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Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 17 May 2018 18:44
by Tnexster
dfwcre8tive wrote:
Tnexster wrote:Does anybody know if they have any plans to clean up the water in the fountains so it doesn't look brown?


Thanks-Giving Square just received a matching grant for landscape improvements, which I believe will help repair all the fountains. Are you talking about the large cascade and grove water wall (which have been repaired), or the stagnant/empty pools that have yet to be fixed?


The large cascading fountain near the chapel, thats the one that I think looks so dirty, even the water coming out of of the pool on the top looks dirty. Maybe there is nothing they can do about it but it would look so much better if the water were just clean.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 17 May 2018 20:09
by xen0blue
They need to level this park and remove the walls if anyone is going to visit. It's horrible the way it is.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 18 May 2018 08:38
by cowboyeagle05
xen0blue wrote:They need to level this park and remove the walls if anyone is going to visit. It's horrible the way it is.


It will be carefully modified so as not to ruin its architectural significance and its ultimate purpose which is to provide space for reflection and event space for the Thanksgiving Foundation. It is not a city park and I am fine with it not being one. Is it a public space yep but a city park no.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 09 Sep 2018 15:32
by mdg109
I always try to be optimistic about this space, but it just seems like it's falling apart. I worry about all the parks being built/planned for Dallas if they're not going to be managed correctly.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 10 Sep 2018 10:14
by cowboyeagle05
This is a private park in many ways and they are in the middle of trying to get all their new dots in a row for a redo. It has some unique challenges and deep history that can slow down progress immensely.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 11 Sep 2018 20:27
by dfwcre8tive
mdg109 wrote:I always try to be optimistic about this space, but it just seems like it's falling apart. I worry about all the parks being built/planned for Dallas if they're not going to be managed correctly.


That end of the Square is going through a revamp. All of the landscaping at the tip of the triangle has been removed and the sign pedestals are being relocated; a neighborhood beautification grant from DDI will help clean it up. Eventually this area will be re-envisioned since it's outside of the "historic" portion of the Square. It could end up being a glass box cafe, visitor center, etc.

A few other summer updates:

- The dog relief area was removed and gravel replaced with new sod.
- New landscaping groundcover was planted on slopes to mitigate soil runoff.
- Dogs will be prohibited from entering the garden starting in October.
- Entry gates are now closed after hours to help with security.
- The chiller system broke in May so the inside has been without air conditioning all summer. There's an appeal to raise $151,000 required for the replacement machinery which will be installed in October. Please donate if you feel inclined. This unexpected expense has put a strain on the Foundation's lean operating budget.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 12 Sep 2018 12:21
by mdg109
Thanks for the update. I went back this week to check out the park portion of the square, and it was pretty nice and clean.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 12 Sep 2018 14:24
by cowboyeagle05
It will take a long time to catch up on the maintenance of the square. They have had to stop the bleeding firsts before being able to do serious surgery to the preexisting design.

DFWcre8tive we look forward to continuing updates on the stuff we can not see as well as the things we can.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 23 Sep 2018 13:01
by dfwcre8tive
No more dogs after October 15th, which will help restore some of the garden.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... 4009642963

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 23 Sep 2018 17:20
by itsjrd1964
dfwcre8tive wrote:No more dogs after October 15th, which will help restore some of the garden.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... 4009642963


Oh boy, there'll be a few folks at the LTV that will have to put their good walking shoes on, then. Not sure where they and their furry friends will go.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 23 Sep 2018 19:36
by LongonBigD
dfwcre8tive wrote:No more dogs after October 15th, which will help restore some of the garden.


Uh-huh. And who exactly is going to enforce this? We’re talking about those who already ignore rules and common courtesy of picking up after so what’s another little sign gonna do?

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 23 Sep 2018 19:50
by tamtagon
$25 fine for every infraction.

LTV is a big complex, they should provide a dog park.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 23 Sep 2018 23:29
by itsjrd1964
tamtagon wrote:LTV is a big complex, they should provide a dog park.


I think the only "outdoor" part of the building is up on the roof where the pool is; I don't think they have a doggie area up there. Should be interesting, though, what they'll do. There are quite a few furry friends in the building, so I've heard. Hopefully Thanks-Giving will have more green grass (and less poop) to give thanks over in the future.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 24 Sep 2018 08:46
by cowboyeagle05
Last I checked LTV had two outdoor areas. Poolside on Elm and Pacific side was artificial turf, good side for a dog area.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 24 Sep 2018 10:09
by lakewoodhobo
I always assumed that the turf they added to the Pacific side was a dog park, but I guess it's not. It doesn't seem to have a fence or anything around it, but no reason why they can't put one in.

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cowboyeagle05 wrote:Last I checked LTV had two outdoor areas. Poolside on Elm and Pacific side was artificial turf, good side for a dog area.


