Historic Dallas Architecture Walk

Updated 2024

Many people think of Dallas as the land of cowboy hats, oil wells, and big hair—a brash new city where you are tested to find culture or history. Much to my surprise, I’ve been finding all kinds of architectural gems tucked into the landscape of Dallas, especially downtown.

I’ve linked to a map and have included photos of the buildings so you can do your own photo walk.  Here’s the link for a google map. Or, send me a message if you’d like a local guide to show you around, plus I’ll take you to some of my secret spots I don’t list here. 

Let’s begin our Dallas architecture walk 

Main Street Historic District

This is a great place to begin your Dallas walking tour. Start at the corner of Harwood St. and Main St. at the Dallas Municipal Building. Once a jail, this is where they took Lee Harvey Oswald when he was arrested for shooting President Kennedy. It’s also where he was shot and killed by Jack Ruby. A bit of Dallas history I had forgotten, but re-learned while doing the research for this story.

Next, walk towards the park across the street from the Municipal Building. 

 

Main Street Garden

Across the street from the municipal building is Main Street Garden, Dallas’ answer to an urban park.  Lots of people bring their dogs and kids here to play in the water fountains.  During the Christmas holiday they always put up a tree.

 

Facing the park, look up and you’ll see the clock tower of the Mercantile Building.

 The Mercantile Bank Building

The clock tower which you see in several photographs crowns what was originally the Mercantile Bank Building. The building was completed about 1942 and the current clock tower was added in 1958. It’s a downtown landmark, and one of my favorites. It’s especially cool at night when the neon on the clock tower is lit, as it is in this photograph.

Originally the Mercantile National Bank, founded by R.L. Thornton (one of the founding fathers of the city of Dallas), it is now a luxury residential high rise building.

The Merc was completed in 1942 but, the steel to construct the building had already been ordered when WWII began. At a time when new construction was basically at a standstill because materials were being requisitioned for the war, R.L. Thornton was able to get an exception for the Mercantile Bank Building. The interior was apparently pretty swanky, and R.L.Thornton lived in a penthouse on the 31st floor.

The clock tower was added in 1958. It’s a downtown landmark, and one of my favorites. It’s especially cool at night when the neon on the clock tower is lit.

 

The Statler Hotel

On the east side of Main St. Gardens, you’ll see this outstanding example of mid-century architecture. It was originally the Dallas Statler Hilton. An interesting bit of history that goes with the building is Tina Turner was at the Statler with her abusive husband Ike. She left him sleeping in the hotel room and never looked back. Not sure if that story is 100% true but what is true is that the Statler has reopened as a beautiful hotel and residence with restaurants and ballroom where they book big acts. There’s also a gorgeous rooftop pool. 

 

The Wilson Building

This is my favorite building in the area. I’ve photographed it many times trying to find the perfect angle. I’ve always thought it had a distinctly European flavor to it. I like the rounded corners and the tall columns supporting it. Wiki says it was modeled after the famous opera house, The Palais Garnier, in Paris, France. I don’t think it’s quite as opulent but at the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in Dallas and considered a premier commercial building. It was completed in 1904.

The landmark Neiman Marcus luxury retailer is across the street. I recommend stopping in at Porta di Roma, the restaurant on the ground floor of the Wilson Building, and having a glass of wine, as this is a great corner for people watching.

The Kirby Building

This is sort of a sister building to the Adolphus Hotel. Completed in 1913, it is historically known as the Busch building because it was developed by Adolphus Busch of the famous Anheuser Busch brewery. It’s now a luxury residential building.

The Majestic Theater

One block over on Elm St. is the Majestic Theater. The interior is extremely ornate and I recommend you try to see it on your Dallas walking tour. It’s done in a Baroque style, with beautiful crystal chandeliers, a double marble staircase and lots of gold leaf. It is still a functioning theater, hosting live acts and cultural events, so you may have to plan a visit on the evening of a performance.

 

The Pegasus

The Pegasus is a landmark in Dallas. This one, across from the Kirby Building, is a replica of the original, which can now be seen in front of the Omni Hotel. When I was growing up here, you could clearly see Pegasus from almost anywhere in the city but now it’s blocked by all the other buildings that have gone up. I took this shot from a bridge just east of downtown.

 

The Adolphus Hotel

Just around the corner, find an elegant historic hotel, built by the beer magnate Adolphus Busch, who also built the Kirby Building. The oxidized green turret is just a detail, seen from the rooftop of the Kirby Building.

 

 From Main St. Gardens walk south on Main St. The entire Main St. Historic District can be seen in two to three hours. It’s an easy walk and there are plenty of restaurants and bars when you feel like taking a break. When the weather is nice you can enjoy an alfresco table.

 

If you have any questions about any of the buildings or photographs, send me an email! Love to hear your comments as always.

All materials copyright Penny Sadler