Need a crash pad in Lower Greenville with easy access to DART and a great rental rate?

Look no further than 2508 Delmar Ave., Dallas. Bonus points if you’re a teacher, firefighter or police officer.

“We offer discounts to public servants because they often can’t afford to live in the cities they serve,” said Melissa Kingston, who with her husband, former City Councilman Philip Kingston, is offering the garage apartment for $1,025 per month.

The 375-square-foot home sits on a corner lot in the quiet historic Belmont Addition Conservation District. It’s a block from a Dallas Area Rapid Transit bus stop, a short bike ride to White Rock Lake and walking distance to Lower Greenville, Lakewood, and Tietze Park.

“It’s a very walkable and bikeable area,” Kingston said.

The apartment is small but has a vaulted ceiling, a 100-square-foot storage loft, large windows, and a private deck. It’s actually the perfect size for a young, single professional who doesn’t have much spare time to clean house and entertain guests.

“It uses a number of small-space living features to create a practical, comfortable, and well-appointed space,” Kingston said. “It has a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops, a wall-mounted drop-down desk/table, a built-in wardrobe in the walk-in closet, and a classic Craftsman-style interior build-out.”

Affordable housing

Dallas has a new comprehensive housing policy that allows neighborhoods to have garage apartments, referred to as accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

“Our neighborhood was developed in the 1930s and garage apartments were common originally,” Kingston said. “They were outlawed in the 1970s in Dallas. We built the unit because Dallas has a shortage of affordable housing, and units like this fill the gap.”

The unit exceeds “green” building standards and features Energy Star appliances, WaterSense faucets and toilet, double-pane windows, and LED lighting.

The stacked washer and dryer provides an efficient use of space, along with built-in cabinets.

A dog run is available, and pets are negotiable, as are the options to compost or grow one’s own food. The Kingstons’ only major rule is no smoking.

 

Good neighbors

Hard-working law enforcement, medics, educators and firefighters sometimes don’t have a lot of affordable housing options – and this could certainly offer an advantage to both tenant and landlord.

The tenant will have “reasonable use” of the pool, backyard entertainment space, and grill. And the homeowners may make a new friend.

“We have an affordable unit at our place in Marfa, and it has been a lot of fun to meet new people,” Kingston said. “A lot of apartment complexes offer discounts to cops in order to get them to live on the property. I’m not aware of discounts for firefighters or teachers, though.”

The $1,025 monthly rent includes water, trash, sewer, and wifi but not electric. A one-year lease, background check, and application are required.

“We believe that our community is better when it is a diverse community,” Kingston said. “We welcome all qualified tenants, regardless of race, gender/gender identity, religion, sexual preference, national origin, familial status, or disability. We also appreciate the many people who serve our community.”

Want to know more about this home? Contact Melissa Kingston at [email protected].