Centers With Well-Designed Experiential Water Features Can Attract 30,000 Visitors Per Week

Did you know that after we completed the breathtaking Illuvia show fountain at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie, Texas, the mixed-use development began to receive 30,000 visitors a week? The fountain, equipped with our Aquarius Interactive™ AI technology that allows guests to control the water and light displays with their movements, also increased dwell time at the park by as much as 200%, according to the park’s creative producer, Zane King. 

Our research shows a rise in foot traffic and dwell time after the installation of a show fountain can lead to measurable revenue increases at the development where it is located. Annual revenue generated by a show fountain can value at least 10% more than the initial investment, including sales income from additional guests and additional rent percentage from tenants located near the fountain. Strategies such as collecting naming rights fees and holding regular events around the water feature can also boost revenue. 

The owners of Mountain View Village in Riverton, Utah report that our installation of an interactive show fountain with AI technology has significantly increased foot traffic and visitors’ length of stay. Since its completion, the fountain has become a major attraction, drawing visitors from near and far by creating a unique and engaging experience. 

What these results tell us is that people and communities are craving places to gather and be entertained, with the most successful of these leading to measurable economic benefits for stakeholders. That said, despite a rising focus on experiences, not all experiences are comparable—so, how do you stand out? 

We believe the projects that truly make a difference for a commercial property stakeholders’ bottom line are those that start with great design. Our design team works closely with architects and other professionals at every step of the process, developing drawings, renderings, 3D models, and hand-shaped scaled models to help clients visualize their project while remaining aligned with their timeline and budget. Our relentless pursuit of excellence in strategic planning, creative development and the delivery of specialized themed projects is one of our differentiators. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and engineering to deliver unforgettable experiences that entice people to return again and again. Simply put, we leave no rock unturned from the design process forward. It’s about storytelling, emotional connection, and moments that truly “wow.” 

Here are a few examples: 

Mountain View Village, Phase II—Increasingly Breathtaking 

When OTL was called upon to design and build an exciting new show fountain at Mountain View Village, Phase II, a mixed-use development in Riverton, Utah, we knew its design needed to be unique from the resplendent architectural fountain showcasing a bronze eagle sculpture that we had created for Phase 1 of the 85-acre development.  

While the show fountain we designed for the second phase offers dazzling displays that thrill and delight guests, adding our Aquarius Interactive™ technology to the fountain programming brought the project to life in a whole new way—allowing guests to control the fountain just by moving their hands or body. This was something no one had ever seen before, and it demonstrates how creative design can lead to spectacular outcomes. 

This project also challenged us budget-wise, which prompted us to find locally sourced natural stone that aligned with the design vision—a curved infinity edge on the backside and a waterfall on the front side. After an extensive search, we were able to work with a supplier we had worked with for many years, who helped us source natural stone native to the region (a sustainable practice) for a gorgeously designed result. 

Block 41—Mixed-Use Magic 

When we were asked to design and build a water feature to complement Block 41, a 23-story multifamily/retail development in Portland, Oregon, we only had a footprint of 160 square feet in which to work, and a requirement to keep any splash contained within that footprint—a tall order. OTL ultimately crafted this minimalist but impactful fountain with jets that would produce the right output to match the design. This required determining the exact amount of flow needed and working with the manufacturer to select just the right jets that would deliver the desired output. 

In addition, we designed the water feature so that the water flowing from the jets disappears between the joints and returns to an underground surge tank to be recirculated for ongoing use. 

The result is a water feature surrounded by benches, trees, a green belt, and LED lights embedded in the pavement, providing a serene and contemplative spot for residents and guests to enjoy. What’s more, in the evening, the lights around the fountain add a new sensory dimension to the delightful sight and tranquil sound of water shooting from the jets. 

Pala Casino Spa Resort—Exotic Opulence 

Some design projects we have completed require us to completely reimagine an existing structure. Such was the case with an architectural fountain in the lobby of Pala Casino Spa Resort in San Diego, California, which we transformed into a luxuriously innovative water feature. 

The project’s design was distinguished by hand-chosen decorative rain chains spanning 20 feet tall and natural boulders with water running down the surface. While this was a construction project and not a design project for us from start to finish, during construction our team was tasked with structural evaluation and designing a method for transporting the water and distributing it to the rain chains, which we accomplished via a hanging assembly/system. These are the type of challenges we relish and have deep mastery in solving. 

The renovated fountain and surrounding realistic rockwork enchant guests entering the hotel, transporting them to a magical rainforest that relaxes and calms the soul. 

OTL understands that great design in experiential water features drives income for commercial property owners and operators. Our brilliant team is constantly excelling, pushing the boundaries of creativity and engineering to provide clients with the very best design work, delivering projects that “wow” and pump up revenue.