UPDATE: Dallas Independent School District (DISD) has officially announced plans to demolish the historic Adamson High School, a building that has stood for over 110 years in Oak Cliff. This urgent decision comes as the school has been deemed an “imminent threat to public health or safety” due to structural issues, as stated in a certificate submitted to Dallas City Hall on October 24, 2023.
The announcement follows years of neglect, leading to a significant decline in the school’s condition. DISD claims that maintaining the building would cost more than $102 million. The district has struggled to keep individuals from entering the site, which has become increasingly unsafe, with crumbling facades and shattered windows.
Why This Matters NOW: The fate of Adamson High School has sparked outrage among alumni and preservationists who believe that the district could have invested in restoring the landmark instead of opting for demolition. The school was officially designated a historic landmark in 2009, joining other iconic structures such as the Majestic Theater and Dallas City Hall. Its demolition signifies a loss of heritage for the community and raises concerns about the future of historic preservation in Dallas.
The upcoming December 1, 2023 meeting of the Landmark Commission will further discuss the situation, although initial signals indicate resistance to the request for demolition. Preservation Dallas, led by new executive director Sarah Crain, is actively opposing DISD’s plans. Crain lamented, “What’s heartbreaking about Adamson is that everyone has watched it rot over the last years.”
Former DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa, who began his career at Adamson, expressed his sadness over the decision. Hinojosa reminisced about his time at the school and stated, “It hurts me to know that one day soon he might drive past Adamson, and it will no longer be there.” His family also attended Adamson, making the news particularly personal for him.
The district’s failure to maintain the property has been labeled “demolition by neglect.” Critics argue that the city should have enforced stricter regulations to protect such historic sites. Currently, there is only one code compliance officer responsible for overseeing the city’s historic structures, a situation that limits effective preservation efforts.
As the community grapples with the impending loss, many are left questioning the future of historic preservation in Dallas. The story of Adamson High School serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safeguarding the city’s cultural heritage.
What’s Next: Community members and preservationists are encouraged to participate in the discussions at the December Landmark Commission meeting. Activists hope to rally support against the demolition and explore alternative solutions to preserve the historic site.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The fate of Adamson High School is not just a local issue; it reflects broader themes of community identity and the importance of preserving history.
