The $250 million to reignite the future of Dallas’ historic landmark sweetens a novel funding deal that would also cover the $2 billion convention center redo.
But that $250 million slice also represents the single largest capital investment ever in Fair Park, which even after receiving $50 million in 2017 bond dollars needs tens of millions more in infrastructure help. For example, the funding would restore the murals and bas-relief carvings on buildings along the Esplanade — vivid, stylized work first designed to lift the city’s spirits out of the Depression. Just as critically, Fair Park would have money to rebuild the walls that are crumbling underneath the art.
Worn floor that once was used as indoor tennis courts for tournaments in the current Automobile Building at Fair Park in Dallas. That’s why Fair Park First, the nonprofit manager of the city’s 277-acre landmark park, recommended that the final list include buildings with the greatest needs and the greatest capability to drive attendance.
Outdated concession stands and the narrow walkways make getting a corny dog and a beer a challenge in the Cotton Bowl. Just a year ago, an entire bathroom collapsed within the Cotton Bowl, Luallen said, noting that the stadium has almost tripled in fan capacity without similar enlargements in restroom and concession space.