CENTENNIAL: Grand Prairie, Texas 1909-2009

Foreword

“Centennial” is a window into the growth and development of Grand Prairie, Texas, USA

Compiled from City Documents and Public Records, the information presented is representative of actions and events in the City of Grand Prairie during its first 100 years.

Grand Prairie was given its name by the Texas and Pacific Railroad based on its location on the southern edge of a geological region called “Grand Prairie” that is composed of Eagleford Shale stretching from Texas north through the Dakotas and into Canada.

Compiled and Written as a Public Service by Katherine L. Houk

May 1, 2008

(The author receives no compensation from sales of this book)

CENTENNIAL: Grand Prairie, Texas 1909-2009

CENTENNIAL 2009!

100 YEARS OF GROWTH—GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS

FOREWORD

CHAPTER 1 GRAND PRAIRIE TODAY

CHAPTER 2 THE CITY: 1980-2000

CHAPTER 3 THE CITY: 1960-1980

CHAPTER 4 THE CITY: 1940-1960

CHAPTER 5 THE CITY: 1920-1940

CHAPTER 6 THE CITY: 1909-1920

CHAPTER 7 PRE-1909

CENTENNIAL: Grand Prairie, Texas 1909-2009 CHAPTER 1: 2000-2009

GRAND PRAIRIE TODAY

Grand Prairie, Texas, is celebrating its 100th birthday as an incorporated city in 2009. With a population approaching 170,000 people, the city is no longer a stagecoach stop between Dallas and Fort Worth. In fact, Grand Prairie is the 7th largest city in North Central Texas, enjoying an international economy, with a tax base in excess of $10 Billion. In 2007, the City was the 6th fastest growing municipality in the United States. More than 20% of single family homes have no mortgage. Fiscally conser- vative, the City is highly diversified, comprised of roughly 32% white (non Hispanic) and 21.8% foreign born. Diversification is also a key in recreation with the City boasting world class horse racing, theatre and ball park venues seating more than 6,000 persons, and an extensive park system. Completion of SH-161 will be the culmination of planning begun in the 1970’s when the City Council of Grand Prairie supported construction of the project that was originally designated “Loop 9”. The Coalition for Community Concerns, a group of homeowners opposed to the construction of the west leg of Loop 9 (the current right-of-way for SH-161) lobbied heavily against the project, delaying the project in litigation for more than 13 years. During the 2000-2009 period, the City has given more responsi- bility to home owners by requiring Planned Improvement Dis- tricts (PIDs) for new residential subdivisions. Maintenance of properties in the subdivisions is provided by the PID itself, with City oversight. An International highpoint was the 2004 Breeders Cup held at Lone Star Park (below).

Gas drilling rig explores Barnett Shale

CHAPTER 1: 2000-2009 City Council Actions

March 7, 2000...Adopted Ordinance #6230, appropriating funding for development of a Main Street Master Plan by Architexas.

August 1, 2000...Authorized the City Manager to enter into an interlocal agreement with the North Central Texas Council of Governments for payment of operating cost of the Trinity Railway Express (for a 3-year period) with payment to be based on an audit of readership by Grand Prairie residents (Resolution #3680) Annual payment for the City of Grand Prairie was $160,000.

September 19, 2000 ...Authorized the City Manager to Buffalo Wallows in the Grand Prairie Independent Living negotiate and execute contracts not to exceed $1,200,000 Retirement Community. with Lone Star Park (LSJC Development Corp) for the development and management of a family/teen park for July 15, 2003...Approved $35,000 contract to paint mu- skateboard and related activities. The Grand Prairie Ex- rals on the east and west underpass walls at Beltline treme (GPX) Skate Park and Entertainment Center Road and IH-30. opened on March 28, 2001. July 15, 2003...Approved a $3.69 million project to im- December 12, 2000...Assumed management of the Trin- prove drainage and alleviate flooding in the Keith ity River Authority parks surrounding Joe Pool Lake Heights area. (Ord #6365). April 20, 2004...Approved a property tax freeze at 2004 January 10, 2001 ...Approved a development contract levels for Homestead or Qualified Over-65 and Disabled and lease agreement with Texas NextStage L.P. purchas- Homeowners. ing the 6,200 seat indoor music and entertainment venue for $15,000,000 upon completion. September 21, 2004...Adopted an ordinance consenting to the creation of the Ellis County Fresh Water Supply May 8, 2001 ...Adopted criteria for redistricting of City District No. 1, Johnson County Fresh Water Supply Dis- Council Districts based on the 2000 Census (Resolutions trict No. 2, and Johnson County Road District No. 1 by #3745 and #3746). Provident Realty Advisors, Inc. in the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). June 18, 2002...Approved contracts totaling $2,790,193 for the construction of a new Animal Services Shelter. September 21, 2004...Declared the Local Option Election for the Legal Sale of Beer and Wine on September 11, September 3, 2002...Issued $20.2 million in General Ob- 2004, passed with a vote of 4,222 “FOR”; and 3,004 ligation Bonds ($9.9M), Certificates of Obligation “AGAINST.” ($2,650,000), Sales Tax Revenue Bonds ($5M), and Wa- ter Wastewater System Revenue Bonds (2,650,000) for November 16, 2004...Approved an interlocal agreement the 2002 Capital Improvement Program. with Johnson County establishing jurisdictional responsi- bility for the platting of lands located in Grand Prairie’s January 21, 2003...Approved Site Plan for the Grand extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) as required by Texas Prairie Independent Living Retirement Community at the House Bill #1445. southwest corner of Freetown Road and Corn Valley Road. The Site Plan included incorporation of the City’s December 7, 2004...Approved an interlocal agreement historical Buffalo Wallows into a pedestrian trail on the with Ellis County establishing jurisdictional responsibil- northern portion of the property. ity for the platting of lands located in Grand Prairie’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) as required by Texas June 17, 2003...Appropriated $1 million for a City match House Bill #1445. for a TxDOT STEP grant for Lone Star Trail, Phase I.

2 CHAPTER 1: 2000-2009

February 15, 2005...Memorandums of Understanding December 12, 2006...Approved a Memorandum of Un- (MOUs) created with Johnson County Freshwater District derstanding (MOU) between Strata Development and the #2 and Ellis County Freshwater District #1 to supply wholesale treated water and wastewater services.

June 7, 2005...Contract with City of Midlothian to supply treated water on a wholesale basis to the City of Grand Prairie for resale in the City of Grand Prairie and its Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).

August 9, 2005...Awarded a construction contract for a two million-gallon elevated water tank on the Peninsula for a total cost of $2,660,020.

September 6, 2005...Entered into an Interlocal Agreement With the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) to pay $63,422 per fiscal year for three years as a portion of the operating cost of the Trinity Railway Express.

September 20, 2005...Adopted a gas drilling ordinance regulating the drilling and production of gas wells within the City (Chapter 13, “Health and Sanitation,” of the City’s Code of Ordinances).

February 21, 2006...Created Fresh Water Supply District #2 in Ellis County and Fresh Water Supply District #3 of approximately 1,319.46 acres in Ellis County—both are located within the City’s Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). Also created a Municipal Utility District (MUD) City of Grand Prairie for development of 80 acres origi- of approximately 276.8 acres on the southern City Limit. nally platted as more than 1,600 campsite lots adjacent Mountain Creek Lake in 1931 at the southwest corner of June 20, 2006...Amended Chapter 17, “Offenses and IH-20 and west of FM 1382. Misc. Provisions” of the City of Grand Prairie Code of Ordinances, adding a new section 17-19, “Failure to Su- May 12, 2007… Voters approved a 1/4 cent sales tax for pervise a Child,” and providing a Class C Misdemeanor the new crime control and prevention district to pay for for the parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 who construction of a new police facility, a 1/8 cent sales tax allows their home to be used for a party where minors are for a senior recreation facility, and a 1/8 cent sales tax for served or consume alcohol or other illegal substances. a minor league stadium. The City Council appropriated $5 million for commencement of construction of the ball- September 19, 2006… park on May 22, 2007. Adopted a resolution designating the City of Grand October 16, 2007...Adopted ordinances for the issuance Prairie as the “Purple Mar- of General Obligation Refunding and Improvement tin Capitol of North Texas,” Bonds ($34,580,000), Certificates of Obligation and requesting the Texas ($17,120,000), and Water and Wastewater System Reve- Legislature to officially nue Bonds ($15,845,000) for a total of $67,545,000. declare Grand Prairie as the Purple Martin Capitol of November 6, 2007...Authorized a professional design ser- North Texas. vices contract with Komatsu Architecture, Inc. in the amount of $523,277 for the relocation of Fire Station #7.

3 CHAPTER 1: 2000-2009

January 22, 2008...Contracted with Brinkley Sargent Ar- March 11, 2003… Adopted the Interstate Highway-20 chitects in the amount of $2,406,350 for Phase I of the Overlay District specifying land uses and design guidelines Central Park Development. Authorized $4,079,759 for for future development (Ord #6811). Phase II construction services of the Uptown Theatre project to the Phillips/May Corporation. April 28, 2003...Adopted the Lakeridge Parkway Overlay District establishing development standards and design cri- February 19, 2008...Authorized the City Manager to enter teria along Lakeridge Parkway. into a contract to share costs for a joint fire station with Cedar Hill at an estimated cost of $1,675,000 for design July 15, 2003... Adopted Resolution #3924, upgrading de- and construction. velopment standards for future residential development.

Planning and Zoning Commission Actions September 27, 2004...Amended the Unified Development January 18, 2000...City Council adopted Central Business Code to include the sale of beer and wine for on-premise Overlay Districts #1 and #2 (Ord #6206 and #6207) estab- consumption in restaurants and the sale of beer and wine lishing recommended uses along the Main/Jefferson Street for off-premise consumption in non-residential zoning dis- Corridor from the western City Limit to Beltline Road. tricts and providing for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for all (Districts #3 and #4 were adopted in December 1999, es- drive-through establishments in the City of Grand Prairie. tablishing recommended uses between Beltline Road and July 25, 2005…Adopted an the Grand Prairie’s eastern city limit.) update of the 25-year Com- August 1, 2000...Amended the Thoroughfare Plan and prehensive Plan (Ord #7295). Comprehensive Plan to maintain the current alignment of February 27, 2006...Adopted Mayfield Road as a four-lane divided roadway constructed a requirement for submittal of within 100 feet of right-of-way. (Ord. #6288) a Concept Plan during the November 21, 2000...Stimulated development in south initial phases of the develop- Grand Prairie by rezoning 390 acres of land for single fam- ment process and evaluated ily, retail and personal service uses on the Estes Peninsula, by criteria specified in the west of Lakeridge Parkway and north of Hangar Lowe Rd. Unified Development Code. (Ord. #6348) March 26, 2007...Updated January 16, 2001 ...Adopted the S.H. 161 Overlay District Article 26, Mobile/ with recommended land uses and development policies for Manufactured/Modular Home and Recreational Vehicle the S.H. 161 corridor between IH-20 and Rock Island Rd. Regulations of the Unified Development Code to meet state and federal regulations. March 11, 2002...Rezoned 618 acres from Agricultural to Planned Development for Residential Development on the March 26, 2007...Amended the Use Charts of the Unified Joe Pool Peninsula at the corner of Lakeridge Pkwy and Development Code to include small wind turbine genera- Seeton Rd. tors.

April 8, 2002...Approved Specific Use Permit for a 22.75 October 29, 2007...Expanded architectural guidelines for acre, $3,400,000, City Cemetery and Gardens at the south- the Central Busi- west corner of Warrior Trail and Belt Line Road. ness Districts by recodifying Ordi- nances #6189, #6190, #6206, and #6207.

4 CHAPTER 1: 2000-2009 Economic Development Activities

June 30, 2000 ...Approved a 50% graduated five-year partial tax abatement with Panattoni-Hillwood Development Company for a 1,375,000 Sq. Ft. project on Great South- west Pkwy and 114th Street.

January 29, 2001 ...Issued $17,900,000 in Certificates of Obligation to provide financing for the Texas NextStage (Nokia) Project. (see below) Prime One Outlet Mall at the northeast corner of IH-20 and SH-360. Cooper Tire (below)

June 19, 2001…. City Council contracted with Phillips May, Inc. in the amount of $4,430,000 for construction of the Ruthe Jackson Center at 3113 S. Carrier Parkway to serve as a conference and meeting facility for the City.

April 15, 2003...Created a new 10 square mile Enterprise Zone, a state/city partnership to attract jobs and invest- New Tenants in Great Southwest Industrial District ment in economically distressed areas.

December 13, 2005...Authorized a 50% 5-year partial tax abatement to Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. with a value of $237,000.

February 20, 2007...Approved tax rebates to the following firms: CCDA Waters, LLC, 50%, 5-year partial tax abatement on business personal property and ad valorem real estate improvements; CalWest Texas Properties, 50%, 5- year abatement on ad valorem real estate improvements and 50% sales tax rebate for materials used in construction; Turbomeca USA, 50%, 5-year partial tax abatement on business personal property and ad valorem real estate improvements. Mexican Inn

5 CHAPTER 1: 2000-2009 Public Facilities December 12, 2000 ...Grand Prairie assumed manage- January 4, 2000...City Council awarded a contract to ment of the Trinity River Authority parks surrounding Moore Commercial for $1,697,000 to construct Fire Sta- Joe Pool Lake (Ord. #6365). tion #9 designed by Smith and Warder Architects. (Ord #6200) March 6, 2001... Municipal Courts Building, 200 W. Main Street, was named after City Councilman Frank W. Robertson Fire Station # 9 at Polo and South Carrier Pkwy (Resolution #3725).

May 2, 2000 ...City Council awarded a contract to Akins Construction Company in the amount of $1,543,200 for construction of the Bardin Road Branch Library.

Branch Library at Bardin and Robinson Roads

November 21, 2000 …City Council selected Connolly Architects to design a new Animal Shelter to be located at 2222 W. Warrior Trail (below). Charles V. England Public Safety Training Complex, 310 W. College. (above)

March 28, 2001...Opening activities for the Grand Prairie Extreme Skate Park. (below)

6 CHAPTER 1: 2000-2009

Bowles Life Center dedication (below) at 2750 Graham A Senior Center was also included in the May 12, 2007 Street. The 40,000 sq. ft. facility, the $6.2 million struc- election. Voters approved an additional 1/8 cent sales ture contains more than $362,570 worth of athletic tax to fund the facility. equipment, a library and police storefront.

On May 12, 2007, Grand Prairie residents approved a sales tax to build the $5 million professional ballpark located adjacent Lone Star Park and Nokia Live (below).

Voters, on May 12, 2007, also approved an increase in the local sales and use tax to fund a new Police facility, replacing the 1970s structure on South Carrier Parkway.

7 CHAPTER 1: 2000-2009 The Decision Makers: 2000-2009

MAYOR

2000—present Charles England

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

2000- Ruthe Jackson Ron Jensen Jim Swafford Lee Herring Dick Fregoe Rick Sala Tony Shotwell Bill Thorn

CITY MANAGER

2000- Tom Hart Mayor Charles England Councilman Bill Thorn

Councilman Jim Swafford

Councilman Tony Shotwell Councilman Ron Jensen

Councilman Dick Fregoe Councilman Lee Herring Councilman Rick Sala Councilwoman Ruthe Jackson

8 CHAPTER 1: 2000-2009 Representative Plats 53. The Parkways Addition, Lts 3 & 4, Blk D (10.8.2001) 1. Towns of Riverside, Ph 2 (2.7.2000) 54. Broadcast Works! (10.22.2001) 2. Westchester Valley Addition (2.7.2000) 55. Lynn Creek Hills, Ph 1 (2.25.2002) 3. GSW Development, PH 1 (2.28.2000) 56. Heydarian Subdivision Lt 1, Blk A (2.25.2002) 4. Brook E Bowen Addition, Lots 1-5 (4.10.2000) 57. Westchester Grove (2.25.2002) 5. Westchester Glen (4.10.2000) 58. Cimmaron Estates, Ph 4C (4.8.2002) 6. Texas NextStage (4.24.2000) 59. Cimmaron Estates, Ph 3B (4.29.2002) 7. Mirabella Village, Ph 2 (4.24.2000) 60. GSW Crossing, Lts 1 & 2, Blk C (8.12.2002) 8. Stellar Way, Lt 2, Blk 2 (5.8.2000) 61. Cedar Prairie Plaza, Lt 1, Blk 1 (8.12.2002) 9. Curtis Wright Addition (5.8.2000) 62. High Hawk at Martin’s Meadow, Ph 1 & 2 (9.9.2002) 10. Markwardt Addition, Lt 1, Blk A (5.22.2000) 63. Aaron’s Way Addition (9.23.2002) 11. GSW Crossing, Lts 1-3, Blk B (5.22.2000) 64. Walgreens Addition (10.7.2002) 12. Stellar Way, Lts 1 & 2, Blk 5 (5.22.2000) 65. The Harbour at Grand Peninsula (10.7.2002) 13. Edelweiss Elementary (6.12.2000) 66. Somerton Village, Ph 1 (10.28.2002) 14. Westchester Square (6.26.2000) 67. Dow Place Two, Lots 1R, 2R, & 3R (10.28.2002) 15. Lone Star Plaza (7.28.2000) 68. Lake Parks, Ph 1A, IIA (11.25.2002) 16. Brookfield Addition (7.28.2000) 69. Cimmaron Estates, Ph 3C (11.25.2002) 17. Stellar Way, Lts 3 & 4, Blk 2 (2.28.2000) 70. Lakewood, Ph 1 (12.9.2002) 18. Stellar way, Lt 2, Blk 4 (2.28.2000) 71. Heather Glen (1.13.2003) 19. Steward Addition (9.11.2000) 72. Lake Parks West, Ph 1 (1.13.2003) 20. Sealed Air Addition, Lts 1 & 2, Blk A (9.11.2000) 73. Polo Heights, Ph 2 (1.13.2003) 21. Royal Valley Est., Lts 1 & 2, Blk H (9.25.2000) 74. G.P.Independent Retirement Cmmty (2.24.2003) 22. Ninth Grade Athletic Addn. Lts 1 & 2 (10.9.2000) 75. Christian Acres II (2.10.2003) 23. IH-20/Carrier Pkwy Addn Blk A (10.9.2000) 76. Mira Lagos, #A-1, #F-1A, #B (4.28.2003) 24. Cimarron, Ph 4 (10.23.2000) 77. Safety Net Addition (4.28.2003) 25. Westchester Valley Addition (12.11.2000) 78. Hidden Creek, Ph 2 (4.28.2003) 26. Kingswood Forest, Ph 2 (1.8.01) 79. Whiteco Residential, Lt 1, Blk 1 (5.12.2003) 27. Cool Springs Addition, Lt 1, Blk A (1.22.2001) 80. Lynn Creek Hills, Ph 2 (6.23.2003) 28. Polo Heights, Ph 1 (1.22.2001) 81. Lake Park East, Ph 1 (7.7.2003) 29. Amesbury Lake, Ph 1 (1.22.2001) 82. The Harbour at Grand Peninsula, Ph 2 (7.28.2003) 30. Prairie Ridge Ctr, Lt 1, Blk C (2.12.2001) 83. Ashbury Square, Ph 2 (7.28.2003) 31. Ninth Grade Center, lt 1, Blk 1 (3.12.2001) 84. Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens (8.11.2003) 32. Bill Arnold Middle School (3.12.2001) 85. Brookfield North, Ph 2 (8.11.2003) 33. Jackson Middle School (3.12.2001) 86. Plattner Addition, Ph 1 (8.11.2003) 34. Gateway Addition (3.12.2001) 87. Mira Lagos, #C-1, #E-3 (9.8.2003) 35. Hidden Creek Addition (3.12.2001) 88. Mira Lagos, #F-1B (10.13.2003) 36. Curtis Wright, Ph 2 (4.23.2001) 89. Lakewood, Ph 2 (10.13.2003) 37. Redding Addition, Lt 1, Blk 1 (5.7.2001) 90. Ivy Glenn Addition (10.13.2003) 38. Ruthe Jackson Cmmty Ctr Addn (1.22.2001) 91. The Coast at Grand Peninsula (10.13.2003) 39. The Landing at Grand Peninsula (5.29.2001) 92. The Cove at Grand Peninsula (10.13.2003) 40. Lakeside at Grand Peninsula (5.29.2001) 93. The Bluffs at Grand Peninsula (10.13.2003) 41. The Shores at Grand Peninsula (5.29.2001) 94. Kingswood Business Park, Lt 4, Blk 1(10.27.2003) 42. Meeker Addition (6.11.2001) 95. CVS Lake Ridge, Lt 1, Blk 1 (10.27.2003) 43. Cimmaron Estates, Ph 4B (6.25.2001) 96. Communities of Lakewood, Ph 3 (10.27.2003) 44. Mayfield Road Apartments (7.9.2001) 97. Lake Parks, Ph 4 (10.27.2003) 45. Enchanted Estates (7.9.2001) 98. Curtiss-Wright, Lt 2, Blk 1 (11.10.2003) 46. Westchester Valley Addition, Ph 3 (7.23.2001) 99. Lakeridge Village, Lt 1, Blk 1 (11.10.2003) 47. Cedar Prairie Plaza (7.23.2001) 100.Oak Timbers Apartments (12.8.2003) 48. Southgate Addition (8.27.2001) 101.Lake Ridge, Section 18-A, Ph 1 (12.8.2003) 49. Cimmaron Estates, Ph 3A (8.27.2001) 102.Westchester Courtyard (1.12.2004) 50. Apache Estates (9.10.2001) 103.Mira Lagos, F-2 (1.12.2004) 51. The Bluffs of Westchester (9.10.2001) 104.Aaron’s Way Addition (1.26.2004) 52. Dickinson Elementary School (9.24.2001) 105.The West Shore (1.26.2004)

9 CHAPTER 1: 2000-2009 Representative Plats 158. Grand Lakes Business Park, Ph 2 (3.13.2006) 106. Lake Parks West, Ph 2 (1.26.2004) 159. Mira Lagos A-2B (3.27.2006) 107. Lake Parks East, Amenity Center (1.26.2004) 160. Camp Wisdom Business Park (4.10.2006) 108. Silverado Springs (2.23.2004) 161. Goelzer Addition (4.24.2006) 109. Lake Parks, Ph 1B & 2B (2.23.2004) 162. Crosspoint Business Park (5.8.2006) 110. Bardin Road School (3.8.2004) 163. Mira Lagos G-1 (6.12.2006) 111. Lakewood, Ph 4 & 5 (3.22.2004) 164. Phyllis Gilbert Addition (6.12.2006) 112. Woodcrest, Lts 1 &2, Blk A (3.22.2004) 165. Lake Ridge Sect. 19 (6.26.2006) 113. Lakewood, Ph 6 (4.12.2004) 166. Bluffs at Grand Peninsula (7.24.2006) 114. Lake Ridge 18-A, Ph 2 & 3 (5.10.2004) 167. Coast at Grand Peninsula (7.24.2006) 115. Mira Lagos East Infrastructure (5.10.2004) 168. Villas at Mira Lagos, Ph 2 (8.28.2006) 116. Parkview Ph 1A (5.10.2004) 169. Lake Parks East, Ph 3-A (10.9.2006) 117. Mira Lagos East, Ph 1 & 2 (6.28.2004) 170. Lakeview West (11.27.2006) 118. The Haven at Westchester (6.28.2004) 171. Lakeridge, Section 20 (1.29.2007) 119. Croft on the Creek (6.28.2004) 172. Candler Park (1.29.2007) 120. Silverado Springs, Ph 2 (7.26.2004) 173. Greenway Trails, Ph 1 (2.12.2007) 121. Park View, Ph 2 (8.23.2004) 174. S. Grand Peninsula Dr/Seeton Rd (2.26.2007) 122. Southwest Village, Ph 1 (9.13.2004) 175. H & E Equipment Addition (2.26.2007) 123. Lake Parks East, Ph 2 & 4B (9.13.2004) 176. Mira Lagos G-2 (3.12.2007) 124. Mira Lagos A-2A & A-1B (9.13.2004) 177. Causey Addition (3.26.2007) 125. Somerton Village, Ph 2 (9.27.2004) 178. Lakeside Villas, Lt 1, Blk A (4.9.2007) 126. Lakeshore Village (11.8.2004) 179. Monterrey Park, Ph 2 (5.21.2007) 127. Lakeridge Village Addition (11.22.2004) 180. Blue Prairie, Blk A, Lts 1 & 2 (11.12.2007) 128. Hunter’s Glen Addition (12.13.2004) 181.Kingswood Estates (2.11.2008) 129. Walgreens at Bardin Rd (12.13.2004) 182.Fairway Bend Ph1, Blk 1 (2.11.2008) 130. The Forum, Lt 1, Blk 1 (12.13.2004) 183.Mira Lagos, Ph B-2 (2.25.2008) 131. Southgate, Ph 2 (2.21.2005) 132. Lynn Creek hills, Ph 3 (3.7.2005) Representative Annexations 133. Lake Parks West, Ph 3 (3.7.2005) 134. Towns of Riverside, Ph 2 (4.11.2005) 1. Boundary Adjustment, 10 acres on south side of Sky- 135. January Lane Townhomes (4.11.2005) line Road, Crockett Elementary School, February 20, 136. Berkshire Park, Ph 2 (4.25.2005) 2001 (Ord #6398) 137. England Parkway (5.23.2005) 2. Annexed 148.3511 acres, adjacent U.S. 287 in Ellis 138. Estates at Mira Lagos (5.23.2005) County, August 14, 2001. 139. Seaton Courts, Lts 1-7, Blk A (5.23.2005) 3. Annexed 46.63 acre tract of Jefferson Street right-of- 140. Townhomes of Camp Wisdom (6.13.2005) 141. Villas at Mira Lagos, Ph 1 (6.13.2005) way from Camden Road to Mountain Creek, waiving 142. Ridgeview Addition (6.13.2005) extraterritorial jurisdiction on the portion of Jefferson 143. Southwest Village, Ph 1 (7.25.2005) Street touching Dallas’ city limits from SE 14th Street 144. Parkview, Ph 1B (7.25.2005) eastward to Camden 145. Saint Louis Townhomes (8.8.2005) Road, June 18, 2002. 146. Belle Vista at Mira Lagos (8.8.2005) 4. Annexed 24.09 acres, 147. High Hawk at Martin’s Meadow, Ph 3 (9.26.2005) Joseph Stewart Sur- 148. Mayfield Rd Tigermart (10.24.2005) 149. Delilah Addition, Lts 1-6, Blk 1 (11.7.2005) vey, Abst. #961, Ellis 150. Westchester Church, Lt 1, Blk 1 (11.7.2005) Co., TX, December 7, 151. Bluffs at Grand Peninsula, Ph 2 (11.7.2005) 2004 152. Cove at Grand Peninsula, Ph 2 & Ph 3 (11.7.2005) 153. Prairie Oaks Addition (1.23.2006) 154. Robinson Court, Lts 1-11, Blk 1 (1.23.2006) 155. Pioneer Pkwy/SH-161, Lts 1 & 2 (2.27.2006) 156. Lake Prairie Towne Crossing, Lts 1-4 (2.27.2006) 157. Mira Lagos E-1A (2.27.2006)

10 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

Grand Prairie As A Regional, State, and National Resource

OVERVIEW

Grand Prairie came of age during the period from 1980 to 2000. It was not a stress free transition, however. Budget shortfalls in 1987 brought re- structuring of City staff. Increased demand for services brought increases in fees and tax rates. Expenditures on infrastructure increased significantly during this period including construction of drainage facilities, major thor- oughfares, and public facilities and services.

The City stepped onto the regional and state stage with major infrastructure projects such as Joe Pool Lake and the extension of SH-360 to SH 287. Regional recreation facilities such as Lone Star Park and Tangle Ridge Golf Course began to draw visitors to the City. A series of Sector Plans were developed in the 1980s establishing future land uses and design guidelines for development in the City. In 1987 the City established a Hospital District to provide a single area where the physical and mental health needs of citizens could be accommodated. It was hoped the 267- acre district would also prevent the development of less optimal land uses. The City also adopted a Unified Development Code in 1990.

In the 1990s, residents voted to push forward by authorizing a 1/2 cent sales tax in 1991 to construct the 311-acre Lone Star Race Track as a Class 1 horse racetrack in 1995. The bonds on that investment were paid off early and the facility contributed millions of dollars to capital improvements in the City. It hosted the international Breeders Cup in October 2004. The sale of alcohol in restaurants was approved in 1985 (Ord #3754). Development south of IH-20 began during this period, including the very first Public Improvement District, PID-#1 in the Westchester Subdivision on February 5, 1991. New plats for residential subdivisions south of IH-20 followed the light industrial development activity of the previous two dec- ades. When Joe Pool Lake opened in 1989, it covered 7,740 acres. Six park sites In the final year of this period the City created three large tax increment around the lake were under the auspices finance (TIF) districts (along the IH-30 corridor, Ord #6095/6123, along of the Trinity River Authority and later the IH-20 corridor, Ord #6096/6124, and on the Joe Pool Peninsula, Ord transferred to the City, with an addi- #6097/6126). Collectively the three TIFs encompassed more than 9,635 tional park on the east side of the reser- acres. The City also annexed 2,059 acres adjacent its southern City bound- voir developed and managed by the ary and adopted a plan to reclaim 1,300 acres from the floodplain north of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. the West Branch of the Trinity River and adopted the Belt Line Corridor Grand Prairie’s “Estes Park Feasibility Overlay District to guide architectural standards adjacent to Lone Star Study” received a “Project Planning” Park. Award in 1987 from the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association. A Master Plan for revitalizing the City’s downtown core was finalized in 1999 creating the Central Business District Corridor. City Services were The lake opened to the public on Au- expanded in 1999 to provide emergency medical services beginning Au- gust 18, 1989. It was named for Con- gust 1, 2000 (Resolution #3593). gressman Joe R. Pool, who represented Texas in Congress from 1963-1968.

CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

City Council Minutes ferred to an authority or corporation to provide senior hous- April 29, 1980 ...Mayor James Weems made a motion that ing. By February 23, 1988, however, Mayor Debo favored the City Council request the resignation of City Manager demolishing the building saying it was not adequate for Clifford Johnson. The motion died for lack of a second. senior housing. Yet, on November 29, 1988 the City Councilmember Anne Gresham read the following state- Council conveyed the building to Residential Enterprises ment in behalf of the Council: Corp, a 501-C-3 non-profit corporation, to be rehabilitated for housing for elderly persons. It was then transferred to “The Mayor and City Council have met in execu- National Church Residences for affordable housing for the tive session to deliberate the administration of this elderly on August 6, 1991 (Resolution #2748), opening in city. These conversations included a number of 1992. areas involving the role of the City Manager, City Council, and Mayor. It is the intent of all of us as June 16, 1986...Established the Zoning Board of Adjust- elected officials to best ensure the operation of this ment and Appeals, adopted By-laws and Policies. city and to best serve all the people of Grand Prai- rie. We have reviewed many general items, includ- July 15, 1986 …. Miss ing the resignation of the City Manager, and while Grand Prairie is crowned personal feelings were well expressed, we are of Miss Texas! Stephany the belief that no change shall be made in the ad- Samone went on to be a ministration of this city. Our primary concern is to preliminary talent winner work in harmony to serve our constituents.” in the 1987 Miss America contest. (see right) The Mayor then requested that a review of the duties and salaries of the Assistant City Manager and all Division November 4, 1986...City Heads be placed on the following week’s agenda. Council issues a contract ($12,000) with Collett August 9, 1980 ...Election to consider creation of a Grand Design Associates to do a Prairie Transit Authority and authorize a 1% sales and use space analysis and pro- tax to support a transit program. vide alternative scenarios to accommodate future April 23,1985...City Council authorized participation with City staff growth. The the Tarrant County 911 Emergency Assistance District Council also discussed (Resolution #2291). retaining Roy Orr as a lobbyist for the City in the next State Legislative Session. Mayor Debo said there was a need for June 10, 1985... Section E-506 of Comprehensive Zoning a lobbyist, especially for legislation on developer participa- Ordinance No. 2299 was amended to require a 3/4 majority tion and bidding procedures. vote for approval by the City Council to override a negative recommendation by the Planning & Zoning Commission. February 24, 1987… City Council is peti- July 23, 1985...Adoption of Developer Participation Poli- tioned by residents to cies (Resolution #2311). place a charter amendment providing for sin- March 4, 1986 ...Mayor Debo requested relocation of the gle member districts. main City Hall complex to city-owned property at IH-20 and Belt Line (Resolution #2357).

June 10, 1986...Lennox Hotel is donated to the City for Section 8 Housing for the elderly (Resolution #2377). The Ways and Means Subcommittee determined there were “sufficient funding alternatives of federal loans, grants, Roy Orr— Lobbyist and local fund raising and possible public and private joint ven- Former Dallas County tures to make the project work.” On Sept 2, 1986 the Len- Commissioner nox Hotel Committee recommended the Lennox be trans-

2 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

April 21, 1987 … Revenue shortfall in franchise fees and mittee was appointed to review the matter and make rec- lower salary savings led to a $920,000 reduction in the ommendations to the Council. City’s General Fund and a 3.3% cut in the budget for FY 1986-87. (Ordinance #4151) September 27, 1988 … Adopted FY 1988-89 budget June 16, 1987 ...Councilmember Teri Jackson asked if including addition of a vol- the western extension of Hill Street to January Lane was unteer coordinator position ever considered as a Capital Improvements Project. Staff for City beautification pro- said no. (The project would be designed and built more than jects. (Ord #4418) This led to 20 years later to facilitate Dallas Cowboy football traffic from the creation of “Keep Grand SH-161 to Randol Mill in Arlington.) Prairie Beautiful, Inc” a 501C(3) non-profit organization.

December 13, 1988 … Animal Shelter Advisory Com- mittee was asked to review the issue of snakes (boas and python) being kept in Bill’s Pawn Shop and make a recommendation to the City Council. On July 28, 1989, the Council instructed staff to draft an amendment to the Wild Animal Ordinance requiring one permit per location for non-venomous snakes. On January 16, 1990, the City Council denied the proposed amendment to permit non- venomous snakes, making them allowable by right. The issue was again voted on, February 6, 1990, to adopt the July 14, 1987 … Mayor Debo instructed City staff to not proposed ordinance and charge a permit fee of $100 as require hold harmless agreements from developers unless recommended by staff. It was approved (Ord #4642). the City Council determines the necessity for such agreements (after Crow Retail refused to sign a hold harmless April 11, 1989 … City Council accepted the Parks, Rec- agreement related to downstream drainage), thereby re- reation and Open Space Master plan (Ord #4515). versing City policy. October 3, 1989 … City Council directed staff to initiate August 2, 1987 … Grand Prairie’s 911 system is acti- an amendment to the Light Industrial zoning district stan- vated. dards which would eliminate the requirements for land- scaping and paved parking areas, and expand the types of September 8, 1987...City Council adopted Resolution building materials allowed in certain older industrial ar- #2472 requesting Dallas County Commissioners to eas of the city. Specifically, the Twin Airports addition schedule a local option election on November 3, 1987 on between E. Main and E. Jefferson and Bill Erwin and pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound races. MacArthur. The new classification was designated LI- LS. The proposed amendment was denied by the Plan- October 27, 1987...City Council defeated by a vote of 4-3 ning and Zoning Commission on December 11, 1989. On a zoning case to require specific use permits for pawn January 16, 1990 the City Council approved the amend- shops. ment (Ord #4639). On February 6, 1990, Council rezoned the Twin Airports Addition to LI-LS (Ord #4644) but a December 8, 1987 ...City Council passed Ordinance companion case for Dalworth Hills Addition was denied. #4302 allowing City participation in developments, provided funds are specifically budgeted (by project) by the January 9, 1990 … Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a City Council. City authorized holiday observance.

February 23, 1988...Zoning Board of Adjustment asked May 8, 1990 ...Council Members adopted resolutions for City Council direction on handling illegal uses and supporting federal funding for the V-22 Osprey Aircraft structures at Matthew Road Mobile Home Estates where Program, B-2 Stealth Bomber, and the C-17 Cargo Air- all mobile homes were a non-conforming use. A com- craft.

3 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

May 10, 1990 ...City Council met in emergency session to ware and implementation services. At the same meeting, discuss procedures following a Declaration of Disaster they approved Ord #4926 to allowed citizens to keep pot- signed by Mayor Debo following flooding in the City on bellied pigs for a permit fee of $25.00. May 2 & 3, 1990. December 3, 1991 … The City Council voted unani- mously to call for an election on January 18, 1992 on a proposition to adopt an additional one-half cent sales tax for the purpose of constructing a Class I race track on Belt Line Road (Ord #4935). The proposition passed by a vote of 6868 “For” and 6336 “Against”. The following week, Council passed Resolution #2779 for making an application for a Class I Horse Racetrack. On December 23, Council passed Ord #4942, limiting implementation of a one-half cent sales tax increase contingent upon a license being granted to operate a Class I Horse Racetrack in the City of Grand Prairie. They also procured a Racetrack Economic Impact Analysis from Economist Dr. Perryman of Baylor University. The City Council authorized the Mayor to execute a letter of intent to the Lone Star Jockey Club expressing the City’s interest in developing a horse racetrack on March 3, 1992. December 8, 1990 ...Discussions of the Capital Improve- ment Bond Program included: $12.5 million for drainage April 7, 1992... Zoning Case # Z920301 set aside 282 projects; $3.8 million for signalization; $20.1 million for acres east of Belt Line and south of Hunter-Ferrell as a street improvements; $5 million in park improvements; planned development for a horse racing facility (Ord $4.9 million for Police programs and $3.7 million for Fire #4974) as proposed by Midpointe Racing Ltd. Case # Department improvements. The total bond program was Z920303 was also approved setting aside 254 acres west $81.9 million, including $57.3 million in General Obliga- of Belt Line and south of Wildlife Parkway for construction Bonds and $24.4 million in Revenue Bonds (Ord tion of a horse racing facility (Ord #4975). The Texas Rac- #4770). ing Commission awarded the Class I horse racing license to Lone Star Jockey Club in 1993. June 4, 1991 ...Grand Prairie demolishes Sol Spiegel Vil- lage, built as off-base housing for married and enlisted April 28, 1992 … Council Resolution #2841 created the naval personnel in the early 1950’s, and placed an addi- Grand Prairie Sports Development Corporation, Articles tional lien of $74,000 on the property to cover the cost of of Incorporation and Bylaws, as amended. Original mem- demolition. bers of the Corporation were Mayor Charles England, Council members Bo Craft, Ed Hemphill and Jim Morgan; June 18, 1991 ...The City Council appropriated $1.4 M to and Wayne Hanks, Bryan Arnold and Allan Brown. purchase and renovate the former Kroger building on the southeast corner of NW 3rd and College for use as the March 24, 1992 … Miss Teenage Texas is Aquita Cantu City’s Development Center (Ord #4862). of Grand Prairie, TX.

June 28, 1991 … The City received a Governor’s Com- October 13, 1992 … The City Council denied resident munity Achievement Award for 1990-91, receiving a requests to remove pawn shops from certain zoning dis- $100,000 landscape award from the State Department of tricts, saying: “...if such an amendment is adopted, many Highways and Public Transportation through Keep Grand existing pawnshops will be non-conforming;...if the Prairie Beautiful. The award was presented for landscap- amendment is adopted, all pawnshops will be in certain ing along state highways within the City. Council districts, with none in other Council districts….” and that it would be restricting business. November 5, 1991 … The City Council authorized a contract with Arthur Anderson & Co., to develop an Informa- December 15, 1992 … Council established a new Chapter tion Systems Master Plan (for $94,000) and appropriated 29 in the City’s Code of Ordinances that created a Code $38,663 (Ord #4924) for the acquisition of hardware, soft Enforcement Ordinance (Ord #5059).

4 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

January 5, 1993 … Grand Prairie’s City Council adopted Development (PD) was created in a Heavy Industrial (HI) an ordinance (Ord. #5060) levying a one-half cent sales District for HI and Sexually Oriented Business Uses on tax for the Class I Racetrack project in the City, to be ad- June 16, 1998 (Ord #5915, #5916, #5917). ministered by the Grand Prairie Sports Facilities Develop- ment Corporation, effective April 1, 1993. The final plat October 1, 1996 … Administration of the Convention & and site plan are approved on December 13, 1993 by the Visitors Bureau was transferred to the City (effective Planning & Zoning Commission. On April 17, 1997 Lone January 1, 1997) with the stipulation that it would be Star Park at Grand Prairie opens, bringing Class I horse moved to an independent agency when it makes good racing to North Central Dallas and an economic lift to the business sense to do so. The Grand Prairie Sports Facili- City. ties Development Corp., Inc. provided a site for the facility on Belt Line Road. A contract for $485,497 was approved on May 20, 1997 (Ord #5767) for construction of the center. The Center opened to the public on February 24, 1998.

February 4, 1997 ...City Council appropriated $150,766 for the demolition and asbestos abatement of the Western Oaks Condominiums (Ord #5736).

April 1, 1997 … Ordinance #5752 is passed, requiring the microchiping of dangerous animals.

November 18, 1997 … The City Council adopted Resolu- tion #3479, designating the Trinity River as an American Heritage River. Lone Star Park Opened to the Public on April 17, 1997 February 17, 1997 … Grand Prairie entered into an In- May 18, 1993 … The City is sued by “I-30 Partners” re- terlocal Agreement with the City of Cedar Hill for provi- lated to the Class I Horse Racetrack License awarded to sion of services to the Lakeridge Subdivision. Lone Star Jockey Club. May 20, 1997 ...Vice President Al Gore presents the City June 1, 1993 … A contract is awarded to Ridgemont of Grand Prairie the Public Employees Roundtable Public Company (Resolutions #3006 & 3007) for a complete reno- Excellence Award for its Service Excellence Program. vation of the former Kroger Building to be used for City offices. August 6, 1997 … City Council votes to exempt the following corporations from the existing 6-year term limit March 5, 1996 … City Council adopts Ord #5544, pro- for City boards and commissions: Housing Finance Cor- hibiting the storage of vehicles and vehicle parts in the poration, Sports Facilities Development Corporation, In- floodway and providing a timeline for removal of vehi- dustrial Development Authority and the Health Facilities cles presently located in the floodway. Development Corp. (Ord #5630).

March 19, 1996 ...The City issued a 6-month moratorium September 15, 1998 … Councilmember Robertson re- on building permits or certificates of occupancy or the quested staff to begin developing long range plans for approval of any zoning changes for sexually oriented zoning along the proposed SH 161 corridor. businesses (Ord #5545). The moratorium was extended for an additional 6 months on October 1, 1996 (Ord August 13,1999 … The City Council approved the recom- #5667); on March 18, 1997 (Ord #5748), and on December mendation of the EMS Selection Team that the City 16, 1997 (Ord #5855). On January 20, 1998 the City should provide EMS service through the Fire Department Council appointed a Citizens Committee on sexually ori- effective August 1, 2000 (Resolution #3593). An addi- ented businesses to study and make a recommendation on tional 31 personnel were hired to provide the service. zoning. The Committee’s recommendation to concentrate sexually oriented businesses in one area and a Planned

5 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

RE: Economic Development June 23, 1992 … Council passed Resolution #2865 in March 11, 1980... Council authorized advertising for support of continued funding of the Superconducting Su- bids and allocation of cable television franchise funds for per Collider in the counties of Dallas, Ellis, Hill, Johnson payment of video equipment. A Cable Television Work- and Hill. shop for Council members was then scheduled on May 28, 1980 to “critique” their appearance on television. September 1, 1992 … The City approves a 30-year lease The Instructional TV Dept. of Dallas County Community with Careflite (Resolution #2899) providing direct revenue College conducted the workshop. to the airport of $4,356 annually (plus fuel sales).

May 5, 1981...Preliminary Plat for Grand Prairie Com- February 2, 1993 … A contract for demolition of the munity Hospital Medical Building Subdivision passed Valley View Apartments (at 102 W. Tarrant Road) in the City Council. amount of $144,440 is awarded to Demolition Southwest

Structural Systems (Resolution 2951). August 3, 1982 … Ordinance #3363 prohibited development, zoning, platting and issuance of building permits July 20, 1993 … The Housing and Community Improve- in the SH 161 Corridor and urged State Highway Dept. to ment Commission is established by Ord. #5119. purchase ROW as soon as possible.

June 21, 1983 ...Established Economic Development De- October 19, 1993 … The City Council authorized the partment with an annual budget of $65,000. City Manager to enter into an interlocal agreement with the City of Dallas and Dallas County to establish a reuse November 18, 1986 … City Council designated the area and redevelopment committee for Dallas Naval Air Sta- bounded by Jefferson St. on the north, Carrier Pkwy on tion and established objectives and policies in Resolution the east, Marshall Dr. on the south and West Freeway on #3100. the west as a “development area” for the purpose of authorizing Industrial Development bonds for commercial August 23, 1994 … Reinvestment Zone #7, 92 acres at projects. Post & Paddock and SH 360 (Ord #5292); and Reinvest- ment Zone #8, 17.8 acres at SH-360 and Fountain Pkwy August 24, 1987 … LTV Aerospace & Defense located a (Ord #5293), are adopted by the City Council. major facility in Grand Prairie on 105 acres on SH-303.

November 29, 1988 … The Industrial Development Au- May 16, 1995 … City Council authorized the City Man- thority was designated as an advisory committee on tax ager to execute a contract with Rural/Metro for emer- abatement applications, and would increase its member- gency medical services (Resolution #3341 & Ord #5426) ship to allow each Councilmember to appoint one mem- for a period of five years. The contract was approved by ber. the City Council on July 18, 1995.

December 12, 1989 ...The City Council adopted an ordi- December 12, 1995 ...City Council revokes the require- nance providing for the taxation of business personal ment for annual compliance review of a: 1) SUP for inop- property, otherwise exempted by the Freeport Tax erable vehicle holding area at 4226 E. Main, and 2) and a Amendment, for 1990 and future years (Ord #4632). flea market at 4226 E. Main Street (Ord #5511).

June 18, 1991 … A ten-year contract providing a partial January 9, 1996 ...The City establishes Reinvestment tax abatement to Poly-America for expansion that was Zone #10 (Ord #5518) for Trammell Crow Dallas/Fort expected to add 100 new jobs. Worth BTS#1, Limited Partnership/Baxter Healthcare Corp. at the northeast corner of IH-20 and SH-360. The March 17, 1992...A Downtown Improvement Committee 18.2 acre tract was for a 300,000 sq. ft. facility with a $18 was appointed consisting of two Council members, two million investment over a 10-year period. A partial tax P & Z Commissioners, one Park Board member and four abatement was granted by Resolution #3385. downtown merchants. In August the committee requested $45,000 to remove awnings, landscape and irri- May 6, 1997 … The City Council approves a 64-acre ex- gate, repair and repaint stucco planter boxes, and provide pansion of an existing 39-acre inoperable vehicle holding trash receptacles. yard at 509 Idlewild Road which sells autos for insurance

companies with the requirement the applicant conform

6 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000 with all EPA regulations. (Ord #5762)

June 2, 1998 ...Proposed incentive package for NextStage (Nokia Live) given to City Council including $1.5 million in tax abatements over five years. A site was rezoned to accommodate the facility on September 1, 1998 (Ord #5956), and regulations amended to allow alcohol sales for on-premise consumption at a performance hall, allowing the facility to serve alcoholic beverages in con- cession areas provided they had a full service on-site restaurant (Ord #5957). The site was rezoned on September 1, 1998 (Ord #5956) for the 186,000 sq ft, 6,700 seat performance hall. A city/developer agreement including fee waivers, sales tax rebates on construction materials, and operating revenues agreement was adopted by Resolution #3537 on September 15, 1998.

August 18, 1998 ...City Council approves a 50% partial tax abatement for five years for three new speculative distribu- tion facilities at 114th and Post and Paddock streets. Total building sq ft is 440,016 valued at $8.7 million and expected to generate 220 construction jobs and 40 full time employees.

September 15, 1998 ...A 50% tax abatement was granted to Trammell Crow for three new speculative buildings at Red Hawk and SH-360 totaling 600,000 sq ft and a $17 million investment (Resolution #3536).

January 19, 1999 … A 50% tax abatement with a five year abatement was approved (Resolution #3561) for 761,000 sq. ft. of facilities on Trinity Blvd.

7 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

Planning

May 6, 1980...Graham Assoc., Inc. was engaged to con- duct a land use study for Shady Grove. The City Coun- cil adopted the resulting proposal for a planned industrial district on October 7, 1980. City staff was directed to “...proceed with a more definitive plan, working with the Industrial Development Board, the Chamber of Com- merce, and landowners,” and the Planning and Zoning Commission was directed to “...begin holding public hearings in order to study the development program and rezone now that land which would not be compatible with the planned industrial district.”

Sector Plans developed: Shady Grove adopted August 1984 (Resolution #2233) November 20, 1990...The City adopts a Unified Devel- Lake Sector Plan, February 1985 (Resolution #2283) opment Code that supercedes Comprehensive Zoning Northeast Sector Plan, June 1985 (Resolution #2304) Ordinance No. 2299; Chapter 14, Land Development/ South Central Sector Plan, June 1986 (Resolution #2378) Platting Regulations of the City Code of Ordinances and Northwest Sector Plan, Nov 1986 (Resolution #2417 ) other development-related ordinances and regulations. Hospital District Plan, May 1987 (Resolution # 2453) Central Area Plan, May 1987 (Resolution # 2455) October 15, 1991 ...Grand Prairie receives the 1991 Cur- Dal/View Sector Plan, Feb 1988 (Resolution # 2492) rent Planning Award for its Unified Development Code from the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Asso- September 3, 1985 ...City Council Briefing session: ciation. Recommend guidelines to encourage larger (quality) homes and larger lots for development south of IH-20. May 4, 1993 … Rezoning of 47.6 acres north of Post & Roger Hedrick, Community Development Director, dis- Paddock Rd on SH 360 establishes the Riverside Com- cussed ETJ in Joe Pool area, stating there is some over- munity, Phase I (Ord. #5095). The land had formerly lapping ETJ with Mansfield & Midlothian. Council in- been zoned for Light Industrial uses. structed staff to initiate discussions with the Cities of Mansfield and Midlothian in an attempt to settle any June 15, 1993 … A 6-month moratorium (Ord #5108) is question regarding ETJ jurisdiction in this area. placed on zoning changes, plats, and building permits on the Estes Park Peninsula to prevent premature develop- August 26, 1985...City Manager Bob Blodgett and P & Z ment on the peninsula prior to completion of a compre- analyze Grand Prairie revenues compared to other cities hensive land use study. in terms of sales and property taxes, and consider what zoning mix the Commission should take to maximize August 2, 1996 ...A 90-day moratorium on development development opportunities (Commercial zoning gener- was adopted for the North Belt Line Road Corridor to ates the most revenue, Industrial zoning the second high- allow for the Belt Line Overlay District study (Ord est revenue, and residential varies). Mr. Bodgett believed #5620) to develop zoning, land use and urban design rec- that, “larger home sales would bring in families with a ommendations for the corridor. greater disposable income that is conducive to retail and commercial growth.” At the Sept. 23, 1985 P & Z meet- November 10, 1998 … The City rezoned the 77 acres of ing an Issue Paper on “Water Availability in Southwest the former Dallas Naval Air Station that are located in Grand Prairie, South of I-20 and the Ramification of De- Grand Prairie to a Planned Development to make the velopment in the Area” was presented. area compatible with adjacent residential areas (Ord #5984). February 13, 1990 ...A specific use permit is adopted for a marina and associated uses and a golf driving range at November 10, 1998 ...The City Council recognized the Lynn Creek Park (Ord #4646). extension of Grand Prairie’s extraterritorial jurisdiction

8 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

(ETJ) to five miles from the City’s southern corporate June 28, 1993 … Council, Park Board and Golf Committee boundary, including the unincorporated land adjacent to its meet in a workshop to discuss the proposed $4.3 million corporate boundaries, within the constructs of prior agreements with the other cities (Ord #5986).

February 1999 … The 1988 Comprehensive Plan Map was updated to incorporate all adopted changes since 1988, re- vise land use classification designations to conform with the Federal Standard Land Use Coding Manual, to realign planning sector boundaries to be more representative of the City’s population base, and to reflect future transportation corridors (Ord #6025).

Public Facilities May 16,1985... Fire Station #8, on Roy Orr Blvd near Oak- dale Road, is constructed for an estimated cost of $325,000, construction fee of $19,500.

August 6, 1985 ... Presentation of Fire Station Master Plan to City Council (Resolution #2312). golf course (Tangle Ridge) with Golfscapes, the architects for the course. The financing plan included payment of the February 10, 1987...Fire Station #5 site (at the Grand Prai- debt in seven years. On Sept. 21, the Council issued $5 rie Municipal Airport) is approved by City Council million in Certificates of Obligation (Ord #5157) for con- (Resolution #2440). A construction contract of $421,041 struction of Tangle Ridge. An access road was constructed was awarded in September of 1987. in 1995 costing $300,000 (Ord #5415, 4.18.95).

January 1, 1988...Kirby Creek Natatorium opened. June 11,1996 … City Council initiates discussion for the construction of a branch library in south Grand Prairie. A April 5, 1988...Appropriation of $3 million to expand the site was obtained on the northeast corner of Bardin Rd and Public Safety Building, including doubling the jail size and Robinson Rd through a developer agreement (Ord #5874, adding two floors to the existing building. Resolution #3494) on February 17, 1997.

July 5, 1988… City Council awards $612,578 contract for February 17, 1997 … The Master Plan for Public Parks is construction of a new 8,170 sq. ft. Senior Citizen Recrea- adopted by the City Council, Resolution #3495. tion Center on a 4.5 site acre west of the Municipal Library. August 4, 1998 ...The City Council authorized the City December 13, 1988 … Funds appropriated to provide Manager to contract for purchase of the building and lands matching funds for development of Dallas County Fish at 200 W. Main Street and 306 W. Main Street, appropriat- Creek Forest Park ($50,000) to be maintained and oper- ing $875,000 for this purpose (Resolution #3525 and Ord ated by the City of Grand Prairie. #5952) for relocation of the Municipal Court. A contract for $108,415 was awarded for design and construction January 16, 1990 … Curfew established between the hours management. Total costs in April 1999 exceeded $1.6 mil- of midnight and 6 a.m. in all city parks (Ord #4641). lion.

March 19, 1991 ...The Central Police Facility at 801 Cono- January 19, 1999 … Resolution # 3562 was adopted ex- ver Drive is dedicated and named for Police Officer Lyn- pressing the City’s desire to acquire the Runway Protection don F. King who was killed in the line of duty on March 1, Zone (RPZ) from the closed Naval Air Station Dallas for a 1982. public park and recreational use.

July 2, 1991 … Contract approved for Phase 1 of the Fish February 16, 1999 ...An architectural contract for design of Creek Linear Park ($37,300 for design services). Fire Station #9 and conceptual design of a future police substation was awarded for $149,275.

9 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

Municipal Airport FAA, contingent upon approval of the FAA.

