As a former member of both the Dallas City Council and the City Plan Commission, I am often asked for my view on the growing debate over the future of Dallas City Hall. The current deliberation about selling the property demands real courage and real perspective. This is not simply a local land use scuffle. It is a decision about how we define our city and what we choose to value.
Years ago, when I was serving on the Plan Commission, I introduced myself to a former council member. He looked at me and said, “I have heard of you. Stay out of my district.” I replied that this would be difficult, because his district was inside my city. That exchange comes to mind today as I listen to arguments about City Hall. It may sit in one district and it may fall under the current council’s authority, but it belongs to the entire city – past, present and future. It is not just an address on a map. It is an internationally recognized civic landmark created by I. M. Pei, one of the most celebrated architects of the modern era.
We have a responsibility to protect it, not demolish it. This building is part of the visual identity of Dallas. It is photographed by visitors from around the world. It appears in textbooks and architectural tours. It is one of the few structures in our region that unquestionably rises to the level of national significance. We do not have the right to destroy something of such cultural and historical value simply because it requires investment.
Some say that the sudden interest in redeveloping the site is tied to a desire to build a new sports arena. Perhaps. Perhaps not. What matters is that the public deserves full transparency and a real voice before any irrevocable step is taken. A decision of this magnitude must be made by the voters of Dallas, not by any temporary political majority and certainly not in response to pressure from wealthy interests.
Opinion
We should listen closely to the tourism community, to preservationists, to architects and urban planners, and to the thousands of residents who have already spoken up. Consider what is at risk. We have preserved the Texas School Book Depository. We have preserved the Old Red courthouse. What else have we protected in a city that is now almost 170 years old? Do we really want Dallas to be known as the place that erases its own history?
In New York, a brutalist civic building of similar pedigree was recently purchased and restored by Sotheby’s as its world headquarters. The irony is hard to ignore. While other cities safeguard and celebrate their architectural heritage, we are contemplating bulldozing ours.
Instead of rushing toward demolition, imagine what could happen if we invested in activating the plaza at City Hall and inviting residents to shape the future of this civic space. There is no shortage of creativity in Dallas. There is only a shortage of political will. If the recent noise about a possible departure of the Mavericks had never been made, would anyone be talking about tearing down City Hall at all?
Dallas loves its sports teams, but a great city does not sacrifice its civic soul to chase an arena deal that promises nothing in return. Demolishing an iconic building simply to entice a team to stay would be shortsighted, irresponsible and disrespectful to the people who live here.
Dallas City Hall is part of our story. It is part of our identity. Once it is gone, it is gone forever. We owe the public a more thoughtful conversation and a far better vision for the heart of our city.
Jaynie Schultz is a former member of the Dallas City Council.