Let’s start this CandysDirt.com ranking of most endangered properties in Dallas with the very symbol of the city: Dallas City Hall.
1. Dallas City Hall
If you haven’t been following since CandysDirt.com broke the news that Mayor Eric Johnson had his eye on selling City Hall, here’s an explainer to get you up to speed.
It’s shocking to watch the city council consider giving up our seat of government to developers. I can’t believe that just eight temporary public servants are deciding the fate of such a historic and important building. These officials will soon be out of office, but their decisions could have lasting effects.
Remember, they work for us and should represent everyone in the community. This isn’t about whether the building looks nice. It’s about a group making risky choices, believing empty promises, and keeping facts from the public. If we don’t act now, what will happen next? We need to protect our city’s landmark and gathering place.
2. Can Any Cooley Demolitions be Prevented?
Last January, I was digging through MLS when I spotted an anomaly. Public records indicated three adjacent, architecturally significant homes in Highland Park were purchased by the same buyers. Auto magnate Clay and Lisa Cooley snapped up 4209 Bordeaux Ave, 4208 Armstrong Parkway, and 4200 Armstrong Parkway, which both back up to Bordeaux.
The Tudor at 4209 Bordeaux Ave. was designed by legendary architect Hal Thomson. Just across the way, T4208 Armstrong Parkway was designed in 1926 by architect Anton Korn. And then there’s 4200 Armstrong Pkwy — better known as the Mushroom or Gnome House — built by eclectic architect Tom Workman. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it house, but it’s most definitely significant…