A proposal to rename a short stretch of North Harwood Street "Exchange Place" for the Texas Stock Exchange's new headquarters is back on the Dallas City Council's agenda for Wednesday, Oct. 14, three weeks after it fell short at City Hall.
The change would cover North Harwood between Woodall Rodgers Freeway and Harry Hines Boulevard. The exchange is moving its headquarters to 1919 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, and Mayor Eric Johnson, Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Moreno and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Gay Donnell Willis asked in June that the address become One Exchange Place.
Their memo said the new name would show the city is serious about supporting the businesses building Dallas into a financial center.
Why nine votes were not enough
Harwood Street was named in 1872 for Alexander Harwood, an early civic leader and county official, and city staff say it is one of the oldest streets in Dallas. City code bars changing a historic street name unless three-quarters of the council agrees to waive the rule, which on the 15-member council means 12 votes.
On Sept. 23, nine members voted for the change and five against, The Dallas Morning News reported. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Maxie Johnson did not vote because he could not connect to the meeting from a plane. Council member Paul Ridley said the change would force neighboring properties to update their letterhead and contact information, and he supported a ceremonial sign topper instead.
Council members Adam Bazaldua and Cara Mendelsohn said a second vote was unlikely to turn out differently, while the mayor called the opposition petty and said he would not lobby for votes.
The city's agenda lists the item as held under advisement by Moreno at the Sept. 23 hearing and set for consideration Wednesday.
The request has support from two advisory panels. The Subdivision Review Committee recommended it unanimously in July, and the City Plan Commission backed it 13-1 on Sept. 3. The city mailed notices to 115 property owners along the street.
New street blades would cost the city an estimated $932, and an approved name would take effect 60 days after the vote unless the council picks a later date.
