Phase 1 (2011-2016)
Acquiring 508 Park
In 2011, the 508 property was purchased by First Presbyterian Church of Dallas to meet the growing needs of the people of Dallas - to create an integrated social impact campus for Downtown Dallas. It was meant to set the phase of downtown development by preserving important, irreplaceable historic buildings and offering new venues and cultural attractions to enhance the entire neighborhood. Importantly, it will also create investment in the last undeveloped section of downtown.
Adding an Amphitheater
Encore Park widened the opportunity for adults, youth, and children to experience music and other events. An outdoor amphitheater for public performances was built at 1900 Young. It is facilitating collaborations with FPC Dallas’ music ministry and local music groups in expanding outreach and music education. We’ve welcomed musicians and offered free concerts from Cam Cole to NOCONA, the HawtThorns, Desert Hollow, and others. It has also provided a venue for local events.
Cultivating a Garden
The community garden was created to foster community through mentoring, volunteer participation, education, and environmental stewardship. Stewpot clients from across the street participate in a horticultural therapy program there. Children and youth programs have learned to garden there. And plots are available for anyone wishing to participate.
Erecting a Sculpture Wall
The Encore Park Sculpture Wall was the first realized aspect of our commitment to our unique location at the crossroads of the past and present. In 2012 Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin created an original artwork for the exterior walls of the amphitheater. They created a lost-wax bronze sculpture wall that features iconic and lesser-known visual stories unique to Dallas. These stories are told across ten 6-foot by 4-foot bas relief panels along Park Avenue and Young Street that create the site-specific installation called “The Birth of a City.”
