Preservation Task Force Hits a Wall in Dallas City Council

Big questions remain about how Dallas will address preservation controversies in the future. Meanwhile the past hangs in the balance.

1 minute read

April 24, 2015, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Yesterday’s long-awaited developments — actually, the lack of developments — related to the Downtown Historic Preservation Task Force’s ideas for protecting our city’s history were maddening," according to an op-ed by Sharon Grigsby.

To sum up her frustration, Grigsby writes: "Judging by the foot-dragging yesterday by the Arts, Culture and Libraries Committee, the task force did a lot of work just to have it swatted away for the time being."

Grigsby also provides a summary of the controversial events that led to the creation of the task force, such as the surprise demolition of storefronts along Elm and Maine. Grigsby notes that the Dallas Morning News editorial board met with task force members last week, encountering optimism that the group had formulated an actionable plan. The Arts, Culture and Libraries Committee, however, quickly put an end to that enthusiasm by only passing one of the items suggested by the task force.

Robert Wilsonky reports the news of the council committee's actions, especially the details on the ordinance that moved forward and the actions that the committee delayed.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015 in The Dallas Morning News

portrait of professional woman

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 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 Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

5 hours ago - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Public Market sign over Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington with pop-up booths on street.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market Leans Into Pedestrian Infrastructure

After decades of debate, the market is testing a car ban in one of its busiest areas and adding walking links to the surrounding neighborhood.

4 hours ago - Cascade PBS

Yellow and silver light rain train in downtown Long Beach, California.

The World’s Longest Light Rail Line is in… Los Angeles?

In a city not known for its public transit, the 48.5-mile A Line is the longest of its kind on the planet.

6 hours ago - Secret Los Angeles

Man reaching for young girl sliding down playground slide.

Quantifying Social Infrastructure

New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?

7 hours ago - Happy Cities