Home Care In Bedford, TX

Brown Reynolds Watford, Architects Inc. (BRW) recently updated the City Council on the Performing Arts Center project. The exterior design and floor plan of the building are close to being finalized, after months of gathering feedback from residents, area arts groups, and monthly meetings with City officials. The facility will be built in the area between the Library and Old Bedford School and will face east.

Floor Plan

In the current plans, the building is proposed to encompass approximately 14,500 square feet, 4,600 square feet of which will be devoted to performance space. The auditorium will provide seating for more than 200 people. With an emphasis on flexibility, the performance area seating will also be retractable for a banquet-type event for up to 264 people.

Outside of the performance space, the plans include dressing rooms, restrooms, two large lobbies, catering area, office space, conference room, green room, and lots of storage.

Function

Based on research and discussions with area performing arts groups, the City anticipates the facility will be in demand for a variety of musical, theatrical, dance, and even spoken word (such as a lecture series) events. Its size, flexibility, and seating capacity are considered sustainable, in that it fills a need for performing arts venues of this size in the area.

To ensure the facility will be attractive to as many performers as possible, the Performing Arts Center will have automated acoustic settings for each type of performance, a retractable blackout curtain to cover the large windows, and flexible seating arrangements.

The Bedford Performing Arts Center will have several places to showcase visual artists’ work as well.

Once complete, the Performing Arts Center is intended to be a focal point for arts and culture in the community, with the surrounding property serving as a gathering place for residents and visitors. The facility will also serve as an economic boost to the area, including the future Bedford Commons development.

Appearance

The exterior of the building will have a unique, modern look, that incorporates a large amount of glass to bring natural light into the facility. It will also include building materials and architectural elements from both the Library and Old Bedford School for consistency. With the help of a landscape architect, the green spaces around the Arts Center will allow for events that use both the inside and outside areas, as well as activities and art.

Parking will be expanded and will meet the City’s parking requirements. At this time, a final number of parking spaces has not been determined and will depend upon the finalized footprint of the building. The Library’s parking lot will also serve as overflow parking for the Arts Center. There will be an additional entrance to the building on the west side, facing the Library.

Funding

In 2017, Bedford residents voted to approve $70 million in bond funds for capital improvements and new facilities. Of that amount, $5.5 million was set aside and allocated for a Performing Arts Center at the Old Bedford School site. This decision was possible due to the ballot language for the bond package that referenced “multi-purpose event facilities.” The measure on the ballot stated, “The issuance of $70,000,000 general obligation bonds for park and recreation facilities improvements (including ball field, aquatic center, and multi-purpose event facilities improvements and other related improvements)."

In May, the Council approved an agreement with BRW to design and oversee construction of the Center, directing the firm not to exceed $10 million in construction costs.

In addition to bond project dollars, the City has several options to fund the remaining portion needed such as Generations Park at Boys Ranch savings, hotel/motel tax revenue, American Rescue Plan Act funds (federal dollars given to cities to use at their discretion), or general fund moneys. The property tax rate will not be affected to fund the remaining portion of the Performing Arts Center.

Next Steps

BRW representatives shared their next steps will be to complete the schematic design, finalize building materials and pricing to ensure it is within the budget Council provided. If the current facility design cannot be built within the pre-determined $10 million construction budget, the design will be modified. In January, BRW will start work on the official construction documents and the City anticipates breaking ground late spring or early summer. It is anticipated to be complete winter 2024.

Community Input

Prior to BRW’s presentation to Council, the City held two informational meetings about the Performing Arts Center’s proposed site plan. The first was held in conjunction with the Library’s October 2021 Beer and Brats event where residents could view the proposed Performing Arts Center site plan, ask questions, and provide their feedback via survey. The second opportunity was a Town Hall meeting in February and comprised of a short presentation followed by a public comment portion. That feedback was provided to BRW Architects to help guide their design.

Prior to those meetings, the City hired Webb Management Services Inc. in 2019 to conduct a feasibility study which would provide an updated perspective on the demand for performing arts spaces in the area. During that study, Webb gathered information from various individuals and organizations, including local and regional arts and cultural groups.

About BRW

BRW Architects has completed more than 400 community projects in approximately 250 Texas communities. Of those 400 buildings, 22 of them are performing arts projects such as concert halls, recital halls, music rehearsal spaces, multi-media theatres, recording studios, black box theatres, theatre arts rehearsal rooms, and special event spaces. Outside of municipal clients, BRW also works for clients such as the University of North Texas and Texas A&M University for their performing art space needs as well.