June 1, 1985 ...City Council approved installation of a Vis- October 17, 1995 ...The Updated Master Plan for Grand ual Approach Slope Indicator at the GP Municipal Airport. Prairie Municipal Airport is approved by Resolution #3374. It calls for a total of $24 Million in improvements, to be September 9, 1986... City Council, citing concerns regard- split three ways: 1) $12,522,340 in FAA funds; $7,338,497 ing standards of operation at GP Municipal Airport. ap- in City funds; and $4,144,192 in private funding. The plan proved a buy-out agreement and lease agreement with Re- was submitted to the FAA for review and approval. gional Aviation for return of airport assets to City Control. On September 16, the City Council issued $490,000 “City November 21, 1995 … City Council overturned recommen- of Grand Prairie, Texas Combination Tax and Airport dations of staff and to rezone 10 acres of PD-77 adjacent Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1986-A” to com Grand Prairie Municipal Airport and within one mile of the plete the agreement (Ordinance #4038 and Resolution # 2408). end of the runway, (Ord #5508) to low density residential use, an incompatible land use with aircraft operations. February 3, 1987 ...John Anderson (FAA) and Julie Dun- bar (NCTCOG) briefed City Council on future of Grand December 11, 1995 ...The Planning & Zoning Commission Prairie Municipal Airport. They anticipate a new location denied a proposal to realign Mayfield Rd from Forum Dr to for the airport will be needed in the future and support a GSW Pkwy to accommodate the future extension of the new airport location to serve the mid-cities area. runway at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport.

February 17, 1987… City Council adopts Airport Master RE: Public Works Plan calling for expansion and development of the City’s Municipal Airport (Resolution #2442). September 23, 1985...Issue Paper presented to P & Z Com- mission on “Water Availability in Southwest Grand Prai- June 7, 1994 ...The Council contracted with Carter & Bur- rie, South of IH-20 and The Ramification of Development gess, Inc. to develop a Master Plan for Grand Prairie Mu- in the Area” by Steve Stackhouse, Subdivision and Zoning nicipal Airport (Ord #5257). The City’s 10% share of the Administrator. P & Z approved a motion that a City- cost was $14,410. generated analysis be conducted to ensure that the infrastructure is sufficient to provide adequate levels of service January 24, 1995 …City enters a lease agreement with (to new development) and that if the infrastructure plans American Eurocopter for use of its tower facility to provide are insufficient to meet the needs of a particular develop- air traffic control at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport ment that the City reserved the right to deny permits until (Resolution #3286). Midwest ATC, Inc. was contracted to such time as the City determines that there will be suffi- staff the facility (Resolution #3327) for an annual amount of cient infrastructure services to meet the health, safety and $1 million, to be paid by passing the cost through to the welfare of the citizens.

10 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000 mation System Phase 1 Study to provide data related to neers for the proposed water treatment plant site. site and location of water and sewer lines, streets, drain

October 28, 1986 ...Bill Hargett, Director of Public age, zoning, tax value, existing building improvements Works, and Dale Powell, Civil Engineer, discussed the and future city plans. On December 16, 1997, a contract need for the City Council to develop a general policy for $193,211 was approved for GIS hardware and software guideline on what was envisioned as the future fully de- and a contract for $240,000 was approved for GIS imple- veloped condition of the Trinity River corridor in Grand mentation assistance. The City also joined the North Prairie including levees, mitigation of flood plain, open Texas GIS Consortium for access to digital city maps. space, etc. It was agreed to maximize the amount of us- able space. August 6, 1997 … An Emergency Water Use Plan is adopted by the City Council (Ord #5629) to provide for April 5, 1988...City Council accepted a bid of $83,700 for four stages of water emergencies and assure water for es- digging of a landfill pit at the new City landfill on Meyers sential purposes (drinking, sanitation and fire fighting) (MacArthur) Road. Initially the landfill’s capacity was will be available to all citizens. expected to meet City needs until 2018. May 20, 1997 … The City approves a $1.3 million con- August 16, 1988 ...Long Range Water Supply & Treat- tract for drainage and storm water utility projects. ment Study recommends: 1) use groundwater wells primarily during times of high demand, 2) initiate discus- January 20, 1998 ...Grand Prairie entered into a Developer sions for joint regional treatment plant at Joe Pool Lake Agreement for construction of a $525,000 wastewater (with TRA, Cedar Hill & Duncanville), 3) if (#2) doesn’t trunk line to the Lakeridge Addition (Ord #5865 and Ord work, plan and design a 6.4 MGD treatment plant for wa- #5866). ter from Joe Pool, 4) assure Joe Pool Lake pump station is operative to supply water to proposed treatment plant, 5) December 15, 1998 ...The City Council appropriated discuss purchase of additional storage at Joe Pool Lake $396,639 and awarded a contract for Phase I of the Lak- with surrounding cities and water districts, 6) initiate dis- eridge Water Transmission Main (Ord #6013). cussions to purchase raw water from Tarrant County Wa- ter District. January 5, 1999...Conversion to Geographic Information System (GIS) approved at a cost of $465,000. June 13, 1989 ...City Council approved construction of the Dorchester Levee Flood Protection Project which had March 2, 1999...Phase II for construction of the Lake– originally been permitted in 1982. The $2.6 Million pro- ridge Water Transmission Main was approved at a cost of ject north of Eisenhower Elementary School was built to $1,190,638 (Ord #6040). protect the Dorchester and Esquire Subdivisions. June 1, 1999...A contract for drainage improvements in August 14, 1990 … A construction contract for sanitary Nottingham subdivision was appropriated in the amount sewer replacement to the Keith Heights Addition is issued of $379,949 (Ord #6040). in the amount of $548,954 by Ord #4726. A construction contract in the amount of $832,993 is awarded for sanitary August 3, 1999...Resolution 3598 adopts the Belt Line sewer replacement for Phase I of a sanitary sewer replace- Corridor Reclamation Master Plan, a joint project with the ment from Cottonwood Creek to SE 8th St. City of Irving to rechannel Bear Creek and reclaim 1,300 acres of land from the floodplain. January 1994 ...Grand Prairie’s Stormwater Utility Fund was established by Ord #5211. Fees collected are to be used for drainage projects throughout the City. RE: Transportation Services

September 6, 1994 … City Council adopts a resolution to February 19, 1980...The Grand Prairie Transit Authority develop an implementation and funding strategy to extend was officially adopted by Resolution #1988, with a public water and wastewater utilities to the Joe Pool Lake Penin- referendum on August 9, 1980 authorizing a one-cent sula, including a wastewater lift station and acquisition of sales and use tax to support a transit program. right-of-way (Ord #5299, Resolutions #3229 & #3230). February 26, 1985..Transportation Service Dept created May 21, 1996 ...The City contracts for a Geographic Infor- (Ord #3748) - to include Traffic Operations Division.

11 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

May 1986 ...Grand Prairie and Arlington scheduled meeting with State Highway Commission to obtain funding and right-of-ways for the extension of SH 360 from IH-20 to SH 287. Roughly 243 acres were needed.

November 25, 1986 … The Texas State Highway Dept. approves a request by Arlington, Grand Prairie and Mans- field for the extension of SH-360 from IH-20 to SH-287, agreeing to issue a minute order for immediate scheduling and funding for the extension, to be completed by 1990- 1991.

July 26, 1988 … City Council considered a 5-year Trans- portation Improvement Plan addressing: 1) future traffic signal locations, 2) modernization of existing traffic sig- nals, 3) school zone safety, bottleneck and high accident October 23, 1990 ...City Council authorized City Manager locations, and 5) railroad grade crossings. Identified needs to negotiate the acquisition of real property for the exten- totaled $8.1 million. sion of SH-360 from IH-20 to U.S. 287 (Resolution #2702).

March 7, 1989 … TXDOT’s 10-year Project Development June 18, 1996 … Street names were changed by Ord’s # Plan was shared with the City Council. Council then re- 5608 and #5609. Meyers Road was changed to MacArthur quested an environmental impact statement for the follow- Blvd and the old MacArthur Street was changed to SE 19th ing projects: 1) exit/entrance ramp from IH-30 to GSW Street. Pkwy, 2) frontage roads along IH-20 from Belt Line Rd to Carrier Parkway, 3) extension of Camp Wisdom Rd to SH- July 16, 1996 … SH-303 is renamed Pioneer Parkway (Ord 360, and 4) improvements of various farm to market roads #5622) to provide a more regional identity for businesses south of SH-287. located on SH-303.

December 1984... City Council approves a contract for en- October 7, 1997 ...Council approves the levying of paving gineering services for the extension of Lakeridge Parkway assessments for the extension of Robinson Rd from War- from the Dallas/Tarrant County Line to Vineyard Road at rior Trail to Pioneer Parkway (Ord #5828). an estimated cost of $247,900. The contract was reduced to $72,500 due to priority projects for funding.

June 18, 1985 … Don Dietrich, Director of Public Works, tells the City Council that the proposed Lakeridge Parkway is to be designated a state highway from IH-20 to U.S. 67 in Cedar Hill and that if federally or state funded, the project would take 7 to 10 years. Staff’s recommendation is that the City build the highway to state standards as a four- lane thoroughfare, and design for six lanes so that it can be designated as a state highway in the future as an extension of SH-161.

January 16, 1990 … City Council appropriated $2,758,000 for construction of Trinity Blvd from Belt Line Road to Hardrock Road (Resolution #2610).

February 20 & March 6, 1990 … Public Hearings were held to discuss proposed alignments of SH 161 through Grand Prairie.

12 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

The Decision Makers: 1980—2000

MAYORS 1980—1982 James Weems 1982—1984 Anne Gresham 1984—1990 Jerry Debo 1990—1992 Duane McGuffey 1992—2000 Charles England

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS 1979—1981 James Kellum 1979—1981 Dennis Seely Mayor James Weems Mayor Anne Gresham 1980—1982 Anne Gresham 1981—1983 John Arbogast (1959-1961) (1980-82) (1976-82, CC) 1981—1983 Roy Owings (1980-1982, CC) 1981—1983 Phil Duncan 1981—1983 John Logan 1982—1986 Ron Axt 1983—1983 J. D. Stewart 1983—1989 James Kellum 1983—1986 Mike Lewis 1983—1993 L. B. Bo Craft 1983—1984 Jerry Debo 1984—1990 Tommy Ellison 1984—1985 Laura Kapka 1984—1986 Ed Churchill 1990—1990 Lee Alcorn 1990—1992 Mo Day Mayor Jerry Debo1984- Mayor Duane McGuffey 1990—1992 Ed Galligan 90) (1983-84, CC) (1990-92) (1988-90, CC) 1990—1994 Ed Hemphill 1985—2009 Ruthe Jackson 1986—1986 Ralph Giessner 1986—2000 Teri Jackson 1988—1990 Michael McAfee 1988—1992 Duane McGuffey 1989—1990 Tyson Taylor 1989—1991 Michael Sandoval 1990—1994 Walt Howey 1991—1993 Tommy Smelser 1992—1993 Jim Morgan 1992—1994 Robert Gustafson 1992—1994 Robert Thornton 1993—1995 Miles Diamond 1993—1995 Tony Robertson 1994—2000 Jim Bledsoe 1994—1998 Don Doty 1994—2000 Richard Fregoe 1994—2000 Frank Robertson 1995—2000 Harry Englert 1995—2000 Tony Shotwell 1998—2000 Jim Swafford

CITY MANAGERS 1980—1981 Clifford Johnson 1981—1984 Ted Willis 1984—1987 Bob Blodgett 1987—1991 Wendel Hulse Mayor Charles England (1992-2009) with Councilmembers 1991—1999 Gary Gwen Tony Shotwell, Harry Englert, Frank Robertson, Terri Jack- 1999—2000 Tom Hart son, Jim Bledsoe, Jim Swafford, Richard Fregoe, and Ruthe Jackson.

13 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000 James Kellum John Logan Roy Owings Mike Lewis Laura Kapka

Tommy Ellison Ralph Giessner Michael McAfee Michael Sandoval Mo Day

Ed Galligan Walt Howey Ed Hemphill Robert Gustafson Robert Thornton

Jimmy Morgan Miles Diamond Tony Robertson Jim Swafford Ed Churchill

14 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

Representative Plats

1. Cottonwood Village (1.22.80) 56. Haystack Apartments (4.12.82) 2. South Park (1.22.80) 57. GSW Ind Dist #5 Site 11, Track A & B (5.4.82) 3. Hawco Business Park (1.26.80) 58. GSW Ind Dist #7, Site 7, Blk 1 (5.10.82) 4. Glen Oaks Addition (2.5.80) 59. McDaniel Addition (6.1.82) 5. GSW South #78 (3.4.80) 60. Dickinson Indus Park (6.1.82) 6. GSW Ind Dist #6, Blk 1, Site 4 (3.25.80) 61. Holly Ridge (5.24.82) 7. Regency Business Park, 1st Instmt (4.1.80) 62. Medical Village, Phase 2 (6.22.82) 8. South Park, 2nd Section (5.12.80) 63. Sunset Crossing II (8.3.82) 9. Vineyard Estates No. 2 (5.12.80) 64. Windridge Apartments (10.26.82) 10. Trinity Blvd ROW (6.9.80) 65. Oak Hollow Plaza (11.2.82) 11. Flower Meadow (6.9.80) 66. Polo Business Park (11.16.82) 12. GSC Dev Corp, Tract 1 (6.9.80) 67. Hillcrest Apartments (12.14.82) 13. Woodcrest Phase 2 (6.9.80) 68. Autumn Lake Apartments (11.16.82) 14. Alex Cockrell #5 (6.9.80) 69. Fairways, Lot 1 (12.21.82) 15. GSW Ind Dist #6, Blk 4, Site 2 & 3 (7.28.80) 70. Country Club Park Section 4 (2.1.83) 16. GSW Ind Dist #6, Blk 7, Site 1 (7.28.80) 71. Fry Estates (2.15.83) 17. GSW Ind Dist #2, Site 4, 1 & 2 (8.11.80) 72. Patterson Addition (2.21.83) 18. GSW Ind Dist #7 (8.25.80) 73. K-F-H Addition (2.15.83) 19. Warrior Trail ROW (9.8.80) 74. Oak Hollow, Phase 4 (3.29.83) 20. Royal Highlands, Sec 1, A (9.8.80) 75. Oak Hollow, Phase 5 A & B (5.3.83) 21. GSW Ind Dist #5, Blk 2, Site 7 (9.8.80) 76. GSW Ind Dist #7, Site 2, Blk 2 (5.17.83) 22. GSW Ind Dist #6, Blk 1, Site 5 (9.22.80) 77. Windscape Apartments (7.5.83) 23. GSW Ind Dist #5, Blk 1, Site 5 (9.22.80) 78. Oak Hollow, Phase 6 (8.16.83) 23. Southland Park (10.20.80) 79. Cimarron Prairie (8.16.83) 24. Woodcrest Phase II (10.20.80) 80. Shady Grove Ranch Mobile Home Park (8.16.83) 25. GSW Ind Dist #6, Blk 4, Site 1 (10.20.80) 81. L. O’Gwinn Addition (8.30.83) 26. Sol Spigel Village, #2 (11.10.80) 82. Sunset Crossing III (8.30.83) 27. GSW Ind Dist #6, Blk 3, Site 2 (11.10.80) 83. GSW Ind Dist #7, Site 1, Blk 1 (9.6.83) 28. Forum Park, Blk D, Site 1 (11.10.80) 84. GSW Ind Dist #1, Site 2, Blk 17 (9.6.83) 29. Oak Hollow, Phase 1 (11.24.80) 85. GSW Ind Dist #6 & #7, Site 4, Blk 4 (9.6.83) 30. Woodcrest Townhomes (12.8.80) 86. River Ridge Mobile Home Park (10.4.83) 31. GSW Ind Dist #1, Blk 17, Site 2 (1.12.81) 87. High Key Apartments (10.18.83) 32. Wheathill Addition (1.20.81) 88. K&S Addition (11.1.83) 33. GSW Ind Dist #6, Blk 4, Site 2R (1.20.81) 89. Pittman Addition (11.1.83) 34. Ware Community, Phase 2 (2.17.81) 90. Riverside Section A, B, C (11.22.83) 35. Holly Ridge (8.31.82) 91. Sunridge Apartments (12.13.83) 36. GSW Ind Dist #6, Blk 5 & Blk 1 (3.9.81) 92. Prairie Oaks (12.20.83) 37. GSW Ind Dist #6, Blk 8, Site 1-R (3.31.81) 93. Gentry Place (12.20.83) 38. Oak Hollow, Phase 2 (4.28.81) 94. Riverside Club (12.20.83) 39. GSW South, Site 98 (5.19.81) 95. Grand Prairie Indus. Park (12.20.83) 40. Sunset Crossing (6.16.81) 96. Retail Business Ctr SH 360/Arkansas (1.17.84) 41. GSW South, Site 99 (6.30.81) 96. Red Hawk Dr/Hawco Bus. Park (1.17.84) 42. Dow Place (7.21.81) 97. Oak Hollow, Phase 7 (1.31.84) 43. GSW Pkwy ROW (7.13.81) 98. Sheffield Village, Phase I & II (2.21.84) 44. Oak Hollow, Phase 3 (7.28.81) 99. Alex Cockrell #5 (2.28.84) 45. Osler Dr ROW (8.18.81) 100. GSW Ind Dist #6, Blk 7, Site 1-R (3.13.84) 46. GSW Ind Dist #7, Site 1, Blk 2 (10.6.81) 101. Polo Village Shopping Center (3.13.84) 47. Park Square II (11.3.81) 102. Shellito Addition (4.3.84) 48. Teresa Terrace (12.8.81) 103. Ashbury Square (4.3.84) 49. West Freeway Business Park (1.19.82) 104. Meadow Park (4.24.84) 50. Countrywood (1.19.82) 105. GSW Ind Dist #7, Blks 7 & 8 (4.24.84) 51. Sir John Addition (2.2.82) 106. GSW Ind Dist #7, Blk 3, Site 1 (4.24.84) 52. Quail Ridge Addition (2.2.82) 107. GSW Ind Dist #7, Blk 9, Site 1 (4.24.84) 53. GSW Ind Dist #5, Blk 6, Site 3 (2.2.82) 108. Milton Square (5.22.84) 54. G.P. Cmmty Hosp #2 (2.2.82) 109. R & J Addition (6.4.84) 55. GSW South, Site 100 (3.23.82)

15 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

Representative Plats

110. Faust Addition (6.11.84) 167. Southpoint Addition (1.3.86) 111. Country Creek Estates (6.11.84) 168. Westchester Commercial (1.27.86) 112. Ranger Row (6.11.84) 169. Paddock Way Dr (1.27.86) 113. Heritage Heights (6.11.84) 170. D. M. Miller Addition (1.27.86) 114. Sheffield Village, Phase 3 (6.25.84) 171. Greenpoint Center, Phase 1 (1.27.86) 115. Pecan Estates (7.9.84) 172. Greenwood Addition (1.27.86) 116. Kaleta Torti Addition (7.23.84) 173. Jones Nursery Addition (2.10.86) 117. Westchester, Phase 1, A & B (7.23.84) 174. R.E.S. Subdivision (2.10.86) 118. Trailwood Shopping Ctr (8.13.84) 175. River Ridge East & Farmer’s Indus. Addn (2.24.86) 119. Arbor Creek (8.13.84) 176. Three Sixty Place (3.10.86) 120. Stonechase Apartments (8.27.84) 177. Westchester West, Phase A (3.24.86) 121. Green Foliage Addition (8.27.84) 178. S & S Properties (4.14.86) 122. Wells Addition (8.27.84) 179. Trinity Park West (4.28.86) 123. August Addition (8.27.84) 180. Garrett Addition (4.28.86) 124. Pecan Estates (9.10.84) 181. Chasewood Park Streets (5.12.86) 125. Kirby Creek Village (9.10.84) 182. Matt M. LaVail Addition (5.12.86) 126. Parkway Addition (11.12.84) 183. Walingford Village (5.19.86) 127. Sharpston Heights #2 (11.12.84) 184. Westchester Phase IV, #1 (6.9.86) 128. Westfork Center (11.26.84) 185. Warrior Crossing (6.23.86) 129. Theo’s Addition (12.10.84) 186. St. Michael Addition (6.23.86) 130. First Continental Bank (1.14.85) 187. Southwest 20 Addition (6.23.86) 131. Windcliff Apartments (1.14.85) 188. Parker Creek Addition (7.14.86) 132. LTV Credit Union (1.14.85) 189. Mel-Rose Addition (7.14.86) 133. Irving Auto Impound Yard (1.28.85) 190. Southpark Baptist Church (7.14.86) 134. Parkway Addition (1.28.85) 191. Westchester Elementary School (7.28.86) 135. Garden Oaks #1 & #2 (1.28.85) 192. Westchester West Garden Homes (7.28.86) 136. Polo Estates (2.11.85) 193. Walingford Village, Phase 2 (7.28.07) 137. Warrior Trail Apartments (2.25.85) 194. Addie Majors Addition (8.11.86) 138. Greenwood II, Phase 1 (2.25.85) 195. Allen Chapel Addition (8.11.86) 139. Westchester, Phase 2 (2.25.85) 196. Carrier Parkway LDS Church (8.11.86) 140. SAM’s Properties, SH 303 (4.22.85) 197. Westchester West, Phase B (8.11.86) 141. Evangel Temple Addition (5.13.85) 198. Topsy Addition (9.8.86) 142. Twelve Oaks Addition (6.3.85) 199. Westchester Parkway (10.13.86) 143. Chief Auto Parts (6.3.85) 200. Phillips Sign Company (11.10.86) 144. Westchester Phase 3 (6.10.85) 201. Westchester IV, #2 (11.24.86) 145. Duvall Addition (6.24.85) 202. Sheffield Village, Phase 7 (12.8.86) 146. Country Club Park #4 (6.24.85) 203. Country Club Park, #5 (12.8.86) 147. Kirby Creek Village #3 (7.8.85) 204. Greenpoint Center, Phase 2 (12.8.86) 148. Cottonwood park Plaza (7.22.85) 205. Clean Machine Addition (2.17.87) 149. Holland Addition (7.22.85) 206. Forum Place Addition (2.23.87) 150. Forum Drive (7.22.85) 207. Westchester Town Center, Phase 1 (2.23.87) 151. Paddock Place Business Park (8.12.85) 208. Garden Oaks, Phase 3 (3.9.87) 152. Houseman/NCS Addition (8.12.85) 209. Westchester Town Center, Phase 2 (3.9.87) 153. High Prairie Business Park (8.12.85) 210. Nachawati Addition (3.23.87) 154. Alouette Dr (9.9.85) 211. Windscape Apartments, Phase 2 (3.23.87) 155. Forum Park, Site 3 (9.9.85) 212. Parker Road Addition (4.13.87) 156. Jones Addition (9.23.85) 213. Midpoint Phase 1C (4.13.87) 157. DevTex Business Park (9.23.85) 214. Midpoint Phase 3 (4.13.87) 158. Sheffield Village # 5 & #6 215. Parker Place (4.13.87) 159. Exxon Southeast Addition (10.14.85) 216. Ring Can Addition (5.11.87) 160. Shellito Addition (11.11.85) 217. McAnalley Estate (5.11.87) 161. Emerald Square (11.11.85) 218. Westchester Commercial, Phase 2 (6.1.87) 162. Morning Star Addition (11.11.85) 219. Mid-Cities Medical Plaza (6.22.87) 163. Circle K Addition (11.11.85) 220. FCC Addition (7.13.87) 164. TKO Addition (11.11.85) 221. Fajita Junction #2 (7.13.87) 165. Oak Hollow Elementary School (12.9.85) 222. Westchester Town Center, Phase 3A (7.13.87) 166. Greenwood Addition #2 (12.9.85) 223. Kingswood Forest Addition, Phase 1 (7.27.87)

16 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000 Representative Plats 280. Allbritton Assoc. Addition (11.8.93) 224. Spring Creek Circle (7.27.87) 281. W. J. Whiting Addition (11.22.93) 225. Southpoint Addition (9.14.87) 282. Lone Star Addition (12.13.93) 226. Lincoln Industrial Centre (9.28.87) 283. Westchester West, Phase C (2.14.94) 227. Walingford Village, Phase 3 (10.12.87) 284. Westchester Commercial Ph II (2.28.94) 228. Trinity Oaks Baptist Church (10.26.87) 285. Fairway Bend Addition Ph II (2.28.94) 229. High Country Place (10.26.87) 286. Foster Acres Addition (4.25.94) 230. Park Place Addition (10.26.87) 287. Southwest 20 Addition, Ph 2 (5.9.94) 231. Sundance Park Addition (11.23.87) 288. Truevine Addition (6.27.94) 232. Luby’s Addition (12.14.87) 289. Westchester East Addition (7.25.94) 233. Forum Place, Section 2 (12.14.87) 290. Benjamin F. Smith Addition (7.25.94) 234. Westchester Commercial, Phase 3 (12.14.87) 291. Carrier Pkwy Plaza East (8.29.94) 235. Hillcrest Apartments (2.16.88) 292. Regency Business Park (8.29.94) 236. Forum Place, Phase 1 (3.14.88) 293. Stone’s Addition (10.24.94) 237. Weems Addition (4.11.88) 294. Gables at Green Oaks (10.24.94) 238. Sheffield Village Phase 8 (5.9.88) 295. One Stop Addition (11.28.94) 239. Polyco Phase 1 (6.13.88) 296. Mayfield Substation (11.28.94) 240. Parker Place Addition (10.10.88) 297. Riverside Apartments Block A, Lot 1 (12.5.94) 241. Dallas Auto Auction Addition (10.24.88) 298. Kingswood Center (1.23.95) 242. Chandler Addition (10.24.88) 299. Riverhill Apartments (1.23.95) 243. Westchester IV, Installment 2 (12.12.88) 300. Kingsgate Addition (2.13.95) 244. Lakeview Church of Christ (2.13.89) 301. Westchester East, Ph II (2.13.95) 245. Vought Employees Addition (3.27.89) 302. Southwest 20 East, Ph 2 (2.13.95) 246. Midpoint Addition (4.10.89) 303. Castleridge at Westchester, Ph I (3.13.95) 247. County Line Addition (4.24.89) 304. Studio Suites (4.10.95) 248. Tegart Addition (5.8.89) 305. Cornerstone Acres (5.22.95) 249. Lord Auto Addition (5.8.89) 306. Power Church Addition (5.22.95) 250. Sheffield Village Phase 9, A & B (6.26.89) 307. Sheffield Village Ph XB (5.22.95) 251. Greenbriar South (8.14.89) 308. Forum Place Phase II-A (10.23.95 252. Kirby Creek Village, Setion 2 (1.22.90) 309. Bristol Heights Addition (10.23.95) 253. Raymond Smith Addition (1.22.90) 310. Boating World Addition (11.27.95) 254. J.J. Goodwin Addition (2.26.90) 311. Regency Business Park, Blk 4 (1.8.96) 255. N. Texas Salvage Pool Addition (3.12.90) 312. Kirby Creek Village Section 3 (2.26.96) 256. Park Place Addition (4.23.90) 313. Corn Valley Elementary (5.13.96) 257. Westchester Town Center, Phase 3A (5.14.90) 314. AISD Addition (5.13.96) 258. Food Lion/Carrier Pkwy Addition (6.11.90) 315. Westchester Village (5.28.96) 259. Nachawati Addition (6.25.90) 316. GSW Addition Lots 1-4, Blk 1 (7.8.96) 260. JMH Printing Addition (7.9.90) 317. Chancellorsville at Westchester, PH 1 (8.26.96) 261. Country Club #1 (8.13.90) 318. Farrens Addition (8.26.96) 262. Plattner Addition, Lot 1, Blk 1 (9.10.90) 319. Kirby Creek Village, Section 2 (9.9.96) 263. Stellar Way Addition (6.24.91) 320. Springdale Elementary (9.23.96) 264. N. Fort Worth Bank, Lot 1, Blk A (10.14.91) 321. Forum III-A Addition (10.7.96) 265. Tommy Winn Addn, Lots 1 & 2 (1.13.92) 322. Autonation Reconditioning Center (10.28.96) 266. Sheffield Village Phase X-A (2.10.92) 323. Southwest Addition, Ph 3 (10.28.96) 267. Sheffield Village Phase X-B (3.23.92) 324. Plantation Gate (11.11.96) 268. Forum Place Phase 3 (7.27.92) 325. Westridge Baptist (12.2.96) 269. Dealers Auto Auction (11.9.92) 326. Riverside Addition (12.2.96) 270. J. J. Goodwin Addition, Lots 2 & 3 (2.22.93) 327. Post & Paddock, Ph. II (12.16.96) 271. Fairway Bend Addition, Phase 1 (5.10.93) 328. Westchester Commercial Addition (1.13.97) 272. Crossland Oaks, Lot 8, Blk A (6.14.93) 329. Lone Star Chevron (1.27.97) 273. GSW Indus Dist #7, Blk 4, Sites 6 & 7 (6.14.93) 330. Kingswood Center Addition (2.24.97) 274. Forum Place, Phase 4A (6.14.93) 331. Sheffield Village, Ph X-C (3.10.97) 275. Phillips Sign Co., Blk 1, Lots 1R & 2 332. Royal Estates Addition (3.24.97) 276. Dalworth Trucking Co (6.28.93) 333. Carrier Towne Crossing (4.7.97) 277. Garden Oaks Phase 2A (7.12.93) 334. 5-J Addition (5.12.97) 278. Southwest 20 East, Phase 1 (7.26.93) 335. Westchester on the Creek, Phase 2 (5.12.97) 279. Lewis Cane Addition (9.27.93) 336. Kirby Creek Village, Ph 5 & 6 (6.9.97)

