By Donovan Westover
Special Contributor

Celebrating Five Decades of Historic Preservation in Dallas: The 23rd Annual Preservation Achievement Awards

Reaching a half-century milestone is a remarkable achievement for any organization, especially one dedicated to the intricate and often challenging task of maintaining a city’s historical integrity. Preservation Dallas, a testament to enduring teamwork, unwavering devotion, and a deep understanding of the city’s unique narrative, proudly celebrates fifty years of safeguarding Dallas’s architectural heritage. Its journey, much like the process of preservation itself, has been one of continuous effort, navigating countless hours, passionate individuals, and a resilient spirit through both triumphs and obstacles.

Born from the immediate necessity of saving the stately homes that graced Swiss Avenue, Preservation Dallas—initially known as the Historic Preservation League—swiftly rooted itself in the community. Its advocacy efforts quickly blossomed, extending far beyond a single neighborhood to encompass the entire Dallas metropolitan area. This mission is particularly vital in a city like Dallas, which, by its very nature, often prioritizes the new, the gleaming, and the futuristic. Amidst this relentless drive for innovation and development, Preservation Dallas serves as a crucial voice, reminding us of the irreplaceable value held within our historic structures, cultural landscapes, and the stories they tell.

Shaping Dallas’s Future by Honoring Its Past: The Mission of Preservation Dallas

Over the past five decades, Preservation Dallas has cultivated a unique and highly effective program platform designed to educate and engage a diverse range of partners across the city. This includes neighborhood residents, city officials, architects, real estate agents, developers, and the general public—all crucial stakeholders in the future of Dallas. The organization tirelessly champions the multifaceted benefits of historic preservation, illustrating how it extends beyond mere aesthetics to encompass sustainable urban development, economic revitalization, and the preservation of distinct community identity.

Through a strategic blend of workshops, guided tours, informative publications, and proactive advocacy, Preservation Dallas consistently highlights the profound contributions of historic preservation to a vibrant and resilient city. It demonstrates how adapting existing structures for modern use can be a far more environmentally friendly approach than new construction, reducing waste and conserving resources. Furthermore, it showcases how thoughtfully preserved historic districts attract tourism, stimulate local economies, and foster a deeper connection to the city’s past, thereby strengthening the sense of place for all its citizens. This ongoing dialogue with various sectors has been instrumental in shifting perceptions, dispelling myths, and building a robust network of allies passionately committed to safeguarding Dallas’s invaluable heritage for generations to come.

The Pinnacle of Recognition: The Preservation Achievement Awards Gala

One of the most anticipated and celebrated events on the Dallas cultural calendar is the annual Preservation Achievement Awards gala. This spectacular evening serves as a cornerstone event, bringing together all of Preservation Dallas’s partners, supporters, and enthusiasts in a grand celebration of remarkable accomplishments in historic preservation. It is a night filled with heartfelt praise, genuine camaraderie, and delectable food and drink, all dedicated to honoring the projects, properties, and individuals who have gone above and beyond to preserve Dallas’s historic treasures.

The year 2022 marked a particularly significant milestone for the organization, making its 23rd annual awards ceremony especially memorable. The event was held in the magnificent ballroom of the iconic First National Bank Building, a structure that itself embodies a powerful story of preservation. Now magnificently restored and rebranded as The National by the visionary team at Todd Interests, the venue served as a perfect backdrop for the gala. Its meticulous transformation from a historical landmark to a vibrant, functional space for contemporary use beautifully encapsulated the very spirit of the awards—the transformative power of preserving and adapting historic structures for the future.

The resounding success and unparalleled elegance of the awards gala are largely attributable to the unwavering dedication of its powerhouse awards committee. This esteemed group, expertly chaired by Shawn and Cheryl Todd, alongside David Griffin and James Ferrara, comprises cherished friends and long-time supporters of Preservation Dallas. Together, they meticulously plan an evening that not only honors exceptional preservation work but also truly captures the heart and soul of Texas hospitality, ensuring a memorable and inspiring experience for all attendees.

A Diverse Tapestry of Preservation: Celebrating the 2022 Award Recipients

The breadth and scope of the 2022 Preservation Achievement Award winners magnificently underscored the vast and wonderfully varied landscape of historic preservation in Dallas. The list of honored projects was delightfully eclectic, ranging from grand and charming residences to bustling commercial workspaces, revered religious institutions, and even a unique historic caboose. This inspiring diversity highlights that effective preservation is not confined to one specific type of structure but enthusiastically embraces all elements that contribute to the city’s unique historical and architectural fabric. We extend our warmest and most sincere congratulations to all the 2022 Preservation Achievement Award recipients, whose profound dedication, visionary leadership, and meticulous craftsmanship continue to inspire and enrich our entire community:

• Continental Gin Building
• FW&D Caboose
• Gibson Grant Cabin
• Highland Park Presbyterian Church
• Magdalen House
• Music Hall at Fair Park
• Purse Building
• Struck House
• 5028 Milam Street

Preserving Residential Character: The Enduring Legacy of Charles Dilbeck

Among the distinguished award-winning residences is a quintessentially charming Charles Dilbeck-designed home, located at 5028 Milam Street within the cherished Cochran Heights neighborhood. This particular area has earned special and well-deserved recognition from the Texas Historical Commission for its remarkable concentration of distinctive Dilbeck designs. Charles Dilbeck, a prolific and highly influential architect, left an indelible mark on Dallas’s residential landscape with his signature blend of traditional styles and often whimsical, storybook details, frequently drawing inspiration from French provincial, sprawling ranch, and rich vernacular architecture.