Three outdoor areas if you count the rooftop pool and deck for residents. The pool on the Elm side is for hotel guests.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 24 Sep 2018 15:44
by itsjrd1964
The green area on the Pacific side is only accessible through the hotel meeting room areas. It was bare concrete when the hotel opened a few years ago. It took a little bit for them to hire equipment to get the turf up there to roll it out and get it into place. I don't know if the hotel allows any outdoor receptions there or if it's solely an aesthetic thing so people attending meetings don't look out the window and see parched concrete. As for the hotel pool area, there is a doorway from an interior common area which is the access to the pool there. The locks are set to secure after 10pm so no one is allowed out there (young whippersnappers messed it up for everyone else I guess) overnight.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 19 Dec 2018 12:39
by mdg109
Checked out TGS a couple nights ago. The new landscaping looks really good. Everything looked really clean. I'll try to stop by during the day over the weekend and get some pictures.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 19 Dec 2018 18:53
by dfwcre8tive
mdg109 wrote:Checked out TGS a couple nights ago. The new landscaping looks really good. Everything looked really clean. I'll try to stop by during the day over the weekend and get some pictures.


The goal/focus over for 2018 has been "green and clean," repairing all the fountains and getting the landscaping issues under control. I'm glad you noticed; please share photos.

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Also don't miss the 41st annual Merry TUBACHRISTMAS concert on the 24th. Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1387234438076068/

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 20 Dec 2018 21:00
by cowboyeagle05
I love a healthy dose of prairie grasses blowing in the wind. Thank goodness everyone can see progress. It's hard to convince people who don't follow the forum that something is being done but its gonna take time.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 02:25
by itsjrd1964
Just had a quick walk-through earlier this week. *Much* better with the grass additions. Looking forward to whatever improvements are to come.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 09:15
by Tnexster
Have been noticing the fresh grass, refurbished fountains and such but had not seen the far west side...looks so much better.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 15:25
by Tivo_Kenevil
Wow I'll have to see this in person

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 10 Jan 2019 19:15
by dfwcre8tive
A couple of upcoming events.

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Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/337650837085375/

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Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/268037403874012/

Also for those interested, the history and architecture exhibit that was developed for Thanks-Giving Square last year will be on display in the J Erik Jonsson Central Library (4th Floor) through the end of February starting the week of 01/14. It includes photos, architectural models and other artifacts.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 03 Feb 2019 11:54
by mdg109
Visited TGS yesterday morning and was really impressed. It was spotless. A really pleasant experience. As I left, several groups of people came in to explore.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 03 Feb 2019 11:58
by Tivo_Kenevil
Some paint is needed

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 03 Feb 2019 12:25
by Tnexster
Tivo_Kenevil wrote:Some paint is needed


It's come a long way in the past year but I agree some paint would help top it off. Maybe they are waiting to do that last. Hope so.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 04 Feb 2019 07:43
by ArtVandelay
Banning the dogs was one of the best decisions they could have made.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 05 Feb 2019 13:29
by dfwcre8tive
Tnexster wrote:
Tivo_Kenevil wrote:Some paint is needed


It's come a long way in the past year but I agree some paint would help top it off. Maybe they are waiting to do that last. Hope so.


Do you mean cleaning the surface of the chapel? It's poured-in-place white marble aggregate and not paint, and it does need to be cleaned/restored. There are some areas at the base where white paint was used as a patch and it's obvious that it doesn't match.

Agree that banning dogs has made a significant improvement.

You'll see some landscape improvements at the Ervay entrances next followed by visitor experience improvements (public artwork, signage, plans to reopen the Hall to visitors, etc). I was in town over the weekend and volunteers helped remove outdated exhibits inside the Hall.

Our rejuvenation task force just completed its first year of information gathering and will soon be engaging with architects to formalize the long-term master plan for restoration.

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Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 05 Feb 2019 14:05
by Hannibal Lecter
^ Great news!

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 16 Jul 2019 13:14
by dfwcre8tive
Last week The Thanks-Giving Foundation conducted a design charrette to discuss opportunities within the upcoming rejuvenation plan. It was an exciting and intense working session involving a large group of architects and stakeholders (including Alan Ritchie from PJAR Architects in NYC). The conversation centered around preservation/renovation of the garden space within the walls and improved connections/activation of the areas surrounding the walls (and underground). You'll start to see more about that vision leading up to a capital campaign. Here are a few "behind the scenes" photos.

Photo Jul 11, 2 13 12 PM.jpg


Photo Jul 11, 2 32 02 PM.jpg


Photo Jul 11, 9 20 27 AM.jpg


67409205_2514847345234137_7621851639246225408_o.jpg



Also, the garden area looks better than it has in years. All fountains are operational (including indoor fountains) and the grass/landscape improvements have made it a more contemplative green space. There are still obvious infrastructure/aging issues to be addressed in the future.

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Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 16 Jul 2019 17:39
by mdg109
This is awesome. Thanks for the update!

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 16 Jul 2019 22:29
by Hannibal Lecter
Great news. Thanks!

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 17 Jul 2019 09:33
by cowboyeagle05
Looks fabulous! I look forward to seeing the evolution of the vision of Thanksgiving Square.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 17 Jul 2019 11:02
by Thymant
That's interesting to know! I visited the square a few months ago and was wondering what all the complaints were about as it looked nice to me. Little did I know it just had some work done.

