Arlington Entertainment District Case Study

Intersection of Entertainment, Sports And Hospitality

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  Jim Watry

  Jim Watry is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Texas Live!, one of the largest and most exciting sports-anchored developments in the country. The project, located in the heart of the Arlington Entertainment District adjacent to Globe Life Field, Globe Life Park and AT&T Stadium, features over 200,000 square feet of best-in-class dining and entertainment space, a 5,000-capacity outdoor event pavilion, as well as Live! by Loews – Arlington, TX, a 300-room upscale hotel with 35,000 square feet of convention, meeting, and special event space. Mr. Watry brings more than 20 years of experience in the dining, entertainment, and hospitality industry to this role, as well as a long history of community and philanthropic involvement. Prior to Texas Live!, Mr. Watry served as Chief Operating Officer of Ballpark Village, a dynamic sports-anchored dining and entertainment district in St. Louis, MO adjacent to Busch Stadium, as well as District Manager of the Kansas City Power & Light District, a vibrant nine block dining, entertainment, retail, residential, lifestyle and office district in the heart of downtown Kansas City, MO. A native of St. Louis, Jim graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration. He earned the first level introductory Sommelier designation in 2003 and second level certified Sommelier designation in 2006.

  Texas Live!

  COO

  Jim Watry

  COO

  Texas Live!

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  Chris Cassidy

  BACKGROUND In August 2021, the Board of Directors for the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation selected Chris Cassidy to be President and CEO, where he now leads the project to build the iconic Museum, Monument, and Institute. Our team is on a mission to inspire America, promoting the belief everyone is born with the potential to be extraordinary. Chris is the embodiment of this truth. From humble beginnings in the upper Northeast, he chose a life of service to the country. First, as an elite Navy SEAL and then as NASA's Chief Astronaut, he has always put others first and given back to the country which gave him boundless opportunities. EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION Christopher J. Cassidy was born in Salem, Massachusetts on January 4, 1970 and considers nearby York, Maine, where he grew up, to be his hometown. A graduate of York High School, Chris completed Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, Rhode island in 1989 and received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1993. He later received a Master of Science in Ocean Engineering from the Massachusetts institute of Technology and has Honorary PhDs from Husson University and the University of Maine at Augusta. MILITARY SERVICE Captain Cassidy is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL. During his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star with combat 'V' and received a second Bronze Star for combat leadership service in Afghanistan. In 2004, the platoon he commanded was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for a nine-day operation at the Zharwar Kili Cave on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. NASA YEARS Cassidy was selected as an astronaut in 2004. He is a veteran of three space flights and ten space walks. Chris has flown to the international Space Station (ISS) aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor and the Russian Soyuz spacecra�. He has accumulated 377 days in space to include his most recent six-month spaceflight in 2020. In 2015, he became NASA's 14th Chief Astronaut and served in this capacity for two years.

  The National Medal of Honor Museum

  President and CEO

  Chris Cassidy

  President and CEO

  The National Medal of Honor Museum

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  Stephen Cummings

  Born in Manchester, England, Stephen began his career in culinary arts before advancing into hospitality leadership roles worldwide. After honing his skills in Australia and England, he moved to the United States in 1991, holding executive roles at prestigious properties including The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels. Stephen joined Loews Hotels & Co. as Executive Chef at Loews Coronado Bay Resort in 1999, where he held many positions including Director of Food & Beverage, Director of Rooms and Executive Assistant Manager. Stephen continued to climb the ranks as he was promoted to General Manager at the former Loews Don CeSar Hotel and Loews Denver Hotel. He moved to Orlando to become Area Managing Director over Universal’s Endless Summer Surfside Resort, Universal’s Endless Summer Dockside Resort, Universal’s Avenutra Hotel and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort where he led the opening of Avenutra in 2018 and Dockside in 2020. In 2023, he made his way to the lone star state to assume his current role as Complex Managing Director of Live! by Loews - Arlington and Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center. A dynamic leader recognized as Loews Hotels’ General Manager of the Year in 2014 and 2017, Stephen is passionate about team development, guest experiences, and operational excellence.

