GFF currently has two historic preservation projects under construction at Fair Park – the Pan American Arena and the Tower Building.
Though modified from its original appearance, Pan American Arena Complex is one of just a handful of Fair Park buildings that pre-date the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition. This arena has been home to livestock events associated with the State Fair since the late 1800’s. The building that exists today consists primarily of concrete stadium seating and roof structure dating from 1911 which was enclosed with a brick façade in 1929. In preparation for the 1936 Exhibition, the poultry, horse, and sheep and goat pavilions were added, and the entire complex was wrapped in a new skin consistent with the “Texanic” Art Deco theme utilized for all the Centennial Exposition buildings. Working closely with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, the State Fair of Texas, and Fair Park’s event management team, GFF developed a work plan focusing on repair and rehabilitation of the building’s envelope. The current project is focused on repairing stucco cracking and delamination on the primary façade, restoring windows, and replacing the roof.
The Tower Building was constructed as the United States pavilion for the 1936 Texas Centennial in the “Texanic” Art Deco building style utilized throughout the park. Today, most fairgoers will recognize this building as the food-hall, and as the backdrop for Big Tex himself. Offices for Fair Park’s event management team are also housed within the Tower Building. In concert with the same team as the Pan American Arena Complex, GFF developed a work plan focusing on foundation repair, building stabilization, and slab leveling along with rehabilitation of portions of the building’s envelope. Recent work has been focused on foundation repairs and building stabilization.
GFF is committed to the cultural, financial, and sustainability benefits of preservation and adaptive reuse, and has a dedicated team that can help with all aspects of these types of projects.
For more information, please contact:
Jon Rollins at jon.rollins@gff.com
Chris Andersen at chris.andersen@gff.com
Morgan Harrison at morgan.harrison@gff.com
Our Historic Preservation / Adaptive Reuse Team
If you are considering a historic preservation / adaptive reuse project, let’s talk about how GFF can help you achieve your vision.
Historic Preservation / Adaptive Reuse News
Construction at Fair Park
GFF currently has two historic preservation projects under construction at Fair Park – the Pan American Arena and the Tower Building.
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In honor of Historic Preservation Month, GFF will be a Bronze Sponsor for the 2023 Preservation Dallas Preservation Achievement Awards on May 17th, 2023.
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