17 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

Representative Plats

337. IH-20 GSW Addition, Lots 5, 6 & 7 (6.9.97) 392. Cornelius Addition (6.28.99) 338. Lake Ridge Addition (6.23.97) 393. Castleridge, Ph 2B & 3B (7.26.99) 339. Stellar Way Addition (7.28.97) 394. Kohl’s Lot 1, Blk 1 (5.24.99) 340. Big Cedar Ranch (10.13.97) 395. Fire Station #9 (11.8.99) 341. Red River Ranch (10.13.97) 396. 360 Commerce Center, Lot 3, Blk 1 (12.6.99) 342. Kingswood Forest Addition (10.27.97) 343. Stellar Way Addition (10.27.97) 344. Westchester Meadow Ph I-A (10.27.97) 345. Lake Ridge Section 11 (10.27.97) 346. Hawco Business Park ( 11.10.97) 347. Matt M. Lavail Addition (12.1.97) 348. Golden Corral 360 Addition (12.15.97) 349. Stonebrooke Phase II (12.15.97)

350. Lakeridge, Section 12 (1.12.98) 351. Westchester Meadow, Ph I-B (1.12.98) 352. Jenson Addition (1.12.98) 353. Stellar Way, Lot 2, Blk 3 (1.12.98) 354. Regency Business Park (1.26.98) 355. Westchester Meadow Ph I-C (2.9.98) 356. Starrie Park Estates (2.23.98) 357. Royal Estates, Ph 2 (3.9.98) 358. Southwest 20 East (3.9.98) 359. Westchester on the Creek, Ph 3-A & 3-B (3.23.98) 360. Stellar Way, Lot 1, Blk 4 (3.23.98)

361. Courtyard on Carrier (4.27.98) 362. Castleridge, Ph 2A & 3A (5.11.98) 363. Kirby Creek Village, Section 8 (5.11.98) 364. Towns of Riverside, Lot 1, Blk A (6.8.98) 365. Carrier/Crossland Addition (6.8.98) 366. Westchester on the Creek, Ph 4 (6.22.98) 367. Westchester Commercial, Lot 1, Blk 1 (6.22.98) 368. U-Haul/MacArthur, Lot 1, Blk 1 (7.13.98) 369. H.P.Garcia Elementary School (7.13.98) 370. Horseshoe Bend (7.27.98) 371. Beacon Hill, Ph II (8.10.98)

372. Prairie Estates Townhomes (8.24.98) 373. Mirabella Village, Ph 1 (8.24.98) 374. Lone Star Park, Lot 1, Blk 2 (8.24.98) 375. Fuentes Addition (9.8.98) 376. Cimmaron Estates, Ph 1 (9.28.98) 377. GSW Center Addition (10.12.98) 378. Westchester Meadow, Ph 2-A (11.9.98) 379. Forum III-B Addition (11.9.98) 380. SJS Properties Addition (12.7.98) 381. Racetrac Addition Lot 2, Blk 1 (12.7.98) 382. 360 Commerce Center (12.7.98)

383. Forum Place 4-B (1.11.99) 384. Budget Suites of America Lot 1, Blk 1 (1.11.99) 385. Westchester Meadow, Ph 3 (1.11.99) 386. Kirby Creek Village, Section 9 (2.8.99) 387. Securlock Addition Lots 1-3, Blk 1 (3.8.99) 388. Fresh Advantage (4.12.98) 389. Site Concrete, Lot 1, Blk A (5.10.99) 390. Cimmaron Estates, Ph 2 (5.24.99) 391. Grand Prairie Redevelopment Addn (6.28.99)

18 CHAPTER 2: 1980-2000

Representative Annexations

1. 980 Acres, north of SH 287, (Mar 1980) Ord #3123 2. Disannex adj Yellow Belly, (June 1980) Ord #3142 3. Petition against Mansfield Annexations, April 1986 No. 17-89808-85, 17th Judicial Dist 4. Disannex adjacent Cedar Hill (June 1981) Ord #3233 5. Realign 500’ bdry adj. Ellis Co (10.6.81) Ord #3247 6. Disannex portion of 500’ strip Ellis Co (10.6.81) Ord #3268 7. Disannex ROW adjmts/Arlington (10.25.83) Ord #3527 8. ETJ Jurisdiction/Arlington, Resltn. # 2186 (10.25.83) 9. Annex. Lakeview Res. Area (10.13.81) Ord #3249 10. Annex. ROW adjmts/Arlington (5.22.84) Ord #3606 11. Boundary Alignment, South IH-360 (7.2.85) Resolution #2305 12. Disannex Tracts along SH-360 ROW (8.6.85) Ord #3828 13. Annex SH-360 south of IH-20 (12.17.85) Ord #3917 14. Surface of Joe Pool Lake (6.10.86) Ord #3984 15. Annex 600-foot strip 31/2 miles south of City limit (2.17.87) Ord #4118 16. Resolution #2474 to disannex certain property from the Dallas County Flood Control District #1 17. Disannex area approved in settlement agreement with Mansfield, dividing ETJ of the two cities (11.3.87) Ord #4278 18. Annex 3.31 Acres at Day Mair & Arlington Webb-Britton Rd (4.5.88) Ord #4341 19. Disannex territory east of a boundary line established in an apportionment agreement with the City of Midlothian (4.12.88) Ord #4346 20. Disannex 600-foot strip in Ellis & Johnson Counties annexed (2.17.87) Ord #4118. (10.17.89) Ord #4607 21. Annex 18.36 Ac Dallas Auto Auction Addition (8.9.94) Ord #5262 22. Boundary adjustment with Cedar Hill, Ord #5442 & #5465 (Aug 22, 95) to bring all of the Tangle Ridge Golf Course into Grand Prairie’s City Limits. 23. Disannex and waive ETJ jurisdiction of a 30.672 acre tract in Lake Ridge and adjacent Cedar Hill (6.17.97) Ord #5775 24. Annex 31 acres adjacent Grand Prairie in Lake Ridge (7.1.97) Ord #5781 25. Annex 5.65 Ac on the west side of the Dry Branch Channel between Shady Grove Rd and Rock Island Rd , boundary adjustment with Irving (4.21.98) Ord #5896 26. Boundary adjustment with Arlington, annex 2.79 Ac for reconstruction of Duncan Perry Rd bridge over IH-30 (6.16.98) Ord #5943 27. 27. Annex 2.789 acres of land for the reconstruction of Duncan Perry Road (6.30.98) Ord #5943 28. Annex 454 acres in Ellis Co (7.20.99) Ord #6102 29. Annex 1,605 acres in Ellis Co (7.20.99) Ord #6103

19 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

1960 Census: Population = 30,386 Grand Prairie’s Camelot Land Area = 36 Sq. Mi. Median Income=$5,948 OVERVIEW At the same time, The City was planning, platting and From 1960 to 1980, the City of Grand Prairie was playing developing its portion of the Great Southwest Industrial “catch-up” to meet infrastructure needs. Subdivisions District which became a major economic stabilizer for the which had been platted outside the City limits were being City. Although initial presentations had been held with annexed into the City, but did not have basic utilities the Planning and Zoning Commission as early as Oct. 8, such as water, sewer and paved streets. Federal grants 1956, the Planning and Zoning Commission zoned the and the Urban Renewal Program were used to meet these district for General Industrial use on November 26, 1962. pressing needs. In 1961, right-of-way for SH-303, Pioneer Parkway, was The City formed an Urban Renewal Commission. The being purchased for $2,000 per acre. Ramifications of the initial program was discussed during a meeting of the Cold War were evidenced by the City’s plans to convert Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 10, 1958: tanks at the old sewage disposal plant into a civil defense “Their starting plan is for nice streets, sewer, properly shelter and storage (Feb.6, 1962 P & Z minutes). The parks and playgrounds, proper traffic patterns; elimina- cost of bringing one tank up to standards to store food and tion of substandard type of dwellings where people can hospital equipment was estimated to be $6,000. have a reasonably nice home with modern convenience. Where some are torn down they will help people to get Subdivisions that had been hastily thrown together to long term loans. They will lay out plans so that commer- house aircraft manufacturing workers during W.W. II left cial is not across the street from single family...it may not behind 3,755 lots fronting on dirt streets and without city be Utopia, but it is better than we have. The Federal water or sewer facilities. Abandoned by war plant work- Government underwrites the program. They are not go- ers, the City realized the substandard lots could not be ing to run you out of business or put you in business.” developed to City standards without outside interven-

Presidential Candidate John F. Kennedy campaigns in Grand Prairie

CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980 OVERVIEW—continued Born in Fort Worth, TX, tion. The City, through the Texas Legislature, initiated Joe Richard Pool gradu- legislation that allowed cities in counties of more than ated from Oak Cliff 700,00 people to improve lots that have been platted High School (now WH more than 10 years and then assess 90% of the cost back Adamson HS) and at- to the landowner. (Dallas Morning News,3.14.1965) tended the Univ. of First Southwest Company (a Dallas bond and brokerage Texas from 1929-1933. firm) provided the 90% funding needed in exchange for He graduated from the right to collect on an assessment lien from the prop SMU’s School of Law in erty owners or resell the lots if the bills were not paid. 1937 and practiced law The City’s 10% share of the funding was provided in Dallas before becom- through engineering, inspection and other services, plus ing a special investiga- some cash. tor, Air Corps Intelli- gence (1943-1945). He The 315-lot Grand Prairie Estates subdivision soon had served as a State Rep in streets and utilities. The 750-acre Mountain Creek Lake Austin from 1953-1958, Park, leased from the City of Dallas and Dallas Power and as a U.S. Rep. from and Light Company, was updated with an 18-hole, Texas from 1963-1968. Pool was instrumental in loca- $250,000, golf course with automatic sprinkler system tion of Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie. and clubhouse. ______

During the 1960’s, the Planning and Zoning Commission $7.5 Million, the (expanded) 120-acre flea market pays approved a plethora of duplexes, mobile home parks and slightly over $50,000 a year in taxes (2007) to the City of automotive salvage businesses throughout the City. In Grand Prairie. the 1970’s, the large number of billboards and specific uses for alcohol sales granted became a concern. Major infrastructure improvements included the DFW Turnpike Interchange at NW 19th approved by the State The 127-acre Grand Prairie municipal airport (annexed Dept. of Highways in November, 1977 and federal, state, into the City in February 1957) was relocated from the and local planning for Joe Pool Lake. Beginning with southwest corner of Carrier Parkway and Jefferson Street Rep. Joe Pool’s re-election campaign in 1968, through to its current location on Mayfield Street when the U.S. congressional hearings and negotiations with the Trinity Government deeded 195.8 acres to the City under the River Authority and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Title 16 Federal Airport Act. The former site was then massive public works project brought tremendous eco- transformed into a $4,500,000 shopping center. nomic development to the City (see page 12).

In 1973 Trader’s Village (below) was constructed as an An increase in population meant a need for more hospital 80-acre flea market with beer and food concessions. Mil- facilities, resulting in creation of a Hospital District, and lions of people flock to Trader’s Village on Mayfield a new 155-bed Grand Prairie Community Hospital in Road in Grand Prairie each year. The flea market’s 1975 (see page 8). county fair atmosphere provides bargains and entertainment along with special festivals and events. Valued at

Trader’s Village

2 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

City Council Actions July 27, 1971...Agreement with Lion Country Safari- May 15, 1961...Annexed eight land areas (Ordinances Texas & Gifco Properties and John R. Hill (Ordinance #1417-1424) totaling more than 14,000 acres. #2243). Certificates of Obligation were authorized on August 10, 1971 (Ord 2248). The Master Plan was ap- November 6, 1962… Authorized T & P Railway to run a proved by Resolution 1614-A on September 14, 1971. spur track across W. Jefferson and Sherman into the GSW District. February 7, 1972...Revised Zoning Ordinance (#2299) to classify newly annexed lands as agricultural use (A) October 1, 1963… Approved Grand Prairie Improve- rather than single family (SF) as done previously. ment Project #1 (improvements on Royal, Tarrant Rd, Avenue J, and Grand Prairie Estates Addition) and Pro- March 28, 1972...Master Plan for a new City Hall Com- ject #2 (improvements on Marshall Dr.). plex is approved. Smith and Warder Architects are selected for the project. (see below) January 7, 1964...Authorized the Mayor as agent and the Director of Finance as responsible for collections and payments of Social Security for City workers.

August 28, 1964...Prohibited congregating on public streets (Ordinance #1611) and loitering in public or private buildings (Ordinance #1612).

March 22, 1966...Established a City Urban Development Department.

September 26, 1967...Awarded contract for construction of Great Southwest Parkway from Sherman to Marshall.

August 26,1969...Annexed 7.28 square miles in the Flor- October 31, 1972...Adopted Height/Hazard Zoning Ordi- ence Hill area (4,600 acres). nance #2378 for Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

August 14, 1970...Purchased 25 acres from the Howard February 13, 1973… Adopted Ordinance #2402 control- Corporation for a new police facility designed by Smith ling the sale and use of alcoholic beverages. & Warder. The building was constructed by Charles H. Berry at a cost of $598,558. May 28, 1974...Adopted Ordinance #2562 prohibiting the sale of obscene materials and Ordinance #2563 prohibiting nudity in public places.

April 13, 1976 … City Council approved an operating agreement and an option agreement with Wynne Enter- prises, Inc. concerning Lion Country Safari Park. On

February 15, 1977, the Lion Country Personal Property was sold to the International Animal Exchange.

April 2, 1977...Charter Revisions voted on in a Munici- pal Election included a provision adding a new Section 33 to Article IV of the Charter entitled “Mass Transit Systems” which read as follows: The City Council shall be prohibited from spending any City monies derived from the general fund or operating budget for a mass or rapid transit system, Mayor Joe W. Colwell accepts national beautification award on mass transit to include bus lines, trains, or any other behalf of the City of Grand Prairie. form of public transportation without approval of an

3 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

affirmative vote of the citizens of Grand Prairie. This section does not prohibit spending of funds from any other source for any such mass or rapid transit system, nor does it prohibit the use of monies from the general fund or operating budget for mass transit with approval of the voters of this City of Grand Prairie.”

August 9, 1977...The City Council hired Gibbons and Klug for a fee of $3,200 to appraise Sol Spigel Village and then authorized the City manager to pursue negotiations for the sale of Sol Spigel Village on March 21, 1978. The village was sold to Leonard Reiter for the amount of $413,750 on April 29, 1978 with the closing date extended to Sept. 1, 1978.

March 28, 1978 ...Adopted a Flood Plain Ordinance (Ord #2918) to comply with new Federal Insurance Agency Regulations.

February 6, 1979… City Council approved a contract with Aerospatiale Helicopter Corp for construction of facilities and improvements at the Grand Prairie Munici- pal Airport.

May 15, 1979...Sister City Program initiated with Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada (Resolution #1945)

August 21, 1979… Approved issuance of Trinity River Authority of Texas (City of Grand Prairie Water Project) Revenue Bonds, Series 1979 in the amount of $3,250,000 (Ord #3062).

Sept.18,1979...The City Council adopted Resolution #1964 endorsing and supporting the principle of fair and open housing as set forth in Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

October 2, 1979 … City Council approved the preliminary geometric design of SH-161, as presented by the State Dept. of Highways and Public Transportation.

October 23, 1979 … Adopted Resolution #1972, to not participate in the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Transporta- tion Authority and decided to form a transportation authority in the City of Grand Prairie (Resolution #1975).

4 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980 Planning and Zoning Commission Actions

“Of all the organizations I have been in I have never seen March 30, 1970 ...Recommended approval of a plan for as much disorder as I have since being on the Planning the New Town in Town Urban Renewal Project Tex. R- and Zoning Board…” 129, and adopting waivers and variances to certain codes Commissioner Cecil Owens, May 12, 1960 and ordinances.

The first order of the Planning and Zoning Commission October 23, 1972...Forwarded to the Department of during the 1960-1980 period was to organize itself to Housing and Urban Development an application for deal with City development. Caught between making up $1,900,000 of improvements to sanitary sewer and storm for the mistakes of the past and huge projects for the fu- drainage in the Penman and Robinhood Additions, sani- ture, the Commission first put its own house in order by tary sewer and water improvements in the Florence Hill recommending a new structure, representation and terms area, and addition of 12-inch water mains in various sec- of service to the City Council on May 12, 1960. tors of the City. The project was funded with Federal funds (50%) and City funds (50%). August 22, 1960 … A Public Hearing was held on a proposed new Zoning Ordinance and Zoning District Map, April 23, 1973...Recommended that “all occupations dis- with recommendations to be made to the City Council for pensing alcoholic beverages shall require a Specific Use adoption on September 25, 1960. Permit….”, followed by a moratorium (June 25, 1973) “on applications for Specific Use Permits for on and off July 17, 1961… The P & Z Commission took a stand premises sale and use of alcoholic beverages until the against prefabricated portable buildings by recommend- City Council makes available to this body the results of a ing an amendment to the Southern Standard Building study being made relative to Tarrant County land use.” Code that would require, “In local retail, local business, and central business district, 50% of all exterior load- November 5, 1973 ...Approved a rezoning request for bearing walls on the 1st floor of any structure will be 983 acres east of SH-360 and south of IH-20. constructed of masonry.” August 23, 1976… The Commission approved specific April 23, 1962 … Rezoned “...the low bottom land east of use permits for ten separate alcohol on-site use clubs lo- town that is not fit for residential use…” from Temporary cated on West Jefferson (2515-A, 2515-B, 2515-C, 2515- Residential (TI) to General Industry (GI) in compliance D, 2515-E, 2515-G, 2515-H, 2515-I, 2515-J, and 2515- with the future land use plan adopted in August 1960. K). The area was later rezoned for Light Industrial (LI) and Heavy Industrial (HI) uses, becoming a regional center of March 14, 1977 ...Approved the City of Grand Prairie automotive salvage. Airport Zoning Ordinance, with plans for a 10,000 foot runway. November 26, 1962 ...Recommended the rezoning of all property owned by the Great Southwest Corporation be- February 27, 1978...Approved the site plan for a new tween the Tarrant County line and S. H. 360 and north of City Library on Conover Drive in PD-12. the GSW Industrial District to the Trinity River from Temporary Residential (TI) to General Industry (GI), June 12, 1978… Revised sign ordinance to require 1000 including the extension of Carrier Parkway to the north. ft. separation between billboards, maximum sign area of 800 sq. ft. and minimum 50-foot setback from property April 12, 1965…Approved a land use, zoning and public line. improvement plan for the relocation of low income families to the Lakeview Urban Renewal Project. August 14, 1978… Revised Comprehensive Zoning Ordi- nance #2299 changing off-street parking regulations in June 23, 1969 … Approved the final plat of Grandview residential areas. All vehicles must be parked on hard Addition with utilities underground to minimize hazards surfaces and vehicles larger than 10 feet wide and 36 feet for children. long can not be parked in residential areas.

September 8, 1969 ...Adopted a Comprehensive Beautifi- May 14, 1979...Voted to approve a final plat for Aerospa- cation Plan for the City of Grand Prairie. The plan was tiale Helicopter Corporation, west of the Grand Prairie prepared by Shrickel, Rollins & Associates. Municipal Airport.

5 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980 Public Facilities

Three fire stations were constructed during this period. April 13, 1976 …Construction of a Natatorium as a joint They include: project with the Grand Prairie Independent School Dis- trict is approved by the City Council. *Fire Station #4 at 1602 Duncan Perry, built in 1969. *Fire Station #6 at 602 Stonewall Street, built in 1974. *Fire Station #7 on Matthew Road was authorized by the City Council on February 7, 1978. It was later relocated to the Joe Pool Peninsula to accommodate population growth.

Fire Station #7 at 5206 Matthew Road

October 12, 1976 … Awarded the contract for construction of the new City Library to Smith and Warder Archi- Police Headquarters and City Jail constructed at 801 tects. The site plan was approved on February 27, 1978. Conover Street. Designed by Smith and Warder Archi- C & L Stone submitted the winning bid of $804,900 to tects, the building was constructed by Charles H. Berry at construct the library. a cost of $598,558.

6 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

Development in the Great Southwest Industrial District continues to build a strong industrial revenue base in Grand Prairie.

On January 11, 1965, Henry H. Dickerson, Jr. requested the rezoning of roughly 6000 acres, a tract of land lying on either side of the County Line east of Duncan Perry Road and north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike, from temporary residential to General Industry for the Great Southwest Industrial District. He was rebuffed by the Planning and Zoning Commission on grounds the zoning request was speculative, another 6,000 acres of General Industry land existed on the west side of Duncan Perry, and because residential development was planned north of the (I-30) Toll Road.

Dickerson and Russell Chaney, representing the owners and the Great Southwest Corporation tried again on Feb- ruary 9, 1965. Chaney told the Commission the Great Southwest Corporation had purchased the land subject to rezoning, and that they also owned the land to the south and west of the tract. Convinced that Duncan Perry was a good buffer from the retail to the west, the Commission again denied the rezoning request.

Later in 1965, a special public hearing was held on Nov. 27th to consider rezoning a tract of land in the Great Southwest Industrial District to General Industry for the site of a new Bell Helicopter plant. And in June, 1966, the Commission did grant Dean Dauly of the Great South- west Corporation a Specific Use Permit to operate a riding stable and club on their property along the Trinity River.

On Feb. 13, 1967, the Commission approved rezoning of a 36.9 acre tract for new facilities for LTV Corporation. GSC was unique among industrial parks in that it offered multi-line rail services including a 10-mile track belong- ing to the Great Southwest Railroad, Inc. The railroad’s capital stock was owned jointly by the Texas & Pacific Railroad Company and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pa- cific Railroad Company.

Great Southwest Warehouses, Inc. was a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of GSC that merged with GSC in September, 1961. The Warehouses subsidiary was then re-incorporated in October, 1961, retaining its public identity and preserving its franchises. Six Flags Over Texas was also a subsidiary of GSC as was the 100-room Inn of the Six Flags located on the Dallas/Fort Worth Turnpike.

Grand Prairie grew significantly during this period, annexing significant amounts of land area and encountering legal battles with Dallas, Arlington, Irving, Mansfield and Cedar Hill over extraterritorial jurisdictions. Many of the disputes centered upon state law which required land be adjacent to a City’s border (a City boundary could not be land that was in the process or “first reading” of annexation, but had to be fully adopted) before it could be annexed. (See Case No. 73-5928-C, William Turner, et al vs. City of Grand Prairie, Texas et al, 1974, 68th Judicial District Court, Dal- las County). Such boundary disputes would continue until the turn of the century.

7 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

Great Southwest Industrial District Master Plan, May 1963 5,800 Acres in Arlington & Grand Prairie

8 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980 Medical Facilities in Grand Prairie

The first medical clinic in the City of Grand Prairie was A petition from 25 local physicians in January 1972 led the Plattner Medical and Surgical Clinic that opened on to creation of the City’s Hospital Authority. The Author- August 26, 1940. The clinic was operated by four broth- ity was charged with studying the need for a Community ers who were also physicians. The clinic was first lo- Hospital and overseeing its construction and mainte- cated on the site of the present Lennox Hotel, and then nance. moved to 813 E. Main Street in 1941. It moved again on April 12, 1959 to 322 NE 8th Street as the Plattner Clinic On June 29, 1975 the 155-bed Grand Prairie Community and Hospital, with 14-hour emergency care and a staff of Hospital at 2705 Hospital Blvd. was opened to the public. 10 physicians. In 1961, a 98-bed GSW General Hospital Cost for the facility was approximately $8 million. The was constructed. existing Mid-Cities hospital merged with the new facility and the Plattner hospital closed. On May 5, 1987, Ordi- nance #4161 rezoned the 267.46 acres around the hospital as a hospital district (Z870301 and Z870304).

The hospital subsequently closed in 2000. Renovation by a private developer was begun in 2007 and remains in- complete as of May 1, 2008.

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PRAIRIE HILL T ARLINGTON CITY LIMITS

9 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

URBAN RENEWAL in Grand Prairie

10 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

Urban Renewal Projects

The City of Grand Prairie utilized Federal Urban Renewal programs to make many needed infrastructure improve- Twin Airports Project ments in the 1960’s. Northeast Grand Prairie (the “Anna” project), South Dalworth, and Lakeview were three major Urban Renewal Projects. In addition, the City developed a Community Renewal Program in 1964 under a grant from the Urban Renewal Administration, Department of Housing and Urban Development. Community-wide, the study determined that, “approximately 53% of the City’s existing structures should be conserved, 45% rehabilitated and 2% redeveloped.” (Report 5, Community Renewal Program, 346.045, C734 v.5). The City-wide inventory was grouped into three areas of priority:

Priority One (greatest deficiency/funds previously allocated)

1. Twin Airports 2. South Dalworth 3. Lakeview

Priority Two (organize neighborhoods to assure implementation) Improvement Project #1 Improvement Project #4

Priority Three (in proximity to other programs) Anna—Code Enforcement Portion Lakeview Urban Renewal Project Of the city’s 8,430 residential structures surveyed, 1.8% (149 structures) warranted demolition. The most (69) Located adjacent Dallas Naval Air Station/Jefferson were in the Twin Airports area. Of the 648 non-residential Street, the renewal plans estimated spending $2.6 million structures surveyed, 7.4% (48) warranted demolition with on schools, parks, sewer lines, storm drains, street im- 22 being in the Twin Airports area. Proposed capital im– provements and water system. The 1964 Bond Issue au- provements 1965-1970 totaled $6.500,000. thorized expenditures of $269,000.

The Twin Airports Pro- ject called for “concent- rated clearance and redevelopment along with rehabilitation of existing commercial and industrial facilities and areas.”

The 1964 Bond Issue included $64,590 for street and water improvements, short of the estimated $1,982,000 needed (City portion was estimated at $257,000).

11 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

South Dalworth Urban Renewal Program

The South Dalworth urban renewal program was a 295-acre project impacting 514 families. Improvements included installation of sidewalks, utilities, an addition to a school, a 17-acre park and a $121,000 recreation center. In 1964 bonds were issued authorizing a total of $223,600 in street improvements, storm drainage and water improvements.

Project Anna

Project Anna involved rehabilitation of the worst housing and public improvement problems in the City. More than 1400 residential structures were being affected by noise, low-flying aircraft and industrial plants in addition to being in substandard conditions. In De- cember 1964, bonds totaling $1,032,000 were issued to provide parks, street improvements, water improvements, sewer and storm drain improvements in the area.

