Sammons Art Center's History

1908

Construction of the Turtle Creek Pump Station begins

1909

Historical Sammons
Building completed and put into operation

1927

Woman Working

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

Building Running

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

Named Dallas Landmark and American Water Landmark

1983

Rehab Begins

Renovation Begins

1983

Named Texas Historic Landmark & State Antiquities Landmark

1988

February 1988 – Renovation is completed

1988: CREATING AN ARTS CENTER

The Sammons

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.

2000

Named in the National Register of Historic Places

2010

A Legacy Campaign

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.