511 N. Akard: A Midcentury Modern Gem Reimagined in Downtown Dallas
Standing proudly in the vibrant heart of Downtown Dallas, the building at 511 N. Akard is far more than just a towering structure; it’s a testament to architectural longevity, community vision, and the art of adaptive reuse. Originally erected in 1958 as the esteemed home of the Relief and Annuity Board of the Baptist General Convention, this iconic edifice embodies the timeless elegance of midcentury modern design. Its commanding presence features a distinguished 15-story tower gracefully complemented by a three-story side structure, complete with a sprawling rooftop deck that offers an urban oasis amidst the bustling city.
The building’s original design proudly showcased all the defining characteristics of a premier midcentury office building: an exterior marked by sleek lines, striking facade panels, and meticulously arranged aluminum windows. Inside, visitors were greeted by a lobby adorned with luxurious, floor-to-ceiling marble panels, exuding an air of sophistication and timeless style that still resonates today. This blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal established 511 N. Akard as a significant architectural landmark in its time.
A Journey Through Time: From Corporate Headquarters to Community Hub
My initial encounter with 511 N. Akard, during a tour of one of its exquisite penthouses, left me unaware of the profound history it held within its walls. It was Andrew Foster, one of the original penthouse owners and an instrumental figure in the building’s transformation, who graciously unveiled its remarkable story. As he prepared to list his unique unit on the market, Foster took the time to meticulously explain how this magnificent structure had been ingeniously redeveloped by CitySquare, an organization renowned for its dedication to community upliftment, into what is now celebrated as CityWalk@Akard.
CityWalk@Akard stands as a shining example of a successful mixed-use development, harmoniously blending diverse functionalities under one roof. A significant portion of its purpose is dedicated to social good, with 200 apartments serving as vital permanent supportive housing for individuals who have experienced homelessness. This compassionate initiative underscores CitySquare’s commitment to providing stable foundations for those in need.
The first three stories of the building are bustling with activity, housing a range of essential services and offices. Here, CitySquare operates its comprehensive support services tailored for CityWalk@Akard’s tenants, ensuring they have access to resources that foster stability and growth. These floors also accommodate offices for UNT Dallas, further integrating an educational component into the urban fabric. Crowned atop this vibrant community hub are six distinct penthouse units, each boasting unique, two-story floorplans that offer an unparalleled urban living experience.
The Visionary Transformation: A Gut Rehab and Collaborative Effort
The ambitious transformation of 511 N. Akard into CityWalk@Akard was, by all accounts, an monumental undertaking. According to John Greenan, the executive director of the Central Dallas Community Development Corporation, the project involved an extensive “gut rehab” for floors four through fifteen. This meant stripping down the interiors to their core and rebuilding them to meet contemporary standards while preserving the building’s historic charm and structural integrity.
Such a large-scale renovation demanded a collaborative effort from leading experts in construction and development. The main contractors and key partners included: Key Construction, responsible for bringing the architectural visions to life; the Central Dallas CDC, playing a crucial role in community development and oversight; Brent A. Brown Associates, providing essential architectural and design expertise; and WKMC Architects, who meticulously crafted the new layouts and ensured the building’s functional and aesthetic success. Their combined efforts resulted in a space that respects its heritage while boldly embracing its future as a cornerstone of the Downtown Dallas community.
An Exclusive Peek: The Architectural Tour Experience
For those eager to delve deeper into the architectural marvels of 511 N. Akard, tomorrow’s highly anticipated Preservation Dallas Architectural Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity. If you haven’t secured your tickets yet, make sure to purchase them here to avoid missing out on this exclusive event. The tour will grant access to four of the six coveted top-floor penthouse units, including two owned by John Greenan and his wife, offering a rare glimpse into luxurious urban living.
Beyond the private residences, attendees will also explore the meticulously restored third-floor common areas. A highlight of this level is the expansive open-air deck, a true urban sanctuary. This deck provides stunning views and a tranquil escape, demonstrating how communal spaces can enhance city living. The tour promises a comprehensive look at both the historic integrity and modern innovations that define CityWalk@Akard.
Above: A captivating feature on the third-floor deck is the elegant fountain, an original installation that dates back to the building’s inception in 1958, when it served as the home of the Relief and Annuity Board of the Baptist General Convention. This fountain stands as a beautiful testament to the building’s enduring legacy and historic charm. Below: A rare historic photograph captures masons meticulously constructing this very fountain, highlighting the craftsmanship and dedication involved in its original creation.
