HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9877 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9877
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council April 19, 2016
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*a SUBJECT: WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL CENTER AUDITORIUM, COLISEUM,
rrn AND PIONEER TOWER LISTING ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF
HISTORIC PLACES
The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide an update to the City Council regarding the National
Register of Historic Places nomination for the Will Rogers Auditorium, Coliseum, and Pioneer Tower (Will
Rogers Memorial Center). On March 22, 2016, the Center was officially listed on the National Register of
Historic Places.
From the National Register Nomination:
The Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth,
Texas is significant as one of the most
outstanding examples of Art Deco architecture in
the State of Texas and as a major component of
the state's Centennial celebration in 1936. The
complex, designed by Wyatt Hedrick and Herman
i�.
Koeppe in 1936, and dedicated on January 10, —
1937, stands as the crowning achievement of '"`�`' . .m •- °�
their partnership. The three-part main building ; 1y
features the iconic Pioneer Tower flanked by a -
domed Coliseum to the east and an Auditorium to
the west. The complex was widely acclaimed by
the architectural profession upon completion.
The Coliseum, although promoted during
construction as a general civic performance and Will Rogers Memorial Center–May 26, 1938
exhibition space, was focused on future use for
the annual livestock show and rodeo. The adaptable facility has proven its worth, and it has been used for
a large variety of other events, including agricultural displays, boxing matches, beauty pageants, car
shows, and horse shows. The Auditorium was Fort Worth's first large municipal public performance
center, with a large stage, rigged fly loft, and professional lighting. It was designed for symphonic
acoustics, was suitable for opera, and has hosted legions of well-known artists. Until the Tarrant County
Convention Center opened in 1968, it was the only place where the symphony, opera and ballet could
perform and was the only large hall for artistic performances.
The Coliseum, Tower and Auditorium are substantially as they were constructed in 1936. The few
changes made have reflected maintenance needs and legal requirements such as accessibility. The fact
that these buildings have been subject to such outstanding preservation and use speaks of the value the
Center has to Fort Worth and its annual statement of western heritage.
The National Register listing is an important symbolic achievement and places no restrictions on the use
or treatment of the Center. The Center currently has local Demolition Delay designation, and any
proposed exterior building modifications are reviewed by the City's Historic Preservation Officer. Please
contact Public Events or Planning and Development for further information.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS