On Wednesday, August 11, the City of Southlake hosted a public art dedication for Hunter Brown’s “Take Off,” and the new fountain at Park Village.

City Council members, Arts Council members, and representatives from ShopCore gathered at Park Village to dedicate Southlake's latest public art piece and new Park Village fountain. Mayor Pro-Tem Chad Patton opened the ceremony, followed by remarks by Arts Council Chairperson Tamara McMillan and ShopCore Vice President of Property Management Chris Dykstra.

Patton expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of children playing near the fountain as their parents dined in one of Park Village’s many restaurants.

“It’s great to see this beautiful place come to life!" Patton said.

Dykstra thanked the City for their continuous support of Park Village and the installment of public art in this popular Southlake destination.

Tamara McMillan provided an in-depth description of the new piece and the Arts Council's role in public art procurement in the city. City Council appointed the Arts Council to advise on all matters related to public art in Southlake. The Hotel Occupancy Tax funds all public art initiatives, including sculptures like “Take Off.”

Created by Hunter Brown of Innovated Sculpture Design, “Take Off,” is the newest addition to Southlake’s robust public art collection. It is a modern stainless-steel sculpture standing 15 feet in height and composed of twisting and turning forms that ascend upward, intersecting and jutting through space. Abstract in design, the movement of the forms invoke an aeronautical feel that pays tribute to the airstrip that was once a part of this area.

Next time you are at Park Village, make sure to admire our newest art piece while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful new fountain.

Ideas are beginning to take shape for the artwork planned to be installed at the Park Village fountain at the corner of Southlake Boulevard and Carroll Avenue.  

During a joint meeting January 27, Mayor Laura Hill, the City Council and the Southlake Arts Council discussed art options and timeframe for the installation. 

The Arts Council envisions a contemporary sculpture that portrays flight. The property is the former site of an airstrip. Discussions are ongoing with an artist based in Arkansas. 

“Southlake’s Public Art program brings such a special feel to our community,” Mayor Laura Hill said. “Working with the Arts Council to bring another incredible piece to one of Southlake’s most popular areas is exciting. That corner deserves a special piece that captures the spirit of our City and all it represents.” 

Funding for the artwork will come from a public investment agreement with the property owner that uses sales and property tax from the development. 

In November, the Southlake City Council approved a zoning change and site plan for the Park Village development that included modifications to the fountain area. The fountain was deemed inoperable, and the modifications will correct issues to create a community atmosphere. The site plans call for the City to install public art. 

The property owner began construction this week to modify the fountain area with an anticipated completion June 2021, weather permitting. 

The Southlake City Council approved a zoning change and site plan for the Park Village development during the November 17 Council meeting. Plans include modifications to the fountain area, landscaping and hardscaping, as well as project milestones. 

The fountain on the property located at Southlake Boulevard and Carroll Avenue is inoperable and the property owner is seeking to correct the issues to create a community atmosphere. 

In the plans submitted by Dunaway Associates, the large fountain would be reduced and an activity lawn, public art, landscaping and a shade structure would be added. The City will have access to the property to install and maintain any public art installed. 

Construction is expected to begin in January 2021 and be completed by June 2021, weather permitting. 

For more details about the project, watch the discussion during the October 20 City Council Meeting and the November 17 City Council meeting.