Dallas-based Merriman Anderson/Architects, the firm that has worked on Fort Worth’s historic Sinclair Building among others, has been honored with the 2018 Award for Excellence in Historic Architecture by the Texas Historical Commission.
Historic projects in Downtown Fort Worth include the Sinclair and Sanger buildings as well as the Hilton Annex. The Sinclair Building is an iconic example of art deco architecture and was built in 1929; it is currently being redeveloped as a Marriott Autograph hotel.
The Texas Historical Commission Awards recognizes worthy accomplishments and exemplary leadership in the preservation of Texas’ heritage.
“Restoring historic buildings not only reduces construction waste and energy but pays tribute to the state and city’s history and culture,” said Merriman Anderson/Architects Founder and President Jerry Merriman, AIA. “We are proud to play a role in preserving Texas’ heritage and bringing life back to historic buildings and their architecture.”
The banquet was held on January 17 at the Capitol Ballroom in Austin. Gene Kranz, the leader of the “Tiger Team” of flight directors for Apollo 13, was the keynote speaker for the event, celebrating the 50th anniversary of landing on the moon.
MAA is responsible for the restoration of 22 historic buildings in downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, including The Statler, 1401 Elm, Old Dallas High School, Tower Petroleum Building, Butler Brothers Building and the Sinclair Building, among several others.
The Statler opened in 1956 as the largest hotel in the Southwest with 1,001 rooms and was an icon of mid-20th century design with its innovative architecture features. In 1965, the 1401 Elm building was constructed for the former First National Bank in downtown Dallas. It was once touted as the tallest building west of the Mississippi with 52 floors. Old Dallas High School dates back to 1907 and reopened as offices in 2017.
Tower Petroleum Building was built in 1931 as a 23-story art deco building that was once one of the buildings of Theater Row, the vibrant entertainment district on Elm Street in downtown Dallas and housed the Tower Theater on the ground floor. It was redeveloped into a 177-room hotel and brought back its entertainment history by utilizing its basement for musical rehearsals to prepare for performances at The Majestic theater down the street.
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