08.06.2024

Today’s Forecast

Tunnels under Dallas

Big D’s Hidden Depths: The Underground City

An underground tunnel network under downtown Dallas.

The underground tunnel network under downtown Dallas was built to connect nearby businesses and hotels. | Photo by DALtoday

Dallas boasts a secret world beneath its bustling streets: an extensive network of pedestrian tunnels known as the Dallas Underground. This subterranean labyrinth was once envisioned as a futuristic solution to urban congestion.

The Dallas Pedestrian Network is the brainchild of Montreal urban planner Vincent Ponte who was inspired by the success of Montreal’s Underground City. Construction began in the early 1970s to connect buildings, garages, and parks, creating a climate-controlled oasis for pedestrians.

The tunnels promised a convenient and comfortable way to navigate downtown Dallas, shielding residents and visitors from harsh weather. It was a bold and innovative concept for its time.

However, despite its initial potential, the Dallas Underground never fully realized its vision. As the city evolved, the tunnels gradually fell into disuse.

Today, the once-promising network exists as a shadow of its former self. While still accessible in some areas, it has largely been forgotten. Some sections remain bustling, connecting office buildings and retail spaces, while others are eerily quiet.

Itching to see them yourself? The network of tunnels has several major entrances via Thanks-Giving Square, Renaissance Tower, One Main Place, and Bank of America Plaza.

Nevertheless, the Dallas Underground remains a fascinating piece of the city’s history, a testament to a time when urban planners dared to dream of underground cities.

A Facebook group called “Dallas Underground Culture” is striving to keep the heritage of the tunnels alive. They also post facts about the tunnels and hosted events.

As Dallas continues to grow and change, the future of the Dallas Underground remains uncertain.

Asked

What would you do with the Dallas Underground?

A. Remodel it into subway transit
B. Add more restaurants
C. Include more retail shops
D. Other

Give us your idea

Events

Tuesday, Aug 6

Civics for Business: Forward Dallas | Tuesday, Aug. 6 | 12 p.m. | North Dallas Chamber of Commerce | $10 | Join the City of Dallas as they give FordwardDallas updates and explain how the plan will impact various aspects of city life.
“Funny Girl” | Tuesday, Aug. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Music Hall Fair Park | $30-$150 | Experience the unforgettable, theatrical journey of a Broadway star in this bittersweet comedy.
An Evening With Pretenders | Tuesday, Aug. 6 | 8:30 p.m. | The Pavilion At Toyota Music Factory | $43-$217 | Spend the evening with the Pretenders, where the iconic band will perform their greatest hits and new tracks.

Wednesday, Aug 7

Def Leppard Concert Series | Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 7-9 p.m. | Rock & Brews | Price of purchase | Rock on to hit tunes from Def Leppard while enjoying cocktails and food.

Thursday, Aug 8

“King Lear” | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Latino Cultural Center Blackbox | $28-$39 | Experience the timeless tragedy of King Lear in a powerful new presentation.
Weezer Tribute | The Troublemakers | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 7 p.m. | Legacy Hall | $5-$250 | Rock out with The Troublemakers, the ultimate Weezer tribute band.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Plan Ahead

🍷 You’ll be on cloud wine at GrapeFest

a gif featuring images from a previous GrapeFest

Mark your calendars for the 38th Annual GrapeFest. | Photos courtesy of GrapeFest; GIF by FTWtoday

Uncork some of the best vintages in Texas at the largest wine festival in the southwest, GrapeFest, happening September 12-15.

Taking place right in the heart of Grapevine, TX, this fest allows attendees to sample some of the region’s best wine, partake in interactive experiences (grape stomp, anyone?), and so much more.

General admission tickets and weekend passes are now on sale — grab yours before they sell out. Sip, sip, hooray.

Buy tickets

News Notes

Civic

Over 2.1 million Texas voters are on the suspended list. Due to address issues. Before the November election, check to see if your voter registration is up-to-date and update your address before Monday, October. 7. (The Dallas Morning News)

Closed

Green Door Public House, a bar and grill near the Dallas Farmers Market has officially closed its doors. The restaurant left a note thanking its customers for “ten amazing years,” encouraging customers to visit their sibling restaurant Harwood Tavern. (CultureMap Dallas)

Legacy

Dallas-born Shaun Martin, a Grammy-winning musician known for his work with Snarky Puppy and Kirk Franklin, died this past weekend at 45 after battling an undisclosed illness. He served as musical director for Kirk Franklin and collaborated with Erykah Badu. (Dallas Observer)

History

The Belmont Hotel in West Dallas is seeking historic status to revive its operations after closing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Owner Jordan Ford aims to preserve the site, which was designed by architect Charles Dilbeck, and modernize operations. (The Dallas Morning News)

Community

Attorneys Shane Mullen and Joe Morrison are launching The Mullen & Mullen Music Project with Spune Productions to revive the city’s music scene. Starting this month, they will host 12 shows at Tulips, Club Dada, and Ferris Wheelers through April 2025 to support local artists and venues. See the lineup. (Dallas Observer)

Trending

Mr. Puffy’s Japanese Cheesecakes, located in Far North Dallas, is bringing fresh, authentic Japanese cheesecakes to the area. The cakes, known for their wobbly texture, are made daily. (Dallas Observer)

Olympics

Texas athletes are making waves in Paris. Simone Biles, Kassidy Cook, and Simone Manuel have already claimed medals, showcasing the Lone Star State’s athletic prowess. Keep up with Team USA via WFAA

Sports

Have you heard about the latest notes from last week’s scrimmage at training camp? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Olympics

Olympics results tracker

Looking up from the ground at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, with the Olympic rings hung on the landmark's side. — Each Olympic medal includes a piece of the Eiffel Tower this year.
|
Photo by Shea Stapley, 6AM City

The Paris 2024 Olympics are now in full swing, showcasing athletic prowess from around the globe. Athletes who have dedicated significant portions of their lives to training are seizing the opportunity to bring glory back to their countries.

This includes several outstanding representatives from the United States, particularly from North Texas. Among the top athletes from this region are track star Sha’Carri Richardson and professional golfer Scottie Scheffler.

Here’s how Dallas athletes are performing, via WFAA.

See more coverage from WFAA

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kendall Lyons

From the editor

The Olympics are getting pretty exciting. Have you heard of break dancing? What other sports have you discovered since watching the Olympics? Let us know.

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