Preservation Dallas, housed in the Historic Wilson District of Dallas, placed Deep Ellum on their 2007 "Most Endangered Historic Places" list. It's not a list we want to continue to make.The quote on Deep Ellum from their site:
" It is the city’s largest collection of early 20th century commercial storefronts, reflecting what was the center for Texas blues and jazz in the 1920s and 30s. With multiple businesses closing in recent years, increased development pressure spurred by the construction of the new Dallas Area Rapid Transit rail station, and no city historic overlay in place, Deep Ellum is ripe for demolition. While historic district designations have been drafted, property owners have declined designation. Currently zoning allows for much larger buildings as much as 15-stories tall to replace the 1 and 2-story buildings that characterize much of the area. Property owners are encouraged to reinitiate historical designation or seek other appropriate sources of protection." - Preservation Dallas
Katherine Seale, Director of Preservation Dallas, has been a great friend of Deep Ellum and the neighborhood's history.
