The Downtown Project in Garland, Texas, recently garnered significant recognition from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMI), scooping up awards in three distinct categories. According to a press release by the City of Garland, the project's Grand Opening held on October 14, 2023, took home the accolade for Best One-Time Special Event in the state. Additionally, the Heritage Crossing Museum's scavenger hunt, which was a feature of the Grand Opening, was heralded as the Best Use of a Promotional Item.
The city's efforts in revitalizing its downtown area didn’t go unnoticed, claiming an Award of Honor for its marketing plan campaign. Though the revitalization project was a sprawling endeavor, the reconstruction of the Square and surrounding streetscapes was specifically designed to enhance connectivity and walkability within the heart of Garland. A significant 60,000 square feet of area was redesigned, involving the usage of 45 tons of structural steel and 5 tons of concrete, reflecting not only the scale but the commitment to the urban makeover.
Garland’s Downtown Square and Streetscapes Project was not just recognized locally but has also received accolades on other fronts. The Dallas Business Journal awarded the project in the Community Impact category, and it seized the North Texas Project Achievement Award for Government Projects under $50 million from the Construction Management Association of America on May 16. These recent honors highlight the meticulous planning and execution that transformed the downtown area, adding new structures and extensive landscaping.
Overall, the success of Garland's initiatives was evident as the city racked up a total of six awards from the TAMI. Their winning streak included a TAMI Award for a video on the Bankhead Cultural Arts District and an Award of Excellence for promotional material related to the Garland and Beyond NASA exhibit. They even snagged another Award of Excellence for “Jingle Them Bells,” a humor video that was part of their seasonal promotion. These accolades have placed Garland’s Downtown Project in the limelight, setting an example of what can be achieved with vision and relentless pursuit of enhancement of a city's core.
