
The landscape of urban development is often defined by visionaries who see beyond the existing brick and mortar. For 130-134 Howell St., nestled within Dallas’s vibrant Design District, the possibilities are not just abundant; they are transformative. Spearheading this vision is Angela Downes, a distinguished agent with Compass Real Estate, who isn’t just listing a property but unveiling a trend.
Unlock Unrivaled Potential: 130-134 Howell St. – Dallas Design District’s Next Icon
Imagine a space where industrial heritage meets contemporary luxury, where business acumen converges with artistic expression, and where the pulse of urban living beats in harmony with serene personal retreats. This is the promise of 130-134 Howell St., a remarkable property that Angela Downes envisions as a catalyst for a new wave of live-work and specialized commercial spaces in the Design District.
A Visionary Listing by Compass Real Estate

Angela Downes, known for her acute understanding of the Dallas real estate market and her ability to identify unique opportunities, approaches the listing of 130-134 Howell St. with an extraordinary level of creativity. Rather than simply presenting a building, Downes, through her collaboration with leading architects, offers a comprehensive blueprint of its immense potential. This strategic approach ensures that prospective buyers can fully grasp the scope of what this 10,488-square-foot classic brick structure can become.
Downes’s innovative mindset is evident in her approach to this particular listing. She’s not just selling square footage; she’s selling a lifestyle, an investment, and a future. By thinking “outside the box,” she’s positioned 130-134 Howell St. as more than just another commercial property. It’s a statement piece, a blank canvas ready for an owner with an equally ambitious vision. “It’s a fun cool building with oodles of potential,” Downes shares, perfectly encapsulating the excitement surrounding this unique offering.
Beyond the Ordinary: A Canvas for Creativity and Commerce
The true essence of 130-134 Howell St. lies in its unparalleled adaptability. This isn’t merely a building; it’s a foundation for innovation, perfectly poised to cater to the diverse needs of modern entrepreneurs, artists, and luxury enthusiasts. The existing classic brick exterior, with its timeless appeal, belies the modern marvel it can become through thoughtful retrofitting and redesign.
To articulate this vast potential, Downes collaborated with the renowned architectural firm Bernbaum/Magadini. Their expertise has translated abstract ideas into tangible, breathtaking virtual renderings and detailed design concepts. These aren’t just pretty pictures; they are meticulously crafted visions that demonstrate the versatility and transformative power of this space. They unveil a property capable of supporting multiple, highly desirable functions, each designed to elevate the occupant’s experience and functionality.
Architectural Excellence: Bringing Dreams to Life with Bernbaum/Magadini
The design book, meticulously crafted by Bernbaum/Magadini, goes far beyond a typical property brochure. Access the full design book here to truly immerse yourself in the possibilities. The architects have conceptualized a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and inspiring. The video animations further animate these concepts, providing a dynamic preview of the future of 130-134 Howell St.
Here’s a deeper dive into the extraordinary possibilities envisioned for this prime Dallas Design District property:
- Luxury Live-Work Industrial Space with a SoHo-esque Vibe: This concept marries the raw, authentic charm of industrial architecture with the refined elegance of a modern residential loft. Imagine soaring ceilings, exposed brickwork, and expansive windows flooding the space with natural light. The ground floor could serve as a high-end design studio, an architectural firm, or a creative agency, seamlessly integrated with a luxurious, multi-level living quarter above. This hybrid model offers unparalleled convenience and a distinct professional edge, perfect for individuals who thrive on creativity and demand sophistication in both their work and home environments.
- Chic Showroom for High-End Brands: With its strategic location in the Design District, 130-134 Howell St. is an ideal venue for a flagship showroom. Whether for bespoke furniture, cutting-edge art installations, luxury automobiles, or high-fashion apparel, the open-plan layout and industrial aesthetic provide a stunning backdrop. The design renders envision sleek display areas, elegant lighting, and ample space for curated client experiences, ensuring that products are showcased in an environment that reflects their exclusivity.
- Exclusive Cardominium for Auto Aficionados: For the discerning car collector, the concept of a “cardominium” is nothing short of revolutionary. This isn’t just a garage; it’s a personalized automotive sanctuary. The proposed design includes specialized vehicle lifts, climate-controlled storage, and sophisticated display areas to showcase a prized collection. Beyond storage, it could feature an integrated lounge, a private office, and entertainment spaces, allowing owners to enjoy their passion in an unparalleled setting. This vision caters to a niche market desiring both security and a community of like-minded enthusiasts, all within a bespoke, high-end environment.
- Dynamic Art Studio and Gallery: The Design District is synonymous with art and culture. 130-134 Howell St. presents an exceptional opportunity for an artist to establish a grand studio with an integrated gallery space. The expansive floor plan and generous natural light are conducive to large-scale art creation, while the raw industrial elements can be leveraged to create a unique exhibition experience. This would allow artists to live, create, and display their work all under one roof, fostering a vibrant artistic hub.
