The Oak Lawn district in Dallas, Texas is known as a safe haven for the LBGTQIA+ community. When Pegasus Ablon approached KTGY with the opportunity to design a residential high rise enclave they had a few clear goals – maintain community landmarks, integrate moments that could be enjoyed by current and future residents, and honor neighborhood context. KTGY embraced the opportunities and designed the two towers to nestle into the surface parking lots of the beloved Sue Ellen’s, JR’s, The Rose Rooms. Additionally, they created an “urban community room” that steps down in scale meeting the rooflines of the established buildings in the neighborhood.
The art inspired design rises skyward creating an ultra-unique building that pays homage to the culture of the community. Trapezoidal mesh panels are playfully placed on the entire facade, creating organic movement. This mesh “veil” opens as it reaches the upper floors, blending into the glassy penthouse levels. It symbolizes the process of a butterfly emerging from its pupa stage. A transformation that many in the LBGTQIA+ community undergo as well. At the ground floor an all-weather plaza utilizes a Stressed Skin Membrane system to provide a transparent cover structure that can reach large spans. The space also incorporates an artistic Water Cube element that encourages pedestrians to linger and creates an additional layer of connectivity to the area.
