The push to save Dallas City Hall is becoming a growing movement around Dallas, a growing movement internationally, and within the Asian-American community.
The building was designed by the iconic Chinese-born architect I. M. Pei who immigrated to the United States in the 1930s.
Today, the Dallas Asian American Historical Society has joined the growing movement to save the building ever since some council members and the mayor expressed a desire to move out and sell it.
The Society’s Co-founder and Executive Director, Stephanie Drenka, has become an outspoken advocate.
"What I noticed was that there was a lack of context for the community around the significance of I. M. Pei having been the architect that designed City Hall," Drenka said. "As an Asian American Historical Preservation Organization, it's really important for us to educate the community about the significance of his legacy to us."
Drenka has been outspoken on the issue and plans events at the Dallas Asian American Historical Society to expand the movement to keep the building and City Government inside of it.
"We would be the only city in the world to destroy one of his works," Drenka said. "We would be looked at as a laughing stock."
Proponents of City Government moving out and selling the property point to the costs associated with needed repairs for the building and the value of the real estate around the property.
