A Unique Location and Flawless Layout Made This Iconic Design District Home Sell In A Second

Not that long ago, Compass’ Angela Downes met with the owners of 1517 E. Levee Street. She’d helped them snag this incredible, whoop-whoop-sound-the-alarm-because-if-anyone-is-looking-for-THE-house-this-is-it home two years ago. This amazing, converted warehouse space is off the beaten path, urban living at its most refined, and one of the legitimately coolest houses in Dallas. We’ve been drooling on it since it hