Nestled in the vibrant Farmers Market District, Canton Lofts at 2220 Canton Street stands as a testament to Dallas’s rich industrial heritage and pioneering spirit in urban residential development. Before its transformation into one of the city’s most coveted loft communities in the 1990s, this iconic building was once the bustling hub of downtown Dallas’s thriving furniture industry, home to the Olive and Myers Manufacturing Company until the late 1950s. Today, it offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern luxury, setting the standard for sophisticated loft living in one of Dallas’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
The strategic location of Canton Lofts places residents at the epicenter of a dynamic and rapidly evolving urban landscape. Situated just beyond Good Latimer and a stone’s throw from Cesar Chavez, residents will find themselves surrounded by an abundance of culinary delights, ensuring that hunger is never an issue. This prime address boasts unparalleled walkability to some of Dallas’s most popular attractions, including the eclectic Deep Ellum neighborhood, the fresh produce and artisanal goods of the Dallas Farmers Market, and the bustling Central Business District. Living here means immersing yourself in the pulse of downtown Dallas, with easy access to cultural venues, entertainment, and a myriad of employment opportunities. It’s the ideal location for those seeking an authentic urban Dallas lifestyle.
The Illustrious History of Canton Lofts: A Downtown Dallas Landmark
Referred to fondly around downtown as the “Olive and Myers Company building,” 2220 Canton Lofts carries a storied past deeply intertwined with Dallas’s industrial growth. The Olive and Myers Manufacturing Company, founded in 1899, quickly outgrew its initial mattress assembly plant located several blocks away. Recognizing the need for expansion, they erected this magnificent five-story brick edifice in 1925. That very October, the company proudly advertised its new, state-of-the-art facility in the Dallas Morning News, featuring a prominent image of what would one day become the iconic Canton Lofts. This building quickly became a symbol of industrial prowess and innovation in the flourishing city, solidifying its place in the history of historic Dallas architecture.
Constructed with reinforced concrete, the building was touted as “as fireproof as can be built,” a testament to its advanced engineering for the era. It boasted an impressive 120,000 square feet of plant floor space, equipped with the latest machinery in the Southwest for efficient furniture production. Throughout the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties and beyond, the Olive and Myers building stood as a prominent fixture in downtown Dallas’s extensive furniture manufacturing district until 1958, when the plant relocated to Athens, Texas. In 1956, the company sold the building for a substantial $500,000 to clothiers Leroy McMullin and Ray Stockton, whose Stockton Manufacturing Company successfully operated there for several years. This change of ownership marked a new chapter, yet the building retained its status as a cornerstone of Dallas commerce and industry, contributing significantly to Dallas’s rich historical fabric.
The homeowners association website for Canton Lofts aptly summarizes its enduring significance, stating, “The Olive and Myers Building played a significant role in contributing to Dallas’ vast history and and has instilled cultural influences throughout the community.” Indeed, its architectural integrity and historical narrative make it a cherished part of the city’s landscape, a silent witness to decades of growth and transformation. Recognized as a City of Dallas Landmark, the building’s legacy is meticulously preserved, offering residents a connection to the past while embracing the conveniences of modern urban life. This designation ensures that Canton Lofts will continue to be a beacon of historic preservation in Dallas for generations to come.
1990s Redevelopment: Pioneering Urban Loft Living in Dallas
After the Stockton Manufacturing Company departed, the grand building at 2220 Canton Street sat vacant for several years, its industrial purpose seemingly fulfilled. However, a visionary transformation was on the horizon, one that would redefine urban living in Dallas. In 1992, Dallas-based Westdale, a renowned national real estate investment and management company, recognized the immense potential of the already pedestrian-friendly Dallas Farmers Market area. With a forward-thinking vision to establish it as a vibrant center of downtown residential life, Westdale acquired the building for $600,000, embarking on a pioneering project to convert this colossal industrial warehouse into one of Dallas’s very first residential loft communities. This ambitious adaptive reuse project set a new precedent for loft living in Dallas.
Crucially, Westdale chose not to demolish this iconic five-story structure, characterized by its distinctive red brick and green glass facade, in favor of conventional new multi-family construction. Instead, they embraced the concept of adaptive reuse, a practice that honors and preserves historical architecture while repurposing it for modern needs. Collaborating with the esteemed Corgan & Associates, Westdale meticulously reworked the building’s industrial “guts,” transforming the vast, open spaces into 47 unique lofts. This meticulous conversion retained many of the original industrial elements that give the lofts their unique character, such as soaring, exposed ceilings, expansive tall windows that flood the interiors with natural light, and a flexible, open-plan layout with minimal interior walls, celebrating the building’s heritage and creating truly authentic Dallas lofts for sale.
The exceptional quality and innovative design of this redevelopment project did not go unnoticed. Westdale’s remarkable work earned a prestigious Building Design award from the Dallas chapter of the American Institute of Architects, solidifying Canton Lofts’ status as a benchmark for urban revitalization. It remains one of the few surviving examples of authentic factory architecture in downtown Dallas, a cherished relic beautifully repurposed for contemporary living. Further cementing its importance, the property is officially recognized as a City of Dallas Landmark, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Westdale’s commitment to transforming historical properties continued to shape the landscape of Deep Ellum, with subsequent successful developments including the highly sought-after Adam Hats Lofts and the prominent Case Building, further establishing their legacy in Dallas’s urban core and highlighting the appeal of Deep Ellum apartments and lofts.
A Rare Gem: The Unparalleled Double Unit at 2220 Canton Street No. 408
Among the 47 distinct residences within Canton Lofts, the unit at 2220 Canton Street No. 408 truly stands alone as a one-of-a-kind offering. Exclusively listed by Linda Lunn of Keller Williams Urban Dallas, this particular home holds a unique place in the building’s history. When the lofts were first released for sale, its inaugural owner seized a rare opportunity, purchasing not one, but two adjacent units—one directly above the other—and ingeniously connecting them via a private elevator. This visionary decision created an expansive, multi-level dwelling unparalleled in its scale and luxury within the building, making it a truly unique offering among luxury Dallas lofts for sale.
This magnificent three-bedroom, three-bath residence encompasses a remarkable 3,020 square feet, gracefully spread across the building’s top two residential floors. Its origin as two separate units provides distinct advantages, including two private entrances and two charming iron-rail balconies, one on the fourth floor and another on the fifth. These outdoor spaces offer intimate spots to enjoy the urban views and fresh air, a coveted feature in downtown living. As Linda Lunn herself confirms, “This is the only unit that was ever sold as a combined unit,” further emphasizing its exclusivity. She adds, “Internally, it was always known as the million-dollar unit because of its premier location within the building,” a testament to its exceptional design and desirability from its inception, marking it as a true Dallas penthouse-style loft.
While the loft’s potential was always evident, it wasn’t initially a turnkey luxury home. Lunn recalls a distinctive, almost extreme color scheme upon its acquisition, featuring dramatic black walls downstairs juxtaposed with sharply contrasting bright white walls upstairs. The current owners, a distinguished couple—a former executive with CMC and a former executive with Neiman Marcus—envisioned something far grander. They embarked on an extensive, meticulous renovation, stripping away years of paint and previous design choices, literally sanding the space down to the studs to create a fresh canvas, seeking to transform it into a truly bespoke modern loft interior.
For this ambitious project, they enlisted the expertise of a renowned bespoke designer, celebrated for crafting sophisticated interior environments with cutting-edge modern furniture designs and captivating wall installations. The outcome of this collaboration is nothing short of breathtaking. “Everything has been redone,” Lunn enthusiastically states. “They left nothing undone and spared no detail. It’s meticulous and perfect.” This full-scale renovation has infused the loft with exquisite finishes, including beautifully restored exposed brick walls, custom-designed stairway walls that add architectural interest, and an impressive floating staircase crafted from recycled wood and gleaming steel, serving as a sculptural centerpiece. This attention to detail defines what makes Dallas luxury real estate truly stand out.
The design masterfully juxtaposes the building’s authentic industrial character—evident in the exposed ductwork, unfinished ceilings, and iconic iron industrial windows—with premium, contemporary elements. These modern additions include sleek track lighting, elegant designer lighting fixtures, pristine modern hardwood floors that flow seamlessly throughout, and top-of-the-line designer appliances in the kitchen, creating a harmonious blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge sophistication. This careful balance ensures the loft feels both historically significant and utterly modern, offering an unrivaled living experience that epitomizes modern industrial design.
First Floor: The Ultimate Entertaining Hub
Stepping into Unit No. 408 immediately evokes the quintessential loft experience, characterized by soaring ceilings and expansive open spaces designed for modern living and grand entertaining. The meticulously designed first floor seamlessly integrates the chef’s kitchen, a spacious living area, and an elegant dining area, creating an effortless flow ideal for hosting gatherings of any size. The gourmet kitchen is a culinary dream, featuring an oversized island with dual-sided storage, a convenient breakfast bar perfect for casual meals, and striking exposed brick walls enhanced with under-shelf lighting, adding warmth and character. Outfitted with premium stainless steel KitchenAid appliances, this kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful, ready to inspire your inner chef in an oversized kitchen island design.
Thoughtfully integrated into the first-floor layout is a versatile third bedroom, cleverly tucked behind a custom wall partition adjacent to the stunning floating staircase. This private retreat comes complete with an adorable en-suite bath, offering comfort and privacy for guests or family. For those who may not require three dedicated bedrooms, this flexible space effortlessly transforms into a striking home office, a private study, or a creative studio, providing endless possibilities to adapt to your lifestyle needs. Its thoughtful design ensures functionality without compromising the open aesthetic of the main living areas, making it a perfect example of flexible living spaces in a modern loft.
