HILLCREST VILLAGE GREEN

Once upon a time, in Far North Dallas, an aging parking lot sat confined by a nondescript strip mall. Now in its place sits a welcoming green space embraced by invigorated retail. No remnants of the decaying lot remain. Instead, a new community gathering place brings together the best of public and private collaboration.

Hillcrest Village Green was a joint effort between SHOP Development and the City of Dallas. The city purchased the center lot from SHOP Development for the new park, which is within walking distance of several apartment complexes and two large churches. Although there are smaller parks nearby, the city recognized the need for a larger space capable of hosting programming and community events. In addition, the park acts as a nexus, with extensive public sidewalks stretching out into the community and increasing walkability.

Despite the division in ownership, the campus design flows seamlessly between public and private thanks to close coordination between Omniplan and TGB. Omniplan masterplanned the site and oversaw the retail renovation. TBG designed the park itself, including the landscaping, play area, and shade structure. Their designs intentionally reference and complement each other to create a cohesive experience for guests. Correlating aesthetics, like the park’s warm red tiles and the structures’ terracotta roof, and complementary spatial design, including placing trees to maximize visibility from patio to playground, stitch the two spaces together.

Omniplan brought the retail structures “into the new century” with an updated facade and new architectural elements. Strategic color selection raises the heavy bulkheads visually to create a more inviting experience. Demolition of the entire north side structure opens the space, creates security for the play area, and replenishes parking once provided by the center lot.

The classic facade provides a clean backdrop for the TBG’s vibrant park design. Strong right angles define the park edge and impress down the promenade. The zigzag motif is reflected in benches, tile, pavers, and landscaping. Warm reds and tans dominate the main scheme but shift to cooler tones in the northern play area. Similarly, the angular pattern gives way to organic shapes to create a bio-referential oasis. The canopy of the shade structure mimics large tropical leaves. The climbing structure bends and slopes, highlighting natural elements of wood and rope. This stark visual transition creates just one of many sensory moments intended to delight visitors.

Residence of Virginia Savage McAlester, Hon. AIA by Alexander Quintanilla, AIA