As luxury storage solutions continue to surge in popularity, Garages of America, the pioneers of the luxury garage concept, is expanding in Frisco with a second phase of its highly sought-after garage condos. The Frisco location originally opened in 2020 with 106 units that quickly sold out, leading to the development of Frisco Phase II, which adds 52 new customizable luxury garage suites.

With a growing market of car enthusiasts and small business owners seeking premium, climate-controlled venues in a secure and community-driven environment, Garages of America is the leader in this rapidly expanding sector.

Much like private marinas for boat owners or hangars for aviation enthusiasts, luxury garage condos are transforming how car collectors, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists protect and enjoy their assets. Rather than leasing space, owners at Garages of America purchase their units outright, receiving a deed and HOA protections, making it an investment rather than an expense.

“Real estate ownership in a specialized community like this offers more than just storage—it’s a lifestyle and a financial asset,” said Fred Gans, of Garages of America. “Our rapid expansion underscores the demand for secure, high-end spaces where like-minded individuals can comfortably gather, network, and share their passions.”

Garages of America provides a secure, gated environment with 24/7 surveillance, climate control, and an exclusive owners’ clubhouse for social and business gatherings. Each suite is fully customizable, featuring elevated ceilings, built-in mezzanines, oversized doors, and individually metered utilities—amenities that make these venues adaptable for both personal and professional use.

For many, luxury garage condos represent a compelling investment opportunity. As the demand for secure specialty storage increases, early adopters in this market have seen their properties appreciate in value, with resale interest growing in multiple locations.

Current and upcoming Garages of America developments include:

• Carrollton, TX (Phase II under construction)
• Dallas (Love Field area)
• Garland, TX (Firewheel)
• Katy, TX (Houston)
• Lakeway, TX (Austin)
• The Woodlands, TX (Houston)
• Plano, TX
• Roanoke, TX
• Rockwall, TX 
• Towne Lake (Cypress, TX)

Founded in 2014 by real estate investor Fred Gans and former Le Mans race car driver and developer Jack Griffin, Garages of America pioneered the luxury garage condo concept with its first community in Plano, Texas. The company has expanded with locations in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. For more information, visit garagesofamerica.com.

Susser Bank has opened its newest loan production office in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. Located in City Center at 201 Main Street, the new office marks a strategic expansion of the bank’s North Texas footprint and reinforces its commitment to serving the financial needs of Fort Worth’s thriving business community.

The office will be led by Corey Doyle, Director of Commercial Real Estate, who brings over 30 years of experience in structuring financial solutions for small to mid-sized businesses as well as real estate investors. With deep ties to the Fort Worth market and a strong reputation for relationship banking, Corey and his team will focus on delivering customized banking strategies that drive growth, optimize capital, and support long-term client success.

“Our new Fort Worth office positions us in the heart of the city, reinforcing our commitment to serving one of Texas’ most dynamic and rapidly growing economic regions,” said Doyle. “This expansion enhances our accessibility to the businesses and entrepreneurs driving Fort Worth’s future, and we look forward to deepening our impact in this thriving community.”

Susser Bank is a Texas-based company offering a full suite of personal and commercial banking solutions with offices across Texas – Dallas, Arlington, Austin, Bedford, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston, Plano, Round Rock and San Antonio. The company is a diversified bank with robust capital, liquidity, and leading-edge technology led by the Susser family and a legacy of six generations of Texas entrepreneurs. Susser Bank is dedicated to building long-term client relationships and providing outstanding financial solutions that make Texas stronger. 

More information is available at susserbank.com.

Dwell with Dignity, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through design, announces the return of its largest fundraiser, Thrift Studio, presented by Amazon. The event kicks off with an exclusive Premiere Party on April 3, followed by a month-long luxury designer pop-up shopping experience at deeply discounted prices from April 4–May 3 at 1833 E. Levee St., Dallas, TX 75207.

The Thrift Studio features six new designers annually who install vignettes using their own donated inventory in addition to general donated items to Dwell with Dignity and unique artwork collected at the Art+Color Party. The 2025 designers include:

• Traci Connell, Traci Connell Interiors

• John Phifer Marrs, John Phifer Marrs Interiors
• Kelly O'Neal Interiors and Design Legacy
• Sara Garza and Maddie Moran, Punch World Studio
• Ashley Ross, Muse Noire
• Marybeth Turner and Allyson Hall, Turner Hall Interiors

For more details on this year’s talented designers, visit here.

