Dallas Density And Connection

Infrastructure, Placemaking, And Culture Shaping the Urban Core

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  Caroline Mays

  Caroline Mays, AICP, serves as director of Planning and Modal Programs. In this role, she is responsible for the management and control of the Aviation, Maritime, Public Transportation, Rail, and Transportation Planning and Programming divisions. Mays is a recognized regional, state, and national leader experienced in multimodal transportation planning and programming, policy, and project development. Mays joined the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in late 2012 and has held several positions including, Statewide Freight Coordinator, Freight Planning Branch Manager, Director of Freight and International Trade/Border Section, and Director of Freight, Trade and Connectivity. She was responsible for TxDOT’s statewide multimodal freight, international trade, and statewide corridor planning programs and was instrumental in establishing the multimodal freight planning program, developing the first multimodal Freight Mobility Plan, and the Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan. Previously, she worked for the Atlanta Regional Commission MPO where she created the freight planning program, managed the development of an award-winning Atlanta Regional Freight Mobility Plan, and oversaw the Intelligent Transportation System planning program. She also worked as a transit planner for Rockland County, New York. Mays is a member of the Transportation Research Board, where she contributes to technical and research programs. She has been an active member of standing technical committees including the Committee on Agriculture and Food Transportation as chair, the Freight Systems Group, and the Intermodal Freight Transportation Committee. She has served as chair on three National Cooperative Research Program panels. Mays is the chair of AASHTO’s Special Committee on Freight and represents AASHTO and the United States on the World Road Association’s Freight Committee. Mays is a member of the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners. She received her bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Waterloo and a master’s degree in science in planning from the University of Toronto.

  Texas Department of Transportation

  Senior Director of Planning and Modal Programs

  Caroline Mays

  Senior Director of Planning and Modal Programs

  Texas Department of Transportation

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  Aarica Mims

  Aarica Mims joined KDC in 2021 to oversee the company’s leasing activities. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing leasing strategies, focusing on corporate build-to-suit projects and marketing KDC’s strategic land sites. She also sources new development and acquisition opportunities. Before joining KDC, Mims worked for Granite Properties in Plano, TX. In this role, she managed leasing operations for a multimillion-square-foot portfolio of Class A/AA office and mixed-use projects. Additionally, Mims was actively involved in the design, development, implementation, and leasing of speculative office properties in Plano, Uptown, downtown Dallas, and Southlake. She has worked with national and international clients, including Fannie Mae, Alkami Technology, The Coca-Cola Company and Health Care Service Corporation/Blue Cross Blue Shield. While attending East Central University in Oklahoma, Mims interned for The Staubach Company and Cushman & Wakefield. After graduating with a BSBA in Finance, she joined Peloton Commercial Real Estate’s agency leasing group and became senior vice president. In her time with Peloton, she leased multiple high-profile office and industrial buildings throughout DFW, working with clients including the Billingsley Company, Invesco, Primera Companies, Dalfen Commercial and ECOM Real Estate. Mims serves on the board of the NAIOP North Texas Chapter and has received the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation. She is also a member of The Real Estate Council and is a corporate council member with Klyde Warren Park. In the community, she is a committee member of the Cattle Baron’s Ball and is active with Armstrong Elementary’s Parent-Teacher Association. Mims lives in Dallas with her husband and two sons.

  KDC

  SVP, Development

  Aarica Mims

  SVP, Development

  KDC

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  Caitlin Holland

  Caitlin Holland serves as the Vice President of Real Estate and Economic Development for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).  She manages and oversees the agency’s real estate, economic development, railroad management, and environmental compliance divisions. Ms. Holland joined DART in 2021 as Senior Assistant General Counsel where she supported real estate transactions, transit-oriented development projects, and negotiations for DART’s major capital programs including the Silver Line Regional Rail Project. Ms. Holland earned a Juris Doctor degree from Baylor University and has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Texas Tech University, graduating summa cum laude.

  Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

  VP of Real Estate & Economic Development

  Caitlin Holland

  VP of Real Estate & Economic Development

  Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

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  Lily Cabatu Weiss

  Lily Cabatu Weiss is the Executive Director for the Dallas Arts District and served as the Artistic Director for Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts and Chair of the Dance Department that is now a national model. Holding two degrees in Dance from Texas Woman’s University, she taught on the dance faculties at Southern Methodist University and Houston’s HSPVA, and joined the faculty at BTWHSPVA in 1978. Her dance credits include John Mead and Dancers in New York and Japan, the Texas Choreographers Award from the Texas Commission on the Arts, guest choreographer for four seasons in the Dance Education Department-New York University, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Much of her work was instrumental in Booker T.'s distinction as the Top 8 Magnet Schools by the U.S. Department of Education, Texas Medal of the Arts and the renovation and expansion of Booker T. Washington HSPVA in the first Public/Private Capital Campaign for Dallas ISD. Others include the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts Distinguished Teacher, Distinguished Teacher by the Commission on Presidential Scholars twelve different years by 14 students, SURDNA Arts Teacher Fellowship, Bates Dance Festival Teacher Fellowship and featured in two articles in Dance Teacher magazine for her work at BTWHSPVA. She has trained many students who are performing in dance companies both nationally and internationally and was instrumental in current partnership programs such as Sammons Lunch Jams, the sold-out run of the all-school musical, HAIR, and Soundings through the Nasher Sculpture Center. Feature articles include D Magazine and Patron Magazine. She serves on the Boards of TITAS Presents, Booker T. Washington HSPVA Advisory Board, Visit Dallas Cultural Tourism Committee, Advisory Board for the Creative Arts Center, Steering Committee for Moving Cities-Dallas and Texans for the Arts.

  Dallas Arts District

  Executive Director

  Lily Cabatu Weiss

  Executive Director

  Dallas Arts District

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  Ron Stelmarski

  Ron Stelmarski, FAIA, is the Design Director for Perkins&Will's Dallas studio and the Project Design Director for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas project. Since moving to Dallas in 2011, Ron has become a key figure in shaping Dallas’ built environment, with notable projects including The Pittman Hotel, The Epic Buildings, Singing Hills Recreation and Senior Center, and the Fair Park Master Plan Update. His work emphasizes the enhancement of public spaces and community engagement, particularly in historically overlooked neighborhoods. Architecture critic Mark Lamster of The Dallas Morning News notes, "nobody has done more to shape the city’s built environment this century." Ron’s impact extends globally, as seen in his participation in the Watershed Urbanism Exhibit at the Venice Architecture Biennale. His ability to deliver award-winning designs on complex projects has made him a leading force in reshaping cities and enhancing the public realm.

  Perkins&Will

  Design Director, Principal

  Ron Stelmarski

  Design Director, Principal

  Perkins&Will

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  Robert Acuña-Pilgrim

  A Principal in TBG’s Dallas office, Robert serves as the Managing Director of Planning with more than 30 years of wide-ranging professional experience encompassing all aspects of planning, architecture and landscape architecture. He brings a keen design perspective and placemaking ethos to each project he engages, drawing upon his extensive background and diverse skill sets to develop exemplary design solutions. Robert is actively engaged in local and regional organizations that inform urban design, landscape architecture, and policies critical to creating social, environmental and economic benefits to the region. By understanding both client goals and regional needs, Robert has established himself as a partner and community builder.

  TBG Partners

  Managing Director of Planning

  Robert Acuña-Pilgrim

  Managing Director of Planning

  TBG Partners

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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

  Moderator

  Steven Upchurch

  Principal & Co-Managing Director

  Gensler

Uptown Boom

A Look into the Explosive Growth Taking Place in Uptown, Victory Park, Turtle Creek, and More

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  Jacob Walter

  Jacob Walter joined Hillwood in September 2007. His primary responsibilities include the pursuit and execution of development and acquisition opportunities for the Hillwood Urban division. Mr. Walter is currently working on the development of Project Meadow, an 800,000 square foot premier build to suit located in the uptown area of Dallas, Texas. He most recently completed the redevelopment of the Hockaday School Athletics and Wellness Facilities, which included significantly enhanced campus sports fields, infrastructure, outdoor classrooms and associated amenities. Prior development projects include Victory Commons One, a 350,000 square foot class A office building in uptown Dallas, the 180,000 square foot build to suit campus for The Perot Family business interests (and Hillwood’s Dallas offices), and the iconic 170,000 square foot Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Mr. Walter has been involved in Class A commercial development and acquisitions for his entire career and has managed projects containing more than 3 million square feet and representing in excess of $1.8 billion in value. Prior to joining Hillwood, he worked for Crescent Real Estate Equities and was responsible for project management of The Ritz-Carlton Dallas Hotel & Residences. Prior to joining Crescent, Mr. Walter worked in the Dallas office of Hines, where he was responsible for the underwriting and analysis of various proposed Class A development and office acquisition projects. AFFILIATIONS • Dallas Zoo, Capital Projects and Planning Committee • Board of Directors, Perot Museum of Nature & Science, 2018-2024 • Leadership Dallas, Class of 2017 • YMCA at White Rock, Board of Management, 2008-2010. EDUCATION • McCombs School of Business, MBA, University of Texas at Austin • Trinity University – Bachelor of Arts