The award for the residence at 5028 Milam Street is particularly noteworthy and inspiring, as it marks the second house on Milam Street that the same dedicated and visionary owner has been recognized for restoring. This continuous and profound commitment to preserving Dilbeck’s unique architectural legacy and the distinctive character of the Cochran Heights neighborhood serves as an exemplary model for the entire Dallas community. Such meticulous efforts are paramount in repairing and strengthening the historic fabric of Dallas’s beloved neighborhoods, ensuring that these charming, historically significant, and architecturally distinctive homes can be admired, appreciated, and joyously inhabited by future generations. The dedication of individual homeowners, particularly those with a long-term vision, represents a vital and often underestimated component of city-wide preservation, demonstrating that even a single, well-executed restoration can have a powerful ripple effect, inspiring others and contributing significantly to the overall cultural richness and heritage of Dallas.

Revitalizing Dallas Icons: The Continental Gin Building and Purse Building

Among the celebrated workspaces receiving awards were two true Dallas icons, each representing a distinct and vital facet of the city’s commercial and industrial past: the venerable Continental Gin Building in Deep Ellum and the historic Purse Building in the West End. These structures are far more than just old buildings; they are enduring symbols of Dallas’s economic development, architectural evolution, and the remarkable capacity for adaptive reuse that fuels urban revitalization.

The Continental Gin Building, with its origins tracing back to 1888, stands as a cornerstone of Deep Ellum’s vibrant and storied history. It is a key structure within the City of Dallas’ Continental Gin Historic District, a designation it has proudly and deservedly held since 1987. This impressive conglomeration of historic structures played a pivotal role in Dallas’s agricultural and industrial boom, serving as a bustling hub for ginning cotton, which was a primary economic driver for Texas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The building’s exemplary preservation and adaptive reuse project are a shining beacon of how industrial heritage can be seamlessly integrated into modern urban life, providing dynamic workspaces, innovative cultural venues, and community gathering points while honoring its profound historical significance. Its continued vitality and architectural prominence contribute immensely to Deep Ellum’s unique character as a dynamic nexus of history, arts, and entrepreneurial innovation.

Equally compelling and historically rich is the story of the Purse Building, originally known as the Parlin and Orendorff Building. Constructed in 1905, this architectural gem in the heart of the West End Historic District has witnessed numerous transformations throughout its long life. It once proudly housed the Hall and Purse Furniture Company, which ultimately bestowed upon it its recognizable moniker and the iconic “ghost sign” that remains impressively visible on its east façade. Later, adapting to the evolving needs of the city, it served as a vital Dallas County Services Building. As a pivotal contributing building to the National Register’s West End Historic District, maintaining its architectural integrity, preserving its original materials, and celebrating its expert craftsmanship is paramount. The Purse Building stands as a foundational keystone of the West End, providing a vibrant historic backdrop for countless photographs taken in Dallas’s most famous plaza, and even played a temporary, albeit somber, role as an FBI operations center due to its strategic proximity after a tragic historical event. Its ongoing preservation ensures that this tangible link to Dallas’s bustling commercial and rich social history remains intact, allowing future generations to explore, appreciate, and learn from its remarkable past.

Unearthing Hidden History: The Gibson Grant Cabin

The Gibson Grant Cabin project truly captivated the awards committee, standing out not only because it represents one of the exceptionally few remaining log structures still standing on its original site in Dallas—a truly rare and precious survival in an ever-developing urban environment—but also due to the astonishing and unexpected discovery made during its meticulous restoration. Hidden beneath layers of more modern construction, within the walls of what appeared to be a conventional house, the original, robust log construction was miraculously unearthed, revealing a profound and tangible connection to Dallas’s pioneering frontier past.

Through the application of meticulous tree-ring dating techniques, the cabin was precisely determined to have been constructed circa 1860. It was expertly built from carefully hewn timbers, showcasing remarkably precise and traditional craftsmanship with its carefully notched corners, flush ends, a robust and enduring stone chimney, and authentic wood plank floors. This incredible revelation painted a vivid and intimate picture of early Texan ingenuity, resilience, and architectural traditions. The original single-pen log house had, over time, undergone dramatic and extensive changes and additions, thereby exemplifying the continuous evolution and expansion of homesteads on the burgeoning Texas frontier. This project is a powerful and poignant reminder that history often lies hidden beneath successive layers of modernization and change, patiently waiting to be rediscovered, carefully preserved, and proudly celebrated. Its preservation offers invaluable insights into the daily lives, challenges, and architectural practices of Dallas’s earliest settlers and the rich traditions of that foundational era.

