The Summit Center

Nestled in Midland, Texas, the recently developed Summit Center — located at 3200 Mockingbird Lane and developed by the families behind Summit Petroleum — has been designed not simply as a commercial or retail campus, but as a space of community gathering, nature, and meaning. Midland Times+1

At the heart of its visual identity lies a striking tree motif — a sculpture and logo symbol that speaks to its roots, purpose, and place. In this blog post, we’ll explore the story behind that tree: what it means, how it integrates into the development, why it matters, and how visitors can engage with it.

The Tree: Symbol & Sculpture

When you visit Summit Center, you’ll notice a strong tree figure in their branding and likely in the physical site design. According to the “About Us” page:

  • The logo’s focal point is a tree, evoking “life and endurance.” summitcentermidland.com

  • A swing hangs from the tree in the logo, symbolizing fun, rest, and a place for everyone to take a break from their cares. summitcentermidland.com

  • The tree’s roots anchor into the deep geography of the region — the Permian Basin — which is referenced as “the economic engine for West Texas.” summitcentermidland.com

In other words, what looks like a simple tree motif is layered with meaning: community, rest, nature, place, economy, roots.

How the Tree Fits into Summit Center’s Vision

The tree motif isn’t just decorative — it aligns with the overarching purpose of the site. Here’s how:

  • Life‑Giving & Enduring: Summit Center declares its principles to include “Life Giving and Christ Centered,” “Strength,” and “Welcoming.” The tree symbolizes those qualities. summitcentermidland.com+1

  • Community‑First Design: The site spans 20 acres (with a four‑acre park) and includes roughly 400 trees and lush plantings. Midland Times+1

  • Nature & Fellowship: Its mission emphasizes “getting outside, being active, and enjoying the simple—but amazing—things God has gifted us with.” summitcentermidland.com

  • Economic & Regional Roots: The tree’s roots in the logo tap into the Permian Basin — a nod to the region’s geological and economic story. summitcentermidland.com

Thus, the tree sculpture/logo serves as a bridge: between architecture and nature, between commerce and community, between regional identity and personal experience.

Why It Matters: The Power of a Tree Symbol

  • Universal Imagery: Trees have long been symbols of growth, endurance, shelter, community. They offer a visible metaphor for being rooted yet reaching upward.

  • Sense of Place: By tying the roots of the tree to the Permian Basin, Summit Center grounds itself in a regional narrative — not just another retail/office park, but part of West Texas’s story.

  • Inviting Atmosphere: The swing imagery brings in an element of whimsy, rest, play — which helps the space feel welcoming, not sterile.

  • Landscape & Ecology: The presence of 400 trees and a designed park environment is an environmental statement as much as an aesthetic one. It positions the development as a green node, a respite in the built environment.

Visiting: What to Look For

If you plan to stop by Summit Center, here are a few tips to make the most of the tree sculpture and its surroundings:

  • Find the Anchor Tree / Sculpture: Look in the park area for a prominent tree‑themed installation, maybe near the central lawn or event stage.

  • Notice the Logo Version: On signage, building façades, or wayfinding, check out how the tree is rendered — how the canopy and roots are stylized.

  • Observe the Landscape Design: The large number of trees, elevation changes, and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces all reinforce the tree metaphor in three dimensions. Midland Times

  • Capture a Photo at Golden Hour: With open space, thoughtful design, and natural elements, the park is likely to photograph beautifully around sunrise or sunset.

  • Respect and Enjoy: A reminder: the park has rules (open 6 a.m.–9 p.m., pets are restricted to service animals, etc.). summitcentermidland.com

Closing Thoughts

In many developments, public art and branding can feel like afterthoughts. But at Summit Center, the tree sculpture/logo serves as a north star — a single image that communicates meaning, anchors the site to place, and invites participation. It says: this is more than commerce; this is community. More than architecture; this is nature. More than land; this is home.

If you visit Midland and make your way to Summit Center, take a moment under the branches of that symbolic tree. Sit on the swing of meaning, feel the roots of the place beneath you, and breathe in the promise of what a thoughtfully designed public‑friendly space can bring.

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