Studio 6 Fitness, the largest Lagree studio in Texas, is about to expand its footprint with the addition of a second location at The Shops at Park Lane. Set to open later this month, the 2,700-square-foot studio is located at 8180 Park Lane, Suite 343, Dallas, in the same complex as Whole Foods and next door to Carter’s. Tom Metcalfe of Metcalfe Real Estate represented Studio 6. Amanda Gross and Ashley O’Malley of UCR represented The Shops at Park Lane.

The new studio features 15 Megaformers, a separate room for private pilates sessions, offices, and a retail space featuring local organic pressed juices, pilates and yoga apparel, signature Studio 6 fitness apparel, and specialty gift items. Open daily, classes will start as early as 5 a.m. and as late as 7:30 p.m. on weekdays.

“To meet the demand and minimize the waitlist from our existing studio at Preston Forest, The Shops at Park Lane was a perfect location for our second studio as many of our clients already shop and live nearby,” said Elizabeth Lindberg, Studio 6 founder, owner and trainer. “We can provide existing clients twice as many classes at two great locations, for the very best value.  We look forward to welcoming new clients and expanding our signature workouts and services to current clients and patrons that shop, work or live near the Shops of Park Lane.”

Sandy Spurgin, Vice President of Development and Operations of Northwood Retail, The Shops at Park Lane’s management company, is thrilled to welcome Studio 6 to The Shops at Park Lane.

“As a true mixed use development with retail, office and residential space, The Shops at Park Lane is pleased to welcome Studio 6, which will round out our community by giving tenants, residents and visitors a new and exciting option to exercise and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Spurgin.

The property boast more than 5,000 parking spaces, security 24/7 and is located near a DART line. Northwood Retail is currently building a mixed-use property on the southeast corner of Park Lane and Central Expressway.

Studio 6’s signature pilates workouts combines cardio and strength training with pilates and are based on the revolutionary Lagree Fitness Method, which redefined efficient exercise using the Megaformer^TM.  “We are one of the largest Lagree studios in the country, and our workouts feature high intensity exercise that is easy on the joints and produces visible results in less than an hour,” said Lindberg.

Committed to providing the most efficient workouts in a supportive environment, Studio 6’s six key principles, core, strength, balance, flexibility, endurance and spirit, resonate in all of their programs. For some clients, the number six also reminds them of their favorite 6 a.m. class or the 6 pack abs they are trying to achieve.  

Studio 6 has become popular with clients of all ages and fitness backgrounds, ranging from working professionals to stay-at-home parents, high-school athletes to middle-aged men and even people over the age of 60.  Clients are attracted by the studio’s signature classes, which provide an intense but low impact full-body workout in 50 minutes and empower the mind and strengthen the body.  The flexible hours paired with a welcoming and encouraging environment have created a tightly knit community of loyal patrons.

Studio 6 has two locations in Dallas. In addition to The Shops at Park Lane studio, the other studio is at 11909 Preston Road, Suite 1412, Dallas, Texas 75230, the northwest corner of Preston and Forest. For more information on classes and times, call (972) 239-2626, visit www.studio6fitness.com or download the app Studio 6 for smart phones.

Recognized as one of the top 10 public display gardens in the country, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has announced its economic impact on the North Texas economy. With the success of the Chihuly exhibit in 2012 and the opening of the $62 million Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden in 2013, the Dallas Arboretum has seen tremendous growth, which has benefitted the community. According to Richard A. Briesch, Ph.D., of Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business, the garden generated $171.8 million in economic impact in 2012 and $170 million in economic impact in 2013. Economic impact of the Arboretum refers to the combined effects of the operations of the Dallas Arboretum and visitor spending on the economy. 

“The Dallas Arboretum, a Signature Park of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, continues to make a positive impact on the area economy; provides acclaimed hands-on science education to thousands of students; research on warm weather tolerant plants to individuals, breeders and retailers throughout the country; and attracts nearly a million visitors annually to its dynamic gardens and internationally recognized exhibits,” said Brian Shivers, Dallas Arboretum board chairman.

