Dallas City Hall repairs could top $600 million over 10 years, new estimates show

Repairing Dallas City Hall while keeping the building in service could cost between $532 million and $611 million over the next decade, according to new estimates released ahead of a City Council briefing on Wednesday.

The figures are the latest attempt to put a price tag on keeping the aging downtown government building functioning as the council debates whether to invest in repairs or leave and redevelop the property at 1500 Marilla St.

The projections differ from estimates made months earlier by other consultants, including engineering firm AECOM, that suggested repairing, modernizing and operating City Hall could cost more than $1 billion over 20 years.

Those estimates included not only repairs, but also temporary relocation costs, financing and long-term operating expenses.

The latest estimates focus on major repairs over roughly six to 10 years rather than the building’s total long-term costs.

One consulting team, Gresham Smith, estimated repairs would cost $531.6 million if completed over roughly six years or $556.8 million if spread over 10 years. A second consultant, WM2 Company, estimated costs ranging from $591.2 million to $610.8 million.

The proposed work includes repairs to the roof, elevators, plumbing, electrical systems, generators and other major building components.

Consultants also cautioned that hidden problems, including water damage, asbestos and deteriorated pipes, could push costs higher once construction begins.

The new report identified roof leaks, plaza leaks, electrical systems, generators and elevators as some of City Hall’s most urgent repair needs. 

Consultants recommended prioritizing projects where failures would be most likely to disrupt city operations.

In March, council members asked the city’s staff to come back with repair options after some questioned whether there was an alternative to spending heavily to modernize City Hall or relocating city offices elsewhere.

The new estimates focus on fixing the building’s most urgent problems while keeping the building open.

Unlike the earlier proposals that assumed employees would move out during major renovations, the new plans would allow most city operations to remain in the building while repairs are completed over time.

Some employees and departments could still be temporarily relocated as work moves through different parts of City Hall.

The consultants said the plan would require less temporary office space because most employees could remain in City Hall during construction.

In recent months, city leaders have also looked at whether government offices could move into other downtown buildings or elsewhere and redevelopment options for the site if the city relocates.

City Council members aren’t expected to make a decision Wednesday. Instead, they will review the new estimates as they continue debating the next steps for City Hall.