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IRVING
CITY
CITY OF IRVING.ORG
JANUARY 2025 / VOL 32 / NO 01
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE
AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF IRVING
PAID
Explore the 2024 Year in Review to discover key accomplishments, notable highlights and prestigious awards from the past year.
IRVING, TX PERMIT NO. 883
In observance of New Year's Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush/bulky collection on Jan. 1 and 20. In addition, the following facilities will be closed during those dates: City Hall Criminal Justice Center Heritage Aquatic Center Hunter Ferrell Landfill Irving Animal Care Campus Irving Archives and Museum Irving Arts Center Irving public libraries North Lake Natatorium R ecreation centers All offices will resume normal business hours on Thursday, Jan. 2 and Tuesday, Jan. 21 respectively. Visit CityofIrving.org for more information.
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
City Holidays/No Trash Collection
CityofIrving.org A N O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E C I T Y O F I R V I N G
2025 STATE OF THE CITY JAN. 16 Join the Irving business community on Jan. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the State of the City address at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd. The 2025 State of the City will feature Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer discussing the accomplishments of 2024 and the future opportunities for 2025. To register for the 2025 State of the City, visit IrvingChamber.com or call (214) 217-8484.
Toyota Music Factory Debuts New Plaza, Highlights Local Art Construction on the plaza and other venue improvements at Toyota Music Factory, 316 W. Las Colinas Blvd., is largely complete. Improvements to the multipurpose entertainment venue began in early 2024 and include: a remodel of the central plaza, stage and select surrounding storefronts; increased signage for vehicle and pedestrian traffic; and the inclusion of a variety of music-inspired murals and art pieces throughout the 500,000-square-foot facility. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 10 celebrated the successful completion of the renovation project. Plaza Renovations The Toyota Music Factory plaza now offers increased seating and shade, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoor venue year-round. Five shade structures have been added around the plaza’s circular turf center to provide relief from the summer heat. Trees and other greenery accompany the shade structures surrounding the turf. The main stage has relocated to the east side of the plaza, freeing the plaza’s south end for an additional shade structure and seating. A new hospitality container, which can serve food and drinks and sell promotional items from the ground level, has been installed next to the stage. The container offers seating overlooking the plaza on its second floor. The addition of landscaping, new overhead string lights and a kid’s zone invite guests of all ages to enjoy the plaza. Visual Enhancements The facility’s appearance is further enhanced by the installation of new graphics and artwork. Murals showcasing a mixture of music and Texas themes can be found across Toyota Music Factory and each building features at least one unique visual work. A rotating gallery of local artwork is showcased in “Artist’s Alley” between restaurants Thirsty Lion and Bar Louie on the northeast corner of the venue. The alley adjacent to Gloria’s Latin Cuisine offers its own unique visuals, with LED instruments suspended across the passageway ceiling.
PREPARE HOMES NOW FOR WINTER WEATHER Improved signage makes traversing Toyota Music Factory easier for both vehicles and pedestrians. Expanded identification and directional signage ensures visitors can easily find their way through the facility. Improvements to the parking garage entrance, including bold red accents, help the building stand out to incoming vehicles, while the interior of the parking garage displays new graphics to better identify the different levels. Funding and Investment Toyota Music Factory is owned by the City of Irving but is leased to and managed by a third party: Music Factory Portfolio LP, an affiliate of Brookfield Properties. In January 2024, the Irving City Council approved an agreement with Music Factory Portfolio that will reimburse the company for the cost of certain capital and tenant facility improvements. Brookfield Properties will pay the project costs upfront, and the City of Irving has agreed to reimburse Brookfield over time for eligible expenses through sales/mixed beverage tax revenue generated at Toyota Music Factory. The facility’s success as an entertainment destination has contributed to Irving’s reputation as a place to live, work and play, effectively drawing the interest of corporations such as Wells Fargo, Caterpillar and Christus Health to Irving. Continued investments in Toyota Music Factory enhance the city’s ability to retain and recruit businesses while also improving the experience of visitors to the city. A list of venues, restaurants and upcoming events at Toyota Music Factory is available at ToyotaMusicFactory. com. Visit CityofIrving. SCAN org/IrvingInvests for more for ICTN information on the city’s VIDEO ongoing infrastructure initiatives.
With winter storms becoming more common, Texas residents should act now to protect homes from cold-related damage. Inside the Home Inspect chimneys and furnaces to prevent fires. Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms; replace any over 10 years old. Seal leaks around kitchen and bathroom pipes to prevent freezing. Check attic insulation and make any repairs. Stock bottled water, nonperishable food and batteries in case of power outages. Outside the Home Trim trees near homes and cars to prevent damage from falling branches. Winterize pools and run pumps if temperatures drop below freezing. Locate and test the water shutoff valve. If the valve is stuck, contact a plumber. Tips from Atmos Energy and Oncor Avoid using ovens or gas stoves to heat homes. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to keep warm air inside. Report gas leaks by calling 911. Seal windows and cracks to save energy. Set thermostats at 68 degrees and keep vents open. Preparation can help prevent costly damage and keep households safe this winter. Report a power outage on the Oncor app or online at StormCenter.Oncor.com. Text “REG” to 66267 to sign up for messages and report outages. Visit Ready.gov for more winter weather preparedness tips.