This is the second installment in a two-part series exploring the vibrant world of loft living within Dallas’s iconic historic downtown buildings. For an in-depth look at the initial properties, you can read the first post here.
Downtown Dallas, a district rich with architectural heritage, boasts numerous magnificent structures dating back to the early 1900s. These beautiful relics of a bygone era, often after decades of quiet abandonment, have been given a new lease on life. They’ve been meticulously transformed into contemporary, highly sought-after urban loft spaces, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern convenience. This series delves into 11 such buildings, highlighting their storied pasts and their exciting present as premier residences in the heart of the city.
The movement towards the urban core is a defining characteristic of the ‘walkable city’ trend, a lifestyle particularly embraced by Millennials and other urban dwellers who prioritize a seamless live, work, and play environment. As Ashley D. Stanley*, owner of Ashley’s Apartments, and a long-time downtown loft resident herself, explains, this shift reflects a desire for connectivity and accessibility. Stanley, an unparalleled expert on downtown Dallas and a dedicated apartment locator, understands the pulse of this vibrant community.
“I live in the historic Wilson Building, and what I cherish most is the unparalleled access to public transportation, the energetic urban core, an incredible array of restaurants, and the multitude of downtown businesses,” Stanley shares. “Many of my clients, for whom I diligently find apartments, are actively seeking an immersive urban experience. They consistently discover that living in downtown Dallas offers a dynamic, engaging, and truly exciting way of life.” This desire for an active, connected urban lifestyle fuels the demand for these exceptional loft conversions.
In our previous installment, we explored six distinguished historic Dallas buildings offering unique loft rental opportunities: the elegant Wilson Building, the industrial chic 1900 Elm Historical Lofts, the charming American Beauty Mill Lofts, the grand David Building, the sophisticated DP&L Flats, and the expansive Butler Brothers Building. Each represented a unique chapter in Dallas’s architectural narrative, repurposed for contemporary living.
This week, we complete our tour by unveiling the final five remarkable properties. Prepare to uncover the unique historical significance of each structure, gain insights into their average price per square foot**, and discover the comprehensive range of amenities that make these downtown Dallas lofts not just residences, but true lifestyle destinations.
7. 400 North Ervay: A Monument Transformed
The imposing structure at 400 North Ervay holds a deeply rooted and significant place in downtown Dallas history, originally serving as the U.S. Post Office and Court House. This architectural marvel, with its grand presence, was painstakingly renovated by BRW Architects and Turner Construction to modernize its Postal Service operations while preserving its integrity. A pivotal moment in its history occurred in 2011 when its upper levels were masterfully converted into 78 exquisite residential loft units. This transformation not only preserved but also revitalized original public spaces for communal use, while a stunning rooftop terrace was thoughtfully added, offering residents breathtaking city views and an exclusive outdoor escape. Remarkably, the U.S. Postal Service continues to operate a vital tenant on the ground floor, maintaining a link to the building’s original purpose.
Today, living at 400 North Ervay offers a premium urban experience, with rents averaging around $2.08 per square foot. Residents are treated to an impressive array of building amenities, including an executive lounge perfect for sophisticated gatherings, a state-of-the-art theater for private screenings, a fully equipped fitness studio, and a residents’ lounge designed for comfort and community. The lofts themselves are a testament to refined historical preservation, featuring meticulously restored historic details, original antique fir hardwood floors that tell stories of the past, and dramatic floor-to-ceiling steel case windows, complete with solar shades for optimal comfort and energy efficiency. Ceiling heights range from an impressive 10 to 13 feet, adding to the sense of grandeur. Each unit is thoughtfully appointed with full-size or stackable washer-dryyers, generous walk-in closets, and gourmet kitchens boasting elegant granite countertops and sleek stainless steel appliances, blending historical elegance with contemporary luxury.
