From FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth · Lori Brown · · 1m 20s
Dallas pushes to save City Hall with May ballot vote
A grassroots movement backed by prominent donors is collecting signatures to let voters decide the fate of the iconic building.
In brief
A grassroots movement backed by prominent donors is collecting signatures to let voters decide the fate of the iconic building. Supporters of Dallas City Hall are using a citizen petition to force a public vote on whether to preserve or demolish the landmark structure. Originally reported by FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort…
Grassroots push to save City Hall
A citizen petition drive aims to put Dallas City Hall's future on the May ballot. Organizers plan to collect 20,000 signatures in 60 days starting October 2.
Powerful backers join the effort
The movement has secured support from attorney Ben Abbott, the granddaughter of philanthropist Margaret McDermott, and grandchildren of former Mayor Erik Jonsson.
Voters strongly favor preservation
A poll of registered voters shows 84% support keeping Dallas City Hall. Organizers say they have done extensive research on the building's viability.
Architect's daughter defends design
Leiane Pei, daughter of world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, says demolition would be astronomically expensive and the plaza is irreplaceable. The building was designed to last.
“I can't even imagine how it would be possible to destroy this building. It's a crazy idea, frankly.”
Current building superior to options
Architect Tipton Housewright, a past president of the American Institute of Architects Dallas chapter, says City Hall and its plaza outperform any alternative under consideration.
“Our leaders are chasing buildings difficult to adapt, less secure, and most importantly much less accessible to the citizens of Dallas.”
City officials remain silent
The City of Dallas and the mayor have not yet commented on the petition effort or the movement to save the building.
Here's the gist
Supporters of Dallas City Hall are using a citizen petition to force a public vote on whether to preserve or demolish the landmark structure.
