IRVING — If ever there was a giant question mark made of steel, it would be a new building located in Las Colinas.
The building's puzzling shape and size has led thousands of passers-by on State Highway 114 ask the question: "What the heck is that thing?"
There is no large sign by the road providing the answer, since Las Colinas doesn't allow big signs.
So what is it?
"That thing is the beautiful, soon-to-be opened, Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas,” said Maura Gast, executive director of the Irving Convention Center.
When it’s completed, the giant structure will be clad in a giant skin of copper that will be punched with holes so visitors can see out.
It will be a new Texas icon, the creators hope.
"They wanted to create an image that people would remember for a long time,” said project manager Bob Kuykendall.
From early appearances, it appears they will succeed.
The exhibition space will be about the size of a Home Depot — small by convention center standards, but five times bigger than anything in Irving to date.
The center is designed for businesses, like shareholder meetings for local companies like Exxon. It is also meant to host smaller, weekend events after business travelers go home.
Up on the top floor ballroom, glass will be placed from floor to ceiling. Beyond the glass, enormous trusses will be covered in the giant copper veil, which is what will unify the building and make it memorable.
"It shades the building glass, it shades the terraces, it shades the balconies and it keeps the building cooler in our hot Texas summers,” Kuykendall explained.
