Podcast
Building Dallas
Hosted by Building Dallas · EN
Stories from the ground to the roof featuring leading Dallas voices in commercial and residential real estate. Presented by Arrington Roofing.
14episodes
Episodes
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How This Billboard Family Built Dallas from the Ground Up
Jul 3, 202501:28:36Tap to summarizeDiscover the untold story of Dallas's iconic billboards and how one family's legacy helped shape the city's skyline and culture.Click here to watch a video of this episode. In this episode of Building Dallas, we sit down with Ben Ralston of Ralston Outdoor, the largest independent billboard company in North Texas. From his grandfather's first dozen signs in the 1960s to battling billion-dollar giants like Clear Channel, Ben shares how his family turned paint, steel, and strategy into a Dallas empire. Plus, learn how they infused local history into landmarks like the Katy Trail Ice House and what it really takes to build a billboard business today. If you're into entrepreneurship, legacy building, or just love Dallas, this episode is packed with insight, nostalgia, and vision.🔔 Subscribe and be part of the legacy that continues to shape North Texas!(00:00) - Introduction to the Ralston Family Legacy (00:43) - Meet Ben Ralston: The Man Behind Ralston Outdoor (02:28) - The Origins of Ralston Outdoor (05:05) - Challenges and Changes in the Billboard Industry (12:48) - The Art and Craft of Billboard Painting (19:55) - Iconic Billboards and Their Stories (22:14) - The Evolution of Billboard Advertising (48:04) - Design Principles in Advertising (50:33) - Billboard Real Estate and Leasing (52:12) - Navigating Regulations and Restrictions (01:07:43) - Digital Billboards and Technological Advances (01:16:42) - Personal Stories and Industry Evolution (01:27:27) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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How Katy Trail Ice House Became Dallas’ Ultimate Beer Garden
Jun 22, 202501:06:41Tap to summarizeHow Katy Trail Ice House Became Dallas’ Ultimate Beer GardenClick here to watch a video of this episode. In this episode of Building Dallas, we sit down with Buddy Kramer — co-founder of the iconic Katy Trail Ice House — to uncover the wild origin story of one of Dallas' most beloved social landmarks. From nearly giving up on a risky 5-year lease to serving over 800 guests on day one, Buddy shares how a few picnic tables and an idea turned into a $350,000/week hospitality powerhouse. We dive into the expansion of the original Uptown Dallas location, the vision behind its tree-filled atmosphere, and what's next — including a massive mixed-use project in Allen, the Lucky Dog Saloon, and the upcoming Detroit-style pizza launch. Learn how real estate savvy, community focus, and atmosphere-first thinking turned a beer garden into a cultural cornerstone of North Texas.
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How One Woman Helped SAVE Dallas’ Most Legendary Music Venue
Jun 14, 202500:55:52Tap to summarizeJoin us on 'Building Dallas' presented by Arrington Roofing as we explore the rich history and revival of the Longhorn Ballroom with Diana Cox, Vice President of Kessler Presents. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Discover the fascinating journey of restoring this iconic Dallas venue, originally built for Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys in 1950. Learn about the eclectic mix of musicians it has hosted, from BB King to the Sex Pistols, and the efforts to preserve Dallas's cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary needs. Diana shares insights into her daily responsibilities, the challenges encountered, and the vision for Dallas's music scene. Perfect for anyone interested in Dallas history, music, and urban development.(00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:39) - Welcome to Building Dallas (00:43) - Meet Diana Cox (01:43) - A Day in the Life at Kessler Presents (02:44) - Reviving the Longhorn Ballroom (06:36) - The History of the Longhorn Ballroom (12:02) - The Sex Pistols' Impact (17:53) - Challenges and Future Plans (27:27) - Challenges of Renovating Old Buildings (29:00) - Delegation and Project Management (31:18) - Journey into the Music Industry (33:59) - The Longhorn Ballroom's Historical Significance (38:12) - Celebrating the 75th Jubilee (39:40) - The Future of Dallas' Music Scene (42:11) - Supporting Local Artists and Venues (45:25) - The Unifying Power of Live Music (53:22) - Concluding Thoughts on Building Dallas
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Designing the Dallas You Love: Parks, Trails & Neighborhood Legacy
Jun 6, 202501:28:59Tap to summarizeJoin us on 'Building Dallas' presented by Arrington Roofing, as we dive into the world of landscape architecture with legendary landscape architect Chuck McDaniel from SWA. Discover the transformative projects that have reshaped the Dallas landscape including Kessler Park, the Katy Trail, and the new Southern Gateway Park. Learn about how innovative designs contribute to urban connectivity, environmental sustainability, and community building. Perfect for anyone interested in Dallas real estate, urban planning, and local entrepreneurship. Don't miss this in-depth conversation about the evolution of Dallas' green spaces and their impact on the city's future.Creators & Guests Chase Arrington - Producer Reese Arrington - Host Chris Arrington - Host Chuck McDaniel - Guest (00:00) - Introduction to Robert Deckard and the Belo Corporation (00:26) - The Importance of Landscape and Nature (01:06) - Meet Chuck McDaniel: Landscape Architect (01:30) - The Oak Cliff Indian Guides Legacy (02:02) - Life in Kessler Park (07:59) - Challenges and Joys of Landscaping (25:15) - The Evolution of Dallas Parks (30:11) - The Katy Trail Transformation (35:40) - Southern Gateway Park: Reconnecting Communities (44:05) - Passion for Sustainable Architecture (45:43) - Innovative Use of Materials (48:59) - Honoring Local Legends (52:07) - Challenges and Aspirations for Dallas (57:41) - The Art of Drawing and Creativity (01:07:04) - Advice for Young Architects (01:25:36) - Retirement Plans and Reflections (01:28:05) - Conclusion and Farewell
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