12 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

With momentum behind them, City officials began talking with the Trinity River Authority regarding their plan to build the Lakeview reservoir. In 1968, Congressional Representative Joe Pool, a Dallas Democrat, made the proposed reservoir part of his re-election platform. The proposed reservoir had already been authorized by Congress as a part of the Trinity River flood control program, and $100,000 had been appropriated for planning the project. The exact location of the future reservoir, however, was being debated by the Cities of Irving, Dallas, and Grand Prairie. The project was competing for federal dollars against other local projects, such as making the Trinity navigable for barges from the Gulf of Mexico, the Wallisville Reservoir on the Trinity, Lavon Reservoir in Collin County, Lake Kemp Reservoir and the Clear Fork Extension of the Fort Worth Floodway.

To reduce the cost of the reservoir, the Army Corps of Engineers moved it south to provide right-of-way for IH-20, to shorten the length of the required dam, and to, “remove the need for the federal government to purchase two housing developments.” (Dallas Morning News, 5.24.1969). Yet, construction of the reservoir was held up in federal court for four years and subsequently in a fight for water rights between the City of Dallas and its suburbs. The Corps would purchase 17,692 acres for the 7,000 acre Lakeview Reservoir with a total estimated cost of $203 million.

The Master Plan for the lake describes it as having, a rolled-earth fill embankment (dam) 22,180 feet long including a 50-foot uncontrolled broadcrested spillway, maximum height of dam above streambed is 108.5 feet. The outlet works will consist of gate-controlled conduit 10’ 6” in diameter and 2-4’ 9” x 10’ 6” electrically operated slide gates. At top of flood control pool, elevation 536.0 msl (mean sea level), the lake will contain 304,000 acre feet (of water). The downstream channel will be maintained for project flood control releases, preservation and propagation of fish and wildlife, and public access to the river and recreational facilities.

Under the Federal Water Project Recreation Act of 1965 (Public Law 89-72) a non-Federal public body needed to agree to cost-share in the development of recreation facilities for the lake. A contract with the Trinity River Authority (TRA) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department was signed to include an additional 5,129 acres of public recreation areas in the project. Designed to provide water supply for surrounding cities and regional recreation facilities, in addition to flood control, the lake has a drainage area of approximately 304 square miles. Several roads were relocated for the project including Beltline Road, Mansfield Road, Arlington-Webb-Britton Road, Ballweg Road, Texas Plume/Mountain Creek Road, and Ellis County Road E-101.

City Planner Marvin Springer and the State Dept. of Highways and Public Transportation recommended construction of a road across Joe Pool Lake to the City Council on Dec. 5, 1978.

13 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

14 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980 The Decision Makers: 1960-1980

MAYORS CITY MANAGERS Bob Shanks George Watson

1959-1961 James Weems 1958-1961 Larry Crow 1961-1962 Eugene Goree 1961-1962 Guy McCraw 1962-1970 C. P. Waggoner 1962-1981 Clifford Johnson 1970-1972 Joe W. Colwell 1972-1976 William F. Bowles 1976-1980 Weldon Parkhill

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS 1959-1961 Bob Shanks 1959-1961 W. C. Hardman 1959-1961 George Watson 1961-1963 Cecil Owens 1962-1968 Aubrey Vickers 1963-1965 James Dees 1963-1969 Roy McGlothlin 1965-1971 J. D. Brown 1967-1971 Billy Martin 1968-1970 Dr. O. V. Cartwright Cecil Owens Aubrey Vickers 1969-1970 C. M. Wrotenberry 1970-1972 Bob Edwards 1970-1976 Weldon Parkhill 1971-1973 Frank Cone 1971-1979 Bob Wilson 1972-1976 Johnny Jinks 1973-1975 L. B. Bo Craft 1975-1976 Billy S. Strong 1975-1977 Phil Duncan 1975-1977 Davis Hopkins 1976-1978 Harry Englert 1976-1979 Ben Whitley 1976-1980 Anne Gresham 1977-1979 Garland McGarrahan 1979-1979 Jim Swafford 1978-1980 Reg Crump 1979-1981 Ed Churchill 1979-1981 L. B. Bo Craft James Dees Roy McGlothin 1979-1981 James Kellum 1979-1981 Dennis Seely

Mayor Eugene Goree Mayor Weldon Parkhill (1961-62) (1976-80) (CC, 1970-76)

15 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

Billy Martin C. M. Wrotenbery Bob Edwards Bob Wilson

Johnny Jinks Phil Duncan Garland McCarrahan Dennis Seely

Davis Hopkins Ben Whitley

16 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

Representative Plats 1. Dorchester Place (4.23.62) 62. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 2, Blk 4 (8.8.66) 2. GSW IND Dist, Site 3, Blk 4 (5.28.62) 63. GSW IND South, Site 9 (8.8.66) 3. GSW IND Dist, Site 1, Blk 7 (6.18.62) 64. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 1, Blk 17 (10.10.66) 4. International Estates #3 (7.23.62) 65. Westover Ridge No. 2 (11.14.66) 5. GSW IND Dist, Site 4 (7.23.62) 66. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 5, Blk 16 (11.14.66) 6. W.E. Richardson Addn (7.23.62) 67. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 9, Blk 6 (1.9.67) 7. Lakeland Heights (8.27.62) 68. GSW IND Dist 2, Site 3 (1.9.67) 8. GSW IND Dist, Site 1, Blk 6 (9.24.62) 69. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 5, Blk 13 (5.8.67) 9. GSW IND Dist, Site 1, Blk 14 (9.24.62) 70. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 4 (5.8.67) 10. Dowcort Addn (10.22.62) 71. Coral Heights (5.8.67) 11. Washington Park (10.22.62) 72. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 13, Blk 7 (6.12.67) 12. GSW IND Dist, Site 4, Blk 7 (12.17.62) 73. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 2, Blk 5 (6.12.67) 13. Steele Subdivision (2.25.63) 74. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 5 (7.10.67) 14. Esquire Estates (3.25.63) 75. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 12, Blk 7 (7.10.67) 15. GSW IND Dist, #1, Site 2, Blk 14 (4.22.63) 76. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 6 (8.14.67) 16. GSW IND Dist, Site 4, Blk 6 (10.14.63) 77. Garden Manor (12.11.67) 17. GSW IND Dist, Site 6, Blk 7 (10.14.63) 78. Nottingham Estates (2.19.68) 18. International Estates #3 (10.14.63) 79. GSW IND South, Site 12 (3.11.68) 19. New Castle Addn (1.13.64) 80. GSW IND Dist 5, Sites 8 & 9 (5.13.68) 20. Monterrey Gardens (3.9.64) 81. Kings Place (6.17.68) 21. Nottingham Estates #1 (3.9.64) 82. GSW IND South, Site 13 & 23 (6.17.68) 22. Meadow Oaks #1 (3.9.64) 83. GSW IND Dist Site 9, Blk 7 (6.17.68) 23. GSW IND Dist, Site 1 (3.9.64) 84. Country Club Estates No. 4 (7.8.68) 24. GSW IND Dist, Site 5, Blk 6 (3.9.64) 85. Warlick Addition (8.12.68) 25. GSW IND Dist, Site 2 (7.13.64) 86. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 10 (8.12.68) 26. GSW IND Dist, Site 6, Blk 6 (7.13.64) 87. GSW IND South, Site 24 (8.12.68) 27. Holiday Hill Addn (9.14.64) 88. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 12 (9.9.68) 28. GSW IND Dist, Site 4, Blk 64 (10.12.64) 89. Nottingham Estates No. 3 (10.14.68) 29. Sherwood Forest (11.9.64) 90. Meadow Oaks (10.14.68) 30. Hudson Lakeland Hts (11.9.64) 91. Continental Estates (10.14.68) 31. Cambridge Hills Addn (11.9.64) 92. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 4 (11.11.68) 32. Garden Manor Addition (1.11.65) 93. GSW IND Dist 2, Site 2 (11.11.68) 37. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 7, Blk 7 (1.11.65) 94. Nottingham Estates No 4 (12.9.68) 38. Sherwood Forest Addition (3.8.65) 95. Country Club Estates No 5 (12.9.68) 39. GSW IND Dist Lead Tract No. 1 (3.8.65) 96. GSW IND Dist 2, Site 6, Blk 13 (12.9.68) 40. GSW IND Lead No. 17(3.8.65) 97. Airport Indus Park, Site F (12.9.68) 41. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 8, Blk 6 (3.8.65) 98. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 1-A, Blk 5 (2.10.69) 42. GSW IND Dist, Site 2, Blk 1 & 13 (3.8.65) 99. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 8, Blk 7 (2.10.69) 43. Westover Ridge (5.1.65) 100. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 1, Blk 4 (4.14.69) 44. GSW IND Dist Lead No 6, Blk 16 (5.10.65) 101. GSW IND Dist, Site 30 (4.14.69) 45. GSW IND Dist, Site 1, Blk 16 (6.14.65) 102. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 14, Blk 7 (4.28.69) 46. Camelot Acres (6.19.65) 103. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 1, Blk 1 & 3 (5.12.69) 47. Great Southwest Golf Course (8.9.65) 104. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 2, Blk 3 & 4 (5.12.69) 48. GSW IND Dist, Site 4, Blk 13 & 16 (2.14.66) 105. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 3, Blk 4 (5.12.69) 49. GSW IND Dist 2, Site 1, Blk 15 (2.14.66) 106. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 4, Blk 4 (5.12.69) 50. GSW IND Dist South, Site 3 (3.14.66) 107. GSW IND Dist, Site 13 & Site 15 (5.12.69) 51. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 3, Blk 16 (3.14.66) 108. GSW IND Dist, Site 5 (6.9.69) 52. GSW IND Dist 2, Parcel 2, Lead 18 (3.14.66) 109. GSW IND South, Site 33 (6.9.69) 53. Country Club Estates No. 2 (4.11.66) 110. Grandview Addition (6.23.69) 54. Kingston Square (4.11.66) 111. GSW IND South, Site 29 (7.14.69) 55. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 4, Blk 14 (4.11.66) 112. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 14 (7.14.69) 56. GSW IND South, Site 7 & Site 5 (6.13.66) 113. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 2, Blk 2 (7.14.69) 57. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 11, Blk 7 (6.13.66) 114. GSW IND South, Site 31 (8.11.69 58. GSW IND Dist 2 (6.13.66) 115. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 1, Blk 6 (8.11.69) 59. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 2 (6.13.66) 116. Country Club Estates No. 6 (9.8.69) 60. GSW IND South, Sites 5, 6, & 10 (7.11.66) 117. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 2, Blk 1 (9.8.69) 61. Airport Industrial Park (7.11.66) 118. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 3, Blk 1 (9.8.69)

17 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

119. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 4, Blk 1 (9.8.69) 175. GSW IND Dist 5, Blk 4 (11.27.72) 120. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 5, Blk 1 (9.8.69) 176. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 1, Blk 3 (1.8.73) 121. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 6, Blk 1 (9.8.69) 177. GSW IND South, Site 37 (1.8.73) 122. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 7, Blk 1 (9.8.69) 178. Lake Park Village #2 (1.8.73) 123. Shirley’s Addition (9.8.69) 179. Meadow Oaks #7 & #8 (2.12.73) 124. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 3, Blk 3 (10.13.69) 180. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 1, Blk 7 (2.12.73) 125. Country Club Estates No. 7 (10.13.69) 181. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 7, Blk 4 (3.12.73) 126. GSW IND South, Site 35 (10.27.69) 182. GSW IND South, Site 76 (3.26.73) 127. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 5, Blk 4 (12.8.69) 183. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 8, Blk 4 (4.9.73) 128. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 4, Blk 3 (2.9.70) 184. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 9, (Blk 4 (4.9.73) 129. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 5, Blk 4 (2.9.70) 185. Twelve Oaks Center (5.14.73) 130. GSW South, Riverside Dr, Tract 1 (2.9.70) 186. Kawasaki Jet-Ski (6.11.73) 131. Bagdad Industrial Addition (2.23.70) 187. PD #39 (6.25.73) 132. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 3, Blk 1 (2.23.70) 188. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 1, Blk 4 (6.25.73) 133. GSW IND South, Site 39 (3.9.70) 189. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 2, Blk 3 (7.9.73) 133. Vista Grande Estates (4.13.70) 190. Royal Valley Estates #4 (8.13.73) 134. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 3, Blk 2 (4.13.70) 191. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 1, Blk 6 (10.22.73) 135. Mountain Creek Townhouses (4.27.70) 192. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 3, Blk 5 (11.12.73) 136. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 2, Blk 6 (9.14.70) 193. Pradera Grande Addition (11.12.73) 137. Sport Haven (9.28.70) 194. Wax Museum & Auto Museum (11.12.73) 138. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 5, Blk 3 (10.12.70) 195. Royal Valley Estates (12.10.73) 139. Shirley’s Addition No. 2 (11.9.70) 196. Wings & Wheels Museum (12.10.73) 140. GSW IND Dist, Site 43 (11.23.70) 197. GSW IND South, #48 (1.14.74) 141. GSW IND South, Site 36 (1.25.71) 198. Country Club Square #1 (1.14.74) 142. GSW IND South, Site 28 (3.8.71) 199. Lake Park Village #3 (3.11.74) 143. Allen Ranch Estates (3.8.71) 200. GSW IND South, Site 34 (4.22.74) 144. Crutcher Addition (3.22.71) 201. GSW IND South, Site 80 (5.13.74) 145. GSW IND South, Site 51 (4.26.71) 202. GSW IND Dist 5, District 2, Lots 1 & 1A (6.1.074) 146. GSW IND South, Site 50 (5.10.71) 203. Grand Prairie Cmmty Hosp, Lot 1, Blk 1 (7.22.74) 147. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 7 (5.10.71) 204. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 3, Blk 4 (8.12.74) 148. Alex Cockrell, No. 2 (5.24.71) 205. GSW IND Dist 5, Blk 5, Sites 6, 5, & 4 (9.16.74) 149. Mountain Lakeview South (6.14.71) 206. Plaza 303 Shopping Center (4.28.75) 150. Rheims Place (6.28.71) 207. Mark II South, Tracts A, B, & C (7.14.75) 151. Lake Park Village No. 1 (6.28.71) 208. GSW IND Dist 2, Site 6 (7.14.75) 152. Meadow Oaks Addn No. 3 (6.28.71) 209. GSW IND Dist 5, 4th Installment (7.28.75) 153. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 3, Blk 6 (6.28.71) 210. Nottingham #6 (8.25.75) 154. Two Worlds, (8.9.71) 211. Airport Indus. Park #3 (8.25.75) 155. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 17 (8.9.71) 212. Meadow Oaks #8 (11.24.75) 156. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 18 (9.13.71) 213. Fairway Park (1.19.75) 156. Continental Estates, #2 (9.27.71) 214. Southpark Addition (1.26.76) 157. Royal Valley Estates, #1 (9.27.71) 215. Country Club Park (1.26.75) 158. Cluster 1 (10.11.71) 216. Trailwood (3.8.76) 159. Beeman Addition (11.22.71) 217. Cluster 1 (3.8.76) 160. My Estates #2 (11.22.71) 218. LaDell Heights (3.8.76) 161. Shady Creek Mobile Estates (12.13.71) 219. Meadow Oaks #7 (4.12.76) 162. Park Heights Annex (1.24.72) 220. GSW IND South, Site 28-R (4.12.76) 163. Park Valley No. 1 (2.14.72) 221. South Park Addition (4.26.76) 164. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 4, Blk 2 (3.13.72) 222. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 2, Blk 6 (4.26.76) 165. Park Valley Estates, #2 (3.27.72) 223. Fairway Park (5.17.76) 166. Rock Creek Estates (4.24.72) 224. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 2, Blk 5 (6.14.76) 167. GSW IND South, Site 56 (6.12.72) 225. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 3, Blk 5 (9.27.76) 168. Chimney Rock (6.26.72) 226. Trailwood Addition 1, #2, & #3 (10.11.76) 169. GSW IND Dist 5, Third Installment (6.26.72) 227. GSW IND Dist 2, Site 7 (12.13.76) 170. Grand Oaks Estates (9.11.72) 228. Bell Helicopter (1.24.77) 171. Park Valley #3 (9.22.72) 229. Forum on the Creek #1 (2.28.77) 172. Nottingham Estates #5 (11.13.72) 230. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 4, Blk 5 (2.28.77) 173. Gran Villa Townhouses (11.27.72) 231. The Cluster #3 (2.28.77) 174. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 2, Blk 4 (11.27.72) 232. Country Club Park #2 (2.28.77)

18 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980 291. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 5, Blk 7 & Blk 2 (11.13.78) 233. Sharpston Heights #2 (2.28.77) 292. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 6, Blk 5, Parcel II (11.13.78) 234. GSW IND South, Site 85 (4.11.77) 293. Coronado Woods (11.13.78) 235. Park Square (4.25.77) 294. Valencia Village (11.13.78) 236. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 1, Blk 1 (5.9.77) 295. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 11, Blks 5 & 6 (11.27.78) 237. Churchill Estates (5.23.77) 296. Fairway Park, Phase II, (11.27.78) 238. Greenbriar Estates (5.23.77) 297. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 5, Blk 6 (12.11.78) 239. Meadow Oak Estates (Tarrant & Dallas) (6.13.77) 298. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 15, Blk 7 (1.8.79) 240. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 10, Blk 4 (6.13.77) 299. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 1, Blk 7 241. Alex Cockrell #4 (6.13.77) 300. Trailwood #11 (1.8.79) 242. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 4, Blk 6 (6.27.77) 301. Greenwood Hills South (1.8.79) 243. National Pride (6.27.77) 302 Meadow Green Addition (2.12.79) 244. Wild Rose Ridge (7.11.77) 303. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 6, Blk 2 (3.26.79) 245. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 11, Blk 4 (7.8.77) 304. Cinnamon Ridge #2 (3.26.79) 246. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 1, Blk 2 (7.8.77) 305. Trailwood #12 (4.9.79) 247. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 5, Blk 5 (7.8.77) 306. Aerospatiale Helicopter Corp (5.15.79) 248. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 6, Blk 5 (9.12.77) 307. GSW IND Dist, Site 89 (6.11.79) 249. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 4-A, Blk 1 (9.12.77) 308. Mountain Creek, Ph. 3 (6.11.79) 250. Grand Prairie Cmmty Hosp, Lot 1, Blk 2 (9.12.77) 309. Wedgewood Estates (6.11.79) 251. Trailwood #4 (9.12.77) 310. Vineyard Estates (6.25.79) 252. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 12, Blk 4 (11.28.77) 311. Hunters Glen (6.25.79) 253. Greenbriar Estates #2 & #3 (12.12.77) 312. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 10, Blk 1 (7.9.79) 254. Trailwood #5 & 36 (1.23.78) 313. Forum Park (7.23.79) 255. Forum Terrace #1 (1.23.78) 314. GSW IND Dist 6, Site 1, Blks 1-3 (8.13.79) 256. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 4, Blk 5 & 6 (2.13.78) 315. GSW IND Dist 6, Site 2, Blk 2 (8.13.79) 257. Woodcrest Addition (2.13.78) 316. GSW IND Dist 6, Site 3, Blk 2 (8.13.79) 258. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 3, Blk 1 (4.10.78) 317. GSW IND Dist 6, Site 4, Blk 2 (8.13.79) 259. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 4, Blk 7 (4.10.78) 318. GSW IND Dist 6, Site 1, Blks 5 & 6 (8.20.79) 260. Country Club Park #3 (5.8.78) 319. GSW IND Dist 6, Site 2, Blk 3 (8.20.79) 261. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 7, Blk 2, Lot 1 & 2 (5.8.78) 320. Lake Park Village #4 (8.20.79) 262. GSW IND Dist, Site 7, Blk 5 (5.22.78) 321. GSW IND Dist 6, Site 2, Blk 5 (9.10.79) 263. GSW IND Dist, Site 1, Blk 5 (5.22.78) 322. GSW IND Dist 6, Site3, Blk 6 (9.10.79) 264. GSW IND Dist, Site 8, Blk 5 (5.22.78) 323. GSW IND Dist 6, Site 7, Blk 6 (9.10.79) 265. GSW IND Site, Blk 6 (5.22.78) 324. GSW IND Dist, Site 90 (9.24.79) 266. GSW IND Dist, Site 2, Blk 2 (5.22.78) 325. Forum Terrace (10.8.79) 267. GSW IND Dist, Site 3, Blk 3 (5.22.78) 326. Longmark Addition (10.8.79) 268. GSW IND Dist, Site 5, Blk 5 (5.22.78) 327. Forum Village Southwest (10.8.79) 269. Fairway Park, #3, Ph. 1 (5.22.78) 328. Regency Business Park (11.26.79) 270. W. Freeway Business Park (6.26.78) 329. Burney Oaks Addition (11.26.79) 271. GSW IND Dist, Site 4, Blk 2 (7.10.78) 330. GSW IND Dist 6, Site 1, Blk 8 (11.26.79) 272. GSW IND Dist, Site 9, Blk 5 (7.10.78) 331. K-Mart Addition (12.10.79) 273. GSW IND Dist, Site 10, Blk 5 (7.10.78) 332. GSW IND Dist 6, Site 2, Blk 6 (12.10.79) 274. GSW IND Dist, Site 5, Blk 2 (7.10.78) 333. GSW IND Dist 6, Site 3, Blk 1 (12.10.79) 275. GSW IND Dist, Site 6, Blk 7 (7.24.78) 334. GSW IND Dist,Site 77 (12.10.79) 276. GSW IND Dist, Site 5, Blk 1 (7.24.78) 335. Forum Industrial Park, Sites 1 & 2, Blk A (12.10.79) 277. GSW IND Dist, Site 4, Blk 1 (7.24.78) 336. American Memorial Park Cemetery (12.10.79) 278. GSW IND Dist, Site 7, Blk 7 (7.24.78) 337. GSW IND Dist 1, Site 2, Blk 15 (12.10.79) 279. GSW IND Dist, Site 6, Blk 6 (7.24.78) 280. GSW IND Dist, Site 65 (7.24.78) 281. Heritage Estates, #2 (8.14.78) 282. Trailwood #9 & #10 (8.28.78) 283. GSW IND Dist, Site 2 (9.25.78) 284. GSW IND Dist, Site 6, Parcel 2 (9.25.78) 285. Sol Spiegel Village, (10.9.78) 286. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 7, Blk 2, Lot 3 (10.9.78) 287. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 7, Lot 4, Blk 2 (10.9.78) 288. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 2, Blk 2 Parcel 1 (11.13.78) 289. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 2, Blk 16 (11.13.78) 290. GSW IND Dist 5, Site 3, Blk 6 (11.13.78)

19 CHAPTER 3: 1960-1980

Annexations

1. SH 360 Tract #1 (July 12, 1960) Ord #1373 2. SH 360 Tract #2 (July 12, 1960) Ord #1374 3. S. Grand Prairie (May 1961) Ord #1417 4. NE Grand Prairie (May 1961) Ord #1418 5. GSW Ind Dist (May 1961) Ord #1419 6. Naval Air Station, E. Grand Prairie (May 1961) Ord #1420 7. 5,523 Acres N Grand Prairie (May 1961) Ord #1421 8. 8,076 Acres S Grand Prairie (May 1961) Ord # 1422 9. SE Grand Prairie (May 1961) Ord #1423 10. GSW Ind Dist (May 1961) Ord #1424 11. Disannex (Ord #1422) Fish Creek (Dec 1961) Ord #1451 12. Disannex Mayfield/County Line (Dec 1961) Ord #1452 13. Disannex orphan rds (Dec 1961) Ord #1453 14. Annex adjacent areas,10 ft strip (Dec 1961) Ord #1454 15. 124 Ac, The Oaks (June 1962) Ord #1446 16. Disannex (Ord #1421) 10 Ft strip (Dec 1961) Ord #1453 16. Annex Mayfield area (Aug 1963) Ord #1455 17. Annex Rock Island/NE 8th (Dec 1961) Ord #1456 18. Annex E Park Row to NY Ave ((Aug 1962) Ord #1463 18. Lakeview Dr area (Aug 1963) Ord #1530 19. SH 360 (Aug 1963) Ord #1531 20. 10-ft East City Limit strip (Aug 1963) Ord #1532 22. Disannex JeffersonSt, SW 14th/east (Dec 1963) Ord #1561 23. Disannex along Rock Island (Dec 1963) Ord #1565 24. Lakeview area (Feb 1964) Ord #1571 25. Fish Creek/SF 1382 (Oct 1964) Ord #1615) 26. Annex Lakeview tracts (Feb 1965) Ord #1639 27. Lakecrest (Feb 1965) Ord #1641 28. Disannex Yellow Belly (April 1965) Ord #1668 29. E of Lakeview (April 1966) Ord #1751 30. Disannex SH 360/Ave K (August 1966) Ord #1781 31. Adjacent IH-20 (Nov 1966) Ord #1790 32. Shady Grove (May 1968) Ord #1912 33. Florence Hill (July 1969) Ord #2050 34. Amendment to Ord #2050 (Dec 1969) Ord #2096 35. Amendment to Ord #1790 (Feb 1970) Ord #2107A 36. ETJ limits (April 1970) Ord #2112 37. Amendment to Ord #2050 (Feb 1971) Ord #2202 38. Annex 6,829 Ac east of Mtn Creek (June 1971) Ord #2235 39. Boundary with Arlington, Resolution #1607, June 1971 40. Disannex homes to South (Jan 1972) Ord #2294 41. Disannex S Grand Prairie (Jan 1972) Ord #2296 42. Annex Corn Valley (May 1972) Ord #2323 43. Disannex homes to South (Jan 1973) Ord #2399 44. Disannex homes to South (Jan 1973) Ord #2400 45. Annex Fish Creek (Jan 1974) Ord #2491 46. SH 360/IH-20 (Nov 1973) Ord #2495 47. S Grand Prairie (March 1975) Ord #2516 48. Disannex TX Turnpike tract (Feb 1974) Ord #2528 49. 493 Acres, Cedar Hill area (Oct 1976) Ord #2762 50. Cedar Hill area (Nov 1976) Ord #2763/Ord #2829 51. 299 Acres, S Grand Prairie (Jan 1977) Ord #2787 52. Resolution #1891 (Sept 1977) 500 Ft Strip Boundary 53. 792 Acres, Ellis County (Jan 1978) Ord # 2888 54. Disannex Dry Branch, N. Grand Prairie, (Feb 1979) Ord #3018

20 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

W.W. II and Recovery

OVERVIEW

Two forces propelled Grand Prairie to fiscal health fol- On that day, the City of Grand Prairie appointed a City lowing the Depression. In the 1940’s it was the war effort Planning and Zoning Commission, “...to provide a com and the opportunity to house up to 25,000 workers from prehensive plan for promoting the health, safety, morals, the North American Defense Plant adjacent the City’s and general welfare of the City of Grand Prairie….” A eastern boundary. In the 1950’s the catalyst was devel- related ordinance (November 20, 1940) was aimed at tem- oper Angus Wynne, Jr. porary construction buildings and regulated the renting of space for trailer cars and providing for sanitary facilities. On October 26, 1940, the Grand Prairie City Commission Building standards had been upgraded on May 15, 1940 passed a Resolution that included the following language: with the passage of a Fire Limits Ordinance.

WHEREAS, the Government of the United States has located one of its Defense Projects in the suburbs of this city, to wit, the North American Aviation, Inc., an agent to manu- facture airplanes for the Army and Navy,….

