Technically speaking, the high-rise at 2100 Ross Avenue could already be considered part of the Dallas Arts District. But the announcement of a soon-to-be-added, large-scale art project at the building, which houses Samar by Stephan Pyles, strengthens the case for inclusion.
Cousins Properties Incorporated, which bought the building in fall 2012, is planning a number of renovations, most notably a magenta steel sculpture called Allotrope Exi, by artist Tristan Al-Haddad. The sculpture will not just stand outside; it will also become part of the building itself, wrapping around parts of the exterior and weaving into the lobby.
If the vision in the renderings come to fruition, it's the type of eye-catching work that helps a building stand out on the block. Additionally, works by local artists will also be displayed in the public areas of the building, giving visitors yet another free chance to get some culture in the neighborhood.
Some of the other renovations at the building include removing frosted pillars on the Ross Avenue side, which will create space for patio seating and a new bocce ball court at Samar. The restaurant will also be enlarging its indoor dining area, redesigning its bar and installing a new entrance, changes that will force a temporary closure of the restaurant in July.
That sounds like a lot of turmoil, but Larry Gellerstedt, Cousins’ president and CEO, promises it'll be worth it.
"When renovations are complete, 2100 Ross will feel like a new building," Gellerstedt said in a statement. "When you walk by or work at [the building], you will know you are in the Arts District."
Construction on some of the improvements has already begun, and the owners expect all work to be completed by March 2014.
Rendering of new magenta steel sculpture by Tristan Al-Haddad to be installed at 2100 Ross in downtown Dallas.
