It’s My Mansion: Cool Condo Inside Cedars’ Buzz Lofts is City Living Perfected

Is the Cedars — a neighborhood of once-industrial properties just south of downtown — the next big thing in Dallas?

If you’re to answer that question with the number of new and upcoming projects in the neighborhood, which include a new Alamo Drafthouse and a redeveloped Plaza Hotel using TIF funds, as well as the number of businesses attracted to the area, then yes, it’s the “next big thing.” But for those who live in any of the myriad cool loft developments in the area, it’s always been a great place to be.

“Honestly, living in the Cedars has been very easy for me,” says Melissa Toman, who is selling her fantastic condo inside the Buzz Lofts. “I moved to the Cedars because of the location and real estate prices. The location is perfect for me because it is easy access to all highways so I can get to any part of town quickly and I love being a few minutes from work in downtown.”

Of course, there are some issues with the area, including the lack of grocery options, Toman adds, considering that she has to drive to the Cityplace Kroger most times. But, despite the stigma, safety isn’t one of the problems. And neither is finding a place to hang out. There are fantastic restaurants and bars nearby, including Lee Harvey’s. And thanks to the DART rail station, you’re super close to downtown via the red line.

Toman, who moved into her condo in 2007, says that while the optimism was great for the area when she purchased her unit, the economic downturn meant that many of the project planned for the Cedars were put on hold.

“It has been a slow progression but things are finally being built and the neighborhood is changing quickly,” Toman said. In just five years, she can see this neighborhood as being a fun, unique destination, not unlike Uptown was before it became trendy.

If you want to get a great condo for a fantastic value, well, consider Toman’s super adorable unit. It’s styled by Jeffrey Lee from Grange Hall, who did an excellent job of keeping this loft feeling light and warm without losing its personality. Toman invested a lot into this property, but due to a change in circumstance, she is having to sell her beloved condo. Unit 409 at 1111 S. Akard is listed with David Griffin Realtor Lisa Kleypas for $185,000. Considering the upgrades to this two-bedroom, one bath loft with 984 square feet, that’s a good value.

The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and marble counters, as well as great storage both in the island against the wall. From the kitchen you can see across the living areas to the garage-style roll-up window, which gives you views of Reunion Tower all the way to the Southside building on Lamar.

I do love the way Toman’s master bedroom is laid out, with cool floor-to-ceiling French doors separating the space, and a neat sliding mirror covering the window. If you’re clever, you might be able to negotiate some of the fabulous furnishings in Toman’s space. Clever, and perhaps lucky.

So, the question is, will this cute unit and fast-growing neighborhood get you moving to the Cedars?