8. The Davis Building: From Banking Hub to Loft Landmark
On February 15, 1926, the Republic National Bank proudly inaugurated its first open house in the magnificent edifice we now know as The Davis Building. This architectural masterpiece was the vision of C.D. Hill, a renowned architect whose legacy also includes the Municipal Building, Houston’s iconic Warwick Hotel, and Fair Park’s Coliseum. Tragically, Hill passed away in January of that year, never witnessing the public debut of his creation. By 1954, the rapidly expanding bank had outgrown its illustrious quarters and relocated to the Republic National Bank Building at 300 North Ervay St., leaving behind a legacy of grandeur and commercial significance.
The Davis Building continued its intriguing journey through history, even featuring in the cinematic world. In 1991, parts of the building served as a captivating set for the movie Touch and Die, starring the acclaimed actor Martin Sheen. Recognizing its immense potential and historical value, Hamilton Properties acquired the property in 1997 with ambitious plans for its renovation into upscale residential lofts. The meticulous conversion process was completed in September of 2003, marking a new chapter as residents began moving into this cherished historic landmark, eager to embrace its unique charm and modern amenities.
Today, The Davis Building is a thriving community, home to 183 meticulously converted loft spaces, each unique with a choice of 65 distinct floorplans. Rents average approximately $1.61 per square foot, offering excellent value for a prime downtown location. Every loft is designed to provide breathtaking views, whether gazing down the bustling Main Street or across the expansive landscape towards North Oak Cliff. Units are characterized by their expansive windows, equipped with solar shades for comfort and privacy, showcasing exposed brick walls that hint at the building’s industrial past, and modern concrete accents. Luxurious touches include granite-enclosed garden tubs and showers, beautifully preserved historic Terrazzo tile flooring, and original historic plaster details, all contributing to an authentic yet refined aesthetic. The building itself offers an impressive suite of amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, convenient on-site restaurants and retail options, direct access to Dallas’s unique underground tunnel system for easy navigation, and a dedicated dog park, ensuring a comprehensive and convenient urban living experience.
9. DP&L Flats — The Dallas Power & Light Building: An Art Deco Icon
DP&L Flats resides within an extraordinary 18-story Art Deco masterpiece, a building that redefined engineering when it was constructed in 1931. This structure holds the distinction of being the first electrically welded building west of the Mississippi River, a groundbreaking achievement at the time. Its striking facade is characterized by a sleek black marble base, elegantly transitioning to intricate brick and terra cotta trim that adorns the remainder of the exterior. For decades, this iconic building served as the prestigious headquarters for the Dallas Power & Light Company, which later evolved into Texas Utilities (TXU), powering the growing city of Dallas.
In 1980, Dallas Power & Light expanded its footprint by acquiring the adjacent Continental Supply Co. building, a structure originally built in 1903 at 1512 Commerce St. Recognizing the immense historical and architectural value of both properties, Hamilton Properties Corporation acquired them and embarked on a visionary renovation project. The combined buildings were meticulously transformed into modern apartments, integrated retail spaces, and a versatile conference center, officially opening their doors to tenants in 2005. This ambitious undertaking seamlessly blended the past with the present, preserving the buildings’ heritage while adapting them for contemporary urban life.
Today, DP&L Flats offers a unique residential experience within its 158 units, with an average rent price of approximately $1.51 per square foot. Residents enjoy an unparalleled suite of amenities, including a breathtaking 12,000-square-foot roof garden – a verdant oasis amidst the urban landscape. This outdoor sanctuary features a resort-style pool and hot tub, providing a perfect escape for relaxation and recreation. A 24-hour fitness center caters to active lifestyles, and spectacular city skyline views serve as a constant reminder of the vibrant location. Inside the individual units, residents will find sophisticated design elements such as polished concrete or original Terrazzo floors, sleek stainless steel appliances, built-in kitchen islands with elegant granite counters, and convenient full-size washer-dryer hookups, ensuring a lifestyle of comfort and style in a truly historic setting.
