Preservation Dallas and Downtown Dallas, Inc. Host Celebrate Downtown DIVE IN on May 6

Get your walking shoes and camera ready! Preservation Dallas and Downtown Dallas, Inc. will host Celebrate Downtown DIVE IN on May 6. This tour highlights truly amazing Dallas historical gems, many of which offer spectacular views of downtown Dallas. It’s a photographer’s dream come true! And if the turnout is anything like it was two years ago, you’ll want to reserve your tickets ASAP.

“Celebrate Downtown remains one of our most anticipated architectural tours because you get to experience Dallas’ center from the ground, from up above it all and from every angle,” said Preservation Dallas’ Donovan Westover. “Access to eight exclusive historic properties and rooftops with a party afterward – where else can you do that in four hours for $35?”

The tour will include the following sites:

Main Street Garden:  An important outdoor community sphere for downtown residents, workers, and tourists, the Main Street Garden features amazing green space, art installations, and a dog run.

Fidelity Union Buildings (The Mosaic): Built in 1925 to house corporate offices of the Fidelity Union Life Insurance Company, this marvelous restoration is now the home of The Mosaic high-rise luxury residences.

Lone Star Gas Lofts: Construction on these historic properties began in 1924 and feature wonderful Art Deco details. The buildings now offer loft residences with amazing views.

LTV Tower: Built in 1964 and designed by Dallas architects Harwood K. Smith and Dales Young Foster, it debuted as one of  the tallest buildings in the skyline. Under watch of the Texas Historical Commission and the National Park Service, this renovation was completed in 2015 and now houses luxury apartments and the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel.

Magnolia Gas Station (KLIF/Observer Building): Winner of a 2013 Preservation Achievement Award, the Magnolia Gas Station was built in 1923. During its renovation, a crew preserved many artifacts which are now on display.

Mayflower Building: Redevelopment of the historic Mayflower Building saved this piece of 1960’s history from a decade of vacancy. Now serving as an apartment and retail tower, the renovation features a stunning, six-story atrium and a roof-top pool.

Scottish Rite Cathedral: Construction on this amazing Dallas architectural gem began in 1906. It received official City of Dallas Landmark status in 1978 and Recorded Texas Historic Landmark standing in 1980.

Warner Brothers Building (Encore Park): Restoration of this 1930’s treasure was headed up by The Stewpot of First Presbyterian Church. Now called Encore Park, it features an amphitheater, with future plans for a street culture museum as well as resources for outreach and homeless services.

Dallas Power and Light: This Art Deco landmark, built in 1931, was saved from demolition years after it was vacated by TXU. It received landmark status in 1999, and has been beautifully re-purposed as luxury apartments.

Event Details

Saturday, May 6

Tour – 10 am to 2 pm, beginning at Main Street Garden

Wrap Party – 1 to 3 pm, Dallas Power & Light Flats

Tickets are $35 for the general public and $30 for Preservation Dallas members.  Ticket price includes the tour and a refreshing poolside after party at Dallas Power & Light Flats.

Reserve your tickets online here or call 214-821-3290. Reservations are non-refundable.