A metroplex is more than just the sum of its parts. Or is it? To dive into the true character of Dallas/Fort Worth, here we present another segment in a photo series featuring the down towns, old(e) towns and city centers that feed into Dallas/Fort Worth. Each city brings its own character that, together, make D/FW such a special place to live. So keep an eye out for us, we will hit your neighborhood downtown soon. The metroplex, however, is a very large place. To tell its story through only a few pairs of eyes (mine, staff photographer Laura Evans and our new awesome photo interns, Rachael Ellis and Misti Day) wouldn't do it justice. If you have photos of your area city center, send them to our Flickr group and tag them Downtown Your City's Name and we will feature them in the segment on your city.
There is a lot more to Plano than just a couple of teen heroin addicts. For starters, it is home to a handful of corporate headquarters like JC Penny, Frito-Lay and Dr. Pepper and was declared the "most affluent city" in '08 by the US Census Bureau. Before Plano became the suburban mecca it is today, the city was established in the 1840's after several settlers settled in the area. Plano got its name from the spanish word “plano,” meaning flat. This obviously refers to Plano's oh-so-scenic terrain. Today, with a population over 220,000, it is the 9th largest city in Texas and the 69th largest city in the U.S. It is the proud owner of a DART rail station and home to 14 Starbucks.
Note: The first image is a photo gallery with all the images, so you can either click through the gallery or scroll.
Downtown Showdown: Plano
(Click photo to see entire gallery)
The side of Eisenbergs Skatepark.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
Baxter's Antique Shop
Photo by Rachael Ellis
The horse shoes that fence Kelly's Eastside Restaurant and Bar.
Photo by Laura Seewoester
Plano's DART station.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
Northern view of the DART rail at 15th street.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
That skateboard is definitely not supposed to be on that sign!
Photo by Rachael Ellis
This is the horse that stands gaurd outside Kelly's Eastside, with things like "Gig'em" and "No Tailgating" painted on it.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
Kelly's Eastside is said to have the best burgers in Plano.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
The light at K Avenue and 15th Street.
Photo by Laura Seewoester
Lilly's Market behind the main square.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
A Plano bulletin post noting art events.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
This sign is located about one block away from the most popular skate park in the area, Eisenbergs.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
This is tiled on the outside entrance floor to what is now called "Art Centre of Plano." E.O. Harrington is the name of the furniture and undertaking store that was there before and if you go FURTHER back, it was a dry goods store in 1854.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
The Eastside Art Gallery has shown many artists both local and international, including the famous Dr. Seuss.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
A handpainted chair sitting outside of Teacup Antiques on East 15th Street.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
Plano National Bank and Odd Fellows reconstructed this building after a fire in 1896. It since then has been redesigned several times, but now stands restored back to its original art deco look from 1936. It is currently the Arschell & Son Agency.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
This is an up close shot of a carving found on one of the large granite stones that sit in an area that use to be a passenger depot in 1872 during the "coming of the railroad".
Photo by Rachael Ellis
Plano was settled in the 1840's and soon became the trading center for farmers in Collin County. It is now a place for dining, art, housing, and more.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
Side window of Queen of Hearts Costume & Magic shop which has been family owned since it opened in 1982. It's probably the one place in Collin County that sells juggling equipment and magic supplies.
Photo by Rachael Ellis
A salon at 1423 K Ave, that offers cut and coloring services.
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Joel Woiton, says:
I've been to downtown Plano many times and I still find it somewhat lacking. Maybe I take for granted something in my own backyard.
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alexander troup, says:
No, Joel... your not wrong about the feeling or the lacking off, I have felt that same element too at times, when I would attend a Historical event or Art show and then realize, what was this area suppost to become a Ghost town or a formula of what and old town should look like...weird isnt it, and we just drive by the area now, never get off the freeway and go to a less crowded small town...A/T. Tourist.
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12 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Travis Bush, says:
"There is a lot more to Plano than just a couple of teen heroin addicts."
Yes, one mustn't cougars and "beautiful people".
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12 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
alexander troup, says:
Oppse, one of the beautiful people got away...A/T..Tourist.
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Pavel Lishin, says:
What is it with you and leaving out words today, Travis? Did you burn out an important brain celebrating this weekend? :P
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Travis Bush, says:
I dunno Pavel, but it sounds like I graduated from AISD. My kingdom for an Edit button!
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Jason Rice, says:
I like it down there. The night life is building, but the little set of shops on 15th and 14th and now stretching down further is a really nice shopping area.
We have a barber, a couple of fun weird restaurants and two costume shops within spitting distance of City Hall and the cops. What more could I want? DART and a park at the end of the block. (And of course my favorite little live theater across the street from that.)
See ya at Dickens Festival / Tree Lighting this Friday!
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Billusa99, says:
Since you were shooting the east side, did you happen upon that rare, feral teegee critter, wandering the alleys at dusk?
Anonymous
12 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal