{"id":48275,"date":"2025-07-08T09:03:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T09:03:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/48275\/"},"modified":"2025-07-08T09:03:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T09:03:09","slug":"the-plan-to-turn-hidden-plaza-of-dallas-central-library-into-a-texas-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/48275\/","title":{"rendered":"The plan to turn hidden plaza of Dallas central library into a Texas garden"},"content":{"rendered":"

Flagship public libraries can be centerpieces in downtown districts. We\u2019re thinking of the Harold Washington Library Center<\/a> in Chicago with its ornamental crown of glass and aluminum, the Columbus Metropolitan Library<\/a> in Ohio and its manicured lawn and the palatial Boston Public Library<\/a> and its stunning courtyard and arcaded promenade.<\/p>\n

The J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas is an imposing eight-story mass of beige, and its boxy look and darkened windows make it anything but welcoming. Even the city acknowledges that its flagship library could use a makeover. The library system\u2019s strategic and facilities plan<\/a>, last updated in 2024, states the Jonsson branch is \u201cready for reimagination.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe library\u2019s exterior is anonymous, with few elements that show that it\u2019s a library and public resource for all Dallasites,\u201d the report reads.<\/p>\n

A full reimagination will have to wait, but we are heartened by a public-private partnership that will make the fa\u00e7ade of the central library more attractive. <\/p>\n

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Last month, the Dallas City Council accepted a $150,000 grant from the philanthropic arm of Downtown Dallas Inc. to renovate the west-side plaza of the central library with a fenced community garden. <\/p>\n

You might not be aware that the front-side plaza extends around the west side of the building. No one would blame you. The brick-paved walkway on the west side adjoins a private parking lot. To get to it during a recent visit, we had to walk past a porta-potty leaking blue fluid.<\/p>\n

Not exactly a welcome mat, but officials said the site has shielded unwanted activity, particularly at night because it\u2019s removed from traffic. The front plaza along Young Street had become a magnet for homeless people who congregated there, but we have noticed the place has cleaned up since the city and its private partners launched the Safe in the City public safety campaign<\/a> downtown.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe knew the library was a trouble spot,\u201d said Amy Tharp, chief operating officer of DDI. \u201cThat\u2019s one reason this was very appealing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The plan is to install a wrought-iron fence around the west-side plaza, which will be accessed from inside the library. Once the fence is installed, the plaza will be adorned with Texas native plants such as a sage and salvia, said Sean McGrew, assistant director of the Dallas Public Library.<\/p>\n

Manya Shorr, the newly appointed director of the library system, said city staffers will be able to offer programming in that space. That might look like gardening for hobbyists or story time for children. The Friends of the Dallas Public Library have committed funds to help maintain the garden.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s great to see Dallas\u2019 civic community come together to improve our public spaces. The city must do its part by moving quickly to bid the job and get the project going. Library officials said the fence portion alone could take eight to 10 months.<\/p>\n

The Dallas library\u2019s strategic plan nodded to \u201chidden gem\u201d spaces in the Jonsson branch. But this won\u2019t be a secret garden. We expect it\u2019ll open to great fanfare.<\/p>\n