Historic Importance & 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.
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 About It
Interesting Facts:
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.
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.
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.
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
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