During your exploration of the third floor, be sure to pause and appreciate the exquisite fireplace nestled within the chapel-like area. This unique space also boasts a cleverly designed drop-ceiling detail that dramatically juts out from the building, reminiscent of an airplane wing—a striking example of midcentury architectural flair. Ascending to the 15th floor, you’ll discover that each of the six penthouse units possesses a truly unique layout, a fascinating consequence of the building’s distinctive shape. Only two of these exclusive penthouse-level condominiums feature a second-story enclosure, adding to their individuality.
Regardless of their internal configuration, all units on this floor are privileged with private rooftop terraces. These expansive outdoor spaces provide residents with truly wonderful, panoramic views of the surrounding Downtown Dallas skyline, and in some cases, even offer glimpses of the iconic Calatrava bridge, creating an unparalleled urban living experience.
While the exterior of the building retains its original majestic appearance from 1958, complete with its characteristic patterned red brick and sculptural panels—believed to have been manufactured by TexLite—the interior renovation focused on a thoughtful blend of preservation and modernization. Inside the units, the only remaining original features are the beautifully polished concrete floors on the first levels and the sleek aluminum windows, both of which contribute to the building’s authentic midcentury character while offering a chic, industrial aesthetic.
Penthouse Perfection: A Deep Dive into Unique Residences
While each of these penthouse units at CityWalk@Akard possesses its own distinct charm—from Greenan’s impressive his-and-hers baths in unit 1501 to the elegant unit 1505, now home to Downtown Dallas Inc.’s Shalissa Perry and her husband, John, which you may have seen previously—my personal favorite remains unit 1506. This particular residence stands out for its truly clever finishes, inspired architectural details, and a harmonious blend of style and functionality.
Unit 1506 is the cherished home of Kay Thomason, CitySquare’s dedicated Food Programs director, and her husband. It is, in every sense of the word, truly perfect. Much like the most thoughtfully designed smart homes, its unique character often emerges from the unexpected details. Take, for instance, the discreet half-bath ingeniously concealed behind a hidden door within a gracefully curved wall in the entryway – a delightful surprise for any visitor. To the right, adjacent to the unit’s elegant spiral staircase, an imposing floor-to-ceiling bookcase commands attention, a non-negotiable feature insisted upon by Thomason’s husband, adding both visual grandeur and practical storage.
The entirety of the first floor is dedicated to a grand master suite, designed for ultimate comfort and tranquility. A long, custom storage cabinet is thoughtfully mounted beneath the east-facing windows, providing ample space while maintaining the suite’s airy aesthetic. The master bath is a sanctuary of light, benefiting from abundant natural illumination thanks to a cleverly placed clerestory interior window. It features a lovely tile scheme that complements the overall modern design. The entire suite feels exceptionally open, airy, and distinctly contemporary, creating a serene personal retreat.
Ascending the spiral staircase, you are greeted by the beautifully appointed kitchen and dining area. This space includes a neat little nook, strategically positioned to maximize the spectacular views extending beyond the expansive private terrace. On your way up, you couldn’t have missed the striking exposed brick wall – a feature that adds warmth and an industrial-chic touch. Surprisingly, this brick isn’t original to the building. Thomason collaborated closely with contractors to ensure the new brick perfectly matched the existing exposed brick in her unit, achieving a result that is darn-near flawless and seamlessly integrated. Also, note the wonderful exposed aggregate detail on the polished concrete floor upstairs, adding a layer of texture and visual interest to the modern aesthetic.
Above the spiral staircase, Thomason further elevated the unit’s midcentury appeal by incorporating a custom fixture commissioned from a talented San Antonio artist. This artistic touch adds a unique focal point and enhances the sophisticated, yet inviting, ambiance of the space. Not that the unit could have used any more charm, of course; it was already brimming with character and thoughtful design.
A Legacy of Preservation and Progress in Dallas
I sincerely hope you enjoy this close-up exploration of 511 N. Akard, along with the other four historically significant structures featured on tomorrow’s Preservation Dallas Spring Architectural Tour. This year’s tour is particularly special as it now includes the incredible Caruth Homeplace, adding another layer of Dallas’s rich architectural tapestry to the experience. The tour, which commences at 10 a.m. tomorrow, promises a fascinating journey through some of the city’s most cherished landmarks.
Stops on this engaging architectural expedition include the Old Parkland Hospital campus, a site of profound historical and architectural significance; the stately Parks Estate, offering a glimpse into grand Dallas living; the contemporary urban residences of the Continental Lofts; and a meticulously rehabbed North Oak Cliff home, showcasing the best of modern restoration. Tickets for this invaluable tour are priced at $35 for Preservation Dallas members and $50 for non-members, offering an accessible opportunity to celebrate and support Dallas’s rich architectural heritage.