Second Floor: A Secluded Sanctuary and Private Suite
Ascend the breathtaking floating staircase to discover the second level, an expansive private suite designed as a secluded sanctuary within the bustling city. This unique penthouse-style floor boasts an entire continuous wall of windows, inviting abundant natural light and offering captivating urban vistas. It hosts a second large living area, perfect for relaxation or intimate gatherings, complemented by its own private balcony—an ideal spot for morning coffee or evening cocktails. A sophisticated wet bar, complete with a wine fridge, mini-fridge, and ice maker, ensures effortless entertaining and convenience. This floor is further enhanced by two luxurious bedrooms, each featuring its own en-suite bath, providing ultimate comfort and privacy for residents and guests alike, making it an ideal two-story loft in Dallas.
The primary suite on this level is a true masterpiece of design and comfort. It features unique interior clerestory windows, artfully positioned to cast soft, ambient light into the bedroom, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. The spa-like primary bathroom is equally impressive, offering a spacious standalone walk-in shower complete with a convenient shower bench, designed for ultimate relaxation. Dual vanities, ingeniously styled to resemble repurposed printers’ drawers, add a touch of distinctive, industrial-chic elegance, perfectly blending the loft’s historic character with modern luxury. Every detail on this floor has been thoughtfully curated to provide an unparalleled private living experience, distinguishing it as a truly luxury primary suite.
An Unparalleled Rooftop Deck: Dallas Skyline Views and Resort-Style Amenities
The allure of this exceptional Farmers Market loft extends far beyond its meticulously designed interiors. Perched atop the historic building is an unparalleled rooftop amenity deck, offering residents a truly resort-style urban oasis. This expansive outdoor space provides breathtaking, panoramic views of the Downtown Dallas skyline, a mesmerizing backdrop that transforms with the changing light from dawn to dusk. It’s an urban photography enthusiast’s dream and an amazing setting for creating unforgettable memories, providing some of the best Dallas skyline views available.
The full-featured amenity deck invites relaxation and entertainment on a grand scale. Take a refreshing dip in the sparkling pool on a warm Texas day, unwind in the comfortable covered seating areas, or host memorable gatherings with friends and family amidst the stunning cityscape. With abundant room to lounge, socialize, and simply soak in the vibrant energy of downtown, the rooftop deck truly elevates the Canton Lofts living experience, offering a private escape high above the city streets. It embodies the essence of luxury urban living, combining exclusive amenities with a privileged perspective of Dallas’s dynamic urban core, making it a standout among Dallas rooftop pools and luxury loft amenities.
The building itself holds a special place in the hearts of its residents, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. As Linda Lunn observes, “The people who love this building truly love it. They only leave because of a change of life.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the current owners of unit 408, who initially found their haven here after selling their previous home in Greenway Parks. Now, they are wistfully preparing to transition to their home in the Cape, marking another significant life change. Their affection for the loft is captured perfectly in their own words, as Lunn shares: “As the owners like to say, ‘We bought a view with a little living space attached.’” This speaks volumes about the captivating allure of the Dallas skyline views that become an integral part of daily life here, showcasing the profound draw of Downtown Dallas living.
Living at Canton Lofts places you directly in the heart of a thriving and continuously evolving downtown landscape. The area is experiencing a renaissance, with exciting new developments and amenities enhancing the urban experience. Residents can explore the newly opened Carpenter Park, one of Downtown Dallas’s largest and most beautifully designed green spaces, offering ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The burgeoning East Quarter, the high-tech AT&T Discovery District, and the highly-anticipated Harwood Park, slated to open in Spring 2023, are all within easy reach, promising an ever-expanding array of dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions. This dynamic environment ensures that life at Canton Lofts is always vibrant and engaging, symbolizing the ongoing urban revitalization of Dallas.
To ensure the seamless maintenance and continued enhancement of these exceptional facilities, homeowners association fees are $1,452 a month. These fees comprehensively cover the upkeep of communal areas, including the spectacular rooftop pool deck, the well-equipped first-floor gym, and other shared building amenities, contributing to a worry-free, luxurious lifestyle for all residents at Canton Lofts.
This extraordinary, meticulously renovated double unit at 2220 Canton Street No. 408 represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Dallas history reimagined for modern luxury. Listed at $995,000, it offers an unparalleled urban living experience. For a private tour or to learn more about this magnificent property, please contact Linda Lunn of Keller Williams Urban Dallas at [email protected] or visit her listing at kwurbandallas.com. To streamline your home-buying process and get a head start on pre-qualification, we recommend reaching out to Sara Parker Jones at Willow Bend Mortgage at [email protected]. Discover the pinnacle of luxury loft living in the heart of Dallas today, and make this historic masterpiece your new home.