Although it’s been 18 years in the making, it took just a little over a year to come to fruition since the groundbreaking ceremony September 27, 2014. With much fanfare and a big crowd, phase one of The Marq opened to the public December 12.

Adorned with balloons, holiday décor and a sixteen – foot Christmas tree in the lobby, The Marq Southlake welcomed residents and visitors with an open house and free tours of the 23,000 square foot facility. Vendors were setup in the ballroom to help brides envision the space for a wedding; food trucks lined up along the promenade serving barbecue, pizza and cupcakes; and Southlake Community Band entertained guests with a concert at Aria outdoor amphitheater.

Inside, the facility itself was the main attraction. Officially known as Legends Hall, it encompasses the Senior Activity Center, ballroom, multi-purpose conference and meeting spaces, a lounge and catering kitchen.

The new Senior Activity Center was bustling as people navigated through its fitness center, game room (complete with a pool table), library, and café-style seating area and kitchen. The large, open foyer features couches and comfy chairs, a two-sided fireplace, flat screen televisions and computer work stations. A classroom for seniors is located on the other side of Legends Hall.

Another popular spot was Traditions Ballroom, complete with a built-in dance floor, stage and professional catering kitchen. In addition to hosting weddings, the space will be used for weekly senior luncheons and available to rent for private parties and corporate events. Next door is the Club Lounge, a smaller event space available for rental with a bar, banquette seating, and flat screen televisions – making it ideal for a bridal shower or game-watching party.

Accessible from the Senior Activity Center, Club Lounge and Traditions Ballroom is the expansive covered outdoor terrace overlooking the amphitheater, where guests may relax in seating areas or gather around the large fire pit.

Also wanting to attract the business community, there are three Legacy Meeting Rooms available for rental that can accommodate up to 147 people each. Southlake residents, businesses and non-profit organizations receive a 20% discount off room rental fees.

“We’re so pleased to have The Marq Southlake open” said Chris Tribble, Director of Community Services. “Legends Hall will provide the community with a great space to use for both private and corporate events. And, in their new home, the Senior Center will begin expanding programming for their members. With Phase 1 complete, we’re looking forward to getting started on the Phase 2 Champions Club.”

Although this significant milestone has been reached (on schedule), everyone is already looking ahead to phase two of The Marq, which will add an 84,000 square foot sports and fitness center known as the Champions Club. Approved by voters in May, design for phase two is underway and construction is scheduled to begin fall 2016.

When complete, The Marq will be the city’s largest public facility at 105,000 square feet, as well as the most expensive with the current planned budget at $47M. It is important to note there will be no increase in taxes to construct or operate the facility.

The Marq is located at 285 Shady Oaks Drive in the southwest corner of Bicentennial Park. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM and Saturday 9AM-3PM. The Marq is closed Sunday unless booked for a special event. For more information, call 817-748-8900 or visit www.TheMarqSouthlake.