You’ve seen it. If you’ve spent more than five minutes in Downtown Dallas, you’ve definitely noticed the skyscraper with the giant hole punched through the top. It’s the one that looks like a futuristic keyhole or a massive USB port, depending on who you ask.
Most people still call it Chase Tower Dallas TX, though if you’re looking at the new signage, you’ll see it’s technically rebranded as the Dallas Arts Tower now. This 55-story beast at 2200 Ross Avenue isn't just another office block; it’s a postmodern landmark that has survived market crashes, ownership swaps, and even a fictional asteroid hit in a 90s TV movie.
But there’s a lot people get wrong about this building. Especially the part about that famous "hole" in the sky.
The Design: It’s Not Just for Show
The tower was finished back in 1987, right at the tail end of Dallas’s massive 80s building boom. Architect Richard Keating, then with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), wanted to break the "boring glass box" mold.
Standing at 738 feet, it’s currently the fourth-tallest building in Dallas. It would actually be third if you didn't count the antennas on top of some of the other giants. The exterior is a mix of polished pink granite and gray glass. It’s heavy. It’s bold.
Now, about that "Sky Window."
That opening isn’t just some weird architectural flex. It sits between levels 43 and 50. Originally, the design was meant to help reduce wind loads on the structure, but honestly, it became its entire identity.
What Happened to the Sky Lobby?
This is the part that bums people out. For years, Chase Tower Dallas TX was famous for having one of the coolest public perks in the city: the 40th-floor Sky Lobby.
You could walk into the lobby, hop on a specific express elevator, and zip up to the 40th floor for free. It was located right at the base of the keyhole. You got 360-degree views of the city, complete with indoor fountains and actual trees growing 500 feet in the air. It was the ultimate "cheap date" spot or a place to take your parents when they visited.
The bad news: It’s gone.
Well, the floor is still there, but it’s no longer open to the public. After Fortis Property Group bought the building in 2016, security tightened up. Eventually, the sky lobby was converted into a private executive lounge and meeting space for tenants.
If you try to go up there today without a badge, you won't get past the turnstiles. It’s a bummer, but that’s the reality of modern Class A office space. The owners figured the privacy was worth more to high-end tenants like Deloitte and JPMorgan Chase than the goodwill of tourists.
The Rebrand: From Chase to "Arts Tower"
Why the name change?
Basically, the owners wanted to lean into the location. The building sits right on the edge of the Dallas Arts District—the largest contiguous arts district in the country. By renaming it the Dallas Arts Tower in 2023, they’re trying to make it feel less like a cold bank vault and more like a part of the neighborhood’s cultural fabric.
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They haven't just swapped the letters on the door, though. There’s been a massive $20 million+ renovation push.
What’s New Inside?
- The Rotunda Transformation: That weird glass dome out front? It used to be a bit of a dead zone. Now, it’s home to a massive fitness center and is being integrated with new dining concepts.
- Art Galleries: The lobby is being treated like a museum. They’ve been adding rotating installations and local art to make the ground floor feel alive.
- Milkshake Concepts Takeover: If you’re a foodie, you know these guys (they’re behind Vandelay-rivaling spots like Harper’s and Hudson House). They’ve taken over the restaurant spaces to launch a Greek concept called Pasha in the Rotunda and a European-style cafe in the main lobby.
- The LED Package: They recently upgraded the exterior lighting. Now, instead of just the classic blue, the building can do some pretty wild light shows to match the rest of the vibrant Dallas skyline.
The Reality of Renting at 2200 Ross
If you’re looking for office space, Chase Tower Dallas TX (or Dallas Arts Tower) is still a "trophy" building.
The floor plates are mostly column-free. That’s a huge deal for law firms and consultants who want those "Mad Men" corner offices without a giant concrete pillar blocking the view. The ceiling heights range from 9 to 13 feet, which makes the space feel way bigger than it is.
But it’s not 100% full. Like most downtown towers in the post-2020 world, they’re fighting for occupancy. Huge law firms like Greenberg Traurig have moved out to newer developments in Uptown (like McKinney & Olive), leaving big gaps to fill.
That’s exactly why the renovations are so aggressive. If you want people to work in Downtown Dallas instead of a shiny new glass box in Frisco or Uptown, you have to give them a Greek restaurant in the lobby and a "World Class" fitness center.
Fun Facts You Can Use to Impress People
- The "Asteroid" Incident: In the 1997 movie Asteroid, a fragment hits the tower and sends the top section—the keyhole—crashing into the street. Thankfully, the real engineering is much sturdier.
- The Petroleum Club: For a long time, the legendary Dallas Petroleum Club was perched on the 39th and 40th floors. It was the epicenter of old-school Dallas oil money. They’ve since moved, but the history is baked into the walls.
- The Marble: The lobby floor uses Verde Giada marble. It’s a very specific, deep green that was incredibly trendy in the late 80s and somehow still looks expensive today.
Moving Forward: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a visit to Chase Tower Dallas TX, don't expect to just wander around the upper floors. Security is legit.
- Parking: It’s expensive. Use the surface lots a few blocks away if you’re just there to see the architecture.
- Public Access: Stick to the lobby and the new restaurants. The cafe is your best bet for a "legal" way to hang out in the space without an office lease.
- Photography: You can take photos of the exterior from the plaza, but security might get twitchy if you set up a tripod in the lobby.
Actionable Insights for Tenants and Visitors
If you are a business owner looking for space, leverage the current vacancy rates. The building is beautiful, but the "flight to quality" in Dallas means owners are often willing to throw in significant Tenant Improvement (TI) allowances to get a deal signed.
For the average Dallasite, keep an eye on the new restaurant openings in the Rotunda. It’s going to be one of the few places where you can actually enjoy the building’s unique geometry without having to work a 60-hour week for a law firm.
The building might have a new name and some new paint, but it remains the most recognizable silhouette in the city. Just don't expect to see the view from the 40th floor unless you’re there for a meeting.