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.
Manuscript and Paper-based Materials
1991-124 Dallas City Hall Collection, 1966-1978
Limited correspondence between the City of Dallas and the contractors, Harris & Kemp. Most of the architect correspondence we have is with Theodore Amberg, who was Pei’s designated contact for the city.
Plans and drawings, none original – elevations, M&E. Nothing Pei Cobb Freed wouldn’t have. They are rolled and in good condition, but would not transport well.
Pei’s letter of congratulations from last year through Henry Cobb on the building’s anniversary.
Pei Cobb Freed provided the Dallas Municipal Archives with a set of the additional plans, which were never realized.
City Council Minutes, Ordinances, and Resolutions
Photographs
Extensive photography of Pei at Dallas City Hall dedication ceremonies, March 1978
Audio/Video
These videos are not contained in any collection, but they are available for viewing in the Archives.
• the archives has over five hours of oral history with the city manager George Schrader. Schrader worked extensively with Pei during the planning and construction of City Hall. The video content is not focused on construction, but it is discussed.
• A one-hour mini-symposium video about the architecture of Dallas City Hall with Louise Elam, RA (who was the city’s main contact for the Meyerson Symphony Center), architectural historian (and our Parks Director) Willis Winters, FAIA, and Ian Bader (Pei Cobb Freed).
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