10. Butler Brothers Building: A Historic Hub Reimagined
The monumental Butler Brothers Building, a veritable cornerstone of Dallas’s commercial history, proudly stands on South Ervay Street, adjacent to the modern Dallas City Hall. Constructed in 1910, this colossal structure was initially commissioned by Butler Brothers, a prominent Chicago-based wholesaler, to serve as their expansive regional warehouse for the entire Southwest. Initially, this strategic distribution center efficiently serviced all of Butler Brothers’ vast network of clients. Over time, its role evolved, becoming the primary warehouse for the beloved Ben Franklin Stores, a widely recognized five-and-dime franchise that was owned by Butler Brothers, cementing its place in the retail landscape of the era.
The building itself has undergone several transformations throughout its lifespan. In 1960, its facade received a notable refresh with the addition of contemporary ceramic tile and sleek aluminum fins, reflecting the architectural trends of the mid-century. It underwent another significant remodeling in 1982-83. In 1994, the building was generously donated to the city, a testament to its civic importance. The most recent and arguably most significant chapter began in 2016, when it underwent a massive renovation specifically designed to convert it into a premier destination for modern loft living and mixed-use development.
Following an astounding $90-million renovation, the Butler Brothers Building has been completely reimagined and is now a vibrant, mixed-use space, bustling with activity. It features 238 luxurious lifestyle apartments, two prestigious Marriott Hotel properties, and a diverse selection of restaurants and shops that enliven its courtyards. Rents for these high-end lofts average approximately $1.91 per square foot. The building’s amenities are truly unparalleled, designed to foster a dynamic and engaging community: residents have access to state-of-the-art yoga and fitness studios, a spacious community lounge, an exciting game room, a chef’s room perfect for culinary enthusiasts, a spirited karaoke room, a dedicated Playstation room, a cinematic cinema room, an inspiring art room, a serene music room, a tanning salon for ultimate convenience, and a pet grooming space to cater to furry friends. Furthermore, it boasts two spectacular pool terraces and multiple charming restaurants that line its courtyards, creating an immersive “city within a city” experience. Inside the individual units, residents are greeted by the rustic charm of original maple and concrete floors, striking exposed brick walls, elegant quartz countertops, soaring ten-foot ceilings, convenient in-unit washer-dryers, advanced keyless entry systems, and sophisticated upscale lighting packages, all contributing to an exceptional urban living experience.
11. Cedars Parks Lofts: Eclectic Charm in the Cedars
Our journey through Dallas’s historic loft conversions culminates in the vibrant Cedars neighborhood, located just south of Interstate 30 in downtown Dallas. Here, the Cedars Parks Lofts stand out as an embodiment of eclectic charm and affordability, offering a unique living experience with rents typically ranging from an appealing $1 to $1.25 per square foot. This distinctive property is not merely a single building but a fascinating complex of three structures, each with its own rich and colorful history. These buildings were meticulously converted from what was once a bustling movie theater, a legendary nightclub famously managed by Dallas’s notorious Jack Ruby, and a 1923 soda bottling company, rumored to have discreetly dispensed other, more potent beverages during the Prohibition era, adding a layer of intrigue to its past.
A comprehensive renovation and series of improvements were undertaken in 2003, breathing new life into these historic buildings. The transformation resulted in 19 highly individual open loft spaces, thoughtfully designed to accommodate a live, work, and storage lifestyle. Throughout the conversion, great care was taken to preserve much of the buildings’ original architectural textures and unique character, ensuring that the historical essence remained intact. The lofts at Cedars Parks offer generous living areas, ranging from approximately 800 square feet up to a sprawling 1,955 square feet. They feature captivating raftered ceilings and striking brick accent walls that celebrate their industrial heritage. Some units proudly retain their original hardwood floors, while others boast reclaimed hardwood floors salvaged from a former skating rink or basketball court, each telling a unique story. Building amenities further enhance the living experience, including a charming communal courtyard, convenient gated uncovered parking, and access to a secure parking garage, making Cedars Parks Lofts a truly distinctive and authentic choice for urban living in Dallas.
* Special thanks to Ashley Stanley for her invaluable research assistance and profound insights throughout the creation of this series. Her expertise has been instrumental in illuminating the unique character of downtown Dallas loft living.
** All rent prices provided are approximate averages, based on data sourced from Smart Data, and are subject to market fluctuations and specific unit features.