DALLAS — Dallas residents are pressing city leaders to preserve the nearly 50-year-old City Hall building as officials weigh whether to remain in the structure or relocate because of mounting costs.
The debate has drawn significant public attention in recent weeks, including a March 4 City Council meeting that lasted 16 hours and drew about 200 residents. Many spoke in support of keeping the building, while city officials emphasized multiple options remain under consideration.
The future of Dallas City Hall has been uncertain for months. The building, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, has become a point of contention after a recent city report estimated it would cost about $1 billion to remain in the facility while addressing needed repairs and upgrades.
“What that number reflects though is the cost of fixing it, plus also, the move out, because we gotta move out during the penance of that, and then, just the cost of also bringing it up to modern standards,” Dallas City Council member Chad West said.
During the public comment portion of the council meeting, several residents expressed frustration and distrust about the possibility of leaving the building.
“We are here rushed, confused, angry, distraught, and perhaps, most of all, distrustful,” one speaker said.
“Their City Hall, our building, you threw it away without any planning,” another resident said.
Others questioned the speed of the discussion.
“I question why council is trying to move on this so quickly,” one speaker said.
Some residents acknowledged personal reservations about the building’s design but still argued for preserving it.
“I really don’t like this building. I find it cold and empty; however, it’s our building,” a resident told council members.
The debate has also been fueled by speculation about the future of the 15-acre property if the city were to leave. Some have suggested the site could become a prime location for a new arena for the Dallas Mavericks, whose lease at the American Airlines Center expires in 2031.
“History will not be kind to the people in this horseshoe in front of me,” one speaker warned council members.
For now, city officials said no decision has been made.
West said the council plans to continue examining the costs of remaining in the current building while the city manager explores other potential relocation sites.
“We’ve gotta embrace, at least, the collection of information, so that we can make a valid decision,” West said.
Potential relocation areas previously discussed include locations in downtown Dallas. Some speakers at the meeting said a move could help revitalize parts of the city, particularly as downtown prepares for the departure of the AT&T headquarters while welcoming new developments such as Y’all Street.
“Pouring a billion dollars into a structure that doesn’t serve the city anymore while downtown is bleeding,” one resident said.
“They’re talking about architecture aesthetics while we’re talking about jobs, economics and survival,” another speaker added when speaking on investing in South Dallas.
West said the council must keep all options open as it gathers more information.
“Exploring does nothing other than get us more information,” West said.