'Big, Excellent News' for Dallas Preservationists

The Dallas City Council surprised everyone by reversing early indications of reticence and giving full support to the recommendations of the Historic Preservation Task Force.

1 minute read

June 10, 2015, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


A column by Sharon Grigsby confirms "big and excellent" news for preservationists in Dallas: last week the Dallas City Council voiced a "full-throated embrace of the Historic Preservation Task Force’s nine proposals…"

"That go-for-it message from City Council means that soon we will be a city without those awful Sunday morning demolition surprises," according to Grigsby. "Let me be clear: This doesn’t mean demolitions won’t happen. It does go a long way toward stopping the abrupt implosions and, instead, starting thoughtful conversations about each building that potentially faces the wrecking ball."

After an initial hearing in April that seemed to indicate reticence on the part of the council, last week's news came as a bit of a surprise. Grigsby credits the Preservation Task Force's "diverse group of developers, property owners and advocates from preservation, planning and architecture circles" as the reason for the City Council support.

Grigsby also notes the next steps in the process, which will be shepherded by the newly formed Preservation Solution Committee.

Tuesday, June 9, 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

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

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.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing