Allen, Texas, is known for its blend of modern and traditional architectural designs. This city offers a fascinating array of buildings that reflect its rich history and contemporary growth.
What makes these structures stand out are their unique designs, historical significance, and innovative use of materials. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or a casual observer, the buildings in Allen provide a visual treat that’s both educational and inspiring.
1. Watters Creek Convention Center
The Watters Creek Convention Center is a notable landmark in Allen, Texas. This venue boasts 79,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.
It features a spacious 40,000-square-foot hall and a 12,000-square-foot ballroom. The center is attached to the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel, offering 300 guest rooms.
This combination provides convenience for event attendees. Located near shopping and dining options, it serves as a prime spot for both business and leisure activities.
2. Allen Event Center
The Allen Event Center, now known as the Credit Union of Texas Event Center, is located in Allen, Texas. This multi-purpose indoor arena opened in 2009 and offers a seating capacity of over 6,000 fixed seats.
The event center hosts more than 100 events each year. These include concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and family ice shows. It contributes significantly to the local economy with an annual impact of $13 million.
Situated in The Village at Allen, the center is surrounded by popular shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.
3. Allen Public Library
The Allen Public Library, located at 300 N. Allen Drive, is a cornerstone of the community. It occupies a prominent position in Allen’s Central Business District.
The library offers a vast collection of books and multimedia resources. It was expanded to a 54,000 square foot building in 2005, enhancing its services.
A hub of cultural activities, the library houses the Civic Auditorium, which hosts free movie nights, musical performances, and “meet the author” events.
4. National Videogame Museum
The National Videogame Museum in Frisco, Texas, is an essential spot for video game enthusiasts. Opened in 2016, it offers a deep dive into the history of video games and the industry behind them.
Visitors can explore classic arcade machines and various video game consoles. The museum also features historic computer games and exhibits filled with artifacts and memorabilia.
The museum aims to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. Located in Frisco, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the evolution of video games. Learn more.
5. Topgolf Allen
Topgolf Allen stands out as an entertainment hub in Allen, Texas. This three-story venue features 92 golf bays, a rooftop terrace, and a beer garden. It combines the excitement of golfing with the ambiance of a sports bar.
Visitors can enjoy year-round comfort with cooling fans in the summer and heated bays in the winter. Multiple HDTVs are available, ensuring a great experience for all guests.
6. Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm
Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm is a standout destination in Allen, Texas. It offers a unique, resort-style experience combining shopping, dining, and living spaces within a 52-acre landscape.
This development features a creekside village green and interactive public art. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of retail options and restaurants with al fresco dining.
Additionally, Watters Creek includes office spaces and residential lofts, making it a bustling, multifaceted community hub. Discover more about Watters Creek.
7. The Village at Allen
The Village at Allen is a dynamic shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in Allen, Texas. It features a variety of attractions including Cabela’s, Topgolf, and the Allen Event Center.
This development combines retail, hospitality, and entertainment options. It spans 1,027,413 square feet, making it one of the largest mixed-use developments in the area.
Phase II and Phase III added a total of 236,245 square feet in mixed-use buildings. These phases utilized both conventional metal steel construction and tiltwall with conventional framing. For more details, visit The Village at Allen.
8. The Grove at Allen
The Grove at Allen is a notable area in the center of The Village at Allen. This space is currently under development and has seen several improvements recently.
Visitors will notice the changes as they pass through. The address for The Grove is 190 East Stacy Road, Allen, Texas. For more details, visit The Village at Allen’s official site.
9. Allen Heritage Village
Allen Heritage Village is a must-see for those interested in history and architecture. The village features several historic buildings that have been carefully preserved.
One notable structure is the vintage barn, which was originally built in the 1890s and was relocated from Anna, Texas. Another highlight is St. Mary Baptist Church, organized in 1877, which showcases African-American heritage.
The village also includes four historic homes and two landmark churches. These buildings reflect the architectural and cultural heritage of Allen. For more details, visit Allen Heritage Village.
10. Giant Slide at Celebration Park
The Giant Slide at Celebration Park is a major highlight for families visiting Allen, Texas.
Located within the 99-acre Celebration Park, this slide offers an exciting experience for children.
The slide is part of the park’s extensive playground area, which also features other engaging activities like a splash park and sports fields.
Architectural Styles in Allen
Allen, Texas showcases a variety of architectural styles, blending modern aesthetics with traditional Texan elements and eclectic designs. This diversity attracts residents and visitors alike.
Modern Architecture
In Allen, modern architecture emphasizes clean lines, open floor plans, and the use of new materials.
Sleek glass facades, steel structures, and concrete finishes are common. Many buildings feature eco-friendly designs like solar panels and green roofs to promote sustainability.
Modern homes often integrate large windows, allowing natural light to flood living spaces, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor areas. This architectural style is popular in residential and commercial buildings, reflecting a trend toward minimalism and functionality.
Traditional Texan Elements
Traditional Texan architecture in Allen highlights the region’s historical and cultural roots.
Stone and brick exteriors are widely used, along with expansive front porches and pitched roofs. Some buildings also incorporate wood beams and rustic finishes that evoke a sense of the old West.
These designs often include large outdoor patios, designed for gatherings and outdoor living, which is a staple of Texan hospitality. This architectural style is frequently seen in homes, community centers, and even newer commercial developments, offering a nod to Texas’s rich architectural heritage.
Eclectic Designs
Allen is also home to eclectic architectural designs, combining various styles and elements. This approach allows for creative and unique structures that reflect the individuality of homeowners and architects.
Eclectic buildings might mix modern materials with vintage details or traditional southern elements with international influences. Bright colors, unusual shapes, and varied textures often characterize these designs, making them visually striking and memorable.
In residential projects, this style allows homeowners to personalize their living spaces with distinct architectural features not confined to a single tradition.
Historical Significance
The architectural buildings in Allen, Texas hold great historical value, showing the city’s past while preserving its heritage. Key efforts and notable buildings highlight this richness.
Preservation Efforts
The City of Allen and the Allen Heritage Guild work tirelessly to maintain the historical integrity of the area’s architecture.
For example, the Allen Heritage Village is a notable project aimed at preserving old structures. Here, visitors can see some of Allen’s oldest homes and outbuildings that have been carefully restored.
There are regular open house events that invite the public to learn more about the city’s architectural history. By protecting these buildings, the city ensures that future generations can appreciate the city’s development and heritage.
Notable Historical Buildings
Allen is home to several important historical buildings.
One prime example is the Bolin House, a Craftsman Bungalow built in 1920.
Originally located on the Whisenant farm, this one-story house showcases the popular architectural style of its time.
Another significant site is the Allen Train Depot, managed by the Allen Heritage Guild.
The depot is open to the public twice a month, offering insights into the town’s railroad history from when the Houston and Texas Central Railroad came through in 1872.
Other landmarks include the Rowlett Creek Bridge and historic downtown areas, all contributing to a deeper understanding of Allen’s architectural and historical richness.