DNA History

Established in 1972, a small group of Downtown residents decided that they would no longer watch as their communities were systematically abandoned by both government and business. Eventually, DNA became a model for neighborhood organizations across the city, and today, more than 300 associations exist to improve their neighborhoods!

The association was founded on several key principles 40+ years ago, that still apply today. First, believing our streets add up to living neighborhoods that are diverse, lively, and lovely. The abbreviation for Downtown Neighborhoods Association–DNA–was perfect, because that’s the name of the molecule that is the foundation of life. Downtown neighborhoods are the heart of our city. Another principle was that the DNA organization should keep communications open with everyone in the communities, through the newsletter, talking with neighbors, and events that brought people together.

The issues of 40+ years ago were so pressing that it’s hard to say which had the highest priority. Zoning emerged as the number one issue. We saw homes taken over as offices or chopped up into units that eventually fell into disrepair. One problem was that much of the area was zoned for office use when City planners dreamed of a huge central business district extending almost to Old Town. So DNA and City planners worked for nearly two years on what became the first sector development plan. Through zoning and other policies, it recognized that Downtown was a place for people to live. Included in the plan were provisions for historic designations that recognized the unique architecture of our neighborhoods and houses and rewarded those owners who repaired their historic houses.

During that time as well one of the most serious issues to face in the neighborhood was the closure of Lew Wallace School in the late 1970s, despite a vigorous campaign to keep it open for our new, young families. The school board not only closed the school but told us they would never reopen it. Well, never say never to the DNA. It took us ten years, but we finally got Lew Wallace back, and today, it is a fixture of our neighborhood.

The DNA has been and is still a neighborhood that welcomes infill development that is compatible with our area. So from the beginning, we kept the communications lines open with developers. We welcomed new townhouses, small apartment buildings, and congenial commercial developments built, such as the Carousel Apartments, the former Stephen’s restaurant, the Palms redevelopment, the former Landmark supermarket, etc. There are more opportunities for infill today and the board sees infill as vital to creating living neighborhoods.

Neighborhood watch, the landscaped Lomas Pedestrianway, Mary Fox Park, the rebuilding of Mountain Road, renovation of Lowe's Supermarket, and enhanced bike crossings: these are just a few things that neighbors have championed with support from the DNA.

Community has always been a goal of the DNA. Through the years the newsletter has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood. Initially it was called “Vecinos,”, and architect Antoine Predock, one of DNA’s founders, designed its logo for us. The newsletter still goes out twice a year. There have also been many events that have brought together neighbors. For several years, a Chile Contest, a Halloween pumpkin-carving contest, a Posada, and Christmas caroling brought neighbors together. In recent years the DNA has sponsored the Halloween on Forester, National Night Out socials, Curb Appeal Awards, History Projects, and Historic Home Tours.

If you have lived in the DNA for years or just moved into our neck of the wood, welcome! We are so happy you're here and look forward to getting to know your story.