Fountain Place

Gazing at Fountain Place, have you ever considered its original twin? The shimmering prism of Fountain Place dominates the Dallas skyline. It’s a modernist marvel, the fifth-tallest building in Dallas and 15th-tallest in Texas. Fountain Place wasn’t always meant to stand alone. Original plans envisioned a twin, rotated 90 degrees, across a verdant garden. The economic turmoil of the 1980s, with the collapse of the Texas oil and real estate industries, shattered that dream, leaving Fountain Place as a solitary sentinel. Designed by I.M. Pei, Henry N. Cobb, Harry Weese Associates, and WZMH Architects, Fountain Place opened in 1986. Its multifaceted design gives it a different profile from every angle. The building’s name comes from the 172 dancing fountains at its base. These fountains, designed by Dan Kiley, were a groundbreaking project. They were WET Design’s first major project after its founders left Disney. This innovative waterscape features choreographed water shows and paved openings that shoot water into the air. This was the first use of WET’s patented open-jointed paving. Fountain Place is more than just steel and glass. It’s a symbol of Dallas’s resilience, its ambition, and its artistic spirit. It’s a testament to the power of vision, even when circumstances force a change of plans. The recent addition of AMLI Fountain Place, a residential tower, echoes the original vision of twin towers. Although not an exact replica, it stands as a modern companion to the iconic prism. As you admire Fountain Place, remember the ghost of its twin, a reminder of a dream deferred but not forgotten. The dancing fountains continue their mesmerizing ballet, a tribute to the enduring spirit of innovation and creativity.