BRW is partnering with Schuler Shook Associates, one of the foremost theater consulting firms in the country, and Kirkegaard, a nationally recognized company specializing in architectural acoustics, to ensure the Bedford Performing Arts Center is ideal for all performers.

BEDFORD, Texas - An early morning fire on in Bedford on Tuesday left 13 people without a place to stay.

Flames broke out around 4 a.m. at a carport on Schumac Lane, it soon spread to four cars, powerlines, a shed and multiple homes including one on Donna Lane.

3 homes were damaged in the fire. 13 people were evacuated, and all escaped without harm.

Bill Fondaro bought barbecue to give to those who had their homes damaged.

"We walked down to see and these poor guys got kind of burnt out, so the wife decided to get them some Spring Creek Barbecue," said Fondaro.

The Bedford Fire Department shared photos of from the height of the battle against the flames in the early morning hours.

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(Courtesy: Bedford Fire Department)

"Our initial crews got on scene and found multiple cars involved and a carport fully involved," said Bedford fire chief Bill Walker. "As the fire was progressing, the way these houses came together, we had three separate houses all suffer significant damage."

The multi-location two-alarm fire prompted support from several nearby fire departments including Hurst, Euless, Watauga and North Richland Hills.

"Because of how hot cars burn, the intensity of the fire just translated into those other structures. So we had three houses burning at different levels," said Walker.

Hours later, some who lived at the homes appeared to salvage what they could in bags.

Helpful neighbor Bob Fornaro says he imagines the trees in the area played a part in fanning the flames.

He's thankful it wasn't any worse.

"I think it got into the trees. You know we have a nice treed neighborhood that was a plus, but when the fire jumps onto trees and onto the fences then that’s kind of a negative," he said. "You think about how the whole situation, and how it could also affect you."

Chief Walker agrees it could've been much worse, emphasizing despite the destruction, more than a dozen people made it out safely.

"Ultimately a lot of fire, a lot of damage. A chaotic scene because it was breach on two different streets," he said.

The Red Cross has been called to help the families affected by the fire.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

DALLAS — Many families across North Texas will be celebrating July Fourth over the federal holiday weekend. From Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4, most major cities in the area will be hosting celebrations and fireworks shows.

Here is what is going on in the DFW area:

Monday, July 3

The Sound at Cypress Waters will host a safe celebration for people and pets who deal with noise sensitivity.

Instead of fireworks, there will be a patriotic laser light show starting at 9:40 p.m.

Before that, you can enjoy the petting zoo, face painting, arts and crafts, animal education from the Creature Teacher and more. That all starts at 6 p.m.

The city of Arlington has two days of events to look forward to. Their first one kicks off at 6 p.m.

Bands will perform at four stages around downtown between 6-7 p.m. That's in addition to the food trucks, vendors, face painting and a bubble bus.

The firework show will start at 9:50 p.m. from City Tower and will be set to music on 95.9 The Ranch FM.

McKinney's also hosting back-to-back events on Monday and Tuesday.

From 6 to 9:30 p.m., there will be two concerts and a Kids Zone with family activities and food.

The fireworks display will run from 9:45 p.m. to 10 p.m.

You can bring coolers, blankets and lawn chairs to the park. Alcohol, pets, and grilling will not be allowed.

The Family 4th event will take over the Birdville ISD Plaza starting at 5 p.m.

Enjoy the bounce houses, food trucks, and a performance from the Texas All-Star Jazz Orchestra Concert.

At 9:30 p.m., there will be a Fireworks and Drone Show with an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for largest drone show, so expect over 1,000 drones.

The city of Carrollton will have its annual fireworks show. Its display will last for 15 minutes over Josey Ranch Lake starting at 9:30 p.m.

There will also be an Independence Day concert at the Carrollton Senior Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day.

While the party in Addison Circle Park for Addison Kaboom Town is free to attend, the tickets were limited and are sold out this year.

This year's event is taking place Monday, July 3 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Now, the only way to guarantee admission to Addison Circle Park is through a hotel package. Guests at any of Addison’s participating hotels can get admission for up to six with each room reservation as well as an entrance through a special ‘fast lane.’ Hotel packages start at $104.

Addison Kaboom Town fireworks are livestreamed online, so those with sensor issues or those with small children and pets can enjoy the show in a quieter and more intimate environment.

Tuesday, July 4

Here's part two to Arlington's festivities.

The Arlington Independence Day Parade is set to kick of at 9 a.m. downtown. It's the largest 4th of July parade in Texas and one of the largest in the U.S.

Want to beat the crowd? Join the Inaugural Firecracker 5K. The course is the same as the parade route, so you could find your spot, go for a run at 7 a.m., then settle in for the parade.

NOTE: The following video was recorded in 2019

The Red, White and BOOM! keeps booming on Tuesday.

McKinney's Hometown Parade will start at 10 a.m., followed by the Yankee Doodle Block Party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hit up Fair Park from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

There will be live music, food trucks, local vendors and more.

Later on, you can check out the firework show from either inside the Cotton Bowl Stadium or across Fair Park.

There will be a block party at Old City Park from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., full of food, games and surprises.

Be sure to sign up for a $10 ticket in advance.

Plano's All American 4th festival will be free and open to the public from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The city is celebrating not only the USA's birthday, but also the city's own 150th birthday.

On top of the food and free gifts, there will be a parade at 7:30 p.m. and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

The Tarrant Regional Water District will host its 16th annual Independence Day celebration at Panther Island Pavilion.

Gates open at 5 p.m. with free admission. Be ready for a Texas-sized fireworks show topping off the live music, food and kids' activities.

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to the Chisenhall Sports Complex.

The gates open at 5 p.m. and the program starts at 7 p.m. Be there for the "Burleson Best" concert at 7:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:20 p.m.

Rowlett's got a lineup for its Fireworks on Main event Tuesday evening.

Three bands will perform back-to-back from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., setting up the fireworks as the show's headlining entertainment.

There will also be food trucks available with a variety of dishes like BBQ and ice cream.

Generations Park is the place to be in Bedford for its Independence Day celebration.

The festival will be free and attendees can bring lawn chairs, blanks, coolers and non-alcoholic beverages (keep in mind, glass containers will not be allowed).

The Inspiration Band will be there to perform while you check out the food trucks, marketplace and kid's zone.

Fireworks will launch at 9:30 p.m. from the park.

The city of Irving has an itinerary for its 4th of July festivities.

It all kicks off with a 9 a.m. parade through the Heritage District, full of all things red, white and blue.

That'll be followed by the Watermelon Social from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Heritage Park. Beat the heat with a cool slice of watermelon and tunes from the Jade Flores Band.

You can do your own thing for the afternoon, then head to the Levy Event Plaza at 6 p.m. Enjoy the food, rides, the kid's area and the live music before the Fireworks and Drone Show takes the skies at 9:15 p.m.

If you're in or near Duncanville, Armstrong Park will be your spot for fireworks.

The celebration runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The band Extended Play will be performing, adding on to the foods and goods at the park on top of the bounce houses.

Fireworks are scheduled to fire off at 9:30 p.m.

Celebrate independence "Dallas Winds style." The orchestra calls the concert their "pedal-to-the-metal, red, white and blue musical salute to mom, apple pie and the American way."

You can also expect hot dogs, ice cream, air conditioning and indoor fireworks.

Trophy Club will have a packed Fourth of July schedule.

Everyone who pre-registered for the Patriot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run will hit the ground running (or strolling) at 7:15 a.m.

After the Fun Run awards, the Parade of Patriots kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Both the races and the parade will be held at Byron Nelson High School, so you won't need to go anywhere else for the morning.

The city will have a celebration event starting at 6 p.m. at Independence Park East. Bring chairs, blankets, and money for food (cash or card).

Fireworks will start at around 9:40 p.m.

Other upcoming events:

BOA 2023 enters a new month with five shows on the competitive docket. Let's take a look at who's competing and where/when the shows are taking place.

Dallas Mid-Cities Regional Championship

A slate of nearly thirty ensembles will take the field at the 2023 Dallas Mid-Cities Regional Championship, including Flower Mound HS, Hebron HS, Timber Creek HS, and more. Prelims competition will begin at 8:00am CT at Pennington Field in HEB ISD in Bedford, TX. There will also be a special exhibition performance by the UNT Green Brigade Marching Band following the last Prelims performance of the day. Following the conclusion of Prelims, the stadium will be cleared and Finals competition will start back up at 7:00pm CT, with the gate reopening at 6:30pm.

