REVITALIZING A COMMUNITY SPACE
A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT
Bell Tower Green, a vibrant park in Downtown Salisbury, North Carolina, is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. Once an underutilized 3.5-acre parking lot, it is now a revitalized space that aims to spur economic development, elevate the quality of life for residents, and promote equitable access to the park for patrons. The Salisbury community formed a non-profit organization, Bell Tower Green, Inc., to raise funds for the park. They raised $12 million in private donations to bring this vision to life.
The Bell Tower Green project brought together a diverse team of experts, including LandDesign Inc. (Landscape Architects), 505Design (Architects), Martin Aquatic (Aquatic Designers), and Optima Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing experts). Hartranft provided the Lighting Design, while SAI Fountains handled the water feature installation. Crystal Fountains contributed as the Product Manufacturers and Show Programmers.
GUIDING THEMES
GUIDING THEMES
SHAPING THE DESIGN
Throughout the planning process for Bell Tower Green, LandDesign shaped the park’s design intent around these four guiding themes.
- Community – A multi-generational space fostering inclusivity and connection
- Play – An interactive area designed for people of all ages and abilities
- Contemplation – A reflective retreat fostering tranquility and mindfulness
- Reverence – A tribute to the site’s rich heritage
These themes inspired features such as a creative play space, colourful gardens, a gazebo and bosque garden, an aesthetic water wall, and much more.
PRESERVING HISTORY
AN OASIS FOR ALL
The site is home to four historic structures — The Wrenn House, Session House, Gazebo, and the iconic Bell Tower, reflecting the community’s strong commitment to preserving Salisbury’s history. The Bell Tower, dating back to 1892, was part of the First Presbyterian Church and the Salisbury Female Academy. It is now surrounded by an intimate formal garden, a petite lawn, and a platform designed to host events. The Gazebo, a beloved landmark for decades, is highlighted by the adjacent bosque of trees. The Wrenn House is set to become a future restaurant, offering guests the unique opportunity to dine while enjoying the park’s beauty.
The space’s design concept included a series of gardens that formed a sequence of rooms along the park’s periphery, providing nooks for conversation and relaxation. New streetscapes and pathways were incorporated to improve the connectivity from the commercial downtown to the public library and the adjacent historic district.
A DYNAMIC CENTRAL FEATURE
AT THE HEART OF BELL TOWER
At the heart of Bell Tower Green stands a magnificent water wall that is 15 feet high and stretches 72 feet across. Water cascades down the dark gray granite, creating a visually captivating backdrop and calming soundscapes. Illuminating this feature are 42 Crystal Fountains RGBACL LNL lights. In front of the water wall lies an interactive, foot-friendly splash pad with 19 deck-level vertical choreoswitches. These choreoswitches are RGBW colour-changing LED lights that spray water up to four feet high, adding to the park’s playful and friendly atmosphere. The water wall and splash pad feature in-house DMX show programming for water and light shows.
Click here to watch Martin Aquatic’s video, of the water feature in action.
A LEGACY OF COMMUNITY & CREATIVITY
Bell Tower Green has transformed into a vibrant community hub where history, innovation, and nature converge. This revitalized space honours Salisbury’s past and invites residents and visitors alike to connect, play, and reflect, ensuring that the legacy of collaboration and creativity will inspire generations to come.
All photos of Bell Tower Green were taken by, and are property of Denise Retallack. For more information, visit Denise’s website at denisephoto.com
Share this project with your colleagues and network.
