Looking Back on the DBA

such as: “It’s just like every other decision made in this city; a few people get it in their minds that something would be good for everybody, so they do it. And the rest of us have to pay.” Other comments included that it would just be too costly for the association and surely would be the beginning of the end.

But past president Bob Thomas, who was instrumental in facilitating the purchase. disagreed and stated: “We were at a point where we had to move. It is just a matter of where. We had a chance to make a good deal, so we took it. Each step of the transaction was approved by the board of directors. We decided just to get going on the project and let the members vote with their money. If they don’t like the project, they don’t have to give to it.” plan from DBA leaders and members, there were also those who were sure this plan was lunacy and that it would bankrupt the Bar.

In a 1970s article in the Dallas Times Herald, a headline read: “Bar association makes home in mortgage-covered mansion.” The article stated that “There are those among the bar’s 3,500 members who believe the $2.2 million born-again Belo Mansion will bring with it a new spirit of community involvement. But there are others who think, despite some money-saving maneuvers by the organization, this project is doomed to bankrupt the bar association.”

The article quotes several attorneys who at the time who were quite vocal about this being a terrible idea that would surely be the downfall of the DBA. Among comments

As history has shown us, the members did like the project, and by 1978 DBA members, foundations, and public-spirited citizens had contributed more than $1 million for the purchase and restoration of the Mansion, as well as surrounding tracts of land.

Thank goodness those members of the Board of Directors had the foresight and fortitude to proceed with their plan and purchase of the DBA’s home, now known as the Arts District Mansion, which is an anchor in the Dallas Arts District. Throughout the years of transformation and the changing landscape of downtown Dallas, the Mansion has remained not only one of the nation’s premier bar headquarters, but also a center of business, activity, and commerce in the City of Dallas.

More fundraising, hard work, and physical labor would come. But as of 1978, the Dallas Bar Association had its home. HN