Teaching moment: Looking at the picture above can you tell which industry from the 1930's (remember the building was completed in 1936) is represented? Good guess. Now what other items are represented in this---look closely. Lots to see at this fabulous building that at the time it was finished was said to be one of the three most important places for Texas History, the other two? The Alamo and the San Jacinto Monument. Come by for a tour sometime...
Dallas is known for many things and in my humble opinion one of the best places we have to offer, but admittedly most neglected maintenance wise, is Fair Park. Some call it a City jewel others distain it as a relic of the past.
But whatever your opinion is, all of that is about to change. For the first time in a very, very long time the City has chosen to place Fair Park as a separate item in the upcoming 2017 Bond. Some people though are under the misconception that the money for Fair Park, $50 Million, is to go to the group that is awarded the Fair Park Management Agreement, this is not accurate.
The money will go to the immediate needs repair for many buildings and will be under the purview of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. Several buildings have major flood damage from leaking roofs and condensation issues, others have critical electrical repair needs, structural stabilization, plumbing, chiller, mechanical equipment, heat pump replacement, etc.
This list is by no means carved in stone and is only in draft form. Perhaps this can be viewed as an incentive for whomever takes over management of Fair Park so that new occupants for the vacant buildings are a little more easily acquired. And yes, we need a real park at Fair Park.
Here is an article from the DMN about this issue:
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/fair-park/2017/06/27/fair-park-need-50m-face-lift-dallas-city-council-let-voters-decide
Below is the Aug. 17th, 2017 Draft of the proposed use of the $50 Million allocated for Fair Park
Project Description Amount
1. Hall of State-Exterior wall and plaza restoration; exterior drainage
and lighting; repair or replace exterior doors and windows; other
architectural interior and exterior repairs; repair sump pump; other $14,410,000
plumbing repairs; address dehumidification issues; replace heaters and
other mechanical repairs; electrical repairs; elevator; ADA; and other
necessary repairs
2. Music Hall-Elevator; carpeting; replace old plumbing pipes; security;
ADA improvements and other necessary repairs $ 4,300,000
3. African American Museum-Resolve water intursion; repair interior finishes;
flush condenser water system; complete mechanical and electrical repairs $ 2,000,000
4. Texas Discovery Gardens-Chiller $ 300,000
5. Food and Fiber Building-Structural stabilization; repair damaged finishes;
and other necessary repairs $ 1,500,000
6. Coliseum-Water infiltration; flooring; plumbing; electrical/mechanical;
restrooms; and other necessary repairs; Phase 1 Restoration $ 9,500,000
7. Tower Building-Water infiltration repairs; interior renovation; plumbing;
mechanical/electrical; and other necessary repairs $ 3,500,000
8.Centennial Building-Roof repair; interior; exterior; electrical/mechanical;
mural and bas relief conservation; and other necessary repairs $ 4,400,000
9. Pan American Complex-Poultry-Exterior restoration, repair interior doors;
Sheep and Goat-Renovation of concrete columns and stucco; Police Mounted
Unit-Repair concrete, stucco, doors, columns, ventilation for electrical and
elevator rooms; Arena-roof and louver; and other necessary repairs $ 3,480,000
10. Science Place 1(Phase 1)-Water infiltration repairs; conduct mold
testing; replace plumbing fixtures and water heater; replace aged mechanical
equipment; security $ 5,110,000
11. Aquarium annex- Roof repairs and complete facade repairs; replace
some interior finishes; replace plumbing fixtures; upgrade fire alarm system;
provide new security $ 600,000
12. Magnolia Lounge-Roof replacement; repair facade; complete minor
interior work; replace heat pumps and FCU's; replace interior lighting;
install security system $ 900,000
Total for Fair Park-Proposition J (Bond) $50,000,000
