Feb 27, 2007 11:54 pm US/Central
Hard Rock Gone, But Many Want The Building To Stay
by Sarah Dodd
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
The Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas closes its doors next week. Now neighbors are fighting to make sure the 100-year old building isn't demolished.
The gold stars that once lined the McKinney Avenue sidewalk have now been filled with concrete. On Sunday, the Hard Rock Cafe will have its final swan song, but neighbors worry the new owners could hit a sour note.
"This is what gives Dallas its flavor," said concerned neighbor Leslie Brosie. "We can't afford to lose it."
Brosie and John McKee have started a petition to save the building. Originally the McKinney Avenue Baptist Church, it's the oldest building left on McKinney Avenue. Only a landmark designation could save it from demolition.
"It's a tough issue," said Katherine Seale of Preservation Dallas. "It's insensitive to the original building, but that doesn't negate its importance to the neighborhood."
In 1904 the church was domed and it had a smoother finish. Seven decades later, the Hard Rock Cafe was born.
Over the past 20 years the red steps leading to the restaurant have faded, but in 1986, when Hard Rock in Dallas opened, this was the place to be. One thousand people were at the opening, 200 more couldn't get in. Even a council member was shut out.
Now neighbors are hoping they won't be shut out when they ask the Landmark Commission to save this memorable piece of Dallas history.
The landmark commission will consider this issue at Monday's meeting.
Wednesday night, Councilwoman Angela Hunt will have a neighborhood meeting to gauge support for designating the building a landmark.
(CBS 11 News)
