Landmark Commission approves aquarium-themed carousel for Fair Park over aesthetic objections

The Landmark Commission of Dallas voted on June 2 to approve a request from the Children’s Museum/Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park to substitute a different aquatic-themed outdoor carousel and retain that unit’s factory color scheme at 1462 First Avenue (COA-25-000047).

Staff recommended approval, saying the proposed unit met applicable preservation criteria and city-code standards for the Fair Park lagoon area. Dr. Rhonda Dunn, presenting for staff, told the commission the work was “consistent with preservation criteria” and the Secretary of the Interior’s guidelines cited in the staff report.

The item drew objections focused on appearance rather than safety or historic fabric. Norman Allston, speaking for the applicant, said the museum switched vendors because tariffs made the originally planned manufacturer impractical and that the replacement is higher-quality and “touches no historic fabric. It requires no removal of historic fabric.” He told the commission the carousel is intended to augment programming and activate the lagoon area for children.

Several commissioners said they disliked the carousel’s modern, brightly colored look. Commissioner Rothenberger said she would not vote for the proposal, calling the new model “a step backwards” from the color scheme the commission had previously worked to develop. Commissioner Reeves likewise announced a “no” vote. Other commissioners said the carousel is an allowed amusement in Fair Park and emphasized its limited, reversible impact compared with alterations to historic buildings.

A motion “to follow staff recommendation and approve as submitted” was moved and seconded (second recorded as Commissioner Gay). The motion passed; two commissioners recorded no votes (Commissioner Rothenberger and Commissioner Reeves). The commission did not require removal of historic material or other mitigation beyond the documentation and specifications attached to the application.

Task-force comments in the file urged caution about the proposed globe lights and recommended they be turned off when the unit is not in operation; the task force also raised concern that an art-deco palette would be “incompatible with the theme decor of the children’s quarry.” Staff noted those comments and recommended that the lights be managed so as not to create a nuisance when the feature is not operating.

The commission’s approval allows the museum to proceed with purchasing and installing the substituted carousel under the submitted drawings and specifications. Commissioners who opposed the application asked the applicant to continue maintenance and oversight plans and suggested the museum consider additional ways to soften the unit’s visual impact if possible.

Commission action

- Motion: follow staff recommendation and approve as submitted (COA-25-000047). Second: Commissioner Gay. Outcome: approved. Two members recorded no votes (Commissioners Rothenberger and Reeves).