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Historic Hotels
The Dallas Grand Hotel:: Just as Lonely and Neglected as Jessica Simpson
May 20, 2008 at 2:15 PM | 0 Comments
It seems as if Jessica Simpson isn't the only Texan experiencing some heartbreak. The National Trust for Historic Preservation released its 2008 list of "America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places," and on it? The 1,001-room Dallas Grand Hotel--formerly the Statler Hilton--earmarked as an example of fading midcentury-modern architecture.
The hotel opened to much fanfare in 1956, heralded for its introduction of many of today's standards, such as elevator music, conference facilities and the true highlight: custom 21"-inch TVs in each room--how quaint! Since closing in 2001, plans to re-establish the hotel to its former glory--likely with bigger TVs--have been halted by structural problems and inadequate parking, according to The Dallas Morning News.
And while you might think being labeled as an endangered species might help move preservation efforts along, the paper reports that the designation could hurt more than it helps. "Anytime something like this happens, it puts more restrictions on the ability of the owners to sell it," Tom Keen, an attorney for the current owners, mysteriously tells the paper, noting that the building is under contract with a prospective buyer.
As hotel geeks, we need to mobilize. What do you suggest? A rally? Endowment fund? Letter writing campaign to Conrad Hilton?
[Photo: Jason Grant for the NY Times]