...we, the mayor and commissioners of said city, point out to the Government that there are closely situated to said plant well drained, well and pleasantly located land suitable for housing purposes...with all utilities near at hand and ac- cessible, and the use of such land for housing by the Govern- ment of the United States will result in economy both to the Government of the United States and to that of the City of Grand Prairie; and

...the City of Grand Prairie has now and will continue to have an ample supply of pure water, a modern and up to date sewage disposal plant of sufficient capacity to care for the said housing, a progressive school system which will be enlarged to meet the demands of the housing occupants, and that it is served by high tension electric and high pressure natural gas lines so that utility costs are low.” General Douglas MacArthur visits Grand Prairie

On April 9th, 1941, the City Commission adopted an In- The City also appointed an 11-member Municipal De- terim Zoning Ordinance with this language, fense Council as requested by the U.S. Office of Civilian Defense by Executive Order on May 20, 1941. WHEREAS, the City of Grand Prairie with residential, business, and limited industrial and manufacturing areas Penham Addition (11.20.40), Avacon Parque (4.18.41), is confronted with the problem of coping with the National Avion Village (6.6.41) and Fairview #1 and #2 (8.13.41) Defense problem and the housing of vast influx of population were the first plats filed to house the anticipated new resi- due to the location of the North American Aviation Airplane Manufacturing Plant, and dents. Avian Village, 83 federally-owned acres transferred to the City, was a model development and state of WHEREAS, the street, sewer, and water systems of the art at the time of construction. The City Commission the City of Grand Prairie have not been designed to take care formed the Grand Prairie Housing Authority and charged of the anticipated rapid growth of the city, and this group with developing a housing program of more than 1,000 new homes. WHEREAS, there is a possibility without proper regulations and building restrictions a chaotic condition One of the first local beneficiaries of war-time investment may occur…. was the Gifford-Hill Pipe Company contracted by the

CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960 City, “... to provide concrete pipe and other necessary materials for the construction of sewer improvements….” Burleson-Garrett Engineers were contracted to draw plans for mosquito control for the State Health Depart- ment and submit for a grant from the Defense Works Agency for both the sewer expansion and mosquito control projects.

At the height of operations the North American Aviation plant employed an estimated 38,500 persons. But the aviation boom ended abruptly when the plant closed on August 14, 1945 and the remaining 15,000 employees lost their jobs. Although the plant reopened in 1948 as United Aircraft Corporation and remains open into the 21st century, it never again provided as many jobs in the region as during the early 1940’s. In the decade from The Uptown Theatre was built in 1950 at 120 E. Main St. 1940 to 1950, Grand Prairie’s population rose from 1,595 Renovated in 2007, it is shown here with the Grand Prairie to 18,000 during the war and then back to 14,594 by the High School graduating class of 1957. 1950 Census. By 1960, the population had increased to 30,386. Ordinance #1128, adopted 12.19.56, set the stage for development of the Great Southwest Industrial District in In 1947, the City of Dallas annexed the aircraft plants Grand Prairie. and surrounding industrial land, Hensley Field and Mountain Creek Lake. Grand Prairie (population of The year 1951 was a time of putting the City’s regu- 11,303) was left in a position of having to provide mu- latory house in order. Several ordinances were nicipal services to those areas, without receiving any in- adopted to maintain quality of life for residents. dustrial taxes. In response, Grand Prairie residents voted (686 FOR vs. 222 AGAINST) to adopted a new home- March 1951—Ordinance passed making it unlawful rule charter on May 1, 1948. The Home Rule Charter to discharge any gun, on any street, within was filed with the Secretary of State on June 28, 1948. 100 yards of any residence (except for police This allowed the City to facilitate annexation of unincor- officers). porated land adjacent its city limits and to keep adjacent April 1951—Ordinance regulating and restricting cities from encroaching on its boundaries. The number carnivals and circuses to Industrial and Com of City Commissioners increased from two to four. Like mercial zoning districts, requiring a permit the communities around it, City subdivisions often in- and $50 license. cluded restrictions like this one from the R.P. Motley Ad- April 1951– Ordinance prohibiting dropping of dition: “...No person of any race other than the Cauca- newspapers, circulars, pamphlets, or paper of sian race shall use or occupy any buildings or any lot, any kind from airplane or balloon over City except that this covenant shall not prevent occupancy by limits with fine up to $200. domestic servants of a different race domiciled with an April 1951– Ordinance prohibiting loitering in alley, owner or tenant.” street, or on private property near a residence for purpose of peeping into windows or The election of E. Carlyle Smith as Mayor in 1949 sig- doors of said residence with fine up to $200. naled a change of leadership style including a shuffling August 1951—Ordinance regulating the keeping of of City staff, resulting in resignation of four top police honeybees within City limits, maintaining officers after the appointment of Ray Weaver as Chief of 100-foot distance from residences with fine Police on May 16, 1949. up to $200. August 1951– Ordinance defining and regulating Grand Prairie’s annexation zeal resulted in extension and restaurants in the City. Annual operating repeal of the City’s western limit into Tarrant County and permits were $5 for restaurants operating for Arlington in August of 1951. From 1951 to 1953, Grand more than two weeks, $3 for restaurants op- Prairie annexed more than 117 square miles, or 75,500 erating for more than one week, $2 for res- acres (compared to today’s total land area of 81.4 square taurants operating less than one week. miles). By 1960 the City’s land area was down to 36 square miles.

2 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

Grand Prairie on the verge of WW II

1940 Census Data: 1950 Census 1960 Census Area = 5 Square Miles Area = 5 Square Miles Area = 36 Square Miles Population = 1,595 Population = 14,594 Population = 30,386

Grand Prairie, 10 years later

3 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

Like cities through the U.S., Grand Prairie sent many citizens into WW II action. Among the many veterans were Russell Anderson (left), Bob Shanks, Raymond Reed, and Elbert Pollard.

Robert Shanks became a Captain in the Army Air Corps and was shot down during a bombing mission over Burma. He was captured and held as a POW by the Japanese for five months, during which he was beaten, starved and tortured. After the POW camp was abandoned by the Japanese, Shanks was rescued by the British, weighing less than 100 lbs.

Raymond Reed, a 1942 graduate of Grand Prairie High School, earned two Purple Hearts while serving in the Army Air Force in Italy. A machine gunner, he was shot down and hidden from the Germans by local families, returned to the U.S. and was discharged in September 1945.

Elbert K. Pollard, Jr. was stationed on the Italian peninsula, and delivered the German surrender papers to General George Patton via jeep while serving with the U.S. Army during W.W. II. He received seven Battle Stars, and spoke five languages. After the war he re- inlisted in the Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. Lt. Russell Anderson went missing in action on Novem- ber 30, 1944 over Germany while an armorer gunner on a B-17. He was believed to be shot down by anti-aircraft fire.

WW II Casualties

Capt. Madison D. Beaty (9.29.1907—5.5.1943) Lt. Samuel D. Dillard (3.31.1920-1.26.1944) U.S. Army U.S. Army Air Corps Pvt. W.W. Booher, Jr (6.10.1913—5.17.1945) 2nd Lt. H. T. Jackson (10.10.1920—3.3.1944) 112th Cavalry U.S. Army Air Corps PFC Lonnie C. Bostick (10.18.1925—2.21.1945) Pvt. Fulton S. Kirby (1.6.1899—122.25.1943) Co. B, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Div. 34th Engineers., U.S. Army T/Sgt. Truman W. Carter (4.3.1923—2.25.1945) Capt. Lynn L. Motley (6.30.1919—3.3.1943) 15th Air Force U.S. Army Air Corps Lt. Ercy Dewberry (12.5.1924—8.9.1944) Lt. Carl P. Swadley (7.1.1920—6.17.1944) Sgt. Edwin G. Craig (6.7.1924—7.14.1945) U. S. Army Air Corps 409th Fighter Sqdrn, 3rd Air Force Lt. Billy A. Turner, Jr. (8.16.1921—9.20.1944) T/Sgt. Mack E. Daniels (10.29.1920—2.25.1945) Co. A, 501st Regiment 360th Bomb Sqdrn, 303 Bomb Group 101 1st Paratroop Inf. Div. U.S. Army Air Corps Sgt. Estle Wammack (5.17.1921—9.20.1944) Sgt. Patrick H. Dillard (8.15.1925— 4.5.1945) U. S. Army Air Corps 785th Bomb. Sqdrn., 466th Bomb. Grp

4 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

City Council Actions April 23, 1942 ...The Federal Works Agency established a May 15, 1940 … Adopted Fire Limits Ordinance estab- $50,000 line of credit at the Grand Prairie State Bank to lishing building standards, providing for the inspection of expedite water and sewer improvements. construction, and establishing penalties for noncompli- ance with the regulations. May 13, 1942… Voters approved a Water Revenue Bond Issue for construction of improvements, enlargements and November 20, 1940 … Adopted an ordinance regulating extensions of the sewer system, pledging the revenues of the renting of space for trailer cars and providing for sani- the water system to payment thereof, by a margin of 67-2. tary facilities. June 24, 1942 … Approved name changes to 68 City November 20, 1940... Adopted an ordinance making it streets, or portions thereof, to facilitate the establishment unlawful for any natural person or association of natural of free delivery mail service. person, trustee, receiver, partnership, corporation, or the manager, agent server, or employee, of any of them to August 12, 1942 … Agreed to furnish the City of Dal- directly or indirectly sell, offer for sale, barter, offer to worth Park water at a rate of 40¢/1000 gallons and to pay barter, exchange, or offer to exchange, give, wine, malt or all expenses of connecting to their mains. The City an- vinous liquors or any alcoholic beverage by retail for con- nexed Dalworth (September 16, 1942)and purchased its sumption on or off the premises, within the corporate lim- water system for a sum of $16,500 on November 10,1942. its of the City of Grand Prairie. Street lights were also ordered for Dalworth, Indian Hills, and Fairview additions. March 12, 1941 … Granted a franchise to the Texas Elec- tric Service Company to provide electric service for an December 17, 1942 … The City Paid W. D. Cunningham annual payment of $750 to the City of Grand Prairie. $7.50 for hauling 15 bales of cotton from Dallas to Grand Prairie to make mattresses for W.P.A. April 9, 1941 … Created an interim Planning & Zoning Commission to provide a comprehensive plan for promot- January 2, 1943 … Received $125,000 payment of reve- ing the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the nue bonds from the Federal Works Agency for construc- City. tion of the Water System to new additions.

May 20, 1941 … Appointed the 11-member Municipal August 12, 1943 ...Approved monthly payment of $25 to Defense Council as requested by the U.S. Office of Civil- the Volunteer Fire Dept. and authorized payment of $15 ian Defense (Presidential Executive Order). per month to Dr. Copeland to inspect cafes and grocery stores in a clean-up campaign. June 11, 1941 ...Adopted Ordinance appropriating certain income and revenues of the sewer system for payment of November 12, 1943 … Adopted ordinance for registra- interest and principal of the City of Grand Prairie Sewer tion, licensing of bicycles and a penalty for violators; and Extension Warrants, 1941 Issue. an ordinance prohibiting the riding and parking of bicycles on sidewalks, and regulating operation of bicycles August 15, 1941 … Contracted with the Federal Govern- and motorcycles on the streets of Grand Prairie. ment to provide water to Avion Village, which had become an architectural model for innovative design and November17, 1943 …Organized a Christmas Party for construction techniques. The Village was sold in 1948 to City employees a $10 gift for each, requested ordinances residents. for a Juvenile Traffic Court and Jay Walking and raised the following salaries: January 14, 1942 ...Mayor Turner is authorized to locate a site for drilling two new water wells. Three new well Librarian to $30/month pumps were authorized on February 11, 1942 at a cost of Policemen to $160-175/month $3,472.75. Phone Clerk to $60/month Tax Collector to $125/month March 31, 1942 … Granted a franchise (Ord #92) to W. W. Wheeler to operate motor buses and motor vehicles June 15, 1944 … Purchased three chlorinators for City for hire on the public streets and highways of the City. reservoirs.

5 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

January 27, 1945 … Paid expenses of poison and food November 20, 1946 ...Contracted with Texas Water Tank used in rat killing campaign conducted by the State De- Service Co. to paint and repair water tanks for a fee of partment of Health and the County Health Department. $5,490 and authorized the issuance of $7,500 in Sanitary Sewer System Improvement Warrants. June 30, 1945 … Held a special bond election for $100,000 for the purpose of securing land and develop- May 21, 1947 ...Called for a special census on July 24, ing a City Park. Measure passed by a vote of 110-21. A 1947. The census reported a total of 11,303 residents, 37-acre parcel owned by Tobie and Gertrude Glasgow, and increase of 9,708 people (608.6%) in seven years. lying between Belt Line Rd and NE 5th was bought at a cost of $200/acre. July 24, 1947 … Agreed to hold an election to vote on whether or not parking meters should be installed in the July 11, 1945 … Initiated condemnation proceedings for business district. acquisition of land to build a City Jail and City Fire Sta- tion. (Property was owned by J.Y. Martin who had re- September 17, 1947 ...Appointed a Charter committee fused a reasonable offer on the cash market value of his “to draft and prepare a charter to be submitted to all the land, being Lots 4-7, Block F-6 of the W.H. Thomas qualified voters…” of Grand Prairie for adoption or re- Second Addition to the Town of Grand Prairie.) jection. Citizens approved the Home Rule Charter in an election held on May 1, 1948 by a vote of 686 to 222. January 16, 1946 ...Approved construction of a slaughter Adoption of the Home Rule provision gave the City house at the Locker Plan on West Main Street. Commission power to annex territory adjacent to the city limits with or without the consent of the territory and the May 2, 1946 ...Contracted for $123,000 water and sewer inhabitants annexed (at that time). It also increased the revenue refunding bonds, subject to approval of the Fed- number of commissioners from two to four (one each for eral Works Agency. Place One, Place Two, Place Three, and Place Four). The salary for Commissioners was $5/meeting (not to June 7, 1946 …Awarded a contract for $36,100 for drill- exceed $25.month). The Mayor received a salary set by ing and casing of Trinity Water Well and installation of the City Commission, not to exceed $100/month. deep well pumping equipment. April 22, 1948 … Adopted ordinance pro- September 11, 1946 ...Authorized a 10-year franchise viding for the installation, regulation and with Metro Bus Lines for operations within the City control of parking meters in the downtown Limits with the City receiving 2% of the company’s net area. On October 27, 1948, hoods were income per year. placed on the parking meters with businesses being split 50-50 for/against their use. The meters were discontinued in fa- Levies on Bonds & Warrants, Sept. 1946-47 vor of a 2-hour parking ordinance on July 17, 1949. On November 2, 1949 the Commission ap- Sewer Sinking Fund 8% $4,640 proved reinstallation of the meters, calling for a public Water Works Extension 2.5% $1,450 Water Refunding Bonds 2.5% $1,450 vote on December 17, 1949. The measure passed, 151 to Street Warrants 1.5% $ 870 66. Water Works Bond Fund 4.5% $2,610 Water Works Imprvmt. Bond 9% $5,220 June 3, 1948...Awarded architecture/planning contract Municipal Refunding 6.6% $3,190 for City Fire Station and Police Station (3% of the total- Park Imprvmt. Sinking 6.5% $3,770 construction contract). Utilities Purchased 8.5% $4,930 1946-Water Works Imprvmt. 6.0% $3,480 September 14, 1948 … Annual public hearing on the 1946-Sewer Ext, Warrants 1.5% $ 870 City’s proposed FY 1948/49, $329,447 Budget. Tax 1946-Indian Hills Paving 3.0% $1,740 revenues accounted for almost $76,000, while water General Fund 41% $23,780 Total 100% $58,000 revenue exceeded $119,129.

Total Assessed Valuation = $4,597,757 November 17, 1948 … City Attorney was asked to prepare an ordinance regulating billboards.

6 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

May 19, 1949...Appointed a committee in the Negro section of Grand Prairie to work with the City Commission September 1, 1953—City Salary Adjustments for improvements and betterment of that section, and to bring reports and suggestions of the needs and progress Position New Rate/Month of the community. Office Manager $425 Office/Clerical <$285 June 1, 1949 … City endorsed a Chamber of Commerce City Secretary $542 plan to raise funds for purchase of DDT and plane rental Police Chief $400 to spray Grand Prairie and the community. Police Sergeant <$300 Policeman <$285 City of Grand Prairie Lieutenant/Meter Repair <$325 Budget for Fiscal Year Sept. 1, 1949-Sept .1, 1950 Warrant Officer <$285 Police Investigator $300 Fire Chief/Manager $400 FY Estmt. FY Assistant Chief $300 1948/49 1949/50 Beginning Fireman $285 Water Dept. Superintendent $400 Balance $51,623 $ 75,652 Receipts $298,808 $393,400 Street Dept. Superintendent $325

$350,431 $469,052 Animal Control Officer $1.25/hr Disbursements Expenses $ 91,755 $150,048 Water/Sewer $ 84,906 $111,000 January 20, 1954...City Commission voted 3-2 to not Fire/Police $ 51,869 $ 70,500 hire a City Manager (as allowed by a Home Rule Char- $274,779 $391.048 ter).

US Bonds $ 20,000 $ 20,000 February 25, 1954...Mayor Daugherty and Commis- Sinking funds $ 75,652 $78,004 sioner Charles W. Powers appointed to Greater Dallas Operating funds $ 30,940 $ 25,350 Planning Council.

City-wide assessment $19,540,000 Tax rate $ 1.50/$100 valuation September 15, 1954...Approved bid of E.P. Townley ($12,495) for construction of a colored recreations and library building. November 2, 1949 …Grand Prairie entered into a 20-year franchise agreement with Lone Star Gas giving the City January 16, 1957...Annexed Toll Road (IH-30) section 2% of the company’s gross revenue in the City. within GP City limits—ORD #1139.

November 30, 1949… The City Commission approved an July 3, 1957...Adopted Civil Service for Police and Fire- ordinance providing for the licensing of itinerant vendors, men, ORD #1191 merchants and peddlers; and an ordinance making it unlawful for any person to play any marble board/pin- May 31, 1958 .. Citizens voted to establish Urban Re- ball machine within the City Limits. newal Board.

December 6, 1950 ...Issued policies on the extension of September 24, 1958...Resolution #1109 authorized Trin- utilities both within and outside City limits and estab- ity River Authority (TRA) to operate within the City lim- lished a $25 connection feel. its. Resolution #1110 (10.15.58) adopted TRA’s Master Plan for development of the Trinity River Basin. December 27, 1950...Passed a resolution to acquire and manage 48 units (6 acres) of war housing in Avion Vil- December 17, 1958...Adopted Resolution #1115 con- lage. gratulating the Dalworth Dragons and Coach Randolph Reed for their outstanding accomplishment as partici- August 5, 1953...Abolished the existing Planning & Zon- pants in the State Football Championship for Negroes. ing Commission and appointed a new 15-member commission. Marshall Warder, Sr. was appointed Chairman. February 11, 1959...Created the Grand Prairie Hospital Authority (ORD #1302).

7 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

Planning Commission

May 16, 1949 ...City Commission appointed a committee to draw up an electrical, plumbing and building code.

May 25, 1949 … City Commission passed an ordinance creating and establishing a zoning commission for the City of Grand Prairie composed of nine members. At the same meeting, the Commission approved an ordinance creating a planning commission composed of 14 members, serving for a period of two years.

September 12, 1949 … Adopted the Rules and Regula- tions Governing the Platting and Subdividing of the Land of the City of Grand Prairie.

October 24, 1949 … Recommended an interim plan that assumed canalization of the Trinity River and industrial land uses along the banks of the Trinity River.

March 6, 1950...Recommended adoption of a Building Code and Fire Prevention Ordinance.

November 13, 1950 …Zoning Commission and Plan- ning Commission were combined into the Planning and Zoning Commission. to build permanent installations of any type before the property is legally zoned. December, 1951 … Adopted a motion to annex the Trinity Industrial District, industrial areas east and west June 8, 1959 … Amended the City’s Zoning Ordinance of the City, and Cottonwood and Fish Creek in Tarrant to allow the use of Specific Use Permits (SUP) to place County. conditions upon a land use.

December 27, 1955 … Regulations adopted for the plat- August 11, 1959 … Approved a contract for an updated ting of property and fees established (Ord #1050) Land Use Map, Land Use Survey, Future Land Use Planning, Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, and a new September 10, 1956 … Proposed upgrading the neigh- Zoning District Map. borhood surrounding Manning Road, “in order that the TEXAS SPORTS HALL OF FAME colored citizens might have a desirable community in which to build and establish a home.” The motion The Texas Sports Hall of Fame was originally at 401 E. passed: 4 in favor, 3 opposed, and 2 abstaining. Safari Parkway. Established by the Texas Sports Writers Association as a nonprofit organization in 1951, the Hall September 24, 1956 ...Recommend adoption of an up- ultimately had more than 120 honorees and featured a vari- dated City Thoroughfare Plan to the City Council. ety of displays and biographical sketches of famous Texas involved in sports. Construction on a building to house the October 8, 1956 … Approved a preliminary plat for the Hall of Fame began in February 1980. The two-story struc- Great Southwest Corporation on the condition the prop- ture had 29,000 square feet housing items such as Willie erty would be annexed and then zoned for industrial use. Shoemaker’s riding boots and racing jersey and Bobby Morrow’s gold medal for track and field at the 1956 Mel- This was the beginning of the Great Southwest Indus- bourne Olympics. The Hall closed in 1986 for financial trial District in Grand Prairie. reasons and reopened in Waco in 1991, where it is collo- cated with the Texas High School Sports Hall of Fame. August 11, 1958 … Went on record as being opposed to From The Handbook of Texas Online prospective builders being given temporary permission

8 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

Government Housing Projects

Avion Village, 800 Skyline Road

Constructed by the U. S. Federal Works Agency as a Defense Housing Project in 1941, Avion Village was annexed into the City of Grand Prairie on June 5, 1941. Designed by internationally lauded architects Richard Neutra and David Williams it was one of eight experimental housing developments built in the U.S. by the Federal Government. Avion Village broke new ground in federal housing policy in three ways: (1) unique architecture and design; (2) experimental prefabricated building techniques; and (3) mu- tual home ownership concept.

Sol Spiegel Village (21 acres)

Built in the early 50’s under the Wherry Housing Act as off-base housing for married and enlisted naval personnel, this project was 100% financed, to operate on a cost-plus basis with rental rates approved by the government. Lo- cated at Skyline Road and SW 14th Street the subdivision was annexed into the City October 21, 1953. It was forced into bankruptcy and was managed in receivership by Fanny Mae (Federal National Mortgage Assoc.) The City of Grand Prairie purchased and rehabilitated the project (1978) to serve as a relocation site for persons living in the Lakeview subdivision, prior to its renewal. The City demolished the housing in June 1991. ————————————————————————————–—————--———————————— The Bagdad Supper Club

On Sunday, April 19, 1953, according to the history of the of the Grand Prairie Fire Department, “...the fabulous Bagdad Club burned. It was known as the most spectacular fire in western Dallas County. The estimated loss of this fire was more than a million dollars on building and contents. The contents were furniture, Oriental furnish- ings, especially Japanese and Chinese, 45 paintings of the late Hungarian Artist Armand Grotz. Other paintings included a Gainesborough, Van Dyke and many tapestries, drapes and scores of rugs termed priceless as they were made by hand. The total insurance loss was $50,000.” Built at the corner of Bagdad Street and S.S. 80 in 1928, the Bagdad Club’s Mid- dle Eastern Motif featured a $10,000 solid ceiling Canopy thought to be imported from Istan- bul.

9 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

Public Facilities for stores and cafes on Main Street, charging merchants January 13, 1943 … Library hours were extended to $5/week for the service. 11:am to 6:pm daily and the Librarian’s pay raised to $50/month. July 17, 1946 … Water line (6”) extended from Church Street to City limits North on NW 3rd St to serve Ath- March 23, 1943 ...Contracted with Alide Wells Com- letic Field with water. pany of Denver Colorado for construction of a new 2100-foot water well with a capacity of 750 gallons per August 13, 1946 ...Taxi Cab service, A.B.C. Cabs, within minute, for a lump sum payment of $17,160. It was the corporate limits of Grand Prairie was approved, with called the Trinity Sand Well. 2% of gross receipts going to the City. The cabs included; a 1939 4-door Mercury, two 1940 2-door Fords, January 12, 1944 ...Began extension of sanitary sewers a 1940 4-door Chevrolet, a 1941 4-door Plymouth, and a to Dalworth area. 1941 2-door Ford.

August 18, 1944 … Awarded contract to Joplin and December 11, 1946 …Property owners were as- Spencer for $23,894, to construct a new Municipal sessed$1.25 per front foot for curb & gutter, and $1.75 Building at 318 W. Main Street (below). An air condi- for improvements exclusive of curb and gutter along tioner was added on December15, 1944. New furniture Choctaw Trace in the Indian Hills Addition. was approved on March 14, 1945. The building is still being used for government offices. The architect was E. October 31, 1947 … Voters approve $200,000 Sewer Carlyle Smith. Mr. Smith was elected Mayor of Grand Improvement and Extension Bonds, $50,000 in Water- Prairie on April 5, 1949. works Improvement and Extension Bonds, and $150,000 in Street Improvement Bonds by a margin of 2-1.

April 22, 1948 … Entered into agreement with State Highway Commission to widen Main Street from West 8th Street to West 3rd Street, and from East 3rd Street to the eastern city limit (1.4 miles).

November 17, 1948 ...Contracted with Whittle Construc- tion Company for construction of a new sewage disposal plant (Estmt. cost of $145,000). Approved installation of a four-way signal light at 5th and E. Main in response to a citizen petition.

October 11, 1944 … Water line extension to serve Twin Airport Addition was authorized (2” pipe).

December 15, 1944 ...Authorized construction of two pounds, one in west Grand Prairie and one in East Grand Prairie, to take care of stray stock running at large.

July 11, 1945 … Acquired land for Grand Prairie’s first fire station and a City Jail. Fire Station #1 was built at 321 W. Main Street in 1949 at a cost of $51,710.75. November 8, 1949...The City’s first fire station was built August 4, 1945 … Purchased 37 acres ($200/acre) for a at 321 W. Main Street, at a cost of $51,710.75. It was City Park between Belt Line Rd and NE 5th Street. Designed by Architects Smith and Warder who also designed the City’s first Police Station, adjacent Fire Sta- March 14, 1946 ...City began daily pick-up of garbage tion #1 (Page 10).

10 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960 Wage Scale for Installing Sanitary Sewers

Classification Hourly Rate

Air tool operator $ 1.00 Blacksmiths $ 1.25 Blacksmith’s helpers $ .60 Bricklayers $ 1.25 Carpenters, journeymen $ 1.25 Cement Finishers $ 1.25 Firemen and oilers $ .75 Iron workers, reinforcing $ 1.25 Laborers, unskilled $ .70 Mason tenders $ .70 Plumbers $ 1.625 Grand Prairie’s first Police Station (above) was funded Sewer pipe yarners $ .75 by a 1949 bond referendum for $58,000 and was for- Sewer pipe layers $ 1.00 mally dedicated on November 8, 1949. McIntire Con- Sewer pipe helpers $ .70 struction Co. submitted the lowest and best bid for both Mortar tender $ .70 the Police and Fire Stations. Fine grade men $ .75 Blade graders operators $ 1.25 Originally built in 1952 at 2334 Pine Street, Fire Station Bulldozer operators $ 1.25 No. 2 was purchased by the U.S. Navy and was closed Crane, derrick, & dragline operators $ 1.375 on January 23, 1987. The new No. 2 Station opened at Mixers $ 1.25 3110 Bowles on January 23, 1987. Hines Builders, Inc. had the winning construction bid of $26,924.

Grand Prairie’s first Public Library Building was constructed at 326 W. Main Street in 1954 at a cost of $50,000. A 78 ft x 71 ft addition in 1965 cost $65,000.

May 8, 1956…GPISD awarded a $200,000 contract for construction of the 7,500 seat Gopher Bowl Stadium for Grand Prairie High School. Smith & Warder Architects & Engineers designed the stadium in a natural ravine

north of the school. It was renamed the Gopher-Warrior Bowl on July 8, 2004 to include South Grand Prairie H.S. Land for the school and stadium was annexed into the City on Sept. 19, 1951.

