A parking lot in the Pleasant Grove area will soon be transformed into a vibrant community space by the Better Block Foundation.
The “Better Block Pleasant Grove” project in southeast Dallas is the most recent project undertaken by the foundation, which says the goal of the endeavor is “to reimagine what a parking lot could be for the Pleasant Grove community.” Better Block’s mission is to revitalize unused retail property, including parking lots, by adding spaces for vendors, outdoor seating, and other accents.
“Some potential changes could include seating, art, shade, and additional opportunities for community gatherings,” according to the project’s website. “The transformation will take place on November 18th.”
From November 15-18, local residents can help paint and set up furniture before the “transformation” is unveiled on the final day.
The parking lot getting the makeover belongs to Inspired Vision Compassion Center, which is working alongside Better Block to get the community involved in the revitalization project. Located at the Bruton Masters Village Shopping Center at 2019 North Masters Dr., it falls in City Council Member Jaime Resendez’s District 5.
Resendez said the project aligns with his vision for the district.
“This is an exciting project for District 5 as we continue to work to improve the Bruton Road/Masters Road area, building on the award-winning Smart City pilot project in the Red Cloud neighborhood,” he said, per CultureMap Dallas.
“Better Block is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing blighted areas and building social infrastructure, and we are confident that reimagining part of the Inspired Vision Compassion Center parking lot to be family-friendly will help to foster a sense of community in the surrounding area,” Resendez continued.
Other projects undertaken by the organization have included a food truck park in Fair Park, a pop-up park at Forest Audelia Village, and a street festival in Garland.
Krista Nightengale, Better Block executive director, said the Pleasant Grove project is slightly different from the organization’s previous projects because the lot being transformed is still in use by the Inspired Vision Compassion Center.
“Normally, when we’re tasked with reimagining a parking lot, we take a space and completely reallocate it from cars to people,” she said, per CultureMap Dallas.
“In this one, we have the challenge of still allowing cars access to the space but making it more pedestrian-friendly in general,” Nightengale continued. “We’re excited to see the possibilities!”
