The late H.R. “Bum” Bright is remembered as the former Dallas Cowboys owner, an American businessman, and founder of real estate giant Bright Industries. But, most aren’t aware that Bright also was an avid fan of the great tales of King Arthur, Merlin, and Lancelot—and that inspiration can actually be seen in projects today.
Bum’s sons Chris and Clay Bright, who now lead Bright Industries, knew their father was inspired by Arthurian legends. To carry on the legend of the family patriarch and his legacy, the duo named an entire community and its surrounding streets, parks, lakes, and landmarks using Medieval references.
Bright Realty, the corporation’s commercial and residential real estate arm, last year broke ground on The Realm (get the naming?) at Castle Hills, a massive mixed-use development in Lewisville. The first phase of the project is Offices at The Realm, which consists of 235,000 square feet of office space and 16,000 square feet of first-floor restaurant space. And now, a huge public work of art.
Keeping with the theme, the newly announced outdoor mural will illustrate one of Bum Bright’s favorites, the story of King Arthur. Titled Chapter 1: The Threshold, the five-story multi-faceted artwork will intertwine Bum’s sketches among the depictions of jousting knights, Excalibur, Lady Guinevere, and Merlin.
The ‘Insta-worthy’ mural aims to be an entry point to The Realm, which Chris Bright says will reinforce Castle Hills’ identity while portraying the color, vibrancy, and character found in urban street art.
“Projects like this increase suburban foot traffic, especially in a walkable project like The Realm, and transform concrete, steel, and asphalt into destinations, photo backdrops and community amenities,” Chris, the CEO of Bright Realty, says. “They also tell the story of the community and provide connectivity between indoor office/retail space and outdoor experiences.”
The project is being created by internationally known muralists: Lesli Marshall, a Dallas multimedia artist and art consultant; Drew Merritt, an LA-based artist who was also a muralist for the upcoming Dallas Design District’s Virgin Hotel; and David “Rabi” Torres, a fellow LA artist who’s worked on numerous public collections.
It’s expected to be completed this month.
“The Realm will serve as the public face of the Castle Hills community, one that is home to thousands of families and employees,” Marshall, who’s work can be seen in murals across Dallas-Fort Worth, says. She’s serving as Bright Realty’s consultant for The Realm’s visual story. “We are excited to be a part of this unfolding, multi-chapter visual story, one that guests will see coming together over time.”
Offices at The Realm, a nine-story Class AA office building, will also feature outdoor interactive fountains (similar to The Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas) and an Atlantis-themed aquarium with more than 50 hand-sculpted pieces. Amenities include a fitness center, conference center, rooftop deck, and an outdoor entertainment space called Crescent Park. Coworking space Venture X will move into the third floor in spring 2020.
Plus, this month, Bright Industries and all of its entities will move in to The Realm.
The Realm at Castle Hills, at State Highway 121/Sam Rayburn Tollway and Josey Lane, is a 324-acre “lifestyle destination” that includes office, dining, retail, entertainment, and multifamily developments. It’s part of the award-winning, 2,900-acre master-planned Castle Hills community, which is best known as Bright Realty’s landmark project.
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