In 1958, Fire Station No. 3 and Drill Tower were built at 1702 Robinson Road, for a cost of $69,440 on a site donated by the Great Southwest Corp.

11 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

1952 Sales Office for the Industrial Profit Zone of America is launched for Grand Prairie’s Great Southwest Industrial District.

Developer Angus Wynne, Jr.

Great Southwest Industrial District Layout—late 1950’s

Eventually totaling over 8,000 acres, the Great Southwest Industrial District master-planned business park is located in both Grand Prairie and Arlington. The park gives Grand Prairie a strong industrial base, with more than 41 million square feet of warehouse space. It was the largest such park in north central Texas at the time of its development.

12 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

13 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960 Chairman LIBRARIAN Mrs. Glenna Lowe Mrs. Glenna LIBRARY BOARD PURCHASING ACCOUNTING OFFICE OFFICE CLERICAL RECORDS MANAGER & COLLECT J. P. Aderholt CORP COURT CORP SUPERVISION TAX ASSESSMT METER SERVICES J. A. Johnson, City City Secretary J. A. Johnson, CITY HALL ADMINISTRATION HALL CITY Chairman PARKS BOARD Robert. M. Hines Robert. SUPERINTENDENT FIRE DEPTFIRE CITY PLANCITY COMMITTEE POLICE DEPT POLICE CHIEF POLICE J.C. Swadley, JR Swadley, J.C. FIRE DEPT FIRE MGR MAYOR OFFICER CITY HEALTH CITY E. Carlyle Smith Dr. H. V. Copeland Dr. H. CITY COMMISSION CITY John Stufflebeme Don W. Small Ray Reed J. Perry William COURT Archie Price A. H. Waddell H. A. CORPORATION CORPORATION CITY ATTORNEY CITY H. N. Peek, Sr. N. Peek, Sr. Chm H. ZONING COMMITTEE ZONING CITY SHOP CITY R. L. Stanley, L. Stanley, Sr. Supt. R. STREET & GARBAGE DEPT PERMITS Jess Trigg BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING PLUMBING INSPECTOR INSPECTOR INSPECTOR City Engineer City ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING C. Director C. Ballard, F. PUBLIC WORKS DEPT CITY STORES CITY J. D. Steadman, Jr. Supt. D. Steadman, J. WATER & SEWER DEPT

14 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960 The Decision Makers: 1940 — 1960

MAYORS 1940-1949 G. H. Turner 1949-1953 E. Carlyle Smith 1953-1955 John W. Daugherty 1955-1959 C. R. Sargent 1959-1961 James Weems

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS 1940-1947 J. C. Swadley 1940-1947 J. W. Trimble 1947-1949 Wesley R. Flinn W. J. Perry Wesley R. Flinn 1947-1953 John Stufflebeme 1949-1951 T. R. Barnard 1949-1951 John W. Daugherty 1949-1953 Don W. Small 1951-1953 W. J. Perry 1951-1953 Ray Reed 1953-1955 Sam W. Pettigrew 1953-1955 Charles W. Powers 1953-1955 William G. Ellis 1953-1955 John E. Henry 1955-1959 Thomas Mays 1955-1959 Dewey Millar 1955-1959 Joe W. Perkins 1959-1961 W. C. Hardman 1959-1961 Bob Shanks 1959-1961 George Watson 1959-1961 James Weems Don W. Small Ray Reed 1959-1967 H. H. Milling

CITY MANAGERS

1955-1958 Dean I Dauley 1958-1961 Larry M. Crowe

Mayor E. Carlyle Smith Mayor John W. Daugherty 1949-1953 (1953-55) (CC, 1949-51)

Bob Shanks George Watson

15 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

John E. Henry William G. Ellis W. C. Hardman H. H. Milling

Charles W. Powers Joe W. Perkins

Dewey Millar Thomas Mays

16 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

Representative Subdivision Plats 47. Barnard Addition (7.10.50) 1. Penman Addition (11.20.40) 48. Pine Street (10.9.50) 2. Tina Clara Addition (3.12.41) 49. Westover Place, revised (2.28.51) 3. Avacon Parque (4.18.41) 50. Center Dale, FHA approved (3.26.51) 2. Avion Village (6.6.41) 51. Indian Hills Addition #3 (3.26.51) 3. Magnolia Park #1 (6.12.41) 52. C.L. Kitchen Addition (4.9.51) 4. Kathryn-Gene Addition (10.28.41) 53. Indian Hill Addition, No. 2 (4.9.51) 5. Robinhood Addition (1.9.42) 54. J.E. Payne Addition (6.11.51) 6. Wheatland Homes Addition (3.24.42) 55. Turner Heights Addition (7.30.51) 7. Robinhood Terrace (4.14.42) 56. H. Berry Addition (10.2.51) 5. Grand View Addition (5.6.42) 57. Valley View Addition (10.8.51) 6. Fairview #1 (5.29.42) 58. Hensley Park Addition, No. 4 (10.8.51) 7. Northaven #1 (8.29.42) 59. Vought Manor Apartments (11.12.51) 8. Fairview #2 (12.17.42) 60. Blue Bonnet Addition (2.25.52) 9. Fairview #3 (6.17.42) 61. Peek Hill (2.25.52) 10. Fairview #4 (12.2.42) 62. Pecan Acres (2.25.52) 11. Northaven #2 (1.19.43) 63. Dabney Plat (2.25.52) 12. Pacific Park Addition (4.12.43) 64. Bowie Addition (4.8.52) 13. Mary Lee Addition (4.29.43) 65. Daisy Addition (4.28.52) 14. Cebu Parkway Addition (6.22.43) 66. Chokas Heights Addition (4.28.52) 15. Peltwood Park (6.21.43) 67. Lillian J. Ware Plat (5.26.52) 16. Namaco Plaza Addition (7.20.43) 68. Chokias Heights Addition (6.5.52) 17. Burger & Sowells Addition (8.28.43) 69. Keith Heights (7.28.52) 18. G. W. Spikes #1 (11.22.43) 70. Park Heights Addition (9.22.52) 19. G. W. Spikes #3 (11.16.44) 71. Burnett Plat (11.17.52) 20. Poulin Addition (11.20.45) 72. Lake Terrace Addition (1.12.53) 21. Magnolia Park #3 (6.3.46) 73. Parkway Addition, No. 2 (1.12.53) 22. Britt’s Subdivision (2.19.47) 74. Ridgeway Manor (1.12.53) 23. Vivian Ann Addition (4.16.47) 75. Turner Heights #2 24. Lake Drive Park (9.17.47) 76. My Estates Subdivision (2.19.53) 25. Verne Addition #1 (11.19.47) 77. Greenbrier Addition (4.6.53) 26. Jefferson Hts (Jan 1948) Tarrant Co 78. Valford Addition (4.13.53) 27. Lillie Payne Addition (4.14.48) 79. Turner Estates (4.27.53) 28. Tyre Estates (5.13.48) Tarrant Co 80. Manor Place Addition #2 (5.6.53) 29. Highland Hills Addition (7.9.48) 81. Barrett Hill Addition (6.8.53) 30. Prairie Mead Addition (8.10.48) 82. Winfield Addition (6.25.53) 31. Sherwood Estates (8.26.48) Tarrant Co 83. Rogway Terrace #1 (7.7.53) 32. Evelyn Jean Addition ( 8.30.48) 84. Crest Hollow Edition (8.24.53) 33. Neva Shanks Addition (1.1.49) 85. Wildwood Oaks Addition (9.8.53) 34. Garnet Terrace (1.24.49) 86. Carrier Pkwy ROW (10.12.53) 35. Vought manor Addition (6.20.49) 87. Rogway Terrace #2 (10.19.53) 36. Marler Hills Addition (9.12.49) 88. Grand Prairie Estates (11.6.53) 37. Magnolia Park (12.20.49) 89. Jana Subdiv. (1.23.54) 38. Neva Shanks Addition (1.23.50) 90. Rogway Terrace #3 (1.29.54) 39. Vought Manor, #3 (1.23.50) 91. Rogway Terrace #5 (4.15.54) 40. Burbank Garden Subdivision (2.13.50) 92. SaddleHill Addition (6.22.54) 41. Hensley Park #3 (2.13.50) 93. Church Addition (8.1.54) 42. North Haven Addition (2.13.50) 94. Hillside Addition (9.13.54) 43. Grand Prairie Prize Acres (5.8.50) 95. Church Addition (9.13.54) 44. Vought Manor, #4 (6.12.50) 96. Phillips Park Addition (9.20.54) 45. Westover Place Addition (7.10.50) 97. Houston Addition (12.13.54) 46. Dalworth Park Addition (7.10.50) 98. Jackson, Womack & Davis (1.11.55)

17 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

Representative Plats (cont)

99. Phillips Park (1.19.55) 115. Florence Hill Addition, No. 2 (1.14.57) 100. Lobb-Milliorn Addition (1.17.55) 116. International Estates, No. 2 (1.14.57 101. Hillcrest Addition, Sec. 1 (2.21.55) 117. Prairie Mead #2 (3.7.57) 102. Church Hill Addition (6.20.55) 118. Sharpston Heights, Section 1 (3.11.57 103. Prairie Mead Addition (6.20.55) 119. Burbank Gardens Lt 2, Blk B (5.13.57) 104. Spruce Circle Addition (8.15.55) 120. Sharpston Heights, Section 2 (5.13.57) 105. Oakwood Estates (8.22.55) 121. Great S’west Indus. Cmty. #1 (9.9.57) 106. Inglewood Park Addition (9.6.55) 122. Mountain View Acres (10.16.57) 107. Belt Line Addition (11.7.55) 123. Covington Plat, (1.13.58) 108. Inglewood Terrace (11.28.55) 124. Inglewood Park #3 (6.9.58) 109. Vickery Place Addition (11.28.55) 125. Park Heights Addition (6.9.58) 110. Idlewild Heights Addition (1.16.56) 126. South Manor Addition (11.10.58) 111. Inglewood Park #2 (4.25.56) 127. Sheppler Villa Estates, #1 (4.13.59) 112. Ford’s Lakeside Subdivision (6.25.56) 113. Florence Hill Addition, No. 1 (7.23.56 114. International Estates (11.12.56)

18 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

Principle Annexations/Disannexation 1. Avion Village (6.6.41) 45. US 80 to Houston—NW 23rd to NW 26th 2. Fairview 1 & 2 (8.13.41) 34.17 Ac & 18 Ac (6.3.52) 3. RobinHood Addition (1.9.42) 20 Ac 46. 36 Ac, Co. Line to Arlington (6.3.52) 4. Fairview #3 (6.17.42) 9.35 Ac 47. Sol Spigel Village (6.28.52) 5. Fairview #4 (11.14.42) 9.6 Ac 48. Indian Hills Park Addition (8.6.52) 21 Ac 6. 53 Acres (2 tracts) adjacent G.P. (1.6.42) 49. Turner Heights (9.3.52) 7. Perry Linney survey, Abst. 777 (1.6.42) 50. Annex territory east of Grand Prairie in vicinity of 8. Central Business Area (9.16.42) Jefferson St., Highway 80 & Mountain Creek 9. Dalworth Park (9.24.1942) (10.12.52) 10. Burgher & Sowells Addn (11.14.42) 51. Centerdale Addn (11.19.52) 11. 6 Ac., R. Wilson Survey, Abst. #1548 (11.28.42) 52. 700 Ac, U.S. 80, Jefferson St, Mountain Creek 12. Peltwood Addition (7.24.43) 5.6 Ac Arcadia Park (11.6.52) 13. G.W. Spikes, 3rd Ed (10.23.46) 53. Disannex 14 Ac Burbank Garderns (Dec 29, 1952) 14. Evelyn Jean Addition (9.17.47) 54. N. of Trinity River (1.21.53) 15. 14.39 Ac P. Linney survey, Abst 777 (9.17.47) 55. Cockrell-Hill Rd to US 157 s. of Arkansas 16. 21.24 Ac P. Linney survey, Abst 777 (9.17.47) Lane (5. 1953) 17. 9.58 Ac Lillie Payne Addition (4.14.48) 56. All unannexed property east of City (May 6, 1953) 18. 10 Ac R. Wilson survey (2.16.49) 57. County line, published (May 6, 1953) 19. Vought Manor #1, 19.2 Ac (4.16.49) 58. Disannex, SH 183, Co. line, Irving (May 14,1953) 20. 6 Ac Ballard-Burgher Addition 59. Vought Manor Business Area (12.29.53) 21. Twin Airports: 170 Ac from three surveys: E. 60. Vought Manor Addn #4 (12.29.53) Crockett, Abst 222, T. Collins, Abst. 308 & 56. Beltline Rd (Jan 20, 1954) W.C. May, Abst 891 (6.1. 49) 57. South Dalworth, 88.7 Ac (April 7, 1954) 22. Vought Manor #2, 14.7 Ac (7.27.49) 58. 24.5 Ac, Myers Rd (Aug 29,1954) 23. Vought Manor #2, 19.5 Ac, (9.14.49) 59. Stadium Dr (Nov 7, 1954) 24. Vought Manor #3, 22 Ac, (3.1.50) 60. Disannex areas to east of G.P. (Dec 15, 1954) 25. Dalworth, Blk 220, 2.87 Ac (7.5.50) 61. Dawson Circle & Beltline Addn (Dec 19, 1954) 26. Saddle Hills Addition, 23 Ac (9.20.50) 62. Disannex area adjacent Dallas (Jan 13, 1955) 27. Burbank Gardens, Westover, & Hensley Park 63. Jefferson to Sherman—County Line West 959.3 Ac (Sept. 21, 1950) Ord #825) (April 1955) 28. Vought Manor #4, 43.7 Ac (11.1.50) 64. Disannex area adjacent Duncanville (Aug 15, 1955) 29. Fish Creek Rd to County Line (8.1.51) 65. Disannex area adjacent Duncanville (Sep 12, 1955) 30. 21.4 Ac, Stadium Dr (7.18.51) 66. 30 Ac Mountain. Lakes Estates (Sep 19, 1955) 31. Indian Hills. #2 (8.1.51) 67. Disannex area in Tarrant Co (Oct 12, 1955) 32. South of Skyline from SE 8th to Grand Prairie 68. Inglewood north of Marshall Dr (Oct 1955) Estates Addition (8.1.51) Ord. #1009 33. North of Clarice and SW 5th St (8.1.51) 69. Repeal part of No. 11 (Oct 1955) Ord. #1028 34. Sunnyvale to Arkansas west of County 70. E. Jeffersons & SE 14th (Oct 1955) Ord #1029 Line (9.5.51) - repealed 9.19.51 71. Highway 80 (Oct 1955) Ord #1032 35. Valley View Addition (10.5.51) 72. Beltline Rd, Clarice to Marshall (Nov 1955) 36. Disannex Valley View Addn (11.1951) Ord. #1033 37. Skyline Rd & west line of war housing tract 73. SW 5th to Highland (Nov 1955) Ord #1038 (12.19.51) 74. Tarrant Co Line to Arlington-Webb Britton Rd 38. Tarrant Co, Fort Worth St & NW 23d (1.20.52) south of Arkansas lane to Dallas Harwood Rd 39. Indian Hills #2 (4.2.52) (Jan 1956) Ord #1039 40. Tyre Park (4.16.52) 75. Grand Prairie Estates, Dalworth Park-Dalworth 41. Indian Hills Addn #2 (4.16.52) Hills, Jefferson to U.S. 80 (Dec 1955) 42. Hill Street Grade School (4.16.52) 76. Several portions (Dec 1955) Ord. #1048 43. Walnut Street Grade School (4.16.52) 77. Grand Prairie Airport (May 1956) Ord. #1087) 44. Lamar Street School (4.16.52) 78. Jefferson St ROW, County Line to SW 6th (Aug 45. Cottonwood Creek Trunk Sewer (4.21.52) 1956) Ord #1099 79. Inglewood Addition, from Cober and Ballaway North (Dec 1956) Ord #1125

19 CHAPTER 4: 1940-1960

Principle Annexations/Disannexation (cont)

89. South Inglewood (Sept 1957) Ord # 1206 102. Carrier Pkwy ROW, Marshall to Freetown 90. Intern’l Estates (Sept 1957) Ord #1207 (Aug 1959) Ord #1322 91. Disannex: Jefferson Pkwy (Nov 1957) Ord #1215 103. Gifford & NE 28th St (Nov 1959) Ord #1339 92. Hillside Addition (Dec 1957) Ord # 1218 104. Tract 4, Beltline & Toll Rd (Nov 1959) Ord #1340 93. 11 Ac, Gifford Hill (Jan 8, 1958) Ord #1229 105. L.A. Darsey Property (Nov 1959) Ord #1341 94. Centex property (Jan 1958) Ord # 1231 106. Sheppler Property (Nov 1959) Ord #1342 95. Disannex eastern prop. (April 1958) Ord #1254 107. Barrett Property (Nov 1959) Ord #1343 96. Mid Cities Hospital (Sept 1958) Ord # 1285 108. NW 7th (Nov 1959) Ord #1344 97. Arkansas to I-20 to SH 360 (Oct. 19, 1958) 109. 175 acres south of Dalworth (Nov 1959) Ord #1345 98. N Inglewood Terrace (Dec 1958) Ord # 1297 110. Inglewood Terrace (Nov 1959) Ord # 1346 99. SW 3rd—Marshall to Freetown (May 1959) 111. South Manor (Nov 1959) Ord #1348 Ord # 1308) 112. Disannex % of Scheppler (Dec 1959) Ord #1351 100. Burleson St Park (Apr 1959) Ord #1310 113. 233 Ac Furgeson Survey Abst 454 (6.3.60) 101. Grand Prairie Prize Acres (Aug 1959) Ord #1321

20 CHAPTER 5: 1920-1940

“Grand Prairie is in trouble,—we are being invaded from the east and polluted “Grand Prairie is growing and the town from the west.” will become just what its citizens make Mayor G. H. Turner it.” Fred Kreger, Editor, The Texan

The Depression Years Overview completed in 1938. The City initiated some innovative Grand Prairie struggled to survive from 1920-1940. The methods to collect back taxes, while at the same time ex- Great Depression (1929-1940) forced the City to borrow tending deadlines and making allowances for the inability to meet payrolls. Participation in New Deal programs of some citizens to meet this obligation. required local matching funds for materials. An estimated $20,000 was granted through WPA for school con- Residents voted (88 to 56) to replace the Alderman form struction projects and improvement of Hensley Field in of government with a Commissioner format in April of the City of Dallas. 1920. Mayor T.G. Collins was retained while F. N. Fa- gan and R. L. Keith were the elected commissioners. The City’s location on a transportation corridor between The three-person form of government set the path for Dallas and Fort Worth led to construction of U.S. 80 in early City development. 1920, with widening and upgrades in the 1930’s. Regulations adopted during this period prohibited the A second major construction project during the 1930’s reckless operation of motor vehicles; parking within fire was the construction of Mountain Creek Lake by Dallas limits and fireplugs; placement of poles and wires over Power and Light. Located east of Grand Prairie, the new public streets; who may make and how to connect to the reservoir for the Dallas power plant was built on land located in “Freetown,” a settlement of freed slaves and City sewer; prohibited the use of barbed wire fences; pro- purchased by the power company for $40/acre. Con- hibited unnecessary noise; regulated parking, traffic struction was halted briefly during the Depression, and lights and truck weight; required property owners to cut

CHAPTER 5: 1920-1940 grass and weeds on vacant lots; and defined gambling, prohibiting operation of or playing of certain machines by minors.

Interurban service was discontinued December 24, 1934 creating discussion about how to remove tracks and utilize the remaining right-of-way.

Throughout this time the City Commission and residents faced extreme hardships. It was not a period of growth, but one of survival.

Cotton Gins produced up to 4,000 cotton bales (on platform below for loading to rail car) per shipment

Passenger Station

New school, as seen from City’s water tower. 1929—Front counter of the Grand Prairie Garage and Fire Station at 202-218 E. Main Street

2 CHAPTER 5: 1920-1940

City Council Actions March 1, 1926 … Board of Commissioners awarded a May 3, 1921 … Adopted an ordinance forbidding play- bid in the amount of $21,940 for the paving of Main St. ing on the roofs or awnings of any store or public Followed on March 8th with an assessment against building. property and owners on Main Street for a part of the cost of the improvements. October 4, 1921 … Council granted a special rate of 20¢/1000 gallons to GPISD on their delinquent water August 15, 1927 … City authorizes addition of 25 bills, and set the salaries of two meter policemen at street lights under contract with Northern Texas Trac- $100/month, provided there was enough revenue from tion Co., for a total of 55 lights, costing $1.10 per the water department to cover the amount. month along the “Great White Way.”

November 1, 1921 … The City authorized borrowing March 19, 1928 ...The street running parallel with the $1,100 from First State Bank to purchase two fire hy- Northern Texas Interurban Line is renamed from drants and a 4” valve, to be repaid out of the water rent “Houston Street” to “Jefferson Avenue” through the fund. entire City limits.

November 17, 1921 ...The Commissioners approved May 21, 1929 … City Commission receives a petition construction of a 100,000 gallon concrete reservoir for with 100 signatures, requesting a public City park. a total cost of $1,500. February 16, 1931 … Mayor Turner is authorized to November 7, 1922 … Passed an ordinance regulating meet with state highway engineer in Austin to work out commercialized moving picture shows. the right-of-way and paving of State Highway #1 through Grand Prairie (today’s Main Street). The July 31, 1923 … Adopted result of Sewer System Bond Commission also hired a City Attorney for $10.00/ Election. Of 193 votes cast, 150 voters approved the month. issuance of sewer system bonds and 43 votes were cast against bonds in the amount of $65,000 to build a City September 21, 1931 … City’s first school crossing sewer system. guard, S. E. Taylor, is authorized to escort children across Main Street each morning and afternoon for payment of $15/month.

November 22, 1932 … Grand Prairie agrees to comply with the Bureau of Public Roads of the Department of Agriculture of the U.S. requirements for construction of State Highway #1, including preventing encroach- ment and agreeing to not set a speed limit under 20 mph.

September 13, 1933 … Commission passed an Ordi- nance regulating the sale of beer in the City.

May 31, 1935 … Water meter deposits were raised to $5.00 for residences and $10 for all other businesses.

June 16, 1936 … City Commission voted to pay the Grand Prairie’s Original City City Marshall a commission on traffic fines in addition to his regular salary, in the amount of $1.00 for each January 21, 1924 ...City Council accepted a bid for red light violation of $3.00, and $2.00 for all other traf- installation of a 20-light “White Way” at Main and fic violations of $7.20 or more. The mayor was also to Center Streets. Along with an estimate of $11,132.27 be paid a fee of $1.00 on each red light fine of $3.00, for a sewer system from R. J. Estep and Co. “...in addition to his regular fee of $2.15 on all fines of City Hall, Circa 1925 $7.20 or more.”

3 CHAPTER 5: 1920-1940

Major Industries in Grand Prairie—1921 December 15, 1936 …Adopted an ordinance defining gambling devises, slot machines, and marble ma- 1. Grand Prairie Gravel Company (north of chines; prohibiting the operation of such machines by Trinity River) minors under age 18; requiring a license fee of $2.00/ 2. State Refining Assoc. (2 mi. east of town) year; prohibiting location within 500 feet of any 3. Continental Tire and Rubber Company school building; and providing penalties for violation 4. Spike Brothers Broom Factory of the regulations. 5. American Mercantile Company (building

materials) January 12, 1937...Passed an ordinance regulating the 6. 3 Cotton Gins (shipping 3,000-4,000 cotton weight loads of trucks operated within the City limits bales per shipment) and providing a minimum fine of $5.00. 7. Anderson Motor Company of Grand Prairie

Roadster with starter $556.28 July 15, 1939 ...Adopted ordinance prohibiting the Roadster w/o starter $483.39 sale of and firing of fireworks within the City limits Touring Car $606.14 and also prohibited carnivals within the City limits. Coupelet $847.83

Public Facilities and Services

December 15, 1920 ...The City took delivery of a new 1923 City Employee Salaries/month “Type 32” Combination hose & Chemical Ford La- City Fire Marshall $ 25 France fire truck. The $2,500 cost was paid off over City Health Officer $ 25 three years at a 6% annual rate of interest. Motorcycle Officers $100 City Pumper $125 January 12, 1924 ...The Board of Commissioners au- City Secretary, Assessor $100 thorized bonds to purchase a, “standard Reo SPEED- City Marshall, Collector $100 WAGON chassis, equipped with 33x5 U.S. Royal Deputy City Marshall $ 25 Cord tires with Waterous Rotary Impeller Fire Pump Disposal Plant Manager $ 50 and Metal Side Body. Body to be built by Mr. Barbee, representative of Waterous Fire Engine Com- pany….” Cost of the new fire truck was $3,035.

February 2, 1935 … Commissioner J. C. Swadley was authorized to find a dumping ground site for the City. The selected site was on the east side of Belt Line Rd in an old pit between the road and the river on property owned by Mr. Gifford. “Cans and automobile bodies could be dumped …. provided it was out of sight of the road,” and that a gate was added for access.

4 CHAPTER 5: 1920-1940

The Great Depression

The Depression ( October 29, 1929-1940) forced Grand newed its efforts to collect delinquent water bills to fund Prairie citizens to be less social and more self-sustaining. the project, cutting off those who failed to comply. The City’s budget suffered. Former city employees told the Urbanite newspaper in May, 1970, “During the De- The mayor was authorized on February 26, 1936 to bor- pression years, Grand Prairie City government was prac- row $350 from Grand Prairie State Bank to pay laborers tically financed by the water department...When the Texas on the WPA project. and Pacific Railroad paid their water bill, then we’d all get paid.” City initiatives to provide jobs during the Depression included opening the Grand Prairie Cannery under auspices The City’s financial posture had been relatively strong of the Dallas County Relief Board. The Commissioners going into the Depression. On April 1, 1930, total cash Court paid for utilities and the City paid rent on the build- on hand was $6,495.59. By July of that year, the City ing. needed to borrow $1,000 from City National Bank to cover an overdraft in water funds, and when the note May 24, 1937 ...President Roosevelt approves a W.P.A. came due on January 5, 1931, there were no funds to grant for $4,070 to enlarge City Hall, provide the Grand make payment. Prairie Community House and improve the City Park. The Mayor was authorized to contract with Kock and City Commission meeting notes are tacit during this pe- Fowler to design the projects on February 16, 1938. In- riod, although the bills presented for payment give some cluded were: insights. During the Christmas season of 1931, bills for 1. Sanitary sewer and storm sewer across the Christmas groceries, gifts and charity exceeded $140 and T & P Railroad tracks; included the following items: 2. Curbs, sidewalks and the planting of shrubs and other improvements in the City park. Food for transients (3 mo.) $15.45 3. An addition to the Community House, pump Food for charity in City $ 4.43 house and City Hall. Christmas groceries $23.85 Groceries for Christmas charities $18.54 The City was required to hire bricklayers and skilled car- Underwear, charities $23.70 penters to complete the job in April, 1939 due to a lack of 144 lbs beef, Christmas charities $19.47 skilled workmen on the W.P.A. project. Shoes, Christmas charities $24.10 Fruits, candy, nuts, cash, charity $11.12 ———————

An innovative strategy for dealing with delinquent property taxes was devised by the City Commission in 1935 was to contract with the Mayor for a monthly payment plan for back taxes from 1924 through 1934. Persons who did not apply for the contract by the deadline date of May 31, 1935 were liable for collection of back taxes through the efforts of an Attorney contract by the City on August 13, 1935. In a major effort to correct the delinquent tax situation, the City agreed to pay for any correc- tion on names of owners, lien holders, property descrip- tions and court costs where necessary.

