Preservation Dallas awards Robert P. Garza and Highland Park Mayor for DPS Restoration Project
About the Highland Park DPS and Town Hall Renovation
Originally built in 1924, the historic Town of Highland Park DPS and Town Hall had undergone multiple small renovations, resulting in a convoluted campus and lack of connectivity between departments. Over the years, the Town added a fire station, auditorium, library and other elements, creating floors on different levels and an interior more reminiscent of the 1960s than the 1920s. In 2010, the town began a renovation project with the goal of recapturing the original Spanish colonial revival aesthetic, with minimal horizontal expansion to the building’s footprint.
The impetus behind the Highland Park Town Hall and Dept. of Public Safety renovation was the need to bring up to date the dispatch operation by upgrading the infrastructure, technology and equipment. To resolve these issues, the town approved major renovations and added 15,000 sq ft to the building, including a third floor and a basement for additional office space and technology upgrades. The design team restored historical elements of the original town hall, including the domed tower and the building’s Spanish Colonial design.
The center section of the building was demolished to make way for a three-story addition with a complete basement connected to the town hall as well as fire services. Other improvements included flood proofing the creek side of the basement and increasing operational and circulation efficiencies as well as the energy efficiency of the building.
Existing conditions required the team to think of creative solutions. For example, the floor-to-floor heights were 12 ft and framed with 2 x 12s, making it extremely difficult to route new conduit and ductwork. To match existing floor-to-floor heights, the new three-story addition between the two existing buildings utilized cellular beams that allowed infrastructure and structural elements to share space.
The town hall was built in 1924 and since 1930 has undergone numerous minor and six major renovations and additions, making for an extremely convoluted interior.
"The resulting aesthetic is very close to a "plaster look" and provided a finish very much in keeping with the Spanish Colonial Revival feel."
- Robert P. Garza, AIA, TSA, R.A., R.I.D.
Principal, RPGA Design Group, Inc. - Architects
A big congratulations to Robert Garza and Joel Williams for their efforts to improve the town's facility. Great work!
News Features and Acclamations:
Engineering News-Record, Best Government/Public Building: Town of Highland Park, Town Hall & DPS
Dallas News, Highland Park Town Hall renovation is celebrated
Dallas News, Highland Park officials prepare for move, $14.5 million Town Hall renovation