Arizona Regional Championship

Over 20 ensembles will take the field at the 2023 Arizona Regional Championship, including Fossil Ridge HS, Clovis HS, Arbor View HS, and more. Prelims competition will begin at 9:15am MT at J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. Following the conclusion of Prelims, the stadium will be cleared and Finals competition will start back up at 7:00pm MT, with the gate reopening at 6:30pm.

West Houston Regional Championship

Thirty ensembles will take the field at the 2023 West Houston Regional Championship, including Claudia Taylor Johnson HS, Ronald Reagan HS, Cy-Fair HS, and more. Prelims competition will begin at 7:15am CT at Legacy Stadium in Katy ISD in Katy, TX. Following the conclusion of Prelims, the stadium will be cleared and Finals competition will start back up at 7:00pm CT, with the gate reopening at 6:30pm.

Memphis Regional Championship

Over twenty ensembles will take the field at the 2023 Memphis Regional Championship, including DeSoto Central HS, Boiling Springs HS, Harrison HS, and more. Prelims competition will begin at 9:15am ET at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, TN. Following the conclusion of Prelims, the stadium will be cleared and Finals competition will start back up at 7:00pm ET, with the gate reopening at 6:30pm.

Northwest Ohio Regional Championship

Twenty-two ensembles will take the field at the 2023 Northwest Ohio Regional Championship, including Jenison HS, Lebanon HS, Worthington Kilbourne HS, and more. Prelims competition will begin at 9:45am ET at Glass Bowl Stadium at the University of Toledo in Toledo, OH. Following the conclusion of Prelims, the stadium will be cleared and Finals competition will start back up at 7:00pm ET, with the gate reopening at 6:30pm.

ROCK ISLAND, Ill., Feb. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rock Island Auction Company (RIAC), the No. 1 firearms auction company in the world, officially announces plans to open a second facility and expand to Bedford, TX. The second location is scheduled to open in 2023 and will offer the Texas community the opportunity to experience and be home to the firearms industry's most admired events.

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"With a rich military history, the gun culture in Texas is prominent. So, expanding our auction services to the Lone Star State was a no-brainer," said Kevin Hogan, President of Rock Island Auction Company. "We have seen a tremendous amount of growth in the firearms collections industry, and we are excited to bring our auctions and showroom to Bedford for the community to experience."

Located at 3600 E. Harwood Road, Bedford, TX, Rock Island Auction Company's second facility will feature a firearms showroom, auction hall, vault, room for offices and shipping, and more. With this new auction facility, RIAC is on a mission to design a state-of-the-art brick and mortar building, unequalled in the auction industry. The team is working with a blank canvas and their goal is to make this facility as much of a destination as a show piece. The new location also features ample parking and is located within a welcoming community evocative of legendary Texas hospitality.

"We want to create more opportunities for the world to experience these amazing antique and historical firearms, either to add to their collections or to learn about them. When people attend the auctions in person, they can see the pieces firsthand, hold the items, and engage with other attendees. It's an amazing time of fellowship and brings together a niche community of avid collectors and historical enthusiasts," said Hogan.

In addition to bidding in person, participants can bid using a virtual platform, RIAC Live, and third-party websites hosting the auction. Rock Island Auction Company also streams the events, bringing history and the auction experience directly to homes worldwide.

"We love the social aspect of bringing collectors together for the excitement and engagement that comes with the physical auction experience; however, a large percentage of our collectors come from around the world, and we understand some people are not able to attend in person, which is why we offer multiple options for our auction participants."

Rock Island Auction Company's Headquarters are located in Rock Island, IL, and it will continue to hold events in addition to the auctions that will be scheduled in Texas. For more information or details on events, visit www.RockIslandAuction.com.

About Rock Island Auction Company

Rock Island Auction Company is the world's #1 auction company for firearms, bladed weapons and militaria. Founded in 1993 by its current CEO Patrick Hogan, RIAC continues to lead the industry with record sales numbers and their extensive and beautiful marketing efforts. Their 150,000 square foot campus consists of two buildings and hosts around 18+ auctions each year. They actively seek consignments, be it a single weapon or a collection of hundreds, a thousand-dollar item or one million. For more information, please visit www.rockislandauction.com or call 1-800-238-8022.

Media Contact Information:Jackie Dadas-Kraper, Senior PR Director(248) 842.0597[email protected]

SOURCE Rock Island Auction Company