In 2012, the Arboretum saw attendance increase by 42% over 2011 due to the success and extension of the Chihuly exhibit in which more than 300,000 people visited the garden during its run. In 2013, attendance increased 10.3% from 2011, primarily due to the opening of the Children’s Garden.

Spending by Arboretum visitors represented $21.86 million in 2012 and $17.34 million in 2013. This gives evidence of the impact the garden has had on cultural tourism and visitation to the city.

Dallas Convention and Visitors’ Bureau President and CEO Phillip Jones added, “As a world renowned oasis in our city, the Dallas Arboretum attracts hundreds of thousands of domestic and international visitors annually to our city. This long-standing economic driver of the Dallas economy continues to astonish visitors and the community with new impressive niche innovations from its internationally-recognized children’s garden, impressive seasonal floral exhibits and much-anticipated magical holiday display.”

Construction, expansion and enhancement activities in 2012 and 2013 added to the impact. The Children’s Garden construction, new surface parking lots and garage and new garden improvements added $86.2 million to the economy in 2012 and $108.9 million in 2013.

The study also showed the impact of school children affected by the Arboretum’s teaching programs with its mission of earth and life science education for kindergarten through high school seniors. In 2012, 100,698 students and in 2013, 93,784 students received supplementary science education through field trips, summer and after-school programs. This impact is valued by the SMU study at $1.3 million.

Dallas Arboretum volunteers also had a profound impact donating more than 70,000 hours annually with an overall 2013 economic impact of more than $1.5 million.

Average home prices in the neighborhoods surrounding the Arboretum saw increases. From 2011 to 2012, the amount was 9.2%, and from 2012 to 2013, the amount was 8.7%.

In 2014, the Dallas Arboretum is expected to see economic impact growth of between $65 million and $85 million alone without construction and between a $160 million and $180 million economic impact with the construction taking place. Part of this year’s economic impact will be from a new $2 million exhibit, The 12 Days of Christmas. Unique in the world, the exhibit features 15-foot-tall gazebos created for each day of the popular carol and placed throughout the garden. The exhibit runs from November 16 through January 4 and will be another blockbuster holiday experience.

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum. The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.

Colliers International and Solender/Hall, Inc. helped The Westwood School secure an approximately 75,000-square-foot building at 12400 Ford Road in Farmers Branch, a location that will consolidate the two campuses into one. Phil Rosenfeld and Matt Thompson of Colliers International collaborated with their Colliers Dallas colleagues, Allen Gump and Allyson Gump, recently to represent the Landlord of 12400 Ford Road in a new lease. Eliza Solender and Gary Scott of Solender/Hall Inc. represented The Westwood School in this transaction.

The Westwood School will occupy 75,709-square-foot building on approximately seven acres in the Valwood Industrial submarket. The building consists of 22,700 square feet of office space and 53,000 square feet of warehouse or manufacturing space, which will be converted to school facilities and administrative offices. The property was rezoned from textiles and printing to accommodate the renowned private school. The school currently operates on two campuses in Farmers Branch.

“12400 Ford Road is not located in a typical industrial submarket due to the fact that it is in close proximity to Dallas Christian College, Farmers Branch community facilities, and several office buildings,” said Phil Rosenfeld, Vice President of Colliers International. “We originally expected a printing company to occupy this space due to the zoning, but the location and space flexibility provided an ideal opportunity for The Westwood School.”

The Westwood School is a Montessori-International Baccalaureate school serving preschool through high school. The Westwood School’s main campus is currently located at 14340 Proton Road in Dallas. More information can be found on The Westwood School’s website at http://westwoodschool.org/.

“The Westwood School is delighted to be staying in Farmers Branch in such a beautiful setting and convenient location,” said Eliza Solender, President of Solender/Hall, Inc.

Heather Lourcey, Head of School of The Westwood School, said, “We have secured the new property and are in the fundraising stage for renovations and repurposing. With community support, we aim to complete this project in 2015.”

