pizzas with roasted garlic olive oil glaze), many hand-grated cheeses and even dairy-free cheese.

What is the most popular pizza on your menu?

While most pizzerias' top selling pizza is pepperoni, SPIN! guests' favorites also include Tre Carni (Three Meats) pizza topped with meatballs, pepperoni and Italian sausage, Spinaci & Aglio & Pine Nuts featuring spinach, roasted garlic and tasted pine nuts ad Margherita with its fresh mozzarella, roasted tomatoes and basil.

What is your all-time favorite SPIN! pizza?

SPIN!'s Margherita pizza, which was named one of the 50 best foods in all restaurants - not just pizzerias - in the entire U.S. by Restaurant Business Magazine! It's truly amazing.

What are some other items you offer other than pizza?

SPIN! also serves a tremendous selection of fresh salads topped with made-from-scratch dressings, homemade soups, signature Panini and Italian deli sandwiches, appetizers, small plates and all-natural gelato ice creams.

In addition to its food, SPIN! is renowned for its rotating roster of affordable premium wines priced well below traditional restaurant prices. SPIN! also makes homes white, red and blood orange sangrias and offers a selection of barrel wines and craft beers.

What is the SPIN! Club and what perks come with being a member?

The SPIN! Club is SPIN!'s way of saying thank you to our guests. With every $200 spent, you get $10 in "SPIN! Dough" to use on a future visit. On every eighth visit, you'll receive a voucher for a free gelato. Every Monday, you can buy two pizzas and get your choice of a third pizza or any full size salad for free! To celebrate your birthday, you'll receive a gift of a coupon for 20% off at SPIN!

What else would you like the University Crossing community to know about your restaurant?

In addition to our wines and affordable artisan menu, SPIN! is recognized for our convenient service model. Guests place their order at the counter and then relax at their table where servers developer their food and beverages. This allows guest to control their time, whether they are in a hurry or in the mood to leisurely hang out in a fun, social environment.

A Note from the Executive Director

Welcome to the neighborhood Pollo Tropical and SPIN! Pizza. These two new restaurants are joining us in University Crossing, and they are both wonderful additions to the neighborhood fare.

SPIN!, located at 5627 SMU Boulevard, serves artisanal Neapolitan pies and other Mediterranean-style eats, as well as gelato in a counter-serve setting. If you feel that you are a pizza aficionado, SPIN! is hiring. You can apply at spinpizza.com/jobs. My family loves SPIN! and it is kid-friendly too.

 
Pollo Tropical is a fast-casual chicken restaurant that has just opened a new location on Greenville Avenue in University Crossing. Its signature dish is citrus-marinated grilled chicken, but the menu also includes mojo pork, beef, wings and tropical ides such as rice, beans, yucca and sweet plantains. The cuisine is Caribbean, which makes it stand apart from Mexican-themed chicken restaurants. As an added bonus, Pollo Tropical offers catering which you can order by visiting www.pollotropical.com.
 
Other ideas for catering in University Crossing include Central Market, Jason's Deli and Café Express.  
 
Did you know that Mockingbird Station is one-of-a-kind when it comes to the combination of a major transit stop, residential and retail? DART knew and asked Brian Leslie, UCPID Board President, Suzanne Massey, UCPID Marketing Chair and me to lead a Mobile Workshop for the DART RAILVOLUTION conference in October. We were able to spotlight and introduce the UCPID as a transportation/retail/residential success to transportation professionals from across the country. We also toured the George Bush Library and the SMU campus to discuss how the students and SMU community take advantage of the transit options in the University Crossing neighborhood.
 
The UCPID Security Committee would like to remind you to LOCK your car and TAKE your valuable belongings with you. We've had several car break-ins and in the majority of the instances, cars were unlocked and valuables were left in plain view. Also remember to SAY SOMETHING if you SEE SOMETHING. University Crossing offers increased security service in the neighborhood through the Expanded Neighborhood Patrol (ENP), who is on duty to keep our neighborhood safe and secure.
 
STAY TUNED for UCPID-branded LOCK, TAKE and HIDE signs available for businesses in the PID. I will be in touch as to how you can obtain the parking signs for your businesses and parking areas.
 
Exciting times in University Crossing! Thank you, again, to the volunteers and board members who are helping to shape and support the University Crossing neighborhood.
 
 
Best wishes,
Ginger Greenberg
UCPID Executive Director