Proactive Preservation: The Last House Facing Lee Park Faces The Wrecking Ball With Only Last-Minute Outcry

The yellow home at 3407 Hall Street could be demolished to make way for new construction. (Photo: Dallas Voice)

This situation is more akin to the Bill Murray masterpiece Groundhog Day than Dallas would like to admit. We walk along our favorite sidewalks on our regular routes in our neighborhood only to be confronted with a city notice that the structure we’ve come to know somewhat like a best friend is slated for demolition. Even worse is when we see the wrecking ball at work with little or no warning. Bonus points if it’s during a Dallas Cowboys game.

Cue the outcry.

That’s exactly what has happened to 3409 Hall St., according the the Dallas Voice. A Board of Adjustment notice was posted in front of the last original structure facing Lee Park, a cute yellow house built in 1940 that is on the tax rolls for more than $714,000.

But the crux of the matter is that demolition permits aren’t issued overnight. For many historic structures, including the ones just demolished to make room for the Joule Hotel’s expansion, the process from requesting a permit to turning a building into a rubble pile takes weeks, if not sometimes months. And not all demolitions require a public announcement

So, how do we preserve structures in Dallas that tell the story of our past? Preservation Dallas suggests obtaining historic designations for neighborhoods and blocks, which would make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to tear down a structure:

• National Register of Historic Places: administered by the Texas Historical Commission and the National Park Service. National Register designation regulates rehabilitation of the site only if federal funds or tax incentives are used. Today there are 25 National Register districts in Dallas, including Dealey Plaza, Fair Park and all City of Dallas historic districts.

• City of Dallas Landmark Designation: administered by the City of Dallas through the Landmark Commission. All changes to exterior appearance to a landmark-designated property require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the City. There are currently over 80 structures designated as City of Dallas landmarks such as the Adolphus Hotel, the Magnolia Building and the Wales Apartments.

• City of Dallas Historic or Landmark District: administered by the City of Dallas through the Landmark Commission. Historic Districts are defined areas with a significant concentration of structures unified by their architectural style or related historical events. Historic Districts must also be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A Certificate of Appropriateness from the City is required for all changes to exterior appearance. There are currently 20 historic districts in Dallas including Lake Cliff, the Sears Complex and Swiss Avenue.

• City of Dallas Conservation District: administered by the City of Dallas, Department of Sustainable Development and Construction. Conservation Districts are a zoning tool that allows neighborhoods to establish exterior design criteria and other standards to preserve the character of an area. An ordinance is established for each conservation district that details the regulations homeowners must follow in any renovations or new construction.

Perhaps lost among all the Ebola news was this briefing offered by Preservation Dallas’ David Preziosi and city staff that outlines the benefits of preserving historic structures, as well as several different strategies that can prevent another tragic demolition like the one in the 1600 blocks of Main and Elm streets.

This might be too late for 3409 Hall, the last original home facing Lee Park. As the Dallas Voice put it: “Hopefully, the city will get the message that old stuff and trees just aren’t compatible with modern city living, and they’ll sell off Lee Park to put in some beautiful high-rise condos and more luxury offices.”

Of course, you could put your outrage to good use by attending Preservation Dallas’ forum tonight at the O’Hara Archives on the 7th floor inside the Erik Jonsson central public library at 1515 Young Street. The event, which starts at 6 p.m., will provide details on procedures designed to protect historic buildings, as well as a panel discussion.