DALLAS — The Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The designation process started 18 months ago when Edwin Cabaniss and his family bought the building with plans for an extensive restoration. A grand reopening of the venue was hosted in March of last year.
“The designation could not have come at a more perfect moment, as the Longhorn hosted Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys, under the direction of Jason Roberts just two days later. The dancers slowed and the fiddles paused to listen, as Cabaniss made the announcement from the legendary stage,” a press release from the Longhorn reads. “It was especially significant to the crowd that included representatives from the Bob Wills Foundation, The Texas Dance Hall Preservation, the Texas Music Office as well as three generations of the Wills family.”
“Preservation has always been one of the primary ethos of our company. The goal was to not only highlight the venue's historical contributions to the greater American musical canon, but to reestablish the Longhorn Ballroom as a cultural destination for present and future generations of artists and patrons,” said Cabaniss.
The ballroom was restored under the guidance of Robert L. Meckfessel of DSGN Associates.
“As we worked with Edwin and the rest of the team,” Meckfessel says, “there were two primary goals — making sure that the Longhorn Ballroom would provide a modern, state-of-the-art performance experience and ensure that any modifications to achieve that maintained the historic integrity of its incredible music and cultural heritage. Inclusion on the National Register is the highest affirmation that this was achieved.”
Texas Dance Hall Preservation co-founder, Steph McDougal prepared the National Register nomination, with assistance from Dallas architect Marcel Quimby and Texas Historical Commission National Register coordinator Gregory Smith.
“The Longhorn Ballroom is one of Texas’ most iconic dance halls,” said McDougal. “Of course, it’s famous for its association with Western Swing legend Bob Wills and the notorious Sex Pistols tour in 1978. But just as importantly, throughout its history the Longhorn has presented a diverse range of musicians and artists in many genres, and it’s still doing that today. We could not be more pleased to have been involved in this project – yet another preservation home run by Edwin Cabaniss and his team. “
Display cases at the venue also include memorabilia from artists who have played there during the last 74 years, including everything from Bob Wills show saddle to James Brown’s robe; and a collection of guitars from artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Waylon Jennings, Tammy Wynette, and BB King, among other items.
“The Cabaniss family is acutely aware that we are simply stewards of this legendary music venue. The National Register designation will help protect the Longhorn Ballroom for another 75 years,” said Cabaniss.