The 2025 Thrift Studio is chaired by Samantha Reitmayer Sano and Joslyn Taylor, Swoon, the studio, as well as Art Chair Hannah Brown, Hannah Brown Art.

The Thrift Studio VIP Premiere Party on April 3 offers guests exclusive early access to the curated, designer-furnished pop-up shop before it opens to the public. The event will feature live entertainment, one-of-a-kind shopping opportunities and a chance to engage with the interior designers and supporters behind the transformation. The VIP entrance starts at 6 p.m., and tickets are $275. General admission entrance is at 7 p.m., and tickets are $175. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit here.

Following the Premiere Party, Thrift Studio will open to the public from April 4–May 3. Admission is free, and hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The limited-time shopping event features a curated collection of designer-donated furniture, artwork and décor at inexpensive prices, with 100 percent of proceeds supporting Dwell with Dignity’s mission.

“Thrift Studio isn’t just about shopping—it’s about design as a catalyst for stability and opportunity,” said Teresa Charnock, executive director of Dwell with Dignity. “Every piece sold helps fuel our work to transform houses into homes where families can thrive and turns community spaces into hubs of stability and connection for schools and nonprofit organizations.”

Since Amazon became the Presenting Sponsor of Thrift Studio three years ago, more than $1 million in merchandise sales have fueled Dwell with Dignity’s work, providing life-changing home transformations for 48 families and redesigning 17 community spaces into inspiring, functional environments that serve thousands.

“At Amazon, we’re committed to supporting organizations that provide real solutions to challenges faced by families in our community,” said Vickie Yakunin, Amazon’s head of community engagement in Texas. “We support Dwell with Dignity in a few different ways – through our partnership for Thrift Studio, with employee volunteers and by teaming up to support community partners.” With Amazon’s continued support, Thrift Studio will once again bring together the design community and mission-driven shoppers, making a lasting impact for families and neighborhoods across Dallas.

ABOUT THRIFT STUDIO:
Thrift Studio is a high-end pop-up shop and fundraiser benefiting Dwell with Dignity. The month-long event features designer showrooms curated by top interior designers, showcasing high-quality, donated home furnishings and décor available for purchase at deep discounts. Since its inception, Thrift Studio has become a must-attend event for Dallas’ design and philanthropic communities.

ABOUT DWELL WITH DIGNITY:
Founded in 2009, Dwell with Dignity is a Dallas-based nonprofit with a mission to transform lives through design. By providing and installing interiors for family homes and community spaces for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, the transformations inspire people to lead their best lives and thrive in a safe, functional and beautiful environment. Dwell with Dignity has completed more than 250 home design projects and 50 community spaces, and in 2024 the organization served more than 3,000 people through their home and community projects. The nonprofit is backed by the support of over 100 designers, 1,100 dedicated volunteers and 150 sponsors and donors. Learn more at www.dwellwithdignity.org.

Junior Symphony Ball Shatters Records with Unforgettable

“Party With a Purpose” at Gilley’s Dallas

A Legacy of Student Leadership and Philanthropy

The Junior Symphony Ball (JSB) Party With a Purpose proved once again why it’s one of the most anticipated events for high school students across the metroplex. On February 1, Gilley’s Dallas was transformed into an electrifying hub of music, dancing, and entertainment as over 2,850 sophomores, juniors, and seniors from over 25 schools came together for a sold-out celebration—marking the largest turnout in JSB history. The Steering Committee was comprised of more than 1000 students.

True to its founding vision of “student-led, parent-guided” leadership, the event has grown from a small gathering of schools to an expansive, metro-wide celebration—while remaining committed to its core mission of supporting music education.

From the moment the doors opened, the energy was palpable. The night featured high-energy music, professionally staffed gaming tables, thrilling raffles, exciting prizes, and plenty of refreshments to keep the party going.

