the issue
the issue > Lifestyle > September 9, 2020
SHARE:

Then & Now: Highland Park Village’s Architectural History

Take a step back in time as we share glimpses into Highland Park Village’s rich heritage as an iconic Dallas landmark.

In 1931, Highland Park Village hosted its grand opening festival. The Village served as the center and town square of the now prestigious Highland Park neighborhood in Dallas. The property’s owners, Hugh Prather and Edgar Flippen, had traveled to Barcelona and Seville in Spain, as well as Mexico and Southern California, to get inspiration for the innovative architectural concept that recognized architects Marion Fooshee and James Cheek brought to life. The architects are also responsible for the Spanish-influenced designs of many homes in Highland Park and University Park neighborhoods.

Did You Know?

Highland Park was named thusly because the elevation is 130 feet above downtown Dallas and the numerous sprawling public green spaces scattered throughout the community.

The distinct Village Theatre was built as the first luxury suburban theater in 1934 by Karl Hoblitzelle. Hand-painted murals along the walls depicted Texas history, and lavish terrazzo floors, heavy oak doors, and leather paneling were the epitome of extravagance in the midst of the Great Depression. Since then, the theater has been through significant restoration and preservation projects. What was once a large, single room with 1,350 seats has since been divided into four screening rooms that can show movies at the same time.

Did You Know?

The Village Theatre was the first air-conditioned public theater in Texas, and though the façade was designed to perfectly complement the center’s traditional Spanish architecture, a unique spire was added to represent a Moorish tent.

Over the following decades, the Village continued to evolve. In 1986, the landmark center received a bronze plaque from the Park Cities Historical Society in recognition of its historical and architectural significance, as well as its place among the first prototypes for outdoor shopping centers in the United States. Highland Park Village was added to the National Register of Historic places in 1998.

Original terrazzo tiles can be found along the tree-covered pathways that curve around the property and are nestled in tucked-away staircases. Rooflines have terra cotta tile shingles with intricate ornamental detailing; arched boutique windows below welcome guests. Wooden balconies with vibrant decorative paintings can be seen throughout, and lush landscaping and flower beds are scattered along walkways and around picturesque fountains.

Various companies have owned the Village since its opening in 1931. Current owners Ray and Heather Washburne and Stephen and Elisa Summers have taken significant measures since 2009 to protect and preserve Flippen and Prather’s unique vision. Enormous projects include the completion of Building 100 on Preston Road in early 2019, when the exterior was drastically modified to reflect the rest of Highland Park Village’s architectural style. Aesthetic touches were incorporated into the building originally constructed in 1965, including Spanish tile, wooden balconies, and other façade details.
Along with newly installed fountains at the entrances along Preston Road, near Royal Blue Grocery and Ralph Lauren, the Village also got new oak trees, and an extensive resurfacing project to fully brick the parking lot is underway. That effort includes curbless parking spaces and a charming red brick drive in place of asphalt. Even elements that seamlessly blend in and appear original have been thoughtfully incorporated in recent years. They include the center clocktower, atrium peaks in boutiques like Escada and James Perse, and more.

More than eight decades after opening, Highland Park Village is still a wonder. The latest capital improvement projects and initiatives all aim to elevate the customer experience and preserve and build upon the shopping center’s iconic Spanish-inspired architecture. We invite visitors from near and far to shop, dine, and experience a piece of preserved history while enjoying some of the world’s most prestigious fashion brands and renowned restaurants.

In 1931, Highland Park Village hosted its grand opening festival. The Village served as the center and town square of the now prestigious Highland Park neighborhood in Dallas. The property’s owners, Hugh Prather and Edgar Flippen, had traveled to Barcelona and Seville in Spain, as well as Mexico and Southern California, to get inspiration for the innovative architectural concept that recognized architects Marion Fooshee and James Cheek brought to life. The architects are also responsible for the Spanish-influenced designs of many homes in Highland Park and University Park neighborhoods.
The distinct Village Theatre was built as the first luxury suburban theater in 1934 by Karl Hoblitzelle. Hand-painted murals along the walls depicted Texas history, and lavish terrazzo floors, heavy oak doors, and leather paneling were the epitome of extravagance in the midst of the Great Depression. Since then, the theater has been through significant restoration and preservation projects. What was once a large, single room with 1,350 seats has since been divided into four screening rooms that can show movies at the same time.
Over the following decades, the Village continued to evolve. In 1986, the landmark center received a bronze plaque from the Park Cities Historical Society in recognition of its historical and architectural significance, as well as its place among the first prototypes for outdoor shopping centers in the United States. Highland Park Village was added to the National Register of Historic places in 1998.

