Places to see
Downtown Arlington's 'crown jewel' designated one of Texas' great places
On your next day trip west, you might want to add a stop for a show at the Levitt Pavilion, an outdoor venue in the heart of downtown Arlington recently named one of Texas' "Great Public Spaces."
The Texas chapter of the American Planning Association bestowed the honor upon the venue on April 1 through its Great Places in Texas program, which showcases areas that “exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value,” according to a statement. The Levitt Pavilioin joins five other outstanding Great Places in Texas honored in 2019.
Deemed the "crown jewel" of downtown Arlington revitalization efforts, the performing arts venue hosts musical acts across the spectrum, movie nights, and more.
"Eager to revive its downtown core, city leaders and engaged citizens came together with the national Levitt organization to bring the Levitt program to Arlington," the association says. "Since Levitt Arlington’s opening, nearly a dozen restaurants have opened in the vicinity, with more on the way. Levitt Arlington has also served as a catalyst for major investment from the University of Texas at Arlington, which shifted its $300 million expansion into the downtown area with new residences, shops, restaurants, parking and an indoor performance venue."
This is the third year of the statewide program, which is modeled from the American Planning Association’s ongoing Great Places in America program. The five other Great Places in Texas designees for 2019 are:
- Great Neighborhood: Downtown Bastrop, Bastrop
- Great Neighborhood: Downtown Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches
- Great Street: Hill Country Mile, Boerne
- Great Public Space: Discovery Green, Houston
- Great Public Space: San Jacinto Plaza, El Paso
Macy's and Kohl's are shuttering stores in early 2025.
Courtesy photo