- Urban Oasis with a Plunge Pool and Rooftop Deck: The renderings also highlight the potential for an enclosed patio featuring a private plunge pool, offering a refreshing escape from the urban hustle. Extending this outdoor living concept, the vision includes a spectacular rooftop deck. This elevated sanctuary would provide “killer views of downtown,” creating an unparalleled setting for entertaining guests, enjoying al fresco dining, or simply unwinding while taking in the Dallas skyline. This addition significantly enhances the property’s appeal for both residential and event-based uses.
The current floorplan thoughtfully places office and living spaces at the front, optimizing street visibility and natural light, while leaving the rear open for more private or specialized uses. This flexibility is a key aspect of the property’s value.
The Dynamic Dallas Design District: A Hub of Innovation and Style
Positioned between North Riverfront Boulevard and the tranquil north bank of the Trinity River, 130-134 Howell St. occupies an enviable location within one of Dallas’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving neighborhoods. The Design District is not just a geographical area; it’s a lifestyle, a cultural nexus, and a thriving economic engine.
Historically, the Design District has been the heart of Dallas’s creative industries, home to an eclectic mix of interior design showrooms, art galleries, antique shops, and specialty boutiques. In recent years, it has experienced significant expansion and revitalization, extending its vibrant footprint westward. This growth has attracted a new wave of residents, businesses, and developers, further enhancing its appeal.
Beyond its traditional role, the district has transformed into a sought-after urban living destination, boasting luxury apartment homes, upscale dining establishments, and trendy entertainment venues. It offers a unique blend of industrial chic and sophisticated urbanity, drawing in a diverse community of artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and discerning urban dwellers.
Angela Downes keenly observes this evolution: “There’s this quiet movement in the Design District with more of these buildings being reimagined and repurposed.” This trend signifies a broader shift, where historical industrial structures are being thoughtfully revitalized, breathing new life into the district while preserving its authentic character. 130-134 Howell St. is not just participating in this movement; it’s poised to lead it, embodying the district’s eclectic identity and forward-thinking spirit.
The Allure of a Dallas “SoHo Lifestyle”
One of the most compelling aspects of Angela Downes’s marketing strategy is her articulation of the “SoHo lifestyle.” Drawing parallels to New York City’s iconic SoHo district, Downes invites prospective buyers to “Make this space your own personal SoHo with a rooftop deck and killer views of downtown — a New York lifestyle without the New York prices.” This statement brilliantly encapsulates the property’s unique value proposition.
A “SoHo-esque” environment in Dallas signifies a blend of artistic spirit, industrial charm, and upscale urban living. It’s about having a creative haven, a sophisticated dwelling, and a dynamic workspace all within a single, architecturally distinct building. This concept appeals to those who crave the vibrancy and cultural richness of city life, coupled with the spaciousness and relative affordability that Dallas offers compared to its East Coast counterparts. The emphasis on a private rooftop deck, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Dallas skyline, further solidifies this promise of an exclusive urban sanctuary. It’s a vision that appeals not just to practicality, but to aspiration.
An Investment in Dallas’s Future
Listed at $4,400,245, 130-134 Howell St. represents more than just a real estate transaction; it’s a strategic investment in a burgeoning urban core. The Dallas Design District is on an upward trajectory, continuously attracting new businesses, residents, and development. Properties that offer the flexibility and potential for bespoke transformation, like this one, are increasingly rare and highly coveted.
The ability to retrofit and redesign this classic brick building into a multitude of high-value uses—from luxury residential to niche commercial—ensures its long-term appreciation and desirability. It’s a “blank slate” in the most exciting sense, offering an owner the freedom to craft a space that perfectly aligns with their personal or business objectives, thereby maximizing its inherent value within one of Dallas’s most fashionable neighborhoods.
Seamless Ownership: Dual Addresses, Flexible Options
Adding to its unique appeal, the property boasts dual addresses: 130 Howell St. and 134 Howell St. This feature offers remarkable flexibility for the future owner. Downes confirms that the properties are available for sale either together, providing a grand, unified space, or separately, catering to different scales of investment or development plans. This adaptability ensures that the property can meet a broader range of investor and owner needs, whether for a single, expansive enterprise or for multiple, distinct ventures.
Connect with the Visionaries
This exceptional listing is proudly represented by a dedicated team of experts from Compass Real Estate: Angela Downes, Katie Chu, and Claire Khoury. Their collective knowledge of the Dallas market and their commitment to innovative real estate solutions make them the ideal guides for exploring this unparalleled opportunity. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the listing agents for comprehensive details and to arrange a private viewing.
For those eager to experience the potential firsthand, Downes advises to “stay tuned to her website for details of a Nov. 30 open house.” This open house will be an invaluable chance to walk through the space, visualize the architectural renderings in person, and discuss the myriad possibilities with the expert team.
130-134 Howell St., Dallas, is listed for $4,400,245. This property is more than just a building; it’s an opportunity to define the future of live-work and luxury commercial spaces in the heart of the Dallas Design District.








