Back in the 1980s, the Plaza of the Americas was the office/retail/restaurant complex owned by Jacque and Toddie Lee Wynne Jr. Towering over North Pearl, its ice rink centerpiece in the lobby had hosted the Beaux Arts Ball and even featured ice skating legend Peggy Fleming. It was a time when hotels were part of the top families’ projects: Caroline Hunt‘s Mansion On Turtle Creek, Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt‘s Hyatt Regency Union Hotel, Ben H. Carpenter‘s Los Colinas Resort. Why, Harold Farb‘s “Ultra Magazine” in Houston even showcased the Dallas hoteliers.
It was at a photo shoot of the Wynne clan in the Plaza of the Americas lobby that the photographer confronted the project producer, saying they were having “an issue.” Looking quite contrite, the photographer confessed that it wasn’t so much an issue as a real problem. The problem was Mrs. Wynne.
The producer protested that the woman was considered one of the most beautiful in Dallas, if not Texas, too. The photographer explained the problem was the glare coming off of Mrs. Wynne’s jewelry. In minutes, the team simply had a stylist dust the jewelry lightly with powder and the photoshoot proceeded.
But times have changed, and the Wynnes have long ago separated their involvement with the hotel. The rink disappeared as a change of ownership took place.
Still, the hotel remains a big player in Dallas’ Central Business District world.
Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat! Word has arrived that the Plaza of the Americas soon will provide an “exhilarating experience” when it becomes the scene of CARE Dallas‘ “Over The Edge Event.”
As explained, “In addition to our cherished CARE Breakfast, the Junior Board is thrilled to introduce a brand-new event this year!”
The event taking place on Saturday, April 26, will have folks rappelling down the Plaza’s exterior walls from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If rappelling is not your usual go-to sport, it involves jumping down along the exterior walls of very tall structures with all types of safety gear to prevent a free fall.
Interested in participating? There are all types of opportunities for rappelling, sponsoring and/or volunteering offered here.
Funds raised from the event will support CARE Dallas’ mission to “create environments that support and encourage youth to live substance-free lives, setting them up for healthier and more fulfilling futures.”
* Photo courtesy of CARE Dallas