
Casa Linda Plaza, the oldest shopping center in Dallas, is treasured by its neighboring residential enclaves. When the center’s owner announced a plan to remove five mature cedar elms as part of the center’s remodel, neighbors balked. (Photo Courtesy of Edens)
Built in 1946, Casa Linda Plaza ranks as the oldest shopping center in Dallas. It encompasses three of the four corners of Garland Road and Buckner Blvd., and serves the surrounding neighborhoods, which include Casa Linda, Forest Hills, Little Forest Hills, Emerald Isle, and so on. And if there’s one thing that’s sure to set off this committed coterie of conservationists who favor these ‘hoods, it’s trees. Specifically, the removal of trees. And when Edens, the corporation that owns Casa Linda Plaza unveiled a plan to remove five mature cedar elms from the walkway opposite Natural Grocers, let’s just say that it was not a popular decision.
However, thanks to the measured response from District 9 Dallas City Council member Mark Clayton, not only are residents getting a more robust and shady canopy, they’re also in discussions to bring back a neighborhood tradition — the Casa Linda Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.