Dallas City Hall is slowly entering the final stretch of the year, but the run-up to Christmas hasn't let up much in terms of project updates and major initiatives. Here's some of what happened in the last week.
The new look of Dallas Memorial Auditorium
Apparently the Dallas Memorial Auditorium redesign is on track for completion in 2027, and officials have released the latest design renderings for the Dallas Wings' future home arena.
On Friday, Assistant City Manager Robin Bentley informed the Dallas City Council of the proposal in a memo. Engineering and architectural teams have completed the design development phase of the project and are ready to move on to the construction design phase.
“Interior planning focuses on the requirements of a WNBA arena, team needs and the operational flexibility required to accommodate a variety of events,” Bentley said. “The construction program has been organized to improve entrance efficiency, circulation clarity and the overall fan and visitor experience. Additionally, team performance areas will be improved, service access will be optimized and functional use will be maximized within the limitations of the existing footprint.”
The deputy city manager noted that the original brick structure of the auditorium will be preserved and combined with new materials to give the arena a modern identity. The building's seating and concourses were reconfigured in design to accommodate non-basketball events such as concerts and meetings.
The redesign of the Dallas Memorial Auditorium is part of the renovation of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
“The site plan considers key neighborhoods and leverages opportunities to seamlessly integrate into both the existing urban context and the evolving face of downtown Dallas,” Bentley said.
The costs associated with the design are determined during the construction design phase, when the prices of the various components of the construction are set on the market. McKissack & McKissack is the project manager and M. Arthur Gensler, Jr. & Associates is the architectural and engineering services contractor.
The Wings also have a new practice facility in the works at Joey Georgusis Park in West Oak Cliff, which is expected to open in time for the team's 2026 season.
Staff investigate complaints about disruptions to living space
Members of the Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee received an update on the situation regarding harassment calls in neighborhoods. Staff wrote a memo compiling data from 311 and 911 calls related to residential lighting issues, residential noise issues and loud music.
These efforts stem from committee-level discussions about how to mitigate supposedly troublesome properties, not the least of which is the Preston Hollow mansion, which has gone viral for its Christmas lights.
Staff are now also surveying homeowners associations and residents about “noise, lighting, event-related activities, parking and other neighborhood impacts” to get a sense of the extent of the problem, if one actually exists. Preliminary results of community input will be shared with the committee at its January meeting next year.
Fair Park has economic potential if the city can just get there
Some council members seemed a little frustrated with Dallas Park & Recreation's presentation on revamping Fair Park operations, although they agreed with the emphasis on economic activation.
On Monday, DPR's Parks, Trails & Environment Committee heard from the department's proposed hybrid operating model and potential revenue streams that could make Fair Park more of a year-round attraction.
Staff want to retain responsibility for maintenance, contract management and community programming, but believe private partners with specific expertise should be brought in to handle things like event booking, advertising, parking, security and venue management.
On the economic front, they want to aggressively pursue large-scale campus activations (concerts, festivals, local sporting events, etc.) at locations like the Cotton Bowl and the grounds surrounding the Coliseum. Staff is also interested in integrating retail, restaurants and hospitality into Fair Park in collaboration with the Dallas Economic Development Corporation and the Office of Economic Development.
Conspicuously absent is any mention of Fair Park Dallas or Oak View Group, the city's previous management partners whose contracts were terminated after years of alleged mismanagement and misuse of funds, or the community park promised in the area's 2020 master plan that has still not materialized.
Apparently the prosecution recommended that the discussion be limited to the structure of the agenda item: the basic principles of a new operating model and the economic possibilities.
“I want to say to our city attorney’s office: I’m tired of the way things are put on an agenda that silences us,” said Councilman Adam Bazaldua (Ward 7). “We have important business in the city that we need to discuss, and I don't like to see it parceled out and compartmentalized so we don't really get to the heart of the matter. … I think it's very political and strategic and it really limits and hinders us as a governing body.”
Bazaldua claimed that much of the work at Fair Park was rather fragmented, leading to dysfunction. He suggested that the city manager and council members be more involved given the importance of the asset and the project that DPR wants to initiate.
“The reason Fair Park is in the mess we are in is because we have closed off the park for so long,” he said. “Another point I didn’t see in the presentation here is any concrete numbers on the deferred maintenance needs that exist.”
Staff said a thorough business plan will be prepared that takes into account critical elements such as deferred maintenance, financing needs and previously approved projects such as the community park.
“What we wanted to do today was present the vision to make sure everyone is somewhat on the same page,” said DPR Deputy Director Ryan O'Connor.
Frustrations with the process aside, everyone on the committee seemed to agree with taking a proactive approach to unlocking Fair Park's economic potential, as long as the local community got involved.
Dallas EDC will lead the assessment through City Hall
It appears the Dallas Economic Development Corporation will be tasked with assessing the structural condition and repair costs of 1500 Marilla St., as well as options for relocating or redeveloping City Hall.
EDC will work with infrastructure consulting firm AECOM to update a previous report on the condition of the building. Construction and engineering experts contribute and donate their services to provide independent cost forecasts. Other parties such as Downtown Dallas, Inc. and architecture and design firm Corgan will study the downtown office landscape to get an idea of how much it might cost to relocate city operations.
The city will reimburse EDC up to $300,000 to implement the project. EDC CEO Linda McMahon said the group is open to bringing in additional experts to help with the task The Dallas Morning News.