Arlington's Landmark Preservation Commission wants to save the last remaining structure of Eastern Star Home on Division Street.
Last week, the commission unanimously agreed to recommend that City Council members try to save one of Arlington's most historic structures, or at least put off issuance of a demolition permit so the commission can try to find a buyer.Next month, the commission will ask the council to deny a permit that would allow demolition of the vacant, 88-year-old structure. The matter will likely be scheduled for the Oct. 16 council meeting.The property, at 1111 E. Division St., south of Cowboys Stadium, is in the hands of Providence Bank of Columbia, Mo., which took ownership of the 28.5-acre site in January in the bankruptcy of the former owner, Carrollton-based South of the Stadium Llc.The real estate broker listing the property has asked for the demolition permit, saying it will be easier to sell if the new owner knows it has the option of tearing down the 6,500-square-foot structure.The red-brick home was built in 1924 and expanded in 1931, 1954 and 1966. Those additions have since been torn down. In 2001, the residents of the home were moved to the Texas Masonic Retirement Center, 1501 W. Division St. In 2005, the building was used to house Hurricane Katrina evacuees. In 2006, the property was named to Preservation Texas' most endangered properties list.Safety firstBell Helicopter is one of America's safest companies to work for, according to EHS Today, a magazine that covers business performance on environmental, health and safety concerns.Bell was one of eight companies to receive awards last week at a conference in Chicago.In addition to Bell, ABB Inc., BASF Corp., General Cable, Honeywell Aerospace, Life Technologies, URS and Total Safety were honored as the 2012 America's Safest Companies.It is the second time Bell has received the award, which EHS Today gives to companies that have "clearly demonstrated a commitment to employee safety and health, environment management and risk control."Bell Helicopter reported 70 percent fewer OSHA reportable injuries than average in the aerospace manufacturing industry."This award acknowledges the investments we have made in safeguarding our machines, improving our facilities, and providing enhanced safety training for our employees and our leadership," John Garrison, Bell's president and chief executive, said in a statement."It represents the personal accountability and commitment each employee has made to speak up for safety by reporting potentially unsafe conditions, participating in safety walks and looking out for colleagues," Garrison said.Aviation and aerospaceAfter its popular air show this October, AllianceTexas will host an aviation and aerospace industry summit featuring discussions on the future of the industry.Alliance, home to facilities for DynCorp and Bell Helicopter, teamed up with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to bring aerospace manufacturers and service providers together to discuss the global aviation and aerospace marketplace.During the four-day conference, called the Aviation & Aerospace Industry Manufacturing Summit, panels will discuss budget cutting at the Department of Defense, forecasts of air travel and cargo demand, and trends in aerospace research and development.Bell Helicopter's CEO, John Garrison, and Hillwood Chairman Ross Perot Jr. are among the featured speakers for the summit, which runs Oct. 7-10."The lingering effects of the recession and financial crisis, increased global competition and ongoing geopolitical events have presented unprecedented challenges for the aerospace industry, but the aviation and aerospace industry also has many bright spots," said Robert Mansfield, executive director of the Center for Aviation and Aerospace Leadership. "AAIMS 2012 will put these challenges and opportunities in perspective and provide insights for aerospace manufacturers and service providers to prosper."Sandra Baker, 817-390-7727sabaker@star-telegram.comJim Fuquay, 817-390-7552jfuquay@star-telegram.comBarry Shlachter, 817-390-7718barry@star-telegram.comHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
