It's important to the city.
Historic significance and relevance
Designed by revered architect I. M. Pei, and born out of Dallas' darkest days after the assassination of President Kennedy, Dallas City Hall represents a community seeking to rebrand itself as the city of the future.
Many of Dallas' greatest leaders of the mid-century had a hand in building a cast-in-place structure that was to last for a century or more.
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Some of the greatest buildings exist today because someone spoke for them when they were least appreciated - think Swiss Avenue in the 1970's. Brutalism is being re-evaluated, and City Hall should have it's due consideration for preservation.
Learn the facts
The best decisions are made with facts.
The building has not had sufficient studies performed by licensed professionals to understand what is wrong and to what extent. A Dallas EDC report on site viability will be researched, created, and reported to City Council within a few months time during the holiday season - how is that possible?
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Large repair numbers are not substantiated and are inflated well beyond what was estimated during the 2024 Bond development.
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Having staff leave the building ensures its demise when there is no plan in place for it's preservation or use.
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This is a massive 800,000+ square foot building with a 1,400 car parking garage on fourteen acres that took fourteen years to design and construct - a huge investment the city should be proud to own.
To cast it aside with a few months discussion without public input is not mindful of citizens in any way, regardless of supposed economic development benefit.
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Interesting Facts:​
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In the early 1960's, Dallas was considering an annex to the previous city hall. The move to a new purpose-built City Hall was envisioned by Mayor J. Erik Jonsson, Texas Instruments co-founder, in the months following John F. Kennedy's assassination. It took nearly fourteen years to plan, design, and construct.
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While I.M. Pei was designing City Hall, he was also designing the Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston. Pei, known for geometric forms clearly shown at City Hall, famously designed the Louvre Pyramid (Grand Louvre) in Paris.
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Accepted by the city in May of 1976, the Park Plaza was downtown's first major public open space. Thanks-Giving Square is privately owned and opened in November of that year.​
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Important Dates:
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A move to new City Hall first studied in 1964-65 by a 21 member committee.
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First land acquired in 1965-66.
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I.M. Pei & Partners identified as architect in June 1966
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Building opened March of 1978
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Building Details:
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Approx. 800,000 square feet total
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Approx. 400,000 square feet of office area.
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1,400 car parking garage
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4-acre Park Plaza