What is the giant mural under I-35 at Hi Line?

You may have seen or driven by a colorful expansion in the Design District/Victory Park area. The project is the new Hi Line Connector under I-35E, connecting the Design District to the Katy Trail via Victory Park. The Loop Dallas announced the installation of two 180-foot-long murals by six of Dallas’ most prominent muralists: Mariell Guzman, Mari Pohlman, Alec DeJesus, Sam Lao, Hatziel Flores, and queer artist Will Heron of Meow Wolf.

“Our vision was to create an active transportation system connecting Dallas to Dallas. The Loop Dallas does this by connecting our fragmented trail system and activating these public spaces through the creation of beautiful architecture, urban design and public art,” said Jeff Ellerman, co-founder and board chair of The Loop Dallas, in a press release. “The Hi Line Connector is a one-mile urban trail that extends the iconic placemaking of the Katy Trail through Victory Park and the Design District to the Trinity Strand Trail. It creates a pedestrian and bike-friendly urban corridor with access to green space and mixed-use development along the trail with a safe, direct route under I-35E near the American Airlines Center.”

But first, if you don’t know anything about The Loop Dallas, here’s what you should know.

The Loop Dallas is a nonprofit urban trail project designed to connect Dallas with a citywide active bicycle and pedestrian transportation system that will connect 39 miles of existing trails in Dallas with 11 miles of newly constructed trails, serving as a lifeline between communities.

The Hi-Line Connector is a one-mile urban trail that extends the Katy Trail through Victory Park and the Design District to the Trinity Strand Trail, which is accessible to the mixed-use development surrounding those areas. The murals will add a colorful accent to the area.

“When the team at The Loop Dallas first approached me about collaborating on this exciting project, I immediately saw the potential for a dynamic collaboration between local artists,” Guzman said in the press release. “I saw this mural as an opportunity to create a lasting landmark for Dallas, a visual celebration of our city’s cultural depth brought to life through the diverse interpretations of multiple artists whose creative expression is fueled by the vibrant essence of Dallas.”

Guzman was instrumental in putting together the group of artists for this project.

“Together, we have played a significant role in shaping Dallas’ artistic community and it is a privilege to join forces and create something special for our city,” she said.

See progress photos below.

—Rich Lopez