Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is a vertically dense, 52-acre site that became known in 2008 as a distinctive mixed-use development, but over a decade later, it needed some polish to regain its shine. Charter Holdings added the site to their portfolio of high-end properties in 2022 and called on Dallas-based landscape design-build-maintenance firm Complete Landsculpture to refashion the surrounding outdoor environment to attract more exclusive tenants. A guiding concept shaped by the new owner was to transform Watters Creek into the "Knox Street of the North" - a reference to a nearby shopping and dining destination that has been heralded as one of the area's "most luxurious and bustling urban enclaves" and "most strategically important retail corridors."

Scope and Size
Lead designer and project manager Santosh George, ASLA, explains, "The existing framework was there - the pond and creek, some of the walks, the village green - but it was all in an unmaintained condition when we started." So, George's team was tasked with modernizing the approximately five-acre landscape that fronted all built forms while maintaining the prevailing infrastructure for cost efficiency. Modifications included the addition of three separate fountains in the pond; a composite deck overlook with custom wooden benches; the relocation of an iconic sculpture from the central lawn, which was replaced by a tiered seating event space; a sustainable, Texas-themed planting theme emphasizing native plants; and Instagram-worthy landscape lighting installed throughout the site. Playing a pivotal role in the project, the landscape team worked closely with the new ownership and facility management company DuWest Realty to align their share of the site's renovation with the overarching project goals - and do so without interrupting the daily comings and goings of visitors and occupants.

Design Program
In shaping the design for the landscape makeover, it was crucial to understand the inimitable role that Watters Creek Village - as it is also known - had in the community as an asset to shoppers, workers, and residents. So, too, was the disclosure of challenges such as freeway noise, high sun exposure, and gusty wind due to a wind tunnel effect.

 

Allying with the new ownership's vision for a high-end, work/play/shop/dine destination, the plan was to convert the fatigued landscape into an aesthetically pleasing, year-round, engaging environment, thus helping to attract premium retail and restaurant outlets. "The developer owns a lot of property that is high-end, walkable, open, well-lit and landscaped with a lot of seating, and he told us, 'This is the quality I want to bring to Watters Creek Village,'" George relates.

So, creating a dynamic, perennial, activated landscape while retaining the base design placed a significant emphasis adding features that would contribute to the desired atmosphere, as well as enriching the ambience surrounding those new features a with dramatic illumination. Ultimately, painstaking organization ensured that every added attribute contributed to the overall appeal and functionality of the landscape.

Elements of Illumination
The stylish lighting renovation included ornate, 10-foot-tall post lights and 40-inch bollards from Evergreen Lighting as well as 'Falling Rain' decorative lights sourced from Holiday Aisle cascading from tree canopies. Sterling Lighting supplied uplights for plantings and retaining walls, spike-mounted path lights, bollards for walkways and stairs, and underwater lights for the pond and creek.

On the event lawn, Lueder stone blocks were used for amphitheater-style, tiered seating. Wi-Fi enabled, RGB strip lights were installed along the base of the stones to wash their faces with vibrant colors that can be programmed to change with the seasons or occasions. The strip lights are drive-over-rated to withstand the impact of spirited kids and adults. "At least two-to-three thousand people who live in the mixed-use development and surrounding neighborhood use this space frequently, so the village green becomes a play area, and one where people get engaged," states George.

Installing Intelligently
The decision to retain expanses of infrastructure helped guide the installation methods, which were executed with precision to ensure the seamless integration of new features, such as the synthetic turf and stone block seating on the village green. All material deliveries and labor movements were coordinated daily with the management to confirm that routine activities would not be interrupted. Local vendors and suppliers were used to accelerate material distribution, and in the end, the construction timetable resulted in project completion three weeks ahead of schedule - just in time for the village green to host the opening performance of the summer season for the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra. Other time-saving techniques included installing the fountains after the pond had been drained for required maintenance as well as keeping the existing pedestrian lights operational. The latter decision was not only for installation purposes but also for the benefit of shoppers, workers, and occupants until all the new lighting was up and running.

A Bright Future
"We aimed to create an inviting outdoor space connecting the built and natural environment that aligns with the 'Knox Street of the North' vision of the client," George sums up, adding, "The transformation of Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm exemplifies a holistic approach to landscape design. Balancing economic viability, environmental stewardship, and community enhancement, the project catalyzes positive change, fostering a sense of place and community."

Complete Landsculpture's role was pivotal in shaping a vital, welcoming and sustainable outdoor space that harmonizes with its distinct context, promoting the overall success of Watters Creek as a premier destination.

As seen in LASN magazine, February 2026.