Honoring Dedication and Education: Special Recognition Awards

Beyond the celebration of physical structures, Preservation Dallas also proudly presents special recognition awards, celebrating the vital and often unsung contributions of individuals and organizations to the broader historic preservation movement. These awards shine a crucial light on the diverse and multifaceted ways in which people champion Dallas’s heritage, spanning from grassroots community efforts and meticulous scholarly research to unparalleled hands-on craftsmanship and dedicated stewardship. We were delighted and honored to recognize the following deserving recipients in 2022:

• Dorothy Savage Award: Remembering Black Dallas. This esteemed award recognizes outstanding efforts in thoroughly documenting, meticulously preserving, and passionately promoting the rich history of Dallas’s diverse communities. Remembering Black Dallas performs an invaluable and essential service by ensuring that the profound stories, significant contributions, and cultural legacies of African Americans in Dallas are not only acknowledged but also celebrated, thereby adding essential layers to our collective and comprehensive understanding of the city’s complex and vibrant past.
• Craftsmanship Award: Brown Mountain Art & Antique Restoration. Celebrating the meticulous skill, unwavering dedication, and profound expertise required to restore and conserve historic elements, this award honors the exceptional artisans and craftspeople who uphold traditional techniques and tirelessly ensure the longevity and authentic beauty of our architectural treasures. Brown Mountain Art & Antique Restoration exemplifies the highest possible standards of this essential and specialized craft.
• Stewardship Award: Sparkman/Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park. This award acknowledges exemplary care, diligent maintenance, and long-term commitment to historic properties and landscapes over extended periods. Sparkman/Hillcrest demonstrates a profound and continuous commitment to preserving the integrity, beauty, and historical significance of a significant cultural landscape, ensuring its respect, reverence, and accessibility for generations to come.
• Spirit of Preservation Award: Connie Harris. This award honors an individual whose infectious passion, boundless energy, and unwavering commitment consistently inspire and mobilize others within the preservation community. Connie Harris embodies the true, vibrant spirit of preservation, tirelessly advocating for, actively participating in, and generously contributing to the cause with exemplary dedication.
• Gail Thomas Paterson Award: The Hall of State. Named after a distinguished leader and visionary in Dallas preservation, this prestigious award recognizes a landmark project or entity that significantly contributes to the city’s cultural and historical identity and grandeur. The Hall of State, a magnificent Art Deco edifice proudly situated within Fair Park, stands as a cornerstone of Dallas history, architectural splendor, and civic pride, making it a most deserving and iconic recipient.
• Preservation Education Awards: Jack Drake, Alan Govenar, Legacies Journal, and Jim Foster. Recognizing that comprehensive education is absolutely fundamental to fostering a strong and enduring preservation ethic across all age groups, multiple awards were thoughtfully presented in this critical category. These deserving recipients—including Jack Drake, an inspiring Preston Hollow teen who skillfully penned a book about his neighborhood’s rich history; Alan Govenar for his extensive scholarly and cultural contributions; Legacies Journal for its insightful and invaluable historical publications; and Jim Foster for his tireless efforts in public outreach—are instrumental in sharing Dallas’s rich and multifaceted past with broader audiences, from eager students to seasoned historians. Their collective work ensures that the invaluable lessons, profound beauty, and enduring relevance of history continue to resonate, inspire, and educate.

Huge and heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s distinguished recipients, whose unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and profound vision continue to profoundly shape, enrich, and secure the cultural and architectural landscape of our great city of Dallas!

Join the Movement: Support Historic Preservation in Dallas

Preservation Dallas’s vital work extends far beyond celebrating past achievements; it is a continuous, dynamic, and forward-looking effort to ensure that Dallas’s rich historical narrative remains visible, accessible, and vibrantly alive for future generations. In an ever-accelerating and rapidly evolving urban environment, the role of historic preservation becomes even more critical and indispensable. It is about striking a delicate yet essential balance between progress and heritage, fostering innovation while retaining authenticity, and managing growth responsibly while preserving the city’s unique character.

By actively preserving our historic buildings, cherished neighborhoods, and significant cultural sites, we are not merely holding onto the past; we are making a profound and lasting investment in a sustainable, culturally rich, and uniquely Dallas future. We warmly invite you to learn more about the Awards, explore our distinctive and engaging programming, and discover how you can become an integral and valued part of this vital mission. Your support, whether through membership, dedicated volunteering, or attending our inspiring events, directly contributes to safeguarding the architectural gems and compelling historical narratives that define our great city. Purchase tickets for future events and find comprehensive information about Preservation Dallas’s numerous initiatives and impactful work at PreservationDallas.org. Join us in celebrating and actively securing Dallas’s invaluable and irreplaceable legacy for countless generations to come.