  Hillwood Urban

  SVP

  Jacob Walter

  SVP

  Hillwood Urban

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  Colin Fitzgibbons

  Colin Fitzgibbons is President of Hunt Realty Investments, LLC where he oversees the daily operations of the nearly 50-year-old diversified development and investment firm. Prior to Hunt, he was a sports reporter for The Washington Post for a short time before entering the commercial real estate industry as a tenant rep broker for The Staubach Company in New York City. In 2010, he joined KDC and was involved in numerous developments in North Texas, most notably, CityLine and Legacy West, during his 10-year tenure there. He is on the board of the Moorland Family Oak Cliff YMCA, The Real Estate Council PAC, Downton Dallas, Inc., NAIOP and SMU's Folsom Institute. Fitzgibbons received his MBA from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University and a BA in Economics from Washington and Lee University. Fitzgibbons married his college sweetheart, and together they have three sons and two large dogs.

  Hunt Realty Investments

  President

  Colin Fitzgibbons

  President

  Hunt Realty Investments

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  Will Woodworth

  Will is primarily responsible for identifying, evaluating and executing on new development projects, identifying joint venture opportunities and managing the business responsibilities of Peachtree's development division. Prior to joining Peachtree, Will served as vice president of investments at AMS Hospitality/Stormont Hospitality Group, an Atlanta-based developer of full service and boutique hotels. He previously held positions with Rockbridge and Wells Fargo Hospitality Finance Group. Across these roles, he has been involved in over $2.5B of hotel debt and equity originations. Will earned his MBA from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University and a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech. He sits on the board and is the treasurer for the Atlanta Hospitality Alliance.

  Peachtree Hotel Group

  SVP of Development

  Will Woodworth

  SVP of Development

  Peachtree Hotel Group

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  Paul Bennett

  Joined Granite in 2000 Market Leader for Dallas and Houston responsible for growth, performance and value creation of the Dallas and Houston platforms. Previously, as the Senior Director of Investments, he was responsible for national oversight of investment efforts across all markets, acquisitions and dispositions, contract and joint venture negotiations, financial analysis, development underwriting and due diligence. Texas Tech University – BBA CPA designation NAIOP North Texas Board member NAIOP National Forum member ULI Dallas vice chair & Office and Development Product Council member The Real Estate Council Associate Leadership Council alum Texas Tech Advisory Board member

  Granite Properties

  Senior Managing Director

  Paul Bennett

  Senior Managing Director

  Granite Properties

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  Sara Terry

  Prior to joining Pacific Elm Properties, Ms. Terry was an Executive Vice President at Colliers’ Dallas-Fort Worth where she led the Office Agency Leasing group. During her tenure at Colliers, she grew the firms’ Dallas footprint by more than 8.5 million square feet in less than three years, and she served as an advisor on Colliers’ National Office Agency Advisory Council. From 2014 to 2020, Sara was a Senior Vice President of Leasing at Stream Realty, where she provided leasing services for several institutionally owned Class A office buildings, including leading the leasing and repositioning efforts during the renovation of one of Dallas’ most iconic office towers, Trammell Crow Center. In 2018 and 2019, Sara was named a Stream Top Producer ranking her in the top 5 of producers nationwide. Prior to 2014, Sara spent most of her early career in Atlanta, where she worked for Charlotte-based developer, Crescent Resources. At Crescent, she was responsible for leasing their 2.5 million square foot Atlanta office portfolio, and she completed several corporate relocations on behalf of the owner.

  Pacific Elm Properties

  CMO & Managing Broker

  Sara Terry

  CMO & Managing Broker

  Pacific Elm Properties

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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

• Moderator

  Noelle LeVeaux

  Interim Executive Director

  Uptown Dallas Inc.

