The 2007 list of Dallas’
Most Endangered Historic Places

Location: Main, Commerce, S. Harwood and St. Paul streets
Threat: Lack of Adequate Parking

When built, the proposed Main Street Garden would benefit downtown’s eastern end, opening up development opportunities for several major Dallas landmarks. Visitors and residents in and around the park would enjoy panoramic views of four decades of significant architecture. However, a long-term solution that would provide adequate parking for the park and adjacent buildings has not been addressed. While underground parking is an option, no funding sources have been identified.

Location: Commerce, Elm, and Main streets
Threat: Demolition and Incompatible New Construction

It is the city’s largest collection of early 20th century commercial storefronts, reflecting what was the center for Texas blues and jazz in the 1920s and 30s. With multiple businesses closing in recent years, increased development pressure spurred by the construction of the new Dallas Area Rapid Transit rail station, and no city historic overlay in place, Deep Ellum is ripe for demolition. While historic district designations have been drafted, property owners have declined designation. Currently zoning allows for much larger buildings as much as 15-stories tall to replace the 1 and 2-story buildings that characterize much of the area. Property owners are encouraged to reinitiate historical designation or seek other appropriate sources of protection.

Location: Northwest Highway, Midway, Walnut Hill and Marsh
Threat: Teardowns and Incompatible New Construction

Midway Hollow consists of several developments built following World War II with mostly Minimal Traditional and Ranch houses made of wood or brick siding making up the neighborhood. The area is characterized by its large lots, tree-shaded streets, and generous front-yard setbacks. Area values are increasing and demolitions are occurring at a rapid rate. New houses are much larger in scale, constructed of different materials and exhibit garish stylistic details, diminishing the neighborhood’s economic and social diversity. A stabilization overlay or conservation district may be an option to control new development.

Mary Frank

Location: 712 Ft. Worth Avenue, 514 W. Commerce, 1839 Ft. Worth Avenue
Threat: Demolition

America’s motor-court motels became increasingly popular following World War II when roadway travel soared. Gas stations, cafes, and motor-court motels — collectively known as roadside architecture — were built along major transportation routes to accommodate the traveler. Ft. Worth Avenue, the former turnpike between Dallas and Ft. Worth, was lined with such roadside architecture like the recently restored Art-Deco Belmont Hotel by Charles Dilbeck. Route 66 is an example of turning roadside architecture into a major asset for the country, just as Ft. Worth Avenue is, for the forward thinking, an asset for the City. That commercial real estate developers see opportunity here is not surprising. There are many opportunities for renewal along Ft. Worth Avenue, from the most glaring to the very subtle. The question is, what is good for Dallas? Unfortunately roadside architecture is presently underappreciated and at least three motor-court motels are imminently in danger of being demolished. Property owners and developers are encouraged to revitalize Ft. Worth Avenue’s motor-court motels.

Location: 401 N. Carroll Street
Threat: Abandonment

Built in 1903 and designed by prominent architects Hubbell and Greene, the Romanesque Revival styled school is made of structural masonry tan colored brick with stone windows and trim. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its continual expansion- it is now three times its original size- while retaining its architectural integrity. The school was almost demolished in the 1980s, but was saved when Preservation Dallas (then Historic Preservation League) funded a study that convinced DISD to abandon their plans to demolish the building. The school finally closed its doors in 1989, making it Dallas’ oldest school in operation. At that time, DISD and the Dallas Parks and Recreation Board made an agreement to convert the school building into a community center. Instead, the building houses administrative offices for DISD. The DISD now plans to vacate the building, and have not planned for its future use. A vacant building with no plans for an occupant will allow the building to further deteriorate.

Location: city-wide
Threat: Program sunsets at the end of year

Listed on our Most Endangered List in 2006, the Historic Preservation Incentive Program (Ordinance No. 21874) is now, more than ever, endangered. Passed by the Dallas City Council on October 27, 1993, and renewed in 1998, 2001 and 2004 as required by the ordinance, the current ordinance sunsets on December 31, 2007. The Historic Preservation Tax Incentive program has stimulated millions of dollars in re-developing historic buildings in downtown, as well as city-designated historic neighborhoods and landmarks. Delays in appointing a committee have thwarted efforts to ensure the program is continued. Committee members must move forward at a fast pace to meet deadlines.

