Dallas architects are headed to the streets of downtown with a new high-profile presence.

The Dallas Center for Architecture has rented a ground-floor space in the landmark Republic Center complex at St. Paul Street and Pacific Avenue.

"The center seeks to foster the public's understanding of the power of architecture to enrich our city and our lives through the programs, exhibits and tours," said spokeswoman Adelaide Godwin. "The street level will take advantage of floor-to-ceiling glass windows that connect the constant stream of activities and events within the space to the hustle and bustle street life.

"It will also utilize a large outdoor plaza for diverse programming — lectures, exhibitions, town hall meetings and other community events."

The Dallas Chapter of The American Institute of Architects and its partner organization, Dallas Center for Architecture, have selected the team of Omniplan, lauckgroup, Aurora, Better Block, RSM Design, Studio Outside, LUM Lighting Design and Telios to create the new display space.

"The leaders of AIA Dallas had many talented firms they could select from, and we are honored to be entrusted with the design of this very important new home for architects in Dallas," Tip Housewright, principal and CEO of Omniplan, said in a statement.

The new architecture center will be across the street from downtown's next planned public park.

The Center for Architecture is planned as "an educational hub that raises the stature of the architecture profession in the public eye with a high-profile, 24-hour space and open public programming," the group says.

The Republic Center space the architecture center will move to is currently vacant and surrounds a large rotunda in the lobby of the landmark buildings.