  Loews Hotels & Co.

  Complex Managing Director

  Stephen Cummings

  Complex Managing Director

  Loews Hotels & Co.

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  Trey Yelverton

  Trey Yelverton began serving as City Manager of Arlington, Texas in March 2012. He has 36 years of public service and is the Chief Executive Officer of the municipal corporation of 2,899 employees, an annual operating and capital budget of $822M, and $2.9B net assets. With a city population of 392,304 residents, Arlington is the seventh largest city in Texas and the 50th largest in the United States. Under Yelverton’s leadership, the city received AAA bond ratings from two public ratings agencies, Bloomberg Philanthropies’ What Works Cities Gold Certification, all five Transparency Stars from the Texas Comptroller, Human Rights Campaign score of 100, as well as numerous corporate accreditations and Dallas Business Journal Best Real Estate Deals. The city has invested $2.2 billion in public infrastructure while lowering the debt service tax rate during his tenure. With the support of elected leaders and the community, he also accomplished numerous significant public-private projects including the Levitt Pavilion, the College Park District, City Center -Downtown Library and mixed-use development, AT&T Stadium, Texas Live!, Live! by Loews Hotel, Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center, eSports Stadium Arlington, Globe Life Field, Choctaw Stadium, D.R. Horton Headquarters relocation, Six Flags World Headquarters relocation, retention and expansion of the General Motor Plant, redevelopment of the vacated Six Flags Mall to a GM supplier park, redevelopment Forum 303 Mall to new industrial facilities, development of the Arlington Highlands, and the establishment, and full city expansion, of the Via RideShare service. Yelverton has also served as the Executive Director of the Arlington Housing Authority, Executive Director of Arlington Sports Facilities Corporation, Founding Director of Arlington Economic Development Corporation, and Board Member of the Gene & Jerry Jones Arlington Youth Foundation. Yelverton has completed executive certificate programs at the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M and the JFK School of Government at Harvard. Additionally, he is a member of the International City Management Association and the Texas City Management Association. Yelverton is a 1988 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, a Life Member of its alumni association, and a periodic adjunct faculty member teaching classes in public administration. He completed his Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas in 1989.

  City of Arlington

  City Manager

  Trey Yelverton

  City Manager

  City of Arlington

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  Peyton Booth

  Peyton’s pursuit as an architect is to create unique and unforgettable experiences. She views the process of achieving this as a conversation and mutual education between architect and client. Peyton specializes in the design of hospitality, commercial office and mixed-use projects in various parts of the world. She is experienced in a wide range of architectural disciplines, including mas- ter planning, conceptual design, schematic design and the interface of design development.

  HKS

  Principal, Senior Designer

  Peyton Booth

  Principal, Senior Designer

  HKS

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  Marty Wieder

  Marty Wieder became Executive Director of the Arlington Economic Development Corporation in February 2024. Prior to joining the AEDC, he served as Director of Economic Development with the City of Grand Prairie, Texas for almost 8 years—and also previously worked with the City of Colleyville, Texas as their Director of Economic Development, GSBS Architects as Director of Marketing, Planning & Project Development, as well as either Director, President or in economic development-related positions with the City of North Richland Hills, Texas (NRH), the Northeast Tarrant and Arlington Chambers of Commerce and at the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). Marty grew up in Arlington—where he observed the work of (and early in his career got the opportunity to work with) longtime Mayor and then-Congressman Tom Vandergriff (who attracted a General Motors plant as well as the eventual Texas Rangers Major League Baseball franchise). Marty attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication (1983) and later a master’s degree in urban affairs (1988). He began teaching as an adjunct professor in the Master of Public Administration program at UTA’s College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs in 2021. Marty is a member of the International Economic Development Council, American Planning Association and its Economic Development Division, Urban Land Institute and the International Council of Shopping Centers and its Community Advancement Advisory Committee. He’s been a Director on the North Texas Commission Board and is a Class 4 (2012-13) graduate of the Commission’s Leadership North Texas program. He served as the first Board Chairman of the North Central Texas Economic Development District (NCTEDD). Fort Worth Business selected Marty to its first “Top 40 under 40” List in 1994. The Texas Career and Technology Council & Vocational-Technical Education Foundation of Texas recognized him and other NRH officials in 1999 as "Best in Texas" for supporting the Birdville Independent School District. The Northeast Tarrant Chamber granted him Chairman’s Awards in 1994 and 2001 for fostering economic development programs (which the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives recognized in 2001 as “Best in the State”) and its Gertrude Tarpley Director of the Year Award in 2003. The University of Texas at Arlington selected him to be among the Recognized Alumni of the School of Urban & Public Affairs in 2013 and the Colleyville Area Chamber of Commerce granted him their Leadership Award in 2015. Marty and his wife Bonnie have four children and five grandchildren.

