THC staff reported that major work at Fair Parkthe Cotton Bowl circulation expansion and temporary advertising signage on the Tower Buildinghad proceeded without the required Texas Historical Commission permits for work on State Antiquities Landmark (SAL) resources. THC said the Cotton Bowl project, which expands circulation and replaces historic ramps with elevators and escalators to meet life-safety and ADA requirements, had been reviewed by the Dallas Landmark Commission, but staff did not receive a formal SAL permit application prior to the start of construction. The project included a ribbon-cutting on Sept. 20 and substantial work was completed before THC staff were provided documentation.

Elizabeth Romet summarized the Cotton Bowls history of additions (1930 original one-tier seating; 1948 second-tier addition and 1994 front-wall extension) and said staffin consultation with the National Park Servicefound the completed approach a thoughtful response to circulation constraints while retaining the stadiums continuous seating sweep that gives the Cotton Bowl its character. THC staff said they anticipate issuing a retroactive SAL permit for the Cotton Bowl work after receiving the comprehensive documentation they requested.

The Tower Building signage caught THC attention because large temporary graphics were installed during the State Fair; the sign has since been removed. THC has asked for documentation of attachment methods, inspection reports and any repairs conducted at removal to ensure the signage caused no damage to historic fabric. The citys historic district ordinance exempts certain temporary signage from local review, but THC noted that SAL protections remain in force and that a programmatic solution for temporary fair signage may be necessary.

Marcus Watson (City of Dallas Historic Preservation Officer) and Stefan Kessler (Dallas Parks & Recreation) described ongoing coordination with THC and the State Fair. Norman Alston, the preservation consultant on the Cotton Bowl project, apologized publicly for failing to complete an SAL permit and said he will resign from the Antiquities Advisory Board because of the oversight. Delaney Granberry (State Fair of Texas) said the Tower graphic used a 3M laminate and staff reported that the graphic was installed and removed without reported damage and within a temporary-use timeframe.

Commissioners asked about remedies; THC staff said retroactive permitting is the path to document work, evaluate any unrecorded impacts and close compliance issues. Commissioners urged a coordinated, city-level education and compliance plan for Fair Park to make SAL obligations clear to all stakeholders, and asked staff to pursue a programmatic path for predictable temporary signage at major events.

THC staff said they received prompt cooperation from Fair Park stakeholders following their Oct. 3 letter and are expecting permit applications and completion reports to come forward; the commission asked staff to convene a cross-agency coordination effort to reduce repeat occurrences.