Dallas residents will soon have a direct say on the future of their historic city hall. On Thursday, the Save Dallas City Hall coalition announced a petition drive to collect the 20,000 signatures needed to place a charter amendment on the ballot for the May 2025 election.
Heritage and Advocacy
Liane Pei, the only daughter of famed architect I.M. Pei, joined Dallas City Council members, County Commissioner Elba Garcia, State Rep. John Bryant, preservationists and other supporters on the plaza of the building. Pei, who lives in New York, said her father’s design of Dallas City Hall in the late 1960s remains one of his most important works. “When I see the interior of this building, my first reaction is ‘that’s Dad,’” she said, adding that the structure’s unique ability to channel light makes it a civic treasure.
Petition Drive Details
Garcia, one of five signatories on the required letter to the Dallas City Secretary, confirmed the coalition will file the letter on Oct. 2, a prerequisite before signature gathering can begin. “We’re ready to get the 20,000 signatures that we need,” Garcia said.
The proposed charter amendment would ask voters whether to keep the I.M. Pei‑designed building as the city’s municipal headquarters or to consider relocating city hall to a new site in the Central Business District. Council member Adam Bazaldua emphasized that the question will be placed directly in the hands of the electorate.
City Council Actions
In June, the Dallas City Council voted 9‑6 to give City Manager Kim Tolbert authority to seek up to four letters of intent for alternative city hall locations. Tolbert told council that she aims to present cost estimates and site options by late August, though no briefing or memo has yet been released.
Supporters of relocation argue that the downtown site could be repurposed for economic redevelopment, but no specific project has been identified. The Dallas Mavericks recently announced plans for a new arena and mixed‑use development at the former Valley View Mall site off I‑635, adding another layer to the city’s broader development conversation.
Preservation Perspective
Opponents of moving the building stress the financial and cultural costs. “I feel like the taxpayers have already paid for Dallas City Hall, and they should not be asked to foot the bill for another project that has absolutely no substance to it,” Pei said. “You can’t walk away from history, and you can’t erase this building.”
Garcia echoed that sentiment, stating, “History is always worth saving.” The coalition hopes the petition will demonstrate strong community support for preserving the iconic structure.
Next Steps
After the petition reaches the required threshold, the amendment will be placed on the May 2025 ballot, giving Dallas voters the final decision. The outcome will shape not only the city’s skyline but also its fiscal priorities and heritage preservation efforts.
Residents interested in supporting the petition can contact the Save Dallas City Hall coalition through their website or attend upcoming signature‑gathering events scheduled throughout the city.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
