Main Street Garden

Park Overview

Main Street Garden is a 1.75-acre public park located in downtown Dallas, Texas. The park, which opened in November 2009, occupies a full city block bounded by Main Street, Commerce Street, Harwood Street, and St. Paul Street.

It was primarily funded through the City of Dallas' 2003 and 2006 bond programs and serves as a community gathering place for downtown residents, employees, and visitors.

Tall building rises above the trees surrounding the park

Features and Amenities

The park's design incorporates various features to cater to different users. A great lawn provides open space for events and relaxation, while a splash fountain offers relief from Texas heat.

For families, there is a toddler play area and a playground. Pet owners can make use of an urban dog run within the park.

Outdoor event on the lawn of Main Street Garden

Art and Architecture

Main Street Garden includes notable architectural and artistic elements. The park features garden shelters with digital art displays, including "SpectraScape" by artist Leni Schwendinger, which uses bands of light that change throughout the year and at sunrise/sunset.

A large neon sign spelling "P-A-R-K," originally from a parking garage that stood on the site, was refurbished and reinstalled in the park.

Open green lawn with the Dallas Municipal Building in the background

Historical Context

In the northeast corner of the park, visitors can find a flower garden containing salvaged architectural materials from former commercial structures that once occupied the site. An interpretive sign in this area details the history of the location.

The park is surrounded by several historically significant buildings, including the Dallas Hotel Indigo, Titche-Goettinger Building, Dallas Municipal Building, Mercantile National Bank Building, Dallas Statler Hilton, and Old Dallas Central Library, situating it within the Harwood Historic District.