Las Colinas
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:Mustangs at Las Colinas.jpg Las Colinas is a developed area in the Dallas suburb of Irving, Texas.
A planned community, it is synonymous with corporation offices, although there are also shops, hotels and residences within Las Colinas.
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History
Las Colinas was founded in 1972 by cattle ranching millionaire Ben H. Carpenter. His vision of a secure, aesthetically-pleasing business and living center was realised after much private and public expenditure.
In 1985, the first sign of financial trouble appeared at Las Colinas due to a real estate market crash. Template:Ref Carpenter was evicted from Las Colinas after a lengthy legal battle.
Las Colinas made something of a comeback and is today a prestigious location for business and personal addresses, although a high tax rate is a source of frustration for some residents. Template:Ref
Las Colinas Today
Las Colinas remains a planned community home to many corporations despite an increasing problem of debt. However, the area continues to thrive, with golf and country clubs and a movie studio, the "Studios at Las Colinas".
It also contains high-rise office towers, retail centers, upscale residences and apartment complexes, and leisure facilities. One notable attraction is the larger-than-life Mustangs at Las Colinas sculpture and fountain. The complex also feature River Walk-styled canal with electric gondolas. Las Colinas has over 20 million square feet (1,858,000 m²) of office space, and is served by a 5.5 mile long monorail system called the Las Colinas APT System.
The Las Colinas area is served by Irving Independent School District and Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District.
Many people will recognize Las Colinas as referenced by Lawrence (of Office Space fame), who awoke early in the morning to erect the drywall at the new McDonald's.
References
- Template:Note Bourland, Gary N. "Inside Las Colinas" Back Cover
- Template:Note [1] Lee Powell (The Dallas Morning News) "Ranch to riches: A city's tale - Las Colinas' growth marked by foresight, careful planning"