University of North Texas at Dallas Law School
Dallas, Texas
Architexas served as the preservation architect for the University of North Texas School of Law at the Old Dallas Municipal Building in the heart of Downtown Dallas. Built in 1914, this building has undergone multiple renovations over the past century. It holds historical significance due to its Beaux Arts design and the events following President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, where Lee Harvey Oswald was held and later killed by Jack Ruby.
The adaptive reuse of the historic Dallas Municipal Building successfully transformed it into a college of law that seamlessly integrates significant Dallas history with nationally important events. The public spaces were restored to their original 1914 design, while the law school functions were designed in a contemporary yet compatible manner. The project also incorporated and restored elements related to the events of 1963, including the preservation of the original lineup room, interrogation room, jail, and museum. Stantec served as the architect of record for the project, with Architexas serving as the preservation architect, responsible for guiding the university and project team through the restoration process and the rigorous historic permitting process for this significant State Antiquities Landmark. The project was a certified historic rehabilitation and received both federal and state historic tax credits. The project also gained LEED Silver Certification.