About Colliers International

Colliers International is a global leader in commercial real estate services, with over 15,800 professionals operating out of more than 485 offices in 63 countries. A subsidiary of FirstService Corporation, Colliers International delivers a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors worldwide, including global corporate solutions, brokerage, property and asset management, hotel investment sales and consulting, valuation, consulting and appraisal services, mortgage banking and insightful research. The latest annual survey by the Lipsey Company ranked Colliers International as the second-most recognized commercial real estate firm in the world.

For the latest news from Colliers International, visit colliers.com/us/news or follow us on Twitter: @ColliersIntl

About Solender/Hall:

Since 1991, Solender/Hall has been specializing in the representation of small and medium sized companies and nonprofit organizations in the North Texas area. Find out more at www.solenderhall.com or by calling 214.265.8200.

Viola Davis spoke powerfully about growing up in poverty as the keynote speaker of the Attorneys Serving the Community (ASC) luncheon on June 20 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel to a group of 1,000 attendees. The event benefited the Foundation for the Education of Young Women (FEYW), a network of public schools that support single gender, college preparatory education. Specifically, the funds are supporting an internship program at Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, the first FEYW network school in Dallas, which is celebrating its 10^th anniversary.

Gloria Campos, former WFAA news anchor and current FEYW board member, served as the mistress of ceremonies. Campos welcomed everyone to the luncheon and introduced Dena DeNooyer Stroh, co-chairwoman of the ASC.

Stroh said, “Attorneys Serving the Community’s mission is to bring together women lawyers to combine their resources and talents in support of local nonprofit organizations whose programs benefit women, children and families. ASC has raised $3.9 million in its 28-year history, and we are pleased to support the Foundation for the Education of Young Women.” She presented the ASC Friend of the Community Award to American Airlines, Inc. Stroh then introduced honorary chairwoman and a founding member of ASC, Kim J. Askew.

Next, Irma Rangel graduate Karla Guadalupe Garcia Rico told her story of being the first in her family to attend college. This fall she will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After meeting and touring Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson at her school, Rico’s goal is to run and become U.S. president.

Lynn McBee, CEO of FEYW, added, “Four of our seven FEYW network schools had graduating seniors this year. All of them—146 young women—graduated and received more than $14.6 million in scholarships, and 100% of them are attending a four-year college or university. Personally, this is the most transformative work I’ve done, and it’s moving the needle in education by better equipping these young women for college and leadership positions.”

Campos introduced Viola Davis. “Viola Davis is best known for her Academy-Award nominated performances in ‘The Help’ and ‘Doubt,’ as well as her role opposite Julia Roberts in ‘Eat, Pray, Love.’ Raised in abject poverty, Davis fell in love with theater early in high school as a form of escape. Her passion and acting talent enabled her to earn a full scholarship to the Young People’s School of the Performing Arts, after which she attended the prestigious Juilliard School. Davis translated her hard work and dedication to success on Broadway, in television and film and was named one of TIME Magazine’s ‘most influential people of 2012.’ Her story about going to college and achieving her dreams is similar to many of the girls in the FEYW network of schools.”

Viola Davis spoke powerfully and sadly about her life amidst poverty, domestic violence and racism. “I was born in 1965 on a plantation, and my mom was one of 18 children. We moved from the south to Rhode Island where our building was rat infested. I wore the shame of guilt and poverty like I wore my name.”

At five years old, Davis was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, and she didn’t know, but she knew it wasn’t a life with a father who abused her mother on a regular basis. She threw herself into school and theater as she sought to be the best and to receive accolades and awards for her performances. “I was an overachiever and I sought out competition.” Those competitions led to scholarships and a path different than her parents.

Davis said that she had many who helped her—from teachers to therapists. Davis spoke directly to the young women in the audience and said, “You have to remember that failure exists on the same plane as accomplishments, and you have to work it out. You have to release your fears (of what’s holding you back). It’s okay to fall and bump, but keep moving.”

Kelli M. Hinson, co-chair of Attorneys Serving the Community, thanked Viola Davis for her talk and announced that the FEYW raised more than $400,000 for Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School’s internship program.

