Kickstarter Campaign Raising Funds for Thanks-Giving Square in Downtown Dallas

Looking up into the iconic spiral of the chapel in Thanks-Giving Square. Photo: John McStravick via Creative Commons

A new Kickstarter campaign is looking to replace worn, outdated, and vandalized signage in Thanks-Giving Square, a serene three-acre park, non-denominational chapel, and museum in Downtown Dallas.

The iconic spiral chapel in Thanks-Giving Square is one of the most prestigious stained glass windows in the world, inviting visitors to enter for reflection or prayer. The museum is rich in history of gratitude and thanks for the leaders and supporters throughout the years, and the bells in the square chime hourly. Thousands of people interact with this space each year, and it has become an active, urban gathering place.

Photo: Noah Jeppson

This landmark space in the heart of Downtown Dallas was designed by architect Philip Johnson and opened to the public in 1977. Decades of continuous wear and vandalism have resulted in a confusing visitor, says Noah Jeppson, board member of The Thanks-Giving Foundation, a private nonprofit that owns and operates Thanks-Giving Square.

“While multiple pathways located in the Square lead guests to different attractions, there is little to guide them along the way,” he said. “This summer, our most current project will help raise important funds that will allow us to replace the out-of-date, missing, and confusing signage with a functional signage system that engages neighboring residents, tourists, and office workers and helps them understand this landmark gem. This important project relies on contributions from supporters around the world, and the campaign offers several ways in which the community can get involved.”

The fundraising goal is $11,500, and as of today, they have 33 backers pledging $4,024.

Four examples of worn, confusing, or dated signage in Thanks-Giving Square.

You can see four examples of how the Thanks-Giving Square signage has been affected over the years in the photo above—there are many more. Because of this, guests are not learning the full story and history of the Square and have a difficult time navigating to all the experiences it has to offer. This is why Thanks-Giving Square’s staff and Foundation board members decided to start this crowdfunding campaign.

“Having new environmental graphic signage at Thanks-Giving Square would be fantastic for our visitors, as it will help explain our heritage and mission. As Thanks-Giving Square celebrates its 50th year, we recognize the need to refurbish and renovate the park, chapel and museum,”said Chris Slaughter, president of The Thanks-Giving Foundation. “This Kickstarter campaign is the precursor of a future concept that is coming to the square.”

Jeppson is looking at the architect’s original design documents to understand each space’s significance in the square and how he designed them to create different experiences for reflection and celebration. The goal is to create a comprehensive signage system that presents a unified message that respects the original architecture of the space.

Plans include installing improved directional signage, replacing missing welcome signage, and enhancing special spaces with interpretive graphics. Once installed, the new signage will improve the overall visitor experience. It will enable each guest to find special meaning as they walk through Thanks-Giving Square, leaving with a renewed sense of well-being.

To view the Kickstarter campaign, click here.