On January 17, 1936, the City was forced to raise minimum water rates from $1.50/2000 gallons to $1.75, to cover the purchase of materials needed ($2,500 worth) for Grand Prairie State Bank played an active role in keeping use on a $20,000 WPA project in progress. Water cus- City funds sufficient for payrolls and capital investments during the Great Depression. tomers complained the fee was too high, and the City re-

5 CHAPTER 5: 1920-1940

Mountain Creek Reservoir - a major infrastructure de- pastures and over cultivated land in the Mountain Creek velopment project of Dallas Power and Light provided drainage basin (Dallas Morning News, 9.21.1947). The some economic lift for Grand Prairie in the 1930’s. The volume of sedimentation was more than six times the mayor and local delegates “began intensive efforts toward original engineering projection. the realization of this (Mountain Creek Reservoir) project in 1923,” according to Martin Vail’s History of Grand Prairie (1954). Their efforts culminated in 1930, when Dallas purchased several hundred acres of farm land for approximately $40/acre in the Mountain Creek area and construction began on the reservoir. The site covered Freetown, a village of slaves freed by the Civil War

The reservoir was to be six miles long and two miles wide, extending south of today’s IH-20 (Dallas Morning News, Sept 1936). The Great Depression, however, brought a reduced demand for electric power. Dallas Power and Light ceased construction on their new power plant and reservoir, “under an agreement by which the power company was relieved of taxation at full value, but at the same time bound not to place any of the property value on its books for computation of rate of return” (Dallas Morning News, Sept 9, 1936). DPL’s initial investment was Lakeside Speculation Photo courtesy of Charles Brown. $4,590,000 (including dam, lake and land). Developer/speculator J. A. Hodges, caught up in local ex- It was not until 1936 that construction resumed, to be citement about the recreational benefits the future reser- completed in 1938. Area residents once again looked for- voir would create, bought 80 acres on the southwest cor- ward to Mountain Creek Lake becoming, “a week-end ner of the reservoir site, out of the John Hudnall Abstract mecca for Dallas sportsmen….” (Dallas Times Herald, (653). Hodges platted 1620 campsite lots in 1931 and be- 9.12.1937) But access was a problem. Lack of “a good, gan his marketing campaign. safe road to the reservoir,” (Dallas Morning News, 6.4.1939) was a problem. In addition, the Dallas Park By the time the lake opened in 1947, heavy sedimentation Board was wondering how to fund public park improve- from surrounding farmland had reduced the lake to 75% of ments. “Since they can spend their bond money only on its original size. Mr. Hodge’s 1620 campsites were no city property within the corporate limits they may favor longer on the edge of the reservoir, had not been surveyed annexing the new recreational center by the plan of run- and had not been surveyed. Construction of IH-20 north ning a narrow strip out West Jefferson to the of the 80-acre plat in 1976 permanently severed the Lake- lake…” (Dallas Morning News, 6.4.1939). Questions of side Addition’s vision of waterfront campsites. Mountain funding and liability were still being debated when the Creek Reservoir today is roughly 50% of its original size, lake was opened on May 1st, 1940 for public recreational due to sedimentation. use. Mr. Hodges’ plat lay dormant until 2003 when a local W.W.II and expansion of Hensley Field on the northwest realtor began to contact owners and heirs of the 1620 shore of Mountain Creek Reservoir raised security issues, campsite lots and assimilate them for redevelopment. The and the lake was closed to public use on January 5, 1941 City entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understand- at the request of army and navy officials (Dallas Times ing with the developer on August 30, 2007 to facilitate Herald, 6.28.1945) It was reopened for public use on redevelopment of the property, following passage of legis- July 1, 1945. lation in the 2007 legislature which allowed the City to foreclose on abandoned lots (where no owner/heir could By 1947, the Mountain Creek power plant was supplying be located). 40% of Dallas’ power needs according to Agricultural Editor Roy Roddy. The cooling lake, however, had been reduced in size by 24.2% by silt flowing from over grazed

6 CHAPTER 5: 1920-1940

Hensley Field

Hensley Field (right) was named after Major William Hensley, commander of the Eighth U. S. Army Air Corps. The City of Dallas located the military base on 200 acres on the eastern City Limit of Grand Prairie in 1928.

The Naval Air Station in Dallas was a shore installation of the commander of Naval Air Reserve Forces, one of fifteen major naval-reserve installations in the United States. It was located at the northwest end of Mountain Creek Lake, just west of Dallas. It was established in Au- gust 1929 by the city of Dallas as a training field for reserve pilots and was named Hensley Field for Maj. William N. Hensley, who was on the first trans- Atlantic dirigible crossing in 1919 and was a flying instructor near Dallas in the early 1920s. The site was leased to the United States Army by the city In early 1946 Congress appropriated funds to establish a of Dallas for twenty years for $1.00 a year, and the field naval reserve training program at NAS Dallas, and by became the Air Corps Reserve Base in the Eighth Corps March of that year the reserves had taken over the field. Area. The lease was extended to forty years at the begin- The United States Marine Air Reserve Training Com- ning of World War II. The United States Navy began mand also established itself there at that time. Reservists maintaining operations there in March 1941 and on May from Texas, Oklahoma, and eastern New Mexico contin- 15 of that year established a naval reserve training base ued to train at NAS Dallas. Hensley Field passed from on 160 acres adjacent to Hensley Field. On October 8, the command of the Air Force to that of the Navy on Sep- 1941, Maj. Thomas D. Ferguson, commander at the field, tember 30, 1949, but the field continued to serve as an air was made control officer for the Middle West Area of the force reserve training center. The air force conducted air United States, and on December 23, 1941, Hensley be- operations for its reservists, for the air national guard, came headquarters of the Midwest Area of the Air Corps and for the USAF Civil Patrol regional office. In 1950 Ferrying Command. It served as such until the ferry com- the naval reserve squadron stationed at NAS Dallas was mand became the Fifth Ferrying Group and was so ex- the first air reserve squadron to be called to active service panded that it had to be moved to Love Field. in the Korean War. The installation became Naval Air Station, Dallas, on The station continued to grow with the installation of January 1, 1943. Its initial mission was to provide pri- new and longer runways. Jet aircraft were assigned to mary flight training for naval, marine, and coast guard NAS Dallas in 1952. In 1963 the base was the first one to cadets. Enlisted personnel for aviation duty with the fleet fly the F8 Crusader. The 1980s brought to the installation were also trained there, and at one time a number of Free some of the nation's most sophisticated aircraft, including French aviators received flight training at NAS Dallas. the F-14 (Tomcat) and the C-9B. By 1990 there were During World War II the base also served as a radial en- 2,057 active-duty personnel on the base, with 6,789 re- gine repair station. Thousands of engines were over- servists assigned to the station. The total economic im- hauled there. NAS Dallas handled all air traffic for the pact of the base by then was almost $76 million. The fol- adjacent North American Aircraft Company plant. It was lowing year, more than 1,700 soldiers, sailors, and ma- also the flight test facility and the receiving station for rines had been deployed from the base to the Persian 4,400 SNJ (Texan) training aircraft manufactured at that Gulf. plant.

7 CHAPTER 5: 1920-1940

In response to the recommendations of the 1993 Depart- for use by reserve units and the Department of Interior for ment of Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commis- use as a neighborhood park. sion (BRAC-93) and to legislative requirements of the ———————— 1990 Base Realignment and Closure Act (Pub. L. 101- 510), NAS Dallas, Texas was closed and the property to be made available for disposal and reuse. Some of the NAS Dallas property was owned by the Navy; the remaining portion is leased to the US Government by the City of Dallas, and was returned to Grand Prairie’s Municipal Airport, 1931 the city in accordance with the lease agreement. Naval Air Station (NAS) Dallas officially decommis- sioned 26 September 1998. Its tenant commands had been relocating to NAS Joint Reserve Base (JRB) in Fort Worth for several years. NAS JRB Fort Worth was officially established 01 October 1998. Shortly after the establishment cere- mony, commands and units from NAS Dallas moved to Fort Worth in stages, as renovation or new construction projects were completed.

The City of Grand Prairie subsequently transferred the portion of NAS Dallas that was within its City limits to the US Defense Department

8 CHAPTER 5: 1920-1940

GRAND PRAIRIE FIRE DEPARTMENT AT NORTHEAST 2ND STREET IN 1925 Left to Right, Firemen and Sweetheart on trucks: Charley Sikes, Preacher Hatfield, John Stubbs, Grady Turck, Neville Hall, Elzie Whitley, Marvin Hancock, Sweetheart Miss Julia Brandenburg.

Standing Left to Right: Chief Jess Small, Paul Florence, Rex Robbins, Carl Swadley, George Berley, Raymond Saxton, Stanley Hatfield, Joe Elkington, Floyd Cox, J.C. Swadley, Sr., Ed Small, Emmet Turck, Rev. Roberts (Chaplin) Mayor G. H. Turner, Commissioners Charley Daniels and Tom Bacon, Carl Page Swaadley, Mascot, 5 years old. Not in Picture: Ferman Martin, Blake Hewitt, Hal Jackson

Background (on right): First Baptist Church which later burned on January 7, 1929 with a lost value of $10,000.

Fire protection was a top priority in early Grand Prairie. Bucket Brigades were all residents had until a volunteer fire department was formed in 1917 by Jacob Cleveland “Uncle Jake” Swadley, Sr., Jess Small, and John L. Stubbs. The City’s first fire truck was built by the volunteers on a Model T Ford chassis and replaced in 1919 by an American LaFrance Hose and Chemical truck with two 30-gallon soda and acid tanks mounted on a Model T Ford. Lacking a Fire Station, the firemen operated out of a garage in the 300 block of W. Main Street. The City rented space for its fire fighting equipment until the first station was built in 1949.

Lack of water pressure was a chronic problem. The City installed its own water system in 1918, including two-way fire hydrants. In late 1920, the City spent $20,000 to in- stall some six-inch water mains and some three-way fire hydrants, replacing some of the two-way hydrants. A general alarm siren was purchased in 1922 and augmented with 25 home receivers for firemen in 1952.

The Department evolved from 25 volunteers in 1940 to 16 J. C. Swadley, Jr. joined the volunteer department in in paid professionals and 25 volunteers in 1958. 1931 and became the City’s first paid fire fighter in 1945.

9 CHAPTER 5: 1920-1940 The Decision Makers: 1920-1940 Representative Plats

MAYORS 1. Mountain View Acres, 44 Ac (7.13.1925) 2. Jefferson Ave Extension (3.13.28) 1920-1921 T. G. Collins 3. Twin Airports Industrial Addn, 32 Ac (11.12.1929) 1921-1923 T. W. Wright 4. John Howerth Addn (7.2.1930) 1923-1935 G. H. Turner 5. Lakeside #1 & #2, 80 Ac (3.12.1931) 1935-1937 George N. Doyal 6. Mountain Lakeview #1, 45 Ac (5.6.1931) 1937-1940 G. H. Turner 7. Mountain Lakeview #2, 14.7 Ac (6.27.1931) 8. Mountain Lakeview #3, 15.4 Ac (8.22.1932) CITY COMMISSIONERS 9. Dallas-Fort Worth Highway (12.30.1932) 10. Burbank Gardens, 255.6 Ac (3.12.1936) 1920-1921 R. L. Keith 11. Dallas Pwr & Light, Mtn Creek Lake (1.14.1937) 1920-1921 F. M. Fagan 12. Gifford Hill (1.20.1937) 1921-1923 C. E. Horsley 13. J. A. Adair Addn (7.14.1937) 1921-1923 S. G. Smith 14. John Farrans Addn (10.27.1937) 1923-1924 F. C. Rector 15. L. W. Means Homestead Addn (9.7.1939) 1923-1931 Tom F. Bacon 1924-1926 Charles M. Daniels 1926-1931 J. C. Swadley 1931-1932 H. F. McCormick 1931-1933 S. E. Taylor 1932-1935 L. B. Leslie 1933-1935 J. C. Swadley 1935-1937 W. H. Breitsprecher 1935-1940 John W. Trimble 1937-1940 J. C. Swadley

Mayor G. H. Turner began his 12 terms at the helm of Grand Prairie in 1923. He served from 1923-1935 and 1937- 1949, taking the City through the Great Depres- sion.

J. C. Swadley, Sr. served as City Commissioner from 1926-1931 and 1933-1935. He was a Volunteer Fire Chief and instrumental in the development of the City’s professional fire fighting program.

10 CHAPTER 6: 1909-1920

The Town of Grand Prairie

Overview

Incorporated in 1909 under Title 22 of the Texas Revised The Council meet bi-weekly for the purpose of regulating Statutes, the Town of Grand Prairie elected S.P. Lively City services and paying bills. City services were mini- as its first Mayor. The 1910 Census listed 994 persons mal and City coffers likewise. The 1916 tax rate was living within the City Limits. The Dallas-Fort Worth $0.25/$100 valuation and on April 1, 1918 City balances road had been graveled, and the Interurban brought de- were: pendable transportation to Grand Prairie. To the west, the Dalworth community was being organized by the General Fund $527.33 McIlhenny family, extending from sixth street to the Water Fund $324.29 county line. Cost & Fines Fund $250.00

The first ordinances adopted by the City Council includ- A major initiative was the design and construction of a ing prohibiting the firing of firearms within City limits, City water system. Begun in 1917, the City issued its forbidding playing ball on the streets of the City, prohib- first major warrants (bonds) in the amount of $15,000 for iting obstruction of sidewalks, prescribing duties of the installation of the system and an additional $9,000 to re- Chief of Police, preventing cruelty to animals, prohibit- pair streets after the pipes had been put in. ing leaving horses and mules attached to unguarded / unfastened vehicles, and the prohibiting of throwing pa- To help pay for infrastructure improvements the City be- per, etc. in City streets and gutters. gan an aggressive program to collect back taxes that totaled $500.00 in 1918. It also began to issue new taxes, Early minutes of City Council meetings are handwritten such as the $1/year dog tax that included a $10.50/year with existing copies dating from 1915. City government tax on female dogs that had to be registered and wear a included the Mayor and four aldermen during this period. collar.

The Little Motor Kar Company came to Grand Prairie in 1919, just north of the site of Hensley Field. Their proposed 27-hp “Texmobile” was to sell for $350. After constructing two 500-foot production buildings, the company went into receivership in August, 1920.

CHAPTER 6: 1909-1920

The focus of City leaders in the first 11 years of existence community with uniform restrictions throughout business as a town was to provide basic services. The bi-weekly and residential districts, parks and public grounds. commission meetings considered sanitation, fire protection, streets and sidewalks, the creation and extension of utilities and other fundamental needs of the citizenry.

A major fire in April 1909 consumed the Texas and Pa- cific Depot, J.C. William’s Restaurant, Collins and Collins Hardware and the Houston and Liggett Lumber Yard, causing $25,000 in damage. In 1914, another major fire burned one of six buildings of the Chase Furniture Com- pany. The Grand Prairie Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1917, with 12 members. By hand, the volunteers assembled parts for and constructed a Model T Ford chassis with solid tires, 1,000 feet of single jacket 2 1/2” hose, one axe and one crowbar. The homemade equipment was replaced in 1919 by an American LaFrance Hose and Chemical truck with two 30-gallon soda and acid tanks mounted on a Model T Ford. The Anderson/Hart Building at 1502 Houston Street (above) was built in 1915 and occupied by many businesses during the years including The Rainbow Gardens, a dinner nightclub; Dalworth Business College, and apartments.

Dalworth Park was marketed as the perfect escape from the congestion and high taxes of Dallas and Fort Worth, as well as cold of the northern states and the heat of the trop- ics. It was platted but not incorporated.

SPIKES BROTHERS * BROOMS & DUSTERS

To the west, the Dalworth Park Development was taking place. Platted on October 18, 1912 by F. P. Holland of the Spikes Brothers Broom Factory, 1204 W. Main St, 1911 Dalworth Realty & Improvement Company, Dalworth The largest and most modern Broom Factory in the South. Park was an ambitious plat including parcels for industrial use. Several industries were recruited and relocated to The Spikes Brothers Broom Factory was one of the largest The Model City. Employers in the area. Enticed by free land (Block 66 of Dalworth Section 2, between Tenth and Eleventh Streets DALWORTH INN on the north side of Pacific Avenue) Jack, Luther, George and Paul Spikes relocated the manufacturing portion of their broom factory from Marilla Street in Dal- las to Dalworth Park. The business was sold to United Broom The first high-class “Automobile Inn” in Texas Company in 1942. Production ceased Advertised as an ideal place to live, with all the modern and the building was conveniences (water, natural gas, concrete sidewalks, abandoned in 1981 graveled streets and telephones), Dalworth was a planned and later demolished.

2 CHAPTER 6: 1909-1920

Minutes of the Grand Prairie City Council, April 17, 1916

3 CHAPTER 6: 1909-1920

4 CHAPTER 6: 1909-1920

5 CHAPTER 6: 1909-1920

City Council Actions Public Facilities and Services

June 9,1909...Passed the following ordinances: June 14, 1915 ...Citizens petition for a water main in SW 1. Prohibition on firing of firearms in City Limits portion of the City. and setting a $50 fine. 2. Forbidding playing ball on City streets. March 6, 1916 … City Council approves the purchase and 3. Prohibiting obstruction of sidewalk. installation of a water main 16” underground to SW Grand 4. Prescribed duties of Chief of Police. Prairie. Costs of the pipe were 6¢/foot for 1” pipe, 10¢/foot for 1 1/2” pipe, and 15¢/foot for 2” pipe. June 14, 1909...Passed ordinance preventing cruelty to animals. May 7, 1917 ...City Council authorized con- July 19, 1909...Passed ordinance prohibiting leaving horses tractor to proceed with and mules attached to unguarded or unfastened vehicle. construction of a water system ($15,000) and May 12, 1911 … The City granted a franchise to Lone Star repair streets following Gas Co., bringing natural gas to residents for heating, cook- installation of the sys- ing and lighting. tem ($9,000). Grand Prairie installed April 9, 1913…Passed ordinance prohibiting littering in its water system in City streets or gutters. early 1918. The over- head storage tank June 14, 1915 … Appointed Dr. H. V. Copeland as the City (right) was located at Health Officer. NW 3rd and W. Main Street. It was torn October 11, 1915 ...Adopted ordinance #12, restricting the down in 1958. speed of motor vehicles to 12 mph within City limits. The City’s first industry- February 26, 1917 ...The City Council issues its first bonds was the Dallas Cracker & in the amount of $24,000, for establishment of a water sys- Biscuit Company (left). tem. The building at Jefferson and SW 3rd was bought April 23, 1917 … The City Council authorized a position to by the Grand Prairie Tire haul garbage in the City. and Rubber Company and burned in 1940. September 16, 1918 … The City issued a notice to water customers that all leaky faucets must be repaired within 24 hours or their water service would be cut off.

February 17, 1919 ...City Council decided to pursue a better lighting system for the City (the Great White Way) and also voted to purchase City Hall for a sum of $850.

April 28, 1919...Adopted a $1/year dog tax ($10.50 for female dogs plus registration and required collar). The next month a more general animal tax was levied.

November 23, 1919...City Council approved a water meter rate of $1.50 minimum for 2000 gallons and $0.40 per thousand gallons over the minimum.

6 CHAPTER 6: 1909-1920

The Decision Makers: 1909-1920 Representative Plats MAYORS 1. Jackson Wameck & Davis Addn, 67.7 Ac (9.7.1910) 1909—1909 S. P. Lively 2. R. L. Hight Addition (2.11.1911) 3. Chase Addition (9.21.1911) 1909—1910 R. E. Means 4. Westover Place, 102 Ac (7.17.1912) 1910—1911 P. A. Geeo 5. Dalworth, Tarrant Co. (10.18.1912) 1911—1913 R. E. Means 6. Penman Addition (10.30.1913) 1914—1917 E. E. Hall 7. Joe Bishop, 79 Ac (2.12.1914) 1917—1918 J. T. Owens 8. Northern Texas Traction Co (11.3.1917) 1918—1919 L. O. Turner 9. M. O. Jones, 232.9 Ac (12.14.1917) 1919—1920 T. G. Collins 10. J. D. Duncan (5.22.1919)

CITY ALDERMEN

1915—1916 H, K, Wafenbarger 1915—1918 L. G. Tinsley 1915—1916 N. T. Keith 1915—1916 G. J. Carter 1915—1916 H. H. Moore 1916—1917 H. J. Lucas 1916—1917 Dick M. Hatfield Engines for the Little Motor Kar Company 1916—1918 C. H. Wheat 1917—1918 Noah Turner 1917—1920 K. A. Ward 1917—1919 O. A. Bradshaw 1918—1920 J. F. Small 1918—1920 Sam G. Smith 1918—1919 J. C. Swadley 1919—1919 Ira Allen 1919—1920 Ed Burns 1919—1920 C. H. Spears

Artist’s Concept

Texmobile truck being tested to carry a 3,508 lb load. Manufactured by The Little Motor Kar Company.

7 CHAPTER 7: PRE-1909

Officially organized in 1863, Grand Prairie was one of several communities in Dal- las County located adjacent the Trinity River and its tributaries. Early settlers envisioned using the Trinity as a water transportation route to the Gulf of Mexico. Future Grand Prairie ۩

The Village of Grand Prairie

Dechman (now Grand Prairie) was an unincorporated village from 1880 to 1909. Located west of Dallas and Ea- gle Ford on the Trinity River. Settlers arrived before the Civil War, bringing with them cattle and slavery. The community was organized in 1863 when A.M. Dechman purchased a 239-acre tract from William and Walter Caruth. In 1876, Dechman surveyed and platted a town site, giving the Texas and Pacific Railway alternating lots in designated blocks, in exchange for the operation of a depot. The Railroad called the new community, “Grand Prairie” after the “Grand Prairie” land formation land running through the area, and the town name was officially changed to Grand Prairie in 1877.

Civil government was provided, in part, by a Dallas County (Precinct 6) Deputy Constable whose area of respon- sibility also included Cedar Hill and Duncanville. The Justice Court met on the second Saturday of each month. The village was three blocks square. Grand Prairie Independent School District filed its Articles of Incorporation with Dallas County on July 5, 1902. Few records of local government remain today other than abstracts and plats on file with Dallas County. On March 20, 1909, 107 electors representing a population of 1,107 persons voted for incorporation.

An Early View Of Main Street Grand Prairie

CHAPTER 7: PRE-1909

Infrastructure and public facilities developed slowly. It was 1900 before the first telephone was installed in Grand Prairie. Grand Prairie Independent School District incorporated in 1902, and S. R. Lively as the first mayor. The Dallas-Fort Worth Pike (which became U.S. 80) was graveled by 1907.

Development Chronology

1841-Peters Colony Land Grant includes area 1845-1850s-David & Alexander Jordan (TN) built Jordan-Bowles home (705 NE 28th St), brought slaves with them 1846-Dallas County is created, Thomas Vernay settles on 350 acres along Cottonwood Creek 1854-First bridge built across Trinity River 1861-1865-Texas joins Confederacy in Civil War 1865-1867-A.J. Hamilton is provisional governor 1867-1870-Texas under military rule during Con- gressional Reconstruction Plan 1870-Public elections held statewide, Congress readmits Texas to the Union, David & Alex Jordan free their nine slaves, dividing 50 acres between them. “Freetown” is established 2 1/2 miles SE of the City near the west shore of Mountain Creek Lake by emancipated slaves, with their own school and church (Antioch Baptist Church) near Hardy Rd and Avenue D.

Above: Goodwin Cabin, constructed in 1846 near Sunny- vale and east of Duncan Perry Road. Macajah Goodwin brought his family from Alabama, purchasing 640 acres.

Left: Main Street Grand Prairie, 1908

Below: Jordan/Bowles Home: The Jordan and Bowles families were among the first settling in the Grand Prairie area. The house served as a stagecoach stop in the 1870s before the railroad was constructed. Moved from its original site in the early 1900s, it was bought by the City in 1957.

1870’s (late)-cotton introduced as a crop 1873-Texas & Pacific RR extended to Dechman 1874-Post Office established in Dech- man 1875-Census lists 42 families in area 1877-Dechman is renamed “Grand Prairie” 1880-1909-Grand Prairie is an unincorporated village 1903-Livestone Lodge No. 152 granted a charter (for free and accepted masons). 1907-Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike is completed, built by convict labor gangs over a period of 11 years.

2 CHAPTER 7: PRE-1909

GEO//Political Context

Dallas County is primarily flat, heavy Blackland Prairie encompassing 902 square miles. Early Indi- ans in the region were the Anadarkos, a Caddoan group who settled in vil- lages along the Trinity River. The Cherokees arrived around 1819, driven westward by Fed- eral legislation. Within three years, they had been driven out by local tribes of prairie Indians. Euro- pean settlers drove the Indians from the area by 1843 and voters approved annexation of Texas to the U.S. by a vote of 29 to 3 in 1845. 1887 Passenger Engine, Texas & Pacific Railroad

In 1861, citizens voted for secession from the Union. The area was not invaded during the Civil War, but 1,300 men from the county, comprising 10 companies, fought for the Confederacy. The Confederate government established a general quartermaster’s and commissary headquarters for the army in Dallas County as well as a pistol factory in Lancaster. Slaveholders form other areas of the south moved into Dallas County with their slaves to avoid attack by Union troops.

The discovery of oil along the Texas and Pacific line in Located at the intersection of the Military Road from Aus- West Texas during the late 1920s helped the company tin to the Red River (completed in 1842) and Preston through the depression, with crude oil accounting for 22% Road, the County still needed a railroad to ship its agricul- of all freight tonnage in 1928. The company was subse- tural products to markets in the east. The Houston and quently merged with the Missouri Pacific Railroad Com- Texas Central Railroad built a route running north-south pany over a period of years, officially becoming the Mis- through Dallas County in 1872. In 1873, the Texas and souri Pacific Railroad on October 15, 1976. Pacific Railroad ran through Dallas from east to west, cre-

ating communities like Grand Prairie and Mesquite. Caboose #2040, Texas & Pacific Railroad

The Texas and Pacific Railroad, chartered by Congress in 1871, led to development of the City Grand Prairie. It’s charter included 20 sections of land in Texas, from Mar- shall to the western state line. Tracks from Eagle Ford (Dallas) to Fort Worth were opened on July 19, 1876.

3 CHAPTER 7: PRE-1909

Texas & Pacific Depot in Grand Prairie, Circa 1896

The Texas & Pacific Passenger Depot in Grand Prairie was located on the north side of the tracks between Center and NE 2nd Street.

The Northern Texas Traction Company running through Grand Prairie from 1902 to 1935 was one of four electric interurban railways in northern Texas. The interurban track was south of the Texas & Pacific and later become the center line of Jefferson Street.

Texas Electric Railway, Bulletin 121, p.170

Interurban Cars Running on Future Jefferson Street

Cotton bales wait for shipment on Texas & Pacific Railroad

4 CHAPTER 7: PRE-1909

Original plat of Dechman, Texas (1876)

5 CHAPTER 7: PRE-1909

Early depot

Representative Plats

1. Dechman (1876, Original town) 2. E. W. Dallas Addition (11.17.1903) Livestone Lodge No. 152 3. Thomas, 1st Addition (11.23.1904) 4. Thomas, 2nd Addition (3.10.1906) Chartered on July 24, 1903, the Livestone Lodge No. 5. R. E. Gunner Addition (3.22.1906) 152 for free and accepted masons in the African 6. Fuqua Addition (4.9.1906) American Community known as The Line also served 7. O. Gurlach Addition (4.11.1906) as a school house and church. Originally located at 8. A. H. Sheppard Addition, 2.4 Ac (4.20.1906) the intersection of Hardy Road and Avenue D near 9. D. M. Miller Addition 10. J.E. Paynes Addition the Antioch Baptist Church and Cemetery, the Lodge was relocated to the Dalworth Community in 1944.

S. P. Lively and Son Cotton Gin, 1904 Trimble-Martin Home, 1897—301 SW 4th Street