United States
project
Williams Square Plaza
Originally built in the 1980s, the well known and loved Williams Square Plaza in Irving, Texas was in dire need of a revamp, and Structure Tone Southwest was there to deliver.
The goal? To make the plaza more inviting and create a focal point for outdoor activities in the urban center. The centerpiece of the plaza is the famous Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture, designed by Irish sculptor Robert Glenn. The nine-horse sculpture was designed and installed over a period of eight years and serves as a reminder of the free-spirited Las Colinas landscape. The renovations centered around restoring the sculpture, as well as adding green space, seating areas, and more to the plaza.
The Structure Tone Southwest team approached the restoration by carefully sandblasting the sculpture’s surface to reveal the original bronze, rewelding any holes that had appeared over time, and a final cleaning to finish. During this process, we held video calls with Glenn regularly to ensure the integrity of the sculpture was maintained. Along with that, we had to completely revamp the outdated water functions of the fountain.
On top of the challenging task of restoring the beloved Mustangs of Las Colinas, the project called for meticulous attention to detail and some unconventional problem-solving.
Part of the renovation involved relocating a sign composed of four massive granite blocks weighing 45,000 pounds each. The stone was moved 10 feet south, requiring careful handling to prevent any damage. The logistics of the site also presented challenges, as the fountain feature divided the plaza diagonally and an existing tunnel restricted access. To address these limitations, our team scheduled the work carefully and reinforced the tunnel areas to accommodate heavy equipment. The project also dealt with the unique soil conditions of Irving, which could cause significant shifting. We installed a polyurea pond liner to encase the soil, allowing water to percolate and drain without affecting the landscaped areas.
In the end, the City of Irving was happy with the result and how the Structure Tone team handled it along the way. “Structure Tone Southwest was proactive in their approach to executing the work, mindful of the tight schedule, and also creative in resolving issues which arose during the construction of the project,” says Casey Tate, special project manager for the City of Irving. “Through their diligent and thorough efforts, we were able to complete the project within the budget and on schedule.”
© Kevin Bowens Photography
Architect
SWA Group
Client
City of Irving
Location
Irving, TX
Size
2.1 acres
Architect
SWA Group
