Moving back to Dallas, TX in March 2020 brought many emotions to me. Happy to be back in a sunshiny state, grateful for less snow, optimistic to meet new people and reconnect with school friends and family, and enthusiastic to live Downtown, where I only visited via a bus when I was a kid to see the library or lunch at Neiman Marcus with my Nana.
The building we currently live in is the iconic 17-story building designed in 1957 by George Dahl. He’s the architect that brought us the Dallas Morning News building and the original Dallas Public Library. He also oversaw the planning and construction of the 1936 Centennial that resulted in Fair Park having one of the largest collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. Dahl designed 1505 Elm Street to be a star, with a cast terrazzo grille, and a blue-green porcelain and silver-gray enamel exterior. Initially, the building was home to Dallas Federal Savings. It continued to attract some big players, including Dresser Industries, who bought the building in 1974 and remained until 1985 when James Coker purchased it. It is currently a trend-setting, wonderful high-rise residence for FUN & adventurous people.
Part of my adventures include biking and walking around in this and surrounding neighborhoods. There is so much construction and gentrification around us that new bars, restaurants, shops, and entertainment sights have opened since we moved here. The old buildings are being restored and brought to life for the twenty-first century.
Last night, my friend and I walked to one such building to check out what we’ve been watching come to life for a year. The old Magnolia Petroleum building is now a (fancy) corner bar, restaurant, and rooftop lounge area. It’s not totally open yet, but it promises to be a fabulous, albeit pricey, neighborhood scene.
More explorations lead to more discoveries.
Stay well. Stay curious. Stay connected. Have FUN every day!!
Aloha🌺,
Denise