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 06 Aug 2019 01:28
by dfwcre8tive
There's a call to artists for an upcoming mural project at Thanks-Giving Square. This project will cover a large portion of one concrete wall with a temporary mural installation. Please pass this information on to any interested artists.

https://www.thanksgiving.org/2019/08/05 ... proposals/

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Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 27 Oct 2019 20:49
by dfwcre8tive
New mural coming soon. The artist will paint a large piece throughout November (the month of gratitude).

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Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 01 Oct 2020 22:11
by dfwcre8tive
Here's the latest on our work at Thanks-Giving Square. Design for the rejuvenation has been moving along with a fundraising campaign to begin soon.

What a Reimagined Thanks-Giving Square Could Look Like
https://www.dmagazine.com/commercial-real-estate/2020/10/what-a-reimagined-thanks-giving-square-could-look-like/

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Foundation begins design process to improve Thanks-Giving Square
https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2020/09/08/thanks-giving-square-improvements.html

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 05 Jan 2021 14:22
by CTroyMathis
Another write-up about improvements:
https://www.archpaper.com/2020/12/calli ... in-dallas/

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 05 Jan 2021 21:45
by dfwcre8tive
CTroyMathis wrote:Another write-up about improvements:
https://www.archpaper.com/2020/12/calli ... in-dallas/


Thanks for sharing.

As stated in the article, the goal is to keep the garden area (within the walls) a contemplative space that respects the original architecture... while better stitching the exterior to the city with increased access, visibility, and additional programing opportunities. Now that there are a number of active parks downtown, the space doesn't need to transform into another Klyde Warren Park. But the energy that comes from a rejuvenation can also expand further into a revived surrounding "district."

Speaking of thanksgiving and gratitude reaching out to the city...
https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/comm ... tire-city/

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 04 Mar 2021 20:21
by dfwcre8tive
Three Downtown Dallas Parks Deliver Differing Visions of Public Space

https://magazine.texasarchitects.org/20 ... lic-space/

Thanks-Giving Square

Completed in 1976, Thanks-Giving Square was one of the first parks in the heart of downtown Dallas. It was conceived as a contemplative space dedicated to bringing people together via “the common ground of gratitude.” As designed by Philip Johnson, these aims materialized as an inward-focused sunken garden, complete with 4-ft perimeter walls and a cascading water feature, both of which shut out the urban surroundings.

The square is open to the public, but the perimeter walls limit access to three points. On an average day, few people can be found within the square’s walls. In recent years, as downtown has gained more residents, the square’s green spaces have primarily been used as a destination for people to take out their dogs. It has also served as a civic gathering space, often after tragic events, but the aging, empty — and sometimes stinky — square is clearly not living up to its potential. Recognizing this, the Thanks-Giving Foundation has embarked on an effort with CallisonRTKL to update the space, both to improve its connection to its surroundings and to better fulfill the original mission.

The question of what those updates should be is a difficult one. The design team is working with the foundation on a proposal that balances reverence for Johnson’s vision while addressing the obvious drawbacks resulting from some of the design choices. The design framework seeks to preserve the vast majority of the elements while making the multi-level square more accessible to all potential users: An elevator is added at the location of the existing tunnel access; the bridge is replaced; and the outer wall is punctured in a few key locations to create more connectivity to the surroundings. At the western tip of the square (which is really a triangle) is a proposed new pavilion that will serve as an additional platform to support the foundation’s outward acts of giving. The space at grade and new connection point to the tunnels will open up more opportunities to engage with nonprofit organizations throughout the city.

While the team has focused on preserving the original vision and creating a “fresh start,” Johnson’s design creates constraints which may be difficult to overcome. Does creating a truly modern, open, welcoming, and usable space require sacrificing too much of the architect’s vision? Can we have a space that stays true to the original design, or does real activation warrant a more modern approach? Which vision should be prioritized?


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Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 26 Mar 2021 10:53
by dfwcre8tive
Why Dallas should be grateful for a Thanks-Giving Square makeover

Architecture critic Mark Lamster weighs in on a new plan that would remake and expand the iconic downtown Dallas park.

https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-enterta ... -makeover/

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 15 Jun 2021 11:20
by dfwcre8tive
Cleaning of the Chapel exterior after many years of dirt and grime had built up.

131631213_4297767650275422_7450051534766820965_n.png

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 15 Jun 2021 11:26
by undefinedprocess
dfwcre8tive wrote:Cleaning of the Chapel exterior after many years of dirt and grime had built up.

131631213_4297767650275422_7450051534766820965_n.png

Saw this, so glad to finally see this happen. Going to go shoot it soon while we can enjoy the clean. :D

Re: Downtown Dallas: Thanks-Giving Square

Posted: 15 Jun 2021 11:31
by dfwcre8tive
undefinedprocess wrote:
dfwcre8tive wrote:Cleaning of the Chapel exterior after many years of dirt and grime had built up.

131631213_4297767650275422_7450051534766820965_n.png

Saw this, so glad to finally see this happen. Going to go shoot it soon while we can enjoy the clean. :D


I think you'll have some time; the last cleaning was about 20 years ago. Interior cleaning is happening next.