Original terrazzo tiles can be found along the tree-covered pathways that curve around the property and are nestled in tucked-away staircases. Rooflines have terra cotta tile shingles with intricate ornamental detailing; arched boutique windows below welcome guests. Wooden balconies with vibrant decorative paintings can be seen throughout, and lush landscaping and flower beds are scattered along walkways and around picturesque fountains.

Various companies have owned the Village since its opening in 1931. Current owners Ray and Heather Washburne and Stephen and Elisa Summers have taken significant measures since 2009 to protect and preserve Flippen and Prather’s unique vision. Enormous projects include the completion of Building 100 on Preston Road in early 2019, when the exterior was drastically modified to reflect the rest of Highland Park Village’s architectural style. Aesthetic touches were incorporated into the building originally constructed in 1965, including Spanish tile, wooden balconies, and other façade details.
Along with newly installed fountains at the entrances along Preston Road, near Royal Blue Grocery and Ralph Lauren, the Village also got new oak trees, and an extensive resurfacing project to fully brick the parking lot is underway. That effort includes curbless parking spaces and a charming red brick drive in place of asphalt. Even elements that seamlessly blend in and appear original have been thoughtfully incorporated in recent years. They include the center clocktower, atrium peaks in boutiques like Escada and James Perse, and more.

More than eight decades after opening, Highland Park Village is still a wonder. The latest capital improvement projects and initiatives all aim to elevate the customer experience and preserve and build upon the shopping center’s iconic Spanish-inspired architecture. We invite visitors from near and far to shop, dine, and experience a piece of preserved history while enjoying some of the world’s most prestigious fashion brands and renowned restaurants.

In 1931, Highland Park Village hosted its grand opening festival. The Village served as the center and town square of the now prestigious Highland Park neighborhood in Dallas. The property’s owners, Hugh Prather and Edgar Flippen, had traveled to Barcelona and Seville in Spain, as well as Mexico and Southern California, to get inspiration for the innovative architectural concept that recognized architects Marion Fooshee and James Cheek brought to life. The architects are also responsible for the Spanish-influenced designs of many homes in Highland Park and University Park neighborhoods.
The distinct Village Theatre was built as the first luxury suburban theater in 1934 by Karl Hoblitzelle. Hand-painted murals along the walls depicted Texas history, and lavish terrazzo floors, heavy oak doors, and leather paneling were the epitome of extravagance in the midst of the Great Depression. Since then, the theater has been through significant restoration and preservation projects. What was once a large, single room with 1,350 seats has since been divided into four screening rooms that can show movies at the same time.
Over the following decades, the Village continued to evolve. In 1986, the landmark center received a bronze plaque from the Park Cities Historical Society in recognition of its historical and architectural significance, as well as its place among the first prototypes for outdoor shopping centers in the United States. Highland Park Village was added to the National Register of Historic places in 1998.

Original terrazzo tiles can be found along the tree-covered pathways that curve around the property and are nestled in tucked-away staircases. Rooflines have terra cotta tile shingles with intricate ornamental detailing; arched boutique windows below welcome guests. Wooden balconies with vibrant decorative paintings can be seen throughout, and lush landscaping and flower beds are scattered along walkways and around picturesque fountains.

Various companies have owned the Village since its opening in 1931. Current owners Ray and Heather Washburne and Stephen and Elisa Summers have taken significant measures since 2009 to protect and preserve Flippen and Prather’s unique vision. Enormous projects include the completion of Building 100 on Preston Road in early 2019, when the exterior was drastically modified to reflect the rest of Highland Park Village’s architectural style. Aesthetic touches were incorporated into the building originally constructed in 1965, including Spanish tile, wooden balconies, and other façade details.
Along with newly installed fountains at the entrances along Preston Road, near Royal Blue Grocery and Ralph Lauren, the Village also got new oak trees, and an extensive resurfacing project to fully brick the parking lot is underway. That effort includes curbless parking spaces and a charming red brick drive in place of asphalt. Even elements that seamlessly blend in and appear original have been thoughtfully incorporated in recent years. They include the center clocktower, atrium peaks in boutiques like Escada and James Perse, and more.

More than eight decades after opening, Highland Park Village is still a wonder. The latest capital improvement projects and initiatives all aim to elevate the customer experience and preserve and build upon the shopping center’s iconic Spanish-inspired architecture. We invite visitors from near and far to shop, dine, and experience a piece of preserved history while enjoying some of the world’s most prestigious fashion brands and renowned restaurants.