About the Foundation for the Education of Young Women:

FEYW’s mission is to partner with urban school districts to create a network of all-girls public schools across Texas to give young women the academic and leadership skills to achieve success in college and in life. All FEYW schools have received Exemplary or Recognized ratings from the state of Texas each year. Since the organization’s existence, FEYW has invested funds and resources with impressive results: 100% of seniors graduate from high school and 100% are accepted to college. FEYW first formed a partnership with the Dallas Independent School District and, in 2004, the Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School opened. Additional network schools are the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders in Austin; the Young Women’s Leadership Academy in San Antonio; the Talkington School for Young Women Leaders in Lubbock; the Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Fort Worth; the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy in Houston. In January 2014, the Foundation added a seventh school, the Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) at Bill Arnold Middle School in Grand Prairie. Combined, the schools’ graduating classes have received more than $17 million in scholarships. More information can be found at  http://www.feyw.org/ or by calling 214.824.1400.

The Dallas Arboretum announces the finalists for Gardenlicious, a healthy kids cook-off contest. Local food celebrities will determine the final winners on Sunday, June 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander Camp House. A number of aspiring young chefs, ranging from grade 1 through 8, have submitted their recipes which incorporate at least one ingredient that grows in the Incredible Edible Garden gallery, found in the nationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.

Chairwoman Carol Pierce Goglia has enlisted the help of beloved star chefs of Dallas Kent Rathbun of Abacus and Scott Gottlich of Bijoux, and restaurateur Lynae Fearing of Shinsei to judge the children's culinary submissions. On June 29, the tables will turn when the finalists, selected by the chefs, become the jury as they test and critique the offerings of the three celebrity judges.

Guests will have the opportunity to watch young chefs compete as the celebrity judges decide who they think is the overall winner of their age-division. First place winners will be receiving personalized cooking lesson from Kent Rathbun of Abacus while the second place winners will be rewarded with free cooking lessons from The Young Chefs Academy.  

Everyone will be invited to sample the chef’s dishes at the event. Hardie's Fruit & Vegetable Co, one of the sponsors for the Gardenlicicous event, will be creating intricate food displays to showcase the ingredients used in each dish prepared by the three celebrity chefs. 

There are a number of exciting activities for guests to enjoy during Gardenlicious. Aside from the exhilarating cooking competition, The American Heart Association will be hosting a healthy planting demonstration, allowing kids to plant seeds and take them home to watch their seedling grow. The Young Chefs Academy will also have an area where children can cook up their creativity; kids will be given white chef hats that they can color into their very own masterpiece they too can take home.

Audience tickets are free for kid chefs and their parents but for non-participants, general garden admission is required plus an additional $5 for members and $8 for non-members to attend the Gardenlicious event. Tickets are limited so do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful event. More information can be found online at http://www.dallasarboretum.org/visit/seasonal-festivals-events/yearofcg.

Finalist Include:

1^st and 2^nd Grade Division:

Homemade Chicken and Roasted Corn Soup: Alfred Hoak, Greenhill

Cheyenne's Watermelon Cake: Cheyenne Peterson, Heritage Christian Academy

Zucchini Carrot Muffins: Jane Taten, Hockaday

3^rd and 4^th Grade Division:

Red and Yellow Hummus: Emma Becker, University Park Elementary

Blueberry Crumble Cream Pie: Annie Hurley, Hockaday

Very Berry Yogurt Cupcake: Grace Twomey, Parish Episcopal School

5^th and 6^th Grade Division:

Avocado Chocolate Mousse by Sophie Podeszwa, Hockaday

Summer Smoothie by Cate Goglia, Hockaday

Cool Kid Cucumber Radish Salad by Grace Dorward, Hockaday

7^th and 8^th Grade Division:

Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Frico Chips by Charlotte Podeszwa, ESD

Spring has Sprung by Alex Karamyshev, Highland Park Middle School

Viva Vegan Tostada with Black Bean Spread by Anna Walker & Sydney Love, Highland Park Middle School

For more information the Gardenlicious Kids Cook-Off, call 214.515.6500 or visit the Arboretum’s website at http://www.dallasarboretum.org/yearofcg.

About the Dallas Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under. There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $10.  The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.