Tom Thumb at The Union – Urban Grocery Meets Elevated Design
Architecture and commercial interiors photography for Joeris General Contractors
In the heart of downtown Dallas, the Tom Thumb at The Union redefines the traditional grocery store experience with elevated architecture and bold design. This is not just a place to shop—it’s a contemporary lifestyle destination where convenience meets sophistication. Photographing this dynamic space meant capturing more than just aisles of products—it meant telling the story of a grocery store reimagined for urban life.
From the exterior, Tom Thumb’s presence is unmistakable. Tucked beneath a gleaming high-rise, its sleek signage, textured facades, and layered glass walls integrate seamlessly into the mixed-use development. Wide-angle twilight shots of the building’s façade highlight its urban scale, while street-level images emphasize accessibility and foot traffic—important qualities in any city-centered retail hub.
Inside, the experience is bright, open, and meticulously curated. The layout favors wide aisles, clean sightlines, and a visual hierarchy of signage that guides visitors intuitively through the space. We used linear compositions and elevated perspectives to emphasize spatial flow and strategic lighting, from the delicatessen and fresh produce sections to the striking wine and beer displays.
One of the most exciting areas to document was the in-store dining space and Starbucks café. Natural light floods the seating area through floor-to-ceiling windows, while rich textures—wood slat ceilings, leather seating, and matte fixtures—bring warmth and sophistication. We highlighted this contrast of hospitality and retail through intimate vignettes and wide contextual shots.
Parking isn’t just functional—it’s branded. The underground garage entry is awash in vibrant directional graphics, clear wayfinding, and branded murals that set the tone before visitors even walk through the door. Our photographs focused on the unexpected polish of these spaces, drawing attention to a detail-oriented design approach.
Tom Thumb at The Union exemplifies how retail architecture can evolve to match the pace and polish of urban life. From high ceilings to hospitality-grade finishes, it delivers a seamless blend of form, function, and experience—and we were proud to capture every detail.
