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Background

The design team set out to create an iconic office tower within the heart of Dallas’ Uptown district, located at the prominent corner of McKinney and Maple Ave. Given this critical intersection, the design seeks to create an iconic expression that draws the eye to the building. Unique to the Uptown area, a faceted design language was explored to help achieve this iconic formal expression and give way to expansive views into Uptown and the Trinity River beyond.

McKinney & Maple is located in the heart of Uptown, within close proximity to a walkable mixed-use urban lifestyle – much of which can be accessed within a quarter-mile. The project is further connected to broader Dallas by the proximity to public transportation — directly along the M-Line trolley which connects into downtown and to the DART light rail. The tower’s presence and deliberate moves create a memorable presence in the uptown skyline and in the pedestrian experience.

Uptown Iconic

An iconic design within the Uptown context desires to stand apart of its surroundings — not assimilating to but standing out from the neighboring architectural styles. It must do this while also being grounded within the reality of the walkable Uptown urban context — creating a pedestrian friendly ground plane that also contributes to a unique experience. Through this exploration the HKS design team took into consideration form, materiality, and proportion in order to both set itself apart from its surroundings while allowing the project to be an integral part of the community by enhancing what is there.