  Arlington Economic Development Corporation

  Executive Director

  Moderator

  Marty Wieder

  Executive Director

  Arlington Economic Development Corporation

City Light and Urban Draw

The Latest in DFW Cosmopolitan Hospitality

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  Kunal Mody

  CEO

  Blueprint Hospitality

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  Dave Johnson

  Dave Johnson is co-founder and managing partner of Horizon Capital. His primary focus is the development, sourcing, and procurement of financing and capital relationships with the goal of achieving long-term, positive results for its investment partners. Dave has an extensive background in the hotel industry, where he spent 17 years at Wyndham Hotels serving as President. Later he became Chairman and CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality in which he co-founded and served from 2003- 2021. Aimbridge is recognized as one of the premier hotel management companies in the world, with over 1,600 hotels under management. Johnson currently serves on the U.S. Travel Association (USTA) board as a member of the Chairman’s Circle and as a member of USTA’s CEO Roundtable. He also serves as a Director on the Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV-NYSE) Board as a member of The Audit & Compensation Committees, as well as serves on the Board of Directors for the National Football Foundation, Board of Directors of The Living Company, The Dallas Stars Ownership Advisory Group, and The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Previously, he has served on the Strategic Hotels (NYSE: BEE) Board as a member of the Audit Committee and Corporate Governance Committee from 2012 to 2016, and served as a Director of Gaylord Entertainment (GET-NYSE) from 2009-2012. Johnson was recognized as a finalist for the Ernst & Young 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year. Johnson is a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics.

  Horizon Capital

  Co-founder & Managing Director

  Dave Johnson

  Co-founder & Managing Director

  Horizon Capital

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  Mike Canning

  Mr. Canning joined HALL Structured Finance in 2015. He focuses primarily on capital markets activities for HALL Structured Finance (HSF) as well as HALL Group’s real estate holdings, along with various other activities within HALL Group. Prior to joining HALL Structured Finance, Mr. Canning held various analytical and project management roles at GE Real Estate. Mr. Canning holds a BA in Economics and Business from Virginia Military Institute.

  Hall Structured Finance

  SVP, Capital Markets

  Mike Canning

  SVP, Capital Markets

  Hall Structured Finance

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  Steven Upchurch

  Steven Upchurch is a Principal and Co-Managing Director of Gensler Dallas, and a practice area leader for the firm’s hospitality practice. With over three decades of design, planning, management, and real estate development experience, Steven actively grows and diversifies Gensler’s various practice areas with a focus on the firm’s culture, its people, and platforms. He applies his knowledge of local, regional, and international markets to deliver impactful and memorable experiences to owners, developers, operators, and brands.

  Gensler

  Principal & Co-Managing Director

  Steven Upchurch

  Principal & Co-Managing Director

  Gensler

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  Glenn Silva

  Mr. Silva is the COO of Lone Star PACE in charge of day-to-day operations. Lone Star PACE serves as a Program Administrator for city and county Property Assessed Clean Energy (“PACE”) programs in Texas. PACE provides financing for commercial, industrial and multi-family projects that support economic development and conservation in Texas communities. PACE is designed to overcome the barrier of significant upfront costs for energy efficiency projects by offering attractive financing to commercial property owners in Texas. Glenn has over 35 years in the real estate industry. He holds the CRE, Counselor of Real Estate, designation, is an MAI Member of the Appraisal Institute, and is a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser in Texas. As President of KLM Realty Advisors, LLC, Glenn led his team in underwriting over $18.8B in loans for B-Piece Investors of Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities. He oversees the daily operational activities of LSP and drives marketing and growth opportunities within the cities and counties in Texas. Mr. Silva received a Master’s Degree in Land Economics and Real Estate and a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, both from Texas A&M University. Mr. Silva resides in Plano with his wife (an Aggie) and they have two daughters.

  Lone Star Pace

  COO

  Glenn Silva

  COO

  Lone Star Pace

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  Brian Miller

  Brian Miller, Chief Design Officer at The Beck Group, is a seasoned architecture and design expert with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Brian's passion lies in elevating architecture and design for clients and communities, and he leads the charge in setting the design vision for Beck's projects. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards, Brian ensures design continuity and excellence in all of Beck's endeavors. Throughout his tenure at Beck, Brian has spearheaded the design of several noteworthy projects, including the Hunt Oil Company Headquarters, Duke University's Wallace Wade Stadium, Omni Barton Creek Resort, and the RiverSouth office tower in Austin. Brian's expertise in technology and integrated processes is a result of his foundational role as a founding member of Beck's Studio i, the firm's first integrated studio. Beyond his work, Brian enjoys exploring the world's most impressive architecture through travel.

  The Beck Group

  Chief Design Officer

  Brian Miller

  Chief Design Officer

  The Beck Group

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  Zach Sams

  Zach Sams joined Kensington Vanguard in November of 2016 after serving as Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Fidelity National Title’s Dallas/Fort Worth division from 2012-2016. Zach is focused on expanding KV’s footprint in the D/FW, Texas, Arizona and National markets. From selling real estate for to business development roles at prominent local and national title insurance companies, Zach has been active in the in the real estate market since 2005. Prior to the title industry, Zach attended The Golf Academy of America in San Diego, then spent two years playing professional golf on various mini tours in Southern California. Zach is a Veteran of the US Army. Zach lives in Argyle, TX with his wife Amber and their two boys 11&13. In his free time Zach enjoys playing competitive amateur golf and traveling with his wife and kids.

  Kensington Vanguard National Title

  EVP

  Moderator

  Zach Sams

  EVP

  Kensington Vanguard National Title

DFW Destinations

Growth and Evolution of Resorts and Retreats

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  Jeff Smith

  Jeff Smith serves as Vice President & Managing Director of the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, the largest resort that was under development in the U.S. of 2023, which opened its doors on May 2, 2024. Jeff is a 39-year hospitality industry veteran, and he has been with Omni Hotels & Resorts for 28 years serving in multiple corporate and property leadership positions. He joined Omni PGA Frisco Resort from his most recent position as Area Managing Director & General Manager of the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star. During his time with Omni, he has served as vice president of special projects, vice president of operations and loyalty services, vice president of operations and corporate director of rooms, all at the brand level. Additionally, he spent two years as the general manager at the Omni Dallas Hotel. As the Vice President & Managing Director of the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Jeff oversees all marketing, sales, finance, golf, and operational aspects of the resort. Jeff has led initiatives across several disciplines within the company to ensure memorable experiences for our guests. He was one of the original champions of both the “Power of Engagement” and “Moments of Service” programs that are driven across the brand. Jeff received his Master of Business Administration from Rockhurst College and undergraduate degree in business administration/hospitality management at Michigan State University. He resides in Coppell with his wife, Emy, and two children, Daniel and Anna Maria, and Yorkshire terrier. He enjoys traveling, being outdoors and anything to do with Michigan State University.

