Jade Waters at the Hilton Anatole

Since 1983, the Hilton Anatole Hotel has been one of the largest hotels in the American South. With over 1,600 rooms and numerous convention-based gathering spaces, it has remained one of Dallas’ most prized destinations. In 2014, the Hilton Anatole embarked on a $25 million endeavor to transform the existing 4-acre courtyard into a water park amenity for hotel guests, aiming to engage a more family-oriented market. GFF provided design services for four unique yet consistent structures: a 15,000-square-foot multiuse walk-up bar and grill structure, restrooms and lockers, a 400-square-foot entry pavilion for guest check-in, a 2,000-square-foot cabana structure for guest rental, and a 700-square-foot swim-up bar as part of an adult-oriented leisure pool.

The Jade Waters Resort design draws from Eastern Asian concepts present in the hotel’s broad collection of Asian art. Envisioned as a landscape project first, the architecture serves as a minimal exercise in background building, offering a series of small pavilions as shelters from the Texas heat. By remaining minimal and delicate, the pools, landscape, and the 35 unique art pieces from the Crow Collection are more prominently celebrated.

The design addresses the need to create a family-friendly yet sophisticated water park that complements the hotel’s existing aesthetic and cultural themes. By integrating subtle architectural elements with the rich landscape and art collection, Jade Waters provides a serene and engaging environment for guests, enhancing the overall appeal of the Hilton Anatole as a premier destination.