UPDATE: The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) has officially announced plans to demolish the historic Adamson High School, a landmark in Dallas for over a century. This decision comes after years of neglect that have left the structure deteriorating, with DISD labeling it an “imminent threat to public health or safety.”
On October 24, 2023, DISD submitted a request to Dallas City Hall for a demolition permit, claiming the building is “not structurally sound along the south facade.” This long-anticipated move raises urgent concerns among preservationists and local communities about the loss of a significant piece of Dallas history.
The historic Adamson High School, designated as a landmark in 2009, was meant to be protected from such actions. However, DISD argues that it would cost over $102 million to make necessary repairs. Critics argue that the district’s failure to maintain the building has led to this situation, often referred to as “demolition by neglect.”
Former DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa, who has a personal connection to Adamson, expressed his disappointment in the decision, stating, “I drive by it every few months, and it’s just sad.” Hinojosa’s family has a long history with the school, and he fought against its historic designation in the past, only to later support the preservation efforts.
The demolition request comes amidst a backdrop of increasing frustration from the community and preservation groups. Preservation Dallas is organizing efforts to oppose the demolition, with its new executive director, Sarah Crain, emphasizing the emotional toll of watching Adamson decay. “What’s heartbreaking about Adamson is that everyone has watched it rot over the last years,” Crain stated. “They could have invested in the space and shined a light on what DISD is capable of with its historic schools.”
The Dallas Landmark Commission is scheduled to discuss the Adamson situation on December 1, but early indications suggest resistance to the idea of razing the campus, which also holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
As the situation develops, many feel that this decision reflects a larger trend in Dallas, where historic buildings are often sacrificed in the name of progress. The city has only seen a handful of landmark demolitions since 1974, but Adamson’s fate could set a concerning precedent for other historic sites.
The community’s outcry over the potential loss of Adamson High School underscores a deeper connection to the city’s history and identity. As this urgent situation unfolds, the voices of preservation advocates and concerned citizens will likely continue to grow louder, demanding accountability and action from DISD and city officials.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the fight to save Adamson High School intensifies.
