The ball ends its journey at Reunion Tower. This round takes place in Dallas, where the map is the real city and the game is played on its actual streets using real attractions for the holes. Skip is a local guide who knows these blocks well for this quick nine-hole round covering 3.7 mi.
Let me show you the American Airlines Center. This multi-purpose indoor arena is located in the Victory Park neighborhood of downtown Dallas, Texas. It was designed by architects HKS and David M. Schwarz. You can pick out the scale of the place, which opened in 2001 at a cost of $420 million. While it is used for concerts and other live entertainment, it is primarily the home of two major sports teams. The Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association and the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League both play here. I've seen plenty of crowds flocking to this spot for game nights, though I usually prefer the view from the rafters.
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a science museum located in Victory Park in Dallas, Texas. It had its inception in 2006 and is currently led by chief executive officer Dr. Linda Abraham-Silver. When you look at the structure, you can see the work of Mark Lemmon, who is the architect of the museum. As a nonprofit organization, it serves a massive crowd, welcoming 1,000,000 annual visitors to its exhibits. The institution was named in honor of Margot and Ross Perot. I have spent a fair amount of time watching the crowds gather near the entrance from my favorite ledge, and it is always a busy hub of activity in the neighborhood. It is a prominent landmark that you cannot miss when navigating through this part of the city.
The Dallas Museum of Art is an art museum that had its inception in 1903. While it started over a century ago, the museum changed its location in the 1970s, moving from Fair Park to the Arts District of downtown Dallas, Texas. You can see the result of that move in the building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and John MY Lee Associates. For those interested in the design, John MY Lee Associates was the 2007 winner of the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal. Today, the museum is a nonprofit organization that welcomes 490,000 annual visitors. I've noticed it's a great spot to spend an afternoon when you want to get away from the downtown noise.
You can't miss the Wyly Theatre when you visit the Arts District of downtown Dallas, Texas. It is a twelve story theatre building that stands out from the surrounding skyline. Designed by architect Joshua Ramus, the building covers 80,300 square feet. It was dedicated on October 12, 2009, following its inception in 2009. If you head inside, you will find a performance space that holds about 600 people, though that number changes depending upon the stage configuration. I have seen a few confused tourists try to find a traditional lobby here, but the layout is part of the experience. It is a great spot to stop and admire the unconventional shape of the structure before you move on to the next landmark in the district.
John Eberson was the architect behind the Majestic Theatre, which is located in the City Center District of Downtown Dallas. He designed the theatre building in the Renaissance Revival architecture style. Since it was started in 1921, this movie theater has become a significant piece of the city's history. You can see its architectural influence in the facade, which helped it earn a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. I've noticed that the building's presence adds a lot of character to the downtown streets. Whether you are here for the golf or the sights, the structure is a great example of Eberson's work in the city.
You will find the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas at 1835 Young Street in the Farmers Market District of downtown Dallas. This church building is a Dallas Landmark and serves as a contributing property in the Harwood Street Historic District. When you look at the exterior, you can pick out the characteristics of Greek Revival architecture, which gives the structure its distinct appearance. The history of the site goes back even further than the current walls, as the congregation was founded in 1856. It holds the distinction of being the first U.S. Southern Presbyterian Church organized in Dallas. Whether you are visiting the surrounding historic district or exploring the downtown area, this site is a notable stop for those interested in the religious and architectural origins of the city.
Let me show you the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. This convention center is located in the Convention Center District of downtown Dallas, Texas. While the city has changed quite a bit over the years, this site has been a part of the local landscape since its inception in 1957. It is a primary hub for visitors and events in the heart of the city. I usually see a lot of people streaming in and out of the doors here, though I prefer to watch the crowds from a ledge above. Whether you are visiting for a specific event or just passing through the district, it is a prominent fixture of the downtown area.
Reunion Tower is an observation tower located at 300 Reunion Boulevard in the Reunion district of downtown Dallas. This structure stands 561 ft tall, which is 171 meters. Welton Becket is the architect of the tower, and construction on the project was started in 1978. For many years, Reunion Tower was a free-standing structure until the construction of an addition to the Hyatt Regency Dallas and surrounding complex in 1998. Today, it is the 15th tallest occupiable structure in Dallas. I have spent plenty of time circling the top of this one, and the view of the streets below is always a treat for a local bird like me. Whether you are visiting for the first time or you live here, it is a great way to get your bearings in the downtown area.
Let me show you the Dallas World Aquarium. This for-profit public aquarium and zoo is located in the West End Historic District of Dallas, Texas. It began its inception in 1992 and has since become a major draw for visitors to the area. You can pick out a high standard of care here, as the facility has been an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1997. Additionally, the institution is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is a great spot to spend an afternoon seeing creatures from around the globe without leaving the city center. I've noticed that the West End is a particularly breezy area for a stroll before you head inside to see the exhibits.
Look at the Chicago School style architecture before you take in the rest of Dealey Plaza. This city park is located in the West End Historic District of downtown Dallas, Texas. It is a historic district that first saw its inception in 1940. While it is now a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is most known for a darker moment in American history. In 1963, this location was the site of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. I usually see people standing in silence here, reflecting on that day. It is a heavy spot, but an essential one for anyone visiting the city.