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PEROT CENTRAL IF YOU BUILD IT, FAMILY WILL COME. 82 I n March, three generations of Dallas' storied Perot family, including Ross Perot Sr., decamped from offices throughout the city to spectacular new digs under one roof. The six- acre campus on Turtle Creek Boulevard includes a three-story glass and Indiana limestone building with private offices, conference spaces, a dining facility, a family legacy center with museum exhibits, fitness center, gardens, and gathering areas. "A goal was to bring together many parts of the family and business units," says architect Dave Goldberg of Seattle-based Mithun, which designed the building in conjunction with BOKA Powell of Dallas. Included in the move are the Perots' real estate firm, Hillwood, run by Ross Perot Jr., along with their energy business, investment operations, airplane-leasing division, and family foundations. The 17,000-square-foot HQ's massive glass windows and vast open spaces showcase the surrounding creek-side park and Katy Trail. "The Perots could have built a tall building," says Goldberg, "but they made a decision to under-develop the land with a low building to connect it to the setting." On the second level, randomized oak ceiling slats and LEDs mimic dappled sunlight filtering through a canopy of trees. A large central staircase made of glass and oak encourages walking and congregating, and second-floor offices have access to the Katy Trail. "There was a definite focus on health and wellness," Goldberg says. Dallas designer Emily Summers collaborated with Mithun on the interior design for the boardrooms, reception spaces, and private family offices. She also procured artwork, including a large photomontage by Texas photographer Laura Wilson that incorporates nine flags from various Perot properties. "Ross Sr. has a great love of flags and patriotic material," says Summers; in fact, the entrance to his private office includes a tattered 1797 flag from the historic USS Constitution — a gift from Ross Jr. to his father for his 80th birthday. An affinity for great architecture seems to flow in Perot blood. In April, Hillwood announced a new collaboration with Pritzker Architecture Prize winner, Foster + Partners (designer of the Winspear Opera House), to draw up concept plans for a 70-story tower. The proposed skyscraper will be located across from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, which was designed by another Pritzker laureate, Thom Mayne of Morphosis Architects. Hillwood is still securing tenants, but if the project moves forward, it will be the tallest structure built downtown in 30 years. Stay tuned for more well designed details. B Y R E B E C C A S H E R M A N An oak-and-glass staircase connects three levels of the new Perot family headquarters. Above, from top: Randomized oak slats and LEDs in the ceiling on the second floor mimic sunlight dappling through trees. The 70-story tower at left is Foster + Partners' design for Hillwood's proposed skyscraper downtown. ERIKA EDWARDS ERIKA EDWARDS FOSTER + PARTNERS