Location: Ruthmede Place Neighborhood
Threat: Neglect and Demolition

Ruthmede Place neighborhood was part of Thomas Marsalis’ vision for an Oak Cliff suburb in 1873. Developed as the second addition of the Dallas Land and Loan Company, Ruthmede Place was slow to develop. The majority of the houses were built in the early 20th century and are wood frame bungalows, built in the Craftsman or Prairie style. Some earlier houses, such as the one at 400 W. Page Avenue, display Victorian characteristics. This once stately house has been boarded-up for several years with an out-of-state owner. Serious deterioration is occurring while the house continues to sit vacant.

Location: 2601 McKinney Avenue
Threat: Development Pressure

The McKinney Avenue Baptist Church, formerly known as Hard Rock Café, was designed by Charles W. Bulger and built in 1906 at an estimated cost of $45,000. Due to insensitive alterations, the building has lost much of its architectural integrity. This does not negate its strong architectural presence. Furthermore, the building contributes to the area’s sense of place. As one of the oldest structures to face McKinney Avenue, it references the areas’ history as a residential neighborhood with a commercial and institutional thoroughfare. Without question, the McKinney Avenue Baptist Church is a unique visual icon. The property recently sold without landmark designation, making it susceptible to future demolition.

Location: 8000 Cornerstone Parkway
Threat: Indecision

Established in the mid-nineteenth century by William Caruth, Caruth Hill was once part of a 5,000-acre estate. The main house dates to circa 1874 with significant alterations made in 1938. The Caruth family has played a significant role in the development of the city, donating large parcels of land as well as partial interests to help establish Southern Methodist University, among other local assets. Through the generosity of Mrs. W.W. Caruth, Jr., Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) took ownership of Caruth Homeplace in 2001, including the main house, several accessory structures and approximately 5.6 acres. CFT has invested in a study to develop options for restoring the historic buildings and grounds and provide a new use for the site. However, adjacent property owners have objected to an adaptive re-use of the property, due to concerns about noise and traffic. As debate over the appropriate use of the aging estate continues, nature is becoming impatient and time is taking its toll. The CFT is encouraged to complete its planning and to move forward to restore the buildings. Neighbors are encouraged to work cooperatively with CFT, so the Caruth Homestead may be appreciated and used.

Location: 4010 Gaston Avenue
Threat: Stewardship

Designed in 1904 by Charles W. Bulger, the Gaston Avenue Baptist Church, now Criswell College Library, is an impressive Grecian design made of grey pressed brick and white stone. Its design is based on the First Baptist Church of Galveston, also by C.W. Bulger. Bulger, later in partnership with his son Clarence, designed more than 100 churches in the Southwest, most of them for Baptist congregations. In addition to the Gaston Avenue Baptist Church, Bulger also designed the McKinney Avenue Baptist Church (former Hard Rock Café), the East Dallas Christian Church, and an addition to the First Baptist Church within the first few years of moving to Dallas. A fiberglass dome replaces the original dome after lightning stuck it. This building has been protected for more than a century, but efforts to sustain it are not easy. Water has found its way into the building at various places causing wood rot and spalling brick. The Criswell College desires to preserve the building, but is challenged by significant water damage. The damage is pervasive and has spread to the plaster walls, ceiling tiles, carpet, and even contents. Efforts to deter water away from the building have been made, but water is still entering the building. Repairs are needed before further deterioration occurs.

Location: 2500 Haymarket Road
Threat: Lack of Stewardship and Development Pressure

Haymarket Cemetery is a large, overgrown burial site formerly associated with an African American church (Missionary Baptist Church). The oldest legible marked grave is dated 1902 with the most recent grave dated 1943. The church associated with the cemetery moved in the 1940s. When the area was annexed to the City of Dallas in 1978, sand and gravel mining was taking place adjacent to the cemetery. Neighbors at that time reported that the road used by the dump trucks ran over a number of graves. The size and the number of graves is currently unknown. Today, with no steward for the cemetery and increased development pressure within the immediate area, this cemetery is endangered by further neglect and redevelopment. City historic landmark designation would bring attention and added protection to the site.

Preservation Dallas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate for the preservation and revitalization of Dallas’ historic buildings, neighborhoods, and places in order to enhance the vitality of our city.

For more information, please contact Preservation Dallas, 214-821-3290.