The Black Academy of Arts & Letters (TBAAL)
Component 4 of the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center Development (KBHCCD) Master Plan focuses on the renovation and reconstruction of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL), revitalizing its role as a beacon of art and culture in the Dallas community.
Educational & Community Impact
TBAAL is more than a performance venue—it’s a cultural engine that builds future artists and audiences through education, outreach, and inclusive access.
Why Renovation Matters
Elevate a historically rooted, forward-looking institution by expanding spaces for exhibitions, education, and community programming while strengthening Dallas’s role as a national hub for Black arts, culture, and economic impact.
Project Manager
Architectural & Engineering
Timeline & Status
Live Progress Updates
November, 2025 Update
Demolition of existing west wing underway. Crews carefully deconstructing structural elements on Griffin Street side. Excavation and deep foundation work to begin following demolition phase.
Traffic Notice: Griffin Street closed weekdays 7am-6pm for crane operations through November 15.
Today's Milestone: Demolition of west wing commenced at 7:00 AM. Safety barriers and noise-reduction measures in place.
Events
- GDPC State of the City AddressFri, Jan 16Dallas
- Arts District Walking TourSun, Nov 30Dallas
- Pioneer Plaza Design WorkshopWed, Nov 26Dallas
- Community Town Hall #12Sat, Nov 22Dallas
Frequently asked questions
TBAAL’s move supports the City of Dallas’ voter-approved Convention Center Master Plan, which includes the expansion and modernization of the KBHCCD. To ensure programs continue seamlessly, TBAAL will temporarily relocate to The Women’s Museum in Fair Park while construction is underway. This move allows TBAAL to maintain its season programming, community events, and educational outreach without interruption.
TBAAL’s temporary residency at The Women’s Museum begins in Fall 2025 and will continue through Spring 2029, when the KBHCCD renovation is scheduled for completion. The renovated museum provides more than 63,000 square feet of space, including a 150–200-seat cabaret theatre, gallery and exhibition areas, box office, gift shop, auditorium, staff lounge, multi-purpose / meeting rooms, and office suite rooms, and a large open atrium and patio spaces. Larger-scale performances and events will continue to be hosted at partner venues across the city.
The Dikita Enterprises team serves as the Project Management - Owner’s Representative for this project (Component 4 of the Convention Center Master Plan). The KAI Architecture & Engineering team leads the design, the joint venture, RMS (HJ Russell – Phillips May – Structure Tone Southwest), is in charge of construction of the new TBAAL facility and stakeholder engagement, and Phoenix I is the contractor managing the renovation for The Women’s Museum (TWM).
TBAAL Renovations include infrastructure modernization, improved ADA accessibility, enhanced lighting and sound systems, and flexible performance and exhibition spaces that align with TBAAL’s mission to promote African American arts and culture.
Absolutely. TBAAL’s signature events, including the Labor Day Weekend Riverfront Jazz Festival, the State Fair Jazz Weekend Events, and other Events yet to be announced, will continue during the relocation period. The Fair Park grounds and The Women’s Museum will serve as the home for these performances, bringing together thousands of local and national attendees.
TBAAL’s presence in Fair Park ensures that Dallas remains a vibrant hub for African American culture, creativity, and community connection throughout the renovation.
Through public meetings, neighborhood sessions, online updates, and direct partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations, the project team is committed to keeping Dallas residents informed and involved. Every phase of this relocation and renovation reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accessibility, and community voice. The Component 4 Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), RMS (HJ Russell, Phillips-May, and Structure Tone Southwest), a joint venture, has a Community Outreach and Engagement team. Inquiries can be sent to: Minerva Rodriguez, minerva@mrrpr.com
Have More Questions?
Contact our project team for additional information.