[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 87 (Thursday, June 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1072-E1073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO LATE TOM LARDNER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 10, 2010

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is with great 
sorrow that I recognize the life and passing of Tom Lardner. I have 
known this accomplished person for a long time. He was a visionary who 
was not afraid to take risks. We have lost a great businessman, an 
exceptional husband and terrific father.
  Tom Lardner, born in Port Huron, Michigan earned his bachelor's 
degree in business from Michigan State University. Mr. Lardner earned a 
master's degree in education from Michigan State. Before beginning his 
real estate career he was a coach at St. Gabriel High School football 
team in East Lansing, Michigan where he also served as a history 
teacher.
  While running his real estate investment firm, Lehndorff USA, in 
Chicago he spotted the potential of the area just north of the central 
business district in Dallas, Texas. Eager to map out his plans he moved 
to Dallas. He then saw his dream transforming into reality after years 
of hard work with the construction of a luxury apartment building, 
which would be the earliest of many.
  Lardner purchased a large amount of the land surrounded by McKinney 
Avenue, Pearl Street, Woodall Rodgers Freeway and North Central 
Expressway for development. He also worked alongside city officials to 
establish a tax increment financing district that would pay for street 
improvements as well as other infrastructure improvements.

[[Page E1073]]

  Although Lardner was known for his keen eye in real estate with the 
development of the Uptown area of Dallas, he was also concerned about 
the environment. Lardner's support for Texas Business for Clean Air, 
allowed him to oppose the fast-tracking of the coal-fired plants. 
Concerned that the electric generating plants would hurt the North 
Texas air quality the group strongly opposed the environmental abuse.
  Madam Speaker, Tom Lardner's loss will be deeply felt among many, but 
his work will not be forgotten. His caring nature and the creative 
vision he possessed will live forever.

                          ____________________