As part of the DART 40th Anniversary celebration, we will spotlight a development or revitalization project that is the result of DART's presence in that city.

The Blue Line arrived in Garland in Fall 2002. Downtown Garland Station served as the terminal station for 10 years until the extension to Downtown Rowlett opened in 2012. DART Rail has been a catalyst for the redevelopment of Garland’s Downtown area over the past 20+ years, but the city is now celebrating a new milestone: a revitalization of the Downtown Square that transforms the area into a destination.

Garland is committed to enhancing its cultural and recreational heart. With a recent renovation investment exceeding $25 million, the city has created a space that all can enjoy. The center of the downtown square now features an imaginative play area, an event lawn, an urban water feature, and a unique gateway feature, making it a central hub for community gatherings and festivities. Beyond the square, up to 14 blocks of streetscapes will be improved in the broader Downtown area.

Garland has announced Saturday, Oct. 14, as the date for its public celebration of the reimagined heart of the city. The reopening of the Downtown Square is a party nearly two years in the making and one worthy of bringing home LeAnn Rimes, one of Garland's most celebrated talents.

The day's schedule is jam-packed from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with exciting activities for everyone, from music enthusiasts to families with children. Enjoy live music on two stages, a variety of games, kid-friendly activities, and free entertainment that will keep the whole family engaged. 

DART will have a booth at the Downtown Garland Grand Opening in celebration of the agency’s 40th Anniversary. Stop by the DART booth for fun 80s-inspired swag and more. (We’ll have more info on this event on DART Daily next week.)

Texas Commission on the Arts Designates Garland’s Bankhead Cultural Arts District

The City of Garland is also proud to announce its new designation as an official cultural district. Garland is one of just two cities to receive this prestigious distinction from the Texas Commission on the Arts in 2023.

Garland’s Bankhead Cultural Arts District includes signature cultural institutions like the Granville Arts Center, the Landmark Museum, and the Plaza Theatre. The district features two culturally noteworthy parks, industrial space repurposed as artist studios, and a historic neighborhood. The heart of the district is Downtown Garland, filled with independently owned businesses featuring investments in infrastructure and amenities to attract visitors and residents for arts and culture programs.