Historic District Apartments for Rent

The West End Historic District lies within the greater downtown area of Dallas. Boundaries are Lamar Street, Griffin Street, Wood Street, Market Street and Commerce Street. This area of the city is considered the most walkable neighborhood in all of Dallas. It is steeped in rich history dating back to the mid 1800s when Tennessee lawyer John Neely Bryan purchased land that had originally been settled by the Caddo Indians back in the early 1800s.

Bryan opened the first trading post along the Trinity River, and a replica of his cabin stands at Elm Street at Lamar Street. The Old Red Museum was actually built as the Dallas County Court House in 1892. The museum now celebrates much of the history of Dallas, while also serving as one of the premier event facilities in the Metroplex.

Zoning restrictions make it impossible for high rises to be built in the district, and there are also strict regulations requiring the types of modifications, signs, and lighting that can be used on the outside of buildings.

The turning point for the city of Dallas came when the Texas & Pacific Railroad intersected with the Texas Central Railroad in the area that is now known as the West End. This turned Dallas into a major distribution center and led to the development of the downtown business district.

The historic buildings that have been preserved were formerly used for storage and distribution endeavors that were associated with the railroad. They now house everything from hip shops to restaurants, bars, businesses, and more. Notable attractions in the area include Dealey Plaza, the Texas School Book Depository, the Sixth Floor Museum, the Kennedy Memorial, and some great events such as Taste of Dallas, all of which make the West End Historic District a great place to live or visit.