At the heart of the night’s electric atmosphere was none other than Detroit native Brandon Williams—better known as 13LACKBEARD. As the official DJ of the Dallas Cowboys, he’s a master at creating an unbeatable energy, and he brought that same stadium-level excitement to JSB. Known for blending the legendary dance beats of Detroit and Chicago, 13LACKBEARD has shared the stage with icons like Beyoncé, The Eagles, Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Kaskade, and Tiësto. His set kept the crowd moving and the dance floor packed all night long.

In keeping with tradition, the evening’s dress code embraced Texas flair, with gentlemen sporting Texas Tuxedos and ladies dazzling in cocktail dresses paired with boots. A sea of sleek black dresses was punctuated by bold pops of color.

Behind the scenes, the event committee worked tirelessly to ensure seamless logistics, crowd control, and a smooth check-in process for the massive turnout. Their meticulous planning and enthusiasm ensured an unforgettable experience.

The lineup of the 2025 Co-Chairs represents schools across Dallas: Tanner Krug, Jesuit College Prep of Dallas; Gracelyn Nix, Highland Park High School; Jack Steed, Highland Park High School; Clara Tolleson, Episcopal School of Dallas; Johnny Willingham, Episcopal School of Dallas; Emerson Mayes, Bishop Lynch High School; Teddy Fleiss, St. Mark's School of Texas; Avery Black, Ursuline Academy; Zack Shapiro, Parish Episcopal School; and Kate Davidson, The Hockaday School. 

Their supportive and proud moms are: Holly Krug, Jonika Nix, Maygan Steed, Rebecca Black, Jojo Fleiss, Tricia Davidson, Amie Mayes, Kacy Tolleson, April Willingham, and Jori Shapiro.

True to the Party with a Purpose theme, co-chairs Tanner Krug and Gracelyn Nix shared, “It was a privilege to help raise funds for the Young Strings of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra while having fun!”

Their moms Holly Krug and Jonika Nix echoed the sentiment, adding, “Chairing an event that supports the Dallas Symphony Orchestra alongside your child is truly one for the memory books.”

More than 100 parent volunteers played a vital role in making the event a success, including Brett Levy, who supported her high schooler while also preparing for another prestigious symphony occasion, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s Presentation Ball on February 15, where her daughter will make her debut.

A special sponsor for the event was Gracelyn’s Hope, a charity founded by co-chair Gracelyn Nix five years ago. “My goal is to raise funds for children and their families, get other kids involved in the fun, and create special moments for children in hospitals or shelters so they can enjoy their childhood,” said Gracelyn.

Additional sponsors include Mr. Tuxedo, Miron Crosby, Sewell, Nightly, Emily & Ashley, Clayton-Waggoner Properties, Raising Cane’s and Highland Park Village. 

Now in its 67th year, JSB is the longest-running fundraiser of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), supporting vital DSO outreach programs such as Young Strings and Young Musicians.

JSB 2025 was more than just a party—it was a record-breaking night of purpose, passion, and philanthropy.

Follow JSB on Social Media

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JSBdallas/
Instagram @jsbdallas

Photos by Deborah Brown

Key to photos:

1 2025 JSB Co-Chairs: Gracelyn Nix, Tanner Krug, Avery Black, Zach Shapiro, Teddy Fleiss, Kate Davidson, Clara Tolleson, Jack Steed, Emerson Mayes, Johnny Willingham 

The Collin County Soil & Water Conservation District is sponsoring a spring wildflower planting program now through May 15, or while supplies last.  One-pound bags of spring native wildflower seed mix are available for $30 per pound and contain over 20 species, including Black-eyed Susan, coneflowers, Gayfeather, milkweeds, Indian Blanket and Plains Coreopsis. 

Native flowers require less water and maintenance than conventional landscaping flowers and plants and can better withstand our sometimes extreme Texas climate.  Wildflowers also add beauty to the landscape and provide food for wildlife.  The Collin County SWCD uses funds raised from projects such as this to support local conservation programs and education within the District.

One-pound bags of wildflower seed are available for purchase at the District office, 1404 N. McDonald Street, Suite 100, in McKinney, now thru May 15, or while supplies last.  Please call before you come to make sure the seed is in stock at 972-542-0081 ext. 3.  Spring months are the optimal times to plant these wildflowers, and seeding instructions are available with purchases.  Get yours now, while supplies last!