Downtown Growth And Expansion

Spotlight on The Design District The Convention Center, And More

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  Vipin Nambiar

  As managing partner, Mr. Nambiar directs the firm and manages an opportunistic portfolio of real estate and development projects. He has significant experience overseeing successful execution of real estate development projects, including design, underwriting, financing, and asset management. Prior to the formation of HN Capital Partners, Mr. Nambiar served as Managing Director in the investment group at the Hunt organization, where he directed an opportunistic portfolio of direct investments. He has over fifteen years of experience in public and private real estate, during which he invested and managed over $3 Billion of assets. Under his leadership HN Capital has acquired marquee assets like the Dallas Design District portfolio and the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Mr. Nambiar is an alumnus of University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the University of Texas at Austin. He serves on the board of the Dallas Housing Finance Corporation, and the Dallas Museum of Art. Additionally, he is actively involved in the Young President’s Organization (YPO).

  HN Capital Partners

  Managing Partner

  Vipin Nambiar

  Managing Partner

  HN Capital Partners

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  Phillip J.F. Geheb

  Phill is a Senior Vice President focusing on strategic ini:a:ves, opera:ons, capital markets, and development projects. Phill joined Matthews Southwest in 2024 from one of the largest law firms in Texas, where he was a na:onally recognized real estate and development attorney focusing on public-private partnerships, economic development incen:ves, joint ventures, and complex mixed-use real estate development projects. Prior to prac:cing law, Phill was a Teach for America corps member in Philadelphia and was a Gates-Cambridge Scholar, earning an M.Phil from the University of Cambridge. He has a passion for redevelopment projects and working with communi:es to enhance economic opportuni:es. Phill earned his B.A. in History from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Benjamin Franklin Scholar and Phi Beta Kappa inductee, a Masters in Educa:on from St. Joseph’s University, and his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

  Matthews Southwest

  SVP

  Phillip J.F. Geheb

  SVP

  Matthews Southwest

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  John Alschuler

  John Alschuler is the Executive Chairman of Therme Group US, a company devoted to the creation of large scale, accessible, wellbeing facilities across North America. Since 1973, John has worked with cities, civic organisations, and developers to solve complex urban development challenges and create financing strategies for distinctive places like the High Line, the Anacostia Waterfront, Daniel Island, D.C.’s City Center, Rice University Innovation District, Santa Monica Promenade, and 3CDC’s Urban Development Strategy in Cincinnati, among other locations. In 1984 John founded HR&A Advisors, a national real estate and economic development consultancy, spending the last 38 years as Chairman of the Board. In 2009, John was elected Board Chair of Friends of the High Line. John serves on the boards of SL Green Realty Corporation, Sag Harbor Cinema Arts Center, Macerich, and Xenia Hotels & Resorts. John holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University and a Doctorate from the University of Massachusetts.

  Therme Group US

  Executive Chairman

  John Alschuler

  Executive Chairman

  Therme Group US

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  John Carruth

  John has been an indispensable member of the MAA team since graduating in 2004. His contributions as a designer, director, and leader have been instrumental in developing and advancing MAA's architecture, interior architecture, marketing, and graphic finesse since its inception. John remains actively involved in the local architecture community, and his nomination and completion of the Emerging Leaders program at the Dallas chapter of the AIA are a testament to his expertise and leadership in the field. John's work is not limited to his own designs. He also provides a positive learning experience for other team members and clients through each daily process. He is responsible for keeping the firm at the forefront of 3-D and visualization technology and sharing his knowledge and skills with colleagues and clients. John's design and project contributions span the globe, including the United States, Nigeria, and China. His experience includes corporate architecture and interiors, multi-family and single-family residential, retail, mixed-use, and hospitality. Recently, John spent time in China collaborating with other designers in architecture, 3-D imagery, and master planning. His portfolio includes several master plans and architectural designs, including projects in Niamey, Niger, and Abuja, as well as Dallas, Texas. John's experience, client interaction, design skills, and overall understanding have placed him at the forefront of MAA's design progression, determination, collaboration, and vision for the future. He continues to think at all scales and in all areas, inside and outside the box. John's goal is to provide all MAA's clients with the experience of seeing the vision before it becomes a reality.

  Merriman Anderson Architects

  Principal & Director of Design

  John Carruth

  Principal & Director of Design

  Merriman Anderson Architects

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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

  Moderator

  Glenn Silva

  COO

  Lone Star Pace