Preservation Texas is honoring four Merriman Anderson/Architects’ historic projects in downtown Dallas. These projects include The Mercantile Commerce Building (1712 Commerce Street), Old Dallas High School (2218 Bryan Street), Old Dallas Central Library (1954 Commerce Street), and Tower Petroleum (1907 Elm Street).  

“These historical buildings are icons to downtown Dallas,” said Merriman Anderson/Architects President and Founder, Jerry Merriman. “Restoring these historically-significant buildings allows us to preserve Dallas’ history while adapting these buildings into modern and useful spaces.”

The Preservation Texas Honor Awards Reception and Ceremony took place at the historic Paramount Theatre at 713 Congress Avenue in Austin on February 27th and 28th. Preservation Texas is dedicated to protecting the historic resources of Texas. The 2019 Honor Awards, selected by a jury of preservationists, recognize successful efforts to save irreplaceable and authentic historic places in Texas. Preservation Texas honors individuals, government officials, businesses, organizations and news media that have made significant contributions to preservation efforts in Texas.

The Mercantile Commerce Building was revamped from a 1952 office building into a 209-room Marriott Residence Inn and AC Hotel after being vacant for 25 years. Old Dallas High School was built in 1907 and is one of the oldest institutional buildings on the local school district property list and remained in continuous use until September 1995. It remained vacant until it was bought in 2015 and was renovated to Class A office space. Tower Petroleum is a 1931 art deco building that was renovated and converted for hotel use becoming the Cambria Dallas Downtown. All four buildings were also honored with 2018 Preservation Dallas Achievement Awards. Old Dallas Central Library was built in 1955 as a public library with exhibit area, work rooms, rooftop terrace, and an auditorium. It was renovated into office space and is now home to Dallas’ major daily newspaper, The Dallas Morning News. The former library is connected to another Merriman Anderson/Architects preservation project, The Statler. The Statler opened in 1956 as a 1,001-room luxury hotel, convention center and gathering place and now features a 159-room Curio Hilton Hotel and 219 luxury rental apartments with many amenities. Also located in downtown Dallas, The Statler received a Preservation Texas Honor Award in 2018.

A total of 19 restoration, rehabilitation and preservation planning projects ranging in scale throughout Texas were also recognized at the 2019 Honor Awards Ceremony and Reception, spanning cities of Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Cisco, Dallas, El Paso, Karnes City, Houston, Morgan’s Point, Nacogdoches and Plano.