Dallas Residents Tour City Hall to Fight Preservation

Preservation Dallas leads tour of iconic I.M. Pei-designed building as officials consider relocation

Feb. 4, 2026 at 7:07pm

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A group of Dallas residents led by the nonprofit Preservation Dallas will tour the city's iconic I.M. Pei-designed City Hall building on Wednesday evening. The tour, given by the city's chief planner, will cover the design, significance, and history of the building as local officials inch closer to a decision about whether to leave or stay at the current City Hall site.

Why it matters

Dallas City Hall is a significant example of Modernist architecture and an important part of the city's history. The building was constructed in 1978 to help rebrand Dallas' image after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Preservationists are concerned that the city may decide to relocate, which could threaten the building's future.

The details

The tour, organized by the nonprofit Preservation Dallas, will be led by Marcus Wilson, the city's chief planner at the Office of Historic Preservation. Attendees will learn about the design, historical significance, and importance of the I.M. Pei-designed City Hall building, which opened to the public in 1978.

  • The tour will take place on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6 p.m.
  • Dallas officials are currently considering whether to leave or stay at the current City Hall site at 1500 Marilla St.

The players

Preservation Dallas

A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Dallas' historic buildings and neighborhoods.

Marcus Wilson

The city's chief planner at the Office of Historic Preservation, who will be leading the tour of Dallas City Hall.

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What’s next

Dallas officials are expected to make a decision about the future of the City Hall building in the coming months.

The takeaway

This tour highlights the ongoing efforts by preservationists to protect Dallas' iconic City Hall building, which is an important example of Modernist architecture and a symbol of the city's history. The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for the building's future.