Highland Park Village
In 2020, Hartsfield Home Theater, LLC undertook an ambitious project to renovate the audio system of Highland Park Village in Dallas, Texas. This historic outdoor shopping center, the first self-contained shopping center in America, presented unique challenges that required an innovative approach.
Highland Park Village, declared a National Historic Landmark in 2000, needed a high-quality sound system that would respect its architectural integrity. The client's requirements were clear: deliver exceptional audio throughout the village without attaching any visible products to the buildings, ensuring an unobtrusive sound that blends seamlessly into the environment.
Paul W. Hartsfield of Hartsfield Home Theater, LLC, chose K-array products for this intricate installation. The solution included 58 Tornado-KT2 speakers, two Kommander-KA24 amplifiers, and one KA14 I amplifier. The Tornado-KT2 speakers were selected for their compact size and ability to blend inconspicuously into the existing lighting system installed in each tree.
The installation process was complex, involving eight distribution closets across the 10-acre property. A fiber backbone was installed throughout the village, complemented by a wiring distribution system connecting over 100 trees. Each tree houses a pair of KT2 speakers, linked to a Kommander-KA24 amplifier. The audio system operates on its own VLAN for centralized management across the network.
This audio renovation coincided with multiple other projects, including a new parking lot surface. This synchronization allowed for the efficient installation of conduit to each tree via numerous distribution boxes across the property. The project required exceptional coordination between various trades, including audio/video, electrical, irrigation, landscaping, drainage, and more.
The primary challenge lay in designing an underground conduit wiring distribution network to connect the appropriate number of trees to specific amplifier channels. Remarkably, every single speaker is concealed within a tree, either along sidewalks or throughout the parking lot, maintaining the village's aesthetic appeal.
K-array USA was chosen as the product supplier after rigorous consideration of factors such as country of manufacture, company reputation, product performance, hardware design, and the manufacturer's ability to meet project requirements.
Client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Retailers throughout Highland Park Village have expressed appreciation for the new audio ambiance, often remarking on the system's pleasant sound and questioning the source of the music. Many have mistaken the speakers for lights proving their seamless integration into the environment.
This successful installation not only respects the historical significance of Highland Park Village but also enhances the shopping experience with state-of-the-art, invisible audio technology. It stands as a testament to the power of innovative design and meticulous planning in preserving heritage while embracing modern amenities.
