Sammons Art Center's History
1908
Construction of the Turtle Creek Pump Station begins
1909
Building completed and put into operation
1927
Main office of Pumping Division is centralized at Turtle Creek Pump Station
1930
Pump Station shuts down permanently after Bachman Treatment Plant opens
1931
The Trinity River is straightened and confined within the new levee system, moving the river channel one mile to the southwest of the old channel
1953
The west wall and smokestack are removed. Building was remodeled due to Harry Hines Blvd. widening and interchange with Oak Lawn
1959
The building is abandoned
1981
The City of Dallas awards the lease to a group of Dallas arts supporters led by Jo Kurth Jagoda. Formed as the Turtle Creek Center for the Arts, the group includes the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra and the Shakespeare Festival of Dallas. Founding board of directors: Jo Kurth Jagoda, Sam J. Dealey, and William P. Murchison, Jr.
1981
Designated Dallas Landmark and American Water Landmark
1983
Renovation Begins
1983
Designated Texas Historic Landmark & State Antiquities Landmark
1988
February 1988 – Renovation is completed
1988: CREATING AN ARTS CENTER
The building opens to acclaim as a national model of arts incubator. An initial $3 Million was raised to renovate and support the Center. It was named in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Sammons, principal benefactors who donated funds to complete the renovation.
1989
The Sammons Jazz concert series is founded. Vicho Vicencio, original Artistic Director of the series, as well as several local jazz artists, were concerned about the dearth of jazz performance opportunities in the Dallas area. Seeking a venue for regular programming brought them to the Sammons Center, and the concert series has been running ever since.
2000
Designated National Register of Historic Places
2010
A Legacy Campaign begins with a $2.5 million challenge grant from Sammons Enterprises. The campaign raises $5 million to fund critical capital repairs and replacements and to create an endowment.
2012
The Sammons Cabaret series is founded. On February 16th, Aubree Anna is invited to kick off the series, aiming to bring New York-style cabaret to Dallas. Her show proves to be a great success, and the concert series continues to run to this day.
2020
As the world reels from the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Sammons Center closes its doors temporarily. From March 15, 2020 until June 1, 2021, all activity in the Sammons Center is put on hold. During this time, all tenants have their rent and other fees waived. Funding for the organizations is scarce, as strict restrictions on gathering for any performance arts are put in place. Management decides to take this time as an opportunity for improvement and prevention of further spread, replacing the entire center's HVAC system with medical grade air filtration units.