“Wow!” I exclaimed. We are standing before an iconic Dallas landmark Plaza of the Americas.
Plaza of the Americas is a major commercial complex. It sits in the City Center District of downtown Dallas. This complex is adjacent to DART’s Pearl Station. It connects to the Dallas Pedestrian Network.
The Plaza of the Americas boasts several amenities. These are connected by a skylighted atrium. This atrium rises 13 stories. It covers 120000 square feet.
Plaza of the Americas includes the Plaza of the Americas I-South Tower. This is a 25-story office tower. There is also the Plaza of the Americas II-North Tower. It is also a 25-story office tower. The Univision Center is a 26-story office tower. The complex includes the 416-room Dallas Marriott City Center. It once was the Plaza of the Americas Hotel. Then it was Le Meridien Dallas. After that it was The Westin Dallas City Center. Plaza of the Americas provides 25000 square feet of meeting space. Two levels of retail surround an indoor park. A 1000-space parking garage is also available. In 2010 Plaza of the Americas earned an Energy Star.
The Plaza of the Americas cost $100 million. It was announced in 1977. It was one of Dallas’ first mixed-use developments. It was designed around an enclosed atrium. The design featured dark gray glass cladding. This was for the twin office towers. It contrasted with poured-in-place concrete. This was for the hotel and garage. Construction began in 1978. It finished in 1980.
In 1983, an additional office building was constructed. It is the 26-story Univision Center. It was formerly Plaza of the Americas III and Allianz Financial Centre. It sits across Crockett Street. It connects to the complex. An additional parking garage was added in 1984. Developers received tax-exempt bond financing. This was in exchange for housing units above the garage. A fourth 26-story building was planned. It was Plaza of the Americas IV. Plans changed in 1989. The building was to increase to 42 stories. The structure was never built.
Plaza of the Americas became a hub. It is a vital part of the Dallas Pedestrian Network. Skybridges connect it to Bryan Tower, Sheraton Dallas Hotel, and Chase Tower. The complex was sold and renovated in 1990.
Over the years Plaza of the Americas has hosted many events. These include sculpture shows and conventions. It also hosted the Texas Open Squash Tournament.
Downtown Dallas’ Plaza of the Americas was an instant landmark. This was when it opened four decades ago. The Pearl Street project was downtown’s first atrium mixed-use project. Plaza of The Americas was Dallas’ first atrium shopping center. It was the first with an ice-skating rink.
Developers Clyde Jackson and Toddie Lee Wynne Jr. teamed up with architect Harwood K. Smith. They designed the project with two 25-story office buildings. It also included a 416-room hotel and shopping center. These sat at the bottom of a 15-story atrium.
A remodeling of the atrium in 2013 replaced the ice rink. It was replaced with an almost 1-acre garden area. This area has lush green plants and running water. It provides gathering spaces for employees in the office buildings.
Brooklyn-based Shelbourne Global Solutions paid an undisclosed amount for the Plaza of the Americas office complex. The landmark property comprises two 25-story office buildings. It has a shopping center at the bottom of a 15-story atrium. There’s also an adjoining 400-room hotel.
Built in 1980 Plaza of the Americas is a vibrant part of Dallas. It blends business and leisure. Its unique design and rich history make it a must-see destination.