  Omni PGA Frisco Resort

  Vice President & Managing Director

  Jeff Smith

  Vice President & Managing Director

  Omni PGA Frisco Resort

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  Hector Sanchez

  CEO

  Premier

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  Greg Perry

  Greg Perry is currently RREAF Holdings Vice President of Hospitality Investments, monitoring RREAF’s operational hospitality portfolio. Greg brings a wide variety of hospitality asset management experience across all segments of the hotel chain scale in domestic and international locations. Prior to RREAF, Greg was a Vice President and lead asset manager at Akoya Hospitality, overseeing luxury hotels and resorts in the United States and abroad. Before that, he led underwriting and acquisitions at Civitas Capital Group for all hospitality assets in the United States with a key focus on sourcing new investment opportunities. Throughout his career, Greg developed, consulted, and managed hotel-centric commercial real estate portfolios across the US, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Middle East, and in Sub- Saharan Africa with a total value in excess of $3 billion. These portfolios primarily consisted of hospitality and multi-family assets, retail centers, offices, and light industrial sites. Greg spent the early years of his career consulting with HVS, the hotel industry’s preeminent appraisal firm, in the US and Dubai working on engagements in all hospitality asset classes and all phases of development. He holds a Master’s degree in International Real Estate from Florida International University and an undergraduate degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University. At home, Greg enjoys being a husband and father for his wife and three children including coaching his daughter’s elementary school basketball team.

  RREAF Holdings

  VP of Hospitality Investments

  Greg Perry

  VP of Hospitality Investments

  RREAF Holdings

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  Sara Talleux

  Sara Talleux connects with clients and communities to revitalize storied spaces. Guided by a passion for the perspectives and objectives of others, she harvests details of the past and guides hospitality brands and properties into the future. A trusted creative with more than 20 years of experience, Sara is a prominent, respected voice in the category of luxury boutique hotel design and has twice received Boutique Design’s Boutique 18 Award. Her accomplished career includes oversight of the Charmant hotel in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and the Crossroads Hotel for Aparium, as well as properties for Marriott, White Lodging and Universal Studios. Sara provides leadership across numerous KTGY departments. She plays a central role in talent recruitment and development, and oversees adherence to the firm’s design standards and practices, while her professional and personal touch fosters positive rapport.

  KTGY

  Associated Principal

  Sara Talleux

  Associated Principal

  KTGY

• Moderator

  Rose Hasham

  Head of Brokerage and Investments

  Axe Commercial Real Estate

Opening Remarks

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  Michael Jacobson

  Michael Jacobson was appointed President & CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce in February 2016. The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce represents the interest of 1,000+ businesses and nonprofits in the greater Arlington area, championing economic and community prosperity. Michael also serves as the President of the Arlington Economic Development Corporation Board. Prior to this position Michael Jacobson was director of Intel’s Corporate Responsibility Office. In this role, he was responsible for leading Intel’s corporate responsibility strategy with stakeholders across the company. He led an experienced team of experts in corporate social responsibility, strategic alliances, marketing and communications, stakeholder management and reporting who were committed to building upon Intel’s performance as a leading corporate citizen. Michael managed Intel’s Corporate Affairs team in California and Texas where he was responsible for leading corporate responsibility programs, philanthropic investments and public policy. Michael also worked in Intel’s Corporate Real Estate and Site Development Group as a site selection manager. In this capacity, Michael was responsible for evaluating locations across the globe for potential Intel investment. Jacobson came to Intel from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce where he was a director of business development. During his four-year tenure with the Chamber, Fort Worth ranked in the top ten in the United States for business recruitment. Intel was one of the companies that he helped recruit to Fort Worth. Jacobson joined the Fort Worth Chamber after serving eight years in Washington D.C. He held positions as assistant to the deputy secretary for management planning and operations for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, special assistant to the Commissioner for the Social Security Administration and special assistant to the Administrator of the Urban Mass Transportation Administration. Michael currently serves in many capacities throughout the greater Arlington nonprofit community. He is a board member of the University of Texas at Arlington College of Business, Downtown Arlington Management Corporation, the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Arlington-Mansfield YMCA, the Dallas Wings Foundation, the Arlington Police Foundation and the Arlington Margarita Society. Nationally, he serves in the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100 with leading chamber CEOs from across the country. Jacobson received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Baylor University in 1984.

  Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce

  President & CEO

  Michael Jacobson

  President & CEO

  Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce