Highland Park will look to the future and celebrate the past when it breaks ground on March 5 for construction of its new Town Hall. The ceremony will include revealing the items placed 90 years ago in the cornerstone of Highland Park’s first Town Hall and Community Center. Town officials are seeking suggestions for items to place in the cornerstone of the new Town Hall. Highland Park is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its incorporation this year.

In addition, the event will recognize Highland Park’s 100-year partnership with SMU, which is celebrating the centennial of its founding in 1911 and opening in 1915. Highland Park’s ties to SMU began by donation of land for the University by Alice Armstrong, widow of John Armstrong, Highland Park founder. SMU officials spoke at the 1923 Town Hall and Community Center groundbreaking, and faculty members played an important role in the intellectual life of the growing community. In turn, Highland Park residents have supported SMU with service, gifts and students.

The groundbreaking for the new Highland Park Town Hall will be held at 4700 Drexel Drive at 4:30 p.m. on March 5. Speakers will include Highland Park Mayor Joel Williams III, SMU President R. Gerald Turner, Highland Park Methodist Church Rev. Paul Rasmussen, and Highland Park Centennial Chair Pierce Allman.

Story courtesy of Nancy George, Southern Methodist University

For more information, click here, and for specific information on the renovations to be made, click here.