Search For Answers Yields Only Questions
When thumbing through our 2007 archives a couple of days ago, I found an article telling of the imminent redevelopment of the old Dallas Baha’i Center on Northwest Highway just west of Midway Road, into a 15,000-foot retail development. For those of you who haven’tnoticed the dilapidated building, the sign noting the Baha’i’s relocation, and the fact that the religious organization still owns the property, that project apparently fell through. Which is why I called the center’s new location in Lake Highlands. It was an intersting conversation. (For the record, the guy wasn’t yelling, just speaking loudly.)
Guy on who picks up the phone: HELLOOO
Me: Hi, this is Eric Nicholson with Preston Hollow People newspaper, and I was looking for someone to speak with about plans for your old property on Northwest Highway.
Guy: WHO ARE YOU?
Me: My name’s Eric, I write for Preston Hollow People…
Guy: WHAT DO YOU WANT?
Me: Your old building at Midway and Northwest Highway. I’m trying to figure out if there are any plans for the property.
[uncomfortably long silence]
Guy: WHAT DO YOU WANT?
Me: Um, is there someone there I can talk to about the old building on Northwest Highway?
[another long pause]
Guy: WHO ARE YOU?
Me: Um, never mind. I’ll try back later. [hang-up]
My wife suggests the man was being metaphysical in the style of a Buddhist koan. “Who are you really?” “What do you want from the universe?” Both excellent questions, but I’m not convinced that’s what he was going for.
