Company: Matthews Southwest
Headquarters: Lewisville, Texas
Industry: Real Estate Development and Investment
Company Size: Small (annual revenues of less than $50 million)
"For a developer, investing in the arts is an investment in the community, and
that’s just good business."
– John Matthews, President and CEO
Objectives
To enhance its image as a company dedicated to improving the quality of life of
its community, to support awareness and appreciation of the arts, and to
stimulate the economic growth of downtown Dallas.
Process
- As part of its plan to restore a former Sears Catalog and Distribution facility,
Matthews Southwest created South Side on Lamar, a mixed-use complex that
provides affordable living, studio, residential and gallery spaces to a diverse
group of artists and residents.
- The firm employed artists, historians and architects to assist with the
renovation. Loft units were built within the structure, the building’s train
tunnel and docking areas were converted into gallery spaces, and the train track
was converted into a pedestrian walkway that provides access to the spaces where
artists work and display their art.
- To support the artists who live and work in the complex and to nurture
creativity among them, South Side on Lamar hosts at least one promotional event
per week that showcases specific artists and their work. The company sponsors
the events, provides volunteers and equipment for set-up, as well as public
relations and advertising assistance.
- In addition, South Side on Lamar has a full-time Creative Director whose
responsibilities include acting as a liaison with resident artists, recruiting
and evaluating other artists and exploring opportunities for collaboration with
the Dallas arts community and the City of Dallas.
Results
Matthews Southwest is enhancing its reputation as a company dedicated to
improving the quality of life of Dallas by helping to revitalize a marginal area
of the city, by creating jobs and supporting artists, and by providing a new venue
for community art events. This project has also increased company revenue
through the leasing of residential and commercial spaces.
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