Beneath Oak Cliff, No Kidd-ing Around

By Robert Wilonsky Tue., May 5 2009 at 1:05 PM

Categories: News

While I was looking for art to accompany Alexa's piece about efforts to "daylight" long-buried creeks and streams yesterday, I came across this virtual stack of photos taken by one "Ardamass" back in January during a trip down Kidd Springs in Oak Cliff. After a wee bit o' effort, I found the photographer -- promised to keep his identity a secret -- and got his permission to run this photo. We also exchanged a few messages, during which he explained the origins of his trip through the buried treasure in Oak Cliff.

I first heard about this tunnel from a friend, and after taking a look at his photos I just had to go. I love tunnels, especially the historic ones. There aren't many drains like this in the DFW area. Most drains around here are RCP, so this one, you could say it was a sight for sore eyes. You can tell how old this one must be from its construction style and the large rocks that have fallen off the walls.

I see a certain former and future Nervebreaker also took some photos down there, back in '05. I now have weekend plans.

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thaTS MY COUSIN ardamass
I think Edwin really wants to accentuate the mixed-use mission statement. By that, he sees it as a facility that will offer music, dance and art tutorial space during the day, and live entertainment by night. He really wants this place to be more than just another live music venue. With a 275 capacity, it will be perfect for intimate jazz shows, quieter bands, solo artists, stand-up comics, performance artists, guest speakers, and private events. I imagine that once the interior is finished out, it will also make for a great location for film and commercial shoots. As far as the kind of talent I would like to book at The Kessler, here is a short wish list off the top of my head: Erykah Badu, Norah Jones, Sparklehorse, Ben Kweller, Reed Easterwood, Peter Schmidt, James McMurtry, Sarah Jaffe, 1100 Springs, Robert Gomez, N'Dambi, Roy Hargrove, Manya Repnikova and Blue Petal, Edie Brickell and New Bohemians, Daveed Garza, Earl Harvin Trio/Quartet, Jerry Jeff Walker, Cricket Taylor, James Hall, Mount Righteous, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Yells At Eels, Son Volt, etc... It would really be nice to book artists who have some connection to Oak Cliff. Reed Easterwood, who did the song "Funny Sam" in the video clip, was born in Oak Cliff. I believe Edie Brickell was too. Both of them went to the Arts Magnet High School. It would be great if The Kessler became the proving ground for the next generation of Booker T. kids....
Liles, excellent short clip. Im curious, will the kessler be similar to the lakewood in the sense of mixed entertainment (music/film?) On Kidd Springs: Ive been in the "cave" a few times, its an amazing sight. Im a huge proponted of "daylighting" alot of our covered streams and waterways (ex: mill creek in ellum)that were covered in concrete due to "progress".
Hey, thanks for the photo. Walking this wet "cave" was a rite of passage back in the 50s and probably long before that but no flashlights were allowed...
I lived around Kid Springs and Kessler for a few years and have fished Kid Springs on both sides of the underground portion. Caught a few small bass. Uncovering that stream bewteen Kessler Pkwy and Kid Springs Park would be like re-routing the Trinity back to it's original course through Downtown (why exagerate when you can over-exagerate?). The point is, there are tons of cool wildnernessy areas in our urban environment already. You just have to look for them and be willing to pull over and hike around. In fact, by making these areas part of an 'urban park setting' you are taking the wildernessy-ness out.
Indeed, Jake. Trying to reach Jeff now.
The video doesn't offer any info. I'm guessing they will be refurbishing the Kessler. Anyone know what their plans are? I love the building. Wilonsky feel free to re-post with the story. I guess I'm outta the loop.
I hope the Kessler is redone well. One of the buildings behind it was recently demolished, so maybe they have solved the parking/zoning issue without having to get an exception? There is another vacant building behind it that has been on and off the market, but perhaps they have not been as successful in getting the tear-down permit?
Aw, see, Jeff. Now you took away one of my afternoon video posts. Damn you, Jeff Liles! Call me.
Speakin' of the OC, we have this to look forward to next year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sDa84Z2kZ8&feature=channel_page
Wilonsky! Mayor Tommy Will see this picture and want to put in a toll road!
Not at all, Tim, far as I understand. That seems likely to make one's cause rather, er, unpopular.
I've been thinking about the "daylighting" of streams, and have a question. If homes or businesses have been built above one of these streams, are they advocating the destruction of those buildings?