Title
Discuss conceptual designs associated with the relocation of Liberty Plaza to the vacant lot near the Rose Garden area on Valley View Lane.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Councilwoman Tina Bennett-Burton
BACKGROUND:
Investing in public spaces that celebrate the community’s history, values, and those who have served our nation supports several of the City’s strategic priorities, including enhancing quality of life, fostering civic pride, and creating meaningful community gathering places. Memorials and commemorative spaces provide opportunities for education, reflection, and connection while contributing to the character and identity of Farmers Branch. By maintaining and enhancing spaces that honor veterans and military service, the City demonstrates its commitment to preserving local heritage, recognizing community contributions, and creating welcoming public amenities that serve residents and visitors alike.
The Liberty Plaza, located near Rawhide Creek off Denton Drive, is the City of Farmers Branch's veterans’ memorial and patriotic gathering space. At the November 18, 2025, City Council meeting, staff were requested to provide options for relocating Liberty Plaza from its current location near Rawhide Creek off Denton Drive to another City-owned or park property.
Staff reviewed three options to relocate Liberty Plaza at the February 3, 2026, City Council Study Session meeting. City Council requested that a study be performed on the cost of relocating to the open lot adjacent to the Rose Garden on Valley View Lane, as well as design options.
As the City continues to invest in community spaces that reflect shared values, the request seeks to elevate Liberty Plaza into a more visible, accessible, and welcoming space for residents, visitors, families, and veterans alike. Relocation provides an opportunity to create a setting that better supports public gatherings and quiet remembrance, while ensuring safe access and appropriate parking.
DISCUSSION:
Staff contracted with Samit Patel Design Studio (SPDS) to develop site concepts and construction estimates based on those concepts.
• Concept A: Paved plaza, flags, and connectivity to parking area.
o Estimated cost $300,000.
• Concept B: Features a larger paved area, separate flag areas, and a design similar to the current Liberty Plaza.
o Estimated cost $400,000.
The initial funding for these concepts includes paving, grading, flagpoles, and the relocation of items from the current Liberty Plaza to the new location. Concept B involves more concrete work due to the loop trail; therefore, its estimate is higher than Concept A's.
As discussed previously, each option presents opportunities to create a thoughtfully designed space that honors veterans while integrating into established community destinations.
To limit the budget impact of this project and staff oversight, a phased approach can be used, focusing on cost-effective strategies to maximize construction dollars and time. This phased approach would also utilize the current staff skill sets and expert contractors to construct this updated plaza over the course of years, adding items as the budget allows. This approach has recently been used for projects such as Dutch Village Park, Justice Center Fitness Park, and the revamped plaza behind City Hall.
Estimated timeline for a phased construction approach:
Year 1) Final design completed, site preparation, paving, removal of items from the current plaza, and reinstallation of the items.
Year 2) Installation of the flagpoles, landscape, irrigation, and lighting. Official opening of the new Liberty Plaza.
DISTRICT:
District 3
FISCAL IMPACT:
Dependent on Council direction.
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTIONS:
N/A
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Presentation