Located in the heart of Arlington, Texas, Texas Live! weaves together the rich tapestry of sports, culture, and community. Surrounding the home of Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers, this expansive entertainment district offers a variety of dining, entertainment, and relaxation options that draw in visitors from around the world. At the heart of this vibrant district, the Texas Live! Arena and the adjacent Live! By Loews Hotel exemplifies the artistry of the Hord Coplan Macht (HCM) Landscape Architects, who collaborated closely with the city and other stakeholders to bring this project to life.

The Vision
The Master Plan vision incorporated several exciting elements including a lookout tower, a Ferris wheel, an amphitheater, an expansive playground, and an extensive network of multi-use trails. Two existing lakes were amenitized to provide visitors with opportunities for water activities and boating and to experience the lake from various waterside gathering places, including a pavilion and a boat dock. Importantly, the Master Plan replaced surface parking lots with improved natural areas and additional tree canopy that contributes to a healthier, picturesque, and enjoyable Johnson Creek.

The Master Plan served as validation of the potential to activate Johnson Creek while establishing critical links between two of the nation?EUR(TM)s premier sports venues, and when it came time to begin implementing the first phases of the vision, HCM landscape architects were retained as part of two interdisciplinary teams of architects, engineers, interior designers, graphic designers, and other specialized trades to bring the first couple of projects to life; Texas Live! and Live! by Loews Hotel, which together form the core of the Entertainment District.

The Arena
The Texas Live! Arena is designed to appeal to various tastes and interests. It is not just an architectural feat but also a social nucleus featuring an array of restaurants and entertainment venues that cater to diverse palates and preferences. Central to the entertainment complex is a versatile arena and stage that can easily host live events or accommodate community gatherings. A highlight of this arena is the expansive LED displays that bring televised events to life and create an immersive viewing experience for spectators, ensuring that everyone has a memorable visit.

The Paseo
A defining feature of the Texas Live! landscape is the pedestrian promenade affectionately known as the "Paseo." This walkway serves as a vital artery that leads visitors from the bustling entertainment district to the Texas Rangers' baseball stadium. However, the promenade is more than just a path; it is designed to be an experience for visitors. Lined with lush greenery and inviting seating areas, it encourages leisurely strolls and impromptu gatherings that foster a sense of community and connection. The promenade both facilitates easy movement between the separate areas and enhances the overall sense of place and community. It stands as a testament to thoughtful design that integrates convenience with aesthetic enjoyment.

Among the numerous outdoor spaces, the 10,000-square-foot beer garden stands out as a prime location for relaxation and socialization. The expansive area features a large bar, café seating, fire pits, and festive lighting that create an atmosphere where guests are invited to unwind and enjoy the moment. The beer garden is a testament to how landscape architecture can transform spaces into communal retreats, offering the perfect blend of nature and structure where people can connect over a refreshing drink or meal.

The outdoor dining courtyard at Troy's restaurant is equally as enchanting as the beer garden. A majestic oak tree serves as the focal point of the courtyard, and its sprawling branches provide shade, a sense of timeless beauty, and a unique and serene dining experience for patrons, making it a popular spot within the district.

 
Arlington Backyard
At the end of the Paseo is Arlington Backyard, an outdoor events pavilion that can accommodate 5,000 guests. This versatile venue is designed to host a wide range of events, from cultural festivals and art shows to concerts and charitable functions. Its open-air design and flexible layout make it an ideal setting for fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment. The pavilion is a testament to the district's commitment to create inclusive and dynamic environments where people can come together to celebrate, collaborate, and create lasting memories.

Live! By Loews Hotel
The Live! by Loews Hotel sits directly adjacent to the Texas Live! Arena, offering an upscale retreat that complements the district's vibrant energy. The 300-room hotel and convention center is strategically positioned to face the Dallas Cowboys' football stadium, offering guests unparalleled views and quick access to one of the state's premier sports venues. HCM Landscape Architects collaborated with HKS Architects and their Dallas-based interior design team to create a landscape that mirrors the hotel's sophisticated and welcoming ambiance. The hotel's vehicular court features a striking fountain that sets the tone for the luxurious experience awaiting each guest.

Clover Club & Events Lawn
The outdoor hotel bar and dining areas offer guests a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the entertainment district. With its cascading water feature, the lounge seating terrace provides a serene environment where guests can unwind while enjoying the soothing sounds of flowing water. The private café terrace, which overlooks the Dallas Cowboys' stadium to the west, creates an intimate setting for guests to savor a quiet moment amidst the excitement. Just beyond the terrace, the events lawn serves as a picturesque backdrop for weddings and other special occasions.

The Pool Deck
The resort swimming pool is another standout feature that offers stunning views of the events lawn. The pool's infinity edge creates a visual connection to the horizon, while the swim-up bar and large LED screen help guests enjoy live and programmed entertainment, making it a favored spot for both relaxation and socializing, especially during major sports events and warm summer days and evenings.

Current Use
Completed in 2018, Texas Live! is a unique collection of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues for sports fans and connoisseurs of fine food and drink. Soon after, the Live! by Loews luxury destination hotel was finished, featuring an array of amenities and services that offers the best of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area. The overall design and layout represent a masterful blend of functionality, aesthetics, and community that creates a dynamic and inviting environment catering to a wide range of activities and events. From the bustling pedestrian promenade to the serene hotel terraces, every element of the landscape is designed to enhance the guest experience by creating a vibrant urban oasis.

Team List:
Landscape Architects: Hord Coplan Macht: Chris Schein, ASLA,
Om Khurjekar, ASLA,
Patrick Whealton, ASLA,
Julie Higgins, ASLA,
Alyson Taylor, ASLA
Local Landscape Architect: SMR Landscape Architects Inc.
Architects for Texas Live!: Hord Coplan Macht: Brian Gobel, AIA,
Chris Harvey, AIA,
Frank Andre, AIA,
Monica Robertson, AIA,
Neal Kitt, AIA,
Jeff Kreshtool, AIA,
Michael Heyten, AIA,
Stan Mathurin, AIA
MEP for Live!: Purdy McGuire
Interior Designer for Live!: Jeffery Beers International
Architects for Live!: By Loews Hotel: HKS Inc.
Interior Designer for By Loews Hotel: HKS Inc.
Graphic Design: Selbert Perkins Design
Landscape Architects for Rangers Plaza, Fountain,
and Fountain/Plaza at Johnson Creek: SWA Group, Dallas, TX, SWA/Balsley
Civil Engineers: Jacob Sumpter, AICP, MMA, TX
Structural Engineers: McLaren Engineering Group
Fountain and Pool Design Consultant: Brannon Corp
General Contractors: Manhattan, Con-Real

As seen in LASN magazine, November 2024.