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​Overview

Scope and Content

Collection consists of typescript manuscripts, electrostatic (Xerox), printed materials, and black and white and color photographic prints documenting the building and 1978 dedication of the Dallas City Hall.  

The bulk of the collection contains memoranda and information concerning the construction of the building, decision-making regarding interior furnishings and interior space configuration, and details of the initial building occupation.

There are three-dimensional items in the collection—a plastic Frisbee from the building dedication, commemorative coins, and an embossed ​vinyl binder from the dedication.

Dallas City Hall, initially called the Dallas Municipal Center, is located at 1500 Marilla Street in downtown Dallas.  Planning began by order of the Dallas City Council in May 1966. 

The architect of the building was IM Pei and Partners, and the contractor was Robert E McKee, Inc.  Construction commenced on June 26, 1972, and was completed at a cost of nearly $70 million dollars. The new building was dedicated March 12, 1978, and was attended by I. M. Pei, sculptor Sir Henry Moore, present and former city officials, and the general public. 

Photographic materials document mostly the dedicatory events of March 10-12, 1978, but also show the construction of the building, previews, and move-in activities.  The first Dallas City Council meeting in the new building, held on February 1, 1978, was also documented photographically.  A small series of prints document the creation, transportation, and installation of the Henry Moore sculpture that sits on the west plaza in front of the building.  The collection also contains a number of half-toned images of political cartoons that appeared in local Dallas newspapers regarding controversial issues surrounding the building of the City Hall. 

Organization

The collection is organized by material type.  The collection contains oversized information.

Access

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use by any and all other current or future developed methods or procedures must be obtained in writing from the Dallas Municipal Archives.  All rights are reserved and retained regardless of current or future development or laws that may apply to fair use standards. ​ The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.​

Citation

Dallas City Hall Collection, 1964-1978 (Box <#>, Folder <#>), Dallas Municipal Archives

Related materials

None

Index terms

City Hall Plaza (Dallas, Tex.)
City halls -- Texas -- Dallas
Dallas -- Texas -- History
Dallas City Hall

Container List