Art has the power to tell stories, bridge divides, and breathe life into forgotten spaces. In the Tower 22 District, Dallas-based artist Haylee Ryan took on the challenge of creating a mural that does just that. It blends creativity and community to reflect the heart of a neighborhood undergoing thoughtful revitalization.
From her early days painting murals in Bishop Arts and Deep Ellum to becoming a key collaborator in Tower 22’s transformation, Haylee’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and connection. This article delves into her story: the challenges she faced, the relationships she built, and the vision that brought a wall and a community to life. Through Haylee’s words and artistry, discover how Tower 22 has become a symbol of renewal and a testament to the enduring power of slow, intentional change.
For Haylee, creativity and community have always been deeply intertwined. Growing up in Irving and establishing herself in Dallas, Haylee’s journey began with murals in vibrant neighborhoods like Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, and Oak Cliff. These early projects were personal stories etched into the places she called home, reflecting the people and cultures that surrounded her.
Her path took a pivotal turn when she was commissioned to create a large-scale mural for a revitalization project. The mural, spanning 50 feet, required an unconventional approach. It needed to be painted off-site before installation. This logistical challenge brought her to Tower 22. As Haylee walked through the raw spaces of the project’s early phases, inspiration began to take root.
“My early murals just felt so personal because it was my neighborhood, and I knew who they were for and what they were about. That is really the catapult for where my career ended up going.” – Haylee Ryan, Artist
Haylee didn’t just see walls and buildings; she saw potential. She witnessed Tower 22 evolving from a forgotten corner into a cohesive part of the neighborhood, harmonizing with its surroundings while quietly transforming. That balance between old and new resonated with her artistic vision, setting the stage for a mural that would honor the district’s character and draw attention to its revival.
It was here, amidst the beginnings of Tower 22’s transformation, that Haylee laid the foundation for her work. This mural would ultimately reflect her creativity and the spirit of a neighborhood on the cusp of renewal.
The Tower 22 District’s transformation was as much about connection as construction. When Haylee Ryan took on the project, the challenge was creating a sense of place. The neighborhood’s understated revitalization meant that while the buildings had been thoughtfully restored, their visual cohesion made it easy for passersby to overlook the changes happening within.
Haylee’s mural needed to do more than beautify a wall; it needed to capture attention and spark curiosity about the neighborhood’s renewal. The approach was intentional. By keeping the design simple yet striking, Haylee ensured it aligned with the building’s exterior while standing out enough to draw people in. A pop of bright red punctuated the composition, acting as a visual invitation for drivers and pedestrians alike to stop and take notice.
“The goal with the mural was to do something simple and eye-catching, that had the name, just so people could start scratching their heads and slow down as they pass through—and it’s working.” – Haylee Ryan, Artist
But the mural wasn’t just about aesthetics. It carried a more profound message, reflecting the diversity and energy that the district aspired to nurture. Figures depicted on the wall symbolized lighthearted community interactions, modern vibrancy, and the bridging of past and present. Each element told a revitalization story of buildings and the connections between people, places, and time.
Haylee’s mural became a beacon for the Tower 22 District, embodying its journey of thoughtful transformation. It wasn’t about quick fixes or flashy statements but about creating something seamlessly into the neighborhood’s fabric while inviting others to see it in a new light.
As Haylee worked on the mural, she was struck by the deliberate, careful approach to revitalization taking place. Rather than rushing to make bold statements, the process embraced a slower, more intentional pace, allowing the neighborhood to evolve in a way that honored its history while dreaming of its future.
This philosophy resonated deeply with Haylee, who believes in looking back before moving forward. For her, art and transformation are inseparable from reflection—acknowledging the past, nurturing what’s present, and creating something that invites the community to engage with both. The slow, thoughtful change in Tower 22 aligned with her approach to her work, where each brushstroke serves a purpose, and every detail tells a story.
“You have to go slow, and you have to turn things over right. That’s the change that interests me in Dallas—looking backward at our past, dreaming about who we aspire to be, and who we want to breathe life into.” – Haylee Ryan, Artist
Through her mural, Haylee sought to mirror the district’s ethos. The figures she painted symbolized a bridge between the past and present: a community coming together to create something vibrant and enduring. Whether it was playful depictions of people interacting or bold colors that hinted at energy and renewal, every element of the artwork celebrated the careful craftsmanship behind the district’s transformation.
For Haylee, Tower 22 represents a testament to what’s possible when revitalization becomes a conversation between history, creativity, and the people who call a place home.
Art doesn’t exist in isolation, and the Tower 22 project was a collaborative journey shaped by the people and relationships surrounding it. From the beginning, support from key figures created an environment where her vision could flourish. Their belief in her work extended beyond the mural, fostering genuine connections that would continue to inspire her creativity.
“It’s just nice to know that these special pockets that could be forgotten are hopefully not. They’re trying to bring this back to life, and that resonates so much with me and my work.” – Haylee Ryan, Artist
The Tower 22 District itself became a symbol of this collaborative spirit. As Haylee painted her mural, she saw how revitalization wasn’t just about the physical transformation of buildings. It was about creating spaces where small businesses, creatives, and diverse voices could thrive. The district’s evolution reflected the values Haylee holds dear: nurturing culture, supporting local talent, and preserving the character of a place while welcoming its future.
Through these relationships and shared visions, Haylee’s mural became more than an artwork. It became a visual expression of community. It’s a reminder that transformation is most impactful when rooted in collaboration and care.
About Tower 22 District
Tower 22 is an emerging creative district that combines history, innovation, and modern amenities. Located where the Santa Fe Trail meets Deep Ellum, it is a neighborhood built for today’s entrepreneurs who value the roots and culture of their surroundings.
The district is named after the interlocking tower that once overlooked the crossing of the Texas Pacific Railway and the Gulf Colorado Santa Fe Railway. These rail lines were the source of Dallas’ commerce and growth in the late 1800s through the Roaring Twenties. We celebrate the history and culture of our neighborhood while embracing the future of business and technology. Our district is a hub of creativity where entrepreneurs and innovators can come together to build and grow their businesses.
