The Dallas Aquarium Education Center at Fair Park recently received a 2021 Preservation Dallas Achievement Award. From design through construction, the renovation took a little over a year. It will be one of the many recently rehabilitated Fair Park buildings showcased this fall for the State Fair of Texas.
Main entry in the evening light as a car passes by. Preserving the original exterior, work included repairing all broken glazing panels, the replacement of two exterior side doors to match the existing, the repair of the front entry doors, and the correct re-installation of one window.
The Vision
Owned by the Dallas Zoo, the main goal for the Education Center was to create a welcoming multipurpose space for meetings and events for all ages. The City continues to follow its 2002 Renaissance Plan to “preserve and showcase the City’s historic park facilities for citizen education, appreciation and enjoyment” by enhancing recreation facilities such as Fair Park.
The History
Formerly named the Christian Science Monitor Building, the Education Center was constructed in 1936 as a newspaper exhibition building. It was part of the Texas Centennial and Greater Texas Pan American Expositions. Designed by Luther E. Sadler, it follows the Art Deco aesthetic established by the Exposition architects to reflect the style of the Exposition Des Arts Decoratifs of Paris in 1925. Sadler designed many similar white, geometric residences in the Lakewood and Oak Cliff areas of Dallas.
The Christian Science Monitor Building was constructed as a newspaper exhibition building in 1936. With the exception of this original photograph, no original construction documents were available.
The Challenges
Except for an early photograph, no original construction documents were available to the design team. The interior had been completely modified in prior renovations, leaving no trace of the authentic configuration. Architects performed extensive site assessment and investigation to preserve the landmark’s historic fabric.
Since its last renovation in 1998, the building had experienced significant deferred maintenance, especially due to the use of saltwater-containing aquariums and exhibits with insufficient ventilation.
The presence of mold, asbestos, and lead paint required extensive replacement of damaged drywall and wood stud framing, and abatement of steel casement windows. A tight construction budget caused the team to make compromises down the road.
Interior multipurpose space. Structural repairs were made to deteriorated roof rafters and interior walls, including replacing mold-encrusted drywall for the bottom four feet throughout.
The Outcome
The Education Center required a complete rehabilitation of the interior with new flooring, new suspended ceiling system, and wall finishes in every room. All full-height steel window frames were abated, repaired, cleaned, and repainted. Damaged window panes, exterior doors, and rotted door frames were replaced and painted to historical accuracy standards. Deteriorated roof rafters and mold-encrusted interior walls underwent major structural repairs.
Deep blue carpets and nautical, sky-colored walls achieve the “underwater” interior design vision. In the restrooms, black-and-white geometric floor tiles resemble abstract sting rays, and herringbone flooring in the public spaces provide a refined, durable surface. The design team wanted to complement the walk-through experience of the Children’s Aquarium directly adjacent to the Education Center.
Restroom tiles form abstract stingray shapes, and blue painted walls tie in “underwater” elements.
The team added acoustical panels on the main event space walls to limit reverberation. Mechanical, plumbing, electrical, lighting and fire alarm systems were replaced and improved with sustainable water and energy-efficient fixtures.
Acoustical panels on the main event space walls limit reverberation.
The team coordinated with the Dallas Landmark and Texas Historical Commissions to repair and maintain the prominent, white exterior walls and character-defining elements of the facility. The restored Dallas Aquarium Education Center symbolizes the importance of caring for precious historical assets and sets an excellent example for future generations.
View of the Education Center at dusk with the Texas Star Ferris Wheel in the background.
