Dallas debates future of I.M. Pei's brutalist City Hall

The Dallas City Council is weighing options for its City Hall, designed by I.M. Pei & Partners and completed in 1978. This brutalist structure, characterized by its inverted pyramid shape, covers almost 1 million square feet and houses public areas such as the Council Chamber. Due to neglected maintenance, the building faces serious problems, with repair costs estimated between $60 million and $345 million. The Historic Landmark Commission initiated the process to designate it as a local historic landmark in February 2025. On November 12, 2025, the City Council voted 12-3 to explore various options, leading to public backlash. Preservationists have deemed the building at risk and are calling for a clear renovation assessment. A final decision is anticipated by the end of the year.