Exploring Dallas' Architectural Boneyard

The Dallas Boneyard is a mecca for those with architectural salvage inclinations—not to mention a delightful collection of curiosities from the city's architectural past.

1 minute read

May 20, 2014, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Marc Ramirez brings readers inside the Boneyard, the city's "pantry of hoarded history"—a collection of almost-discarded remnants of renovated or demolished buildings.

The warehouse is located near Military Parkway east of Fair Park in Dallas, and the work in stashing away the site's artifacts is credited to Willis Winters and his predecessors and colleagues at Dallas Parks and Recreation.

"The whole thing started humbly. A set of Corinthian column capitals came first, salvaged in the 1990s from Tenison Memorial Park on Samuell Boulevard. The ornate column crowns built in 1918 had gone neglected for too long to be restored; they were dumped in a facility corner."

"Eventually, a few pieces would turn into many: Stone parapets, chunks of smooth terra cotta, blocks lined with sculpted orbs reflecting Prairie School-style architecture. There’s even two rows of seats salvaged from the Cotton Bowl when it converted to bleacher seating in 2009."

The article by Ramirez also details some of the collection's most treasured objects, including one with a connection to the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Friday, May 16, 2014 in Dallas Morning News

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

A woman in the snowy woods wraps two children in blankets.

U.S.-Iran war may have ‘devastating’ impact on cost to warm homes

Vermont and Maine residents may see a 76% increase in the cost of warming their homes this winter.

5 hours ago - Grist

Construction worker uses a power saw to cut through metal.

Senate bill would ‘overhaul’ environmental permitting laws

Under the proposed act, government agencies would also not be able to suspend or rescind permits after granting them.

6 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

A person crossing the street between two residential buildings in NYC.

Exemption applications for NYC’s pied-à-terre tax see 55% success rate

The city sent nearly 40% of its initial pied-à-terre tax warnings erroneously.

7 hours ago - The City Reporter