# 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.
- Title: Dallas pushes to save City Hall with May ballot vote
- Summary: A grassroots movement backed by prominent donors is collecting signatures to let voters decide the fate of the iconic building. Supporters of Dallas City…
- Keywords: dallas city hall, petition drive, ballot measure, preservation, dallas, i.m. pei, leiane pei, adam bazaldua, grassroots movement, may ballot, iconic building, news
- Source: FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth — https://fox4news.com/news/dallas-city-hall-petition-drive-seeks-may-ballot-vote-save-iconic-building
- Author: Lori Brown
- Published: 2026-09-24T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dallas city hall, petition drive, ballot measure, preservation, dallas, i.m. pei, leiane pei, adam bazaldua, grassroots movement, may ballot, iconic building, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Supporters of Dallas City Hall are using a citizen petition to force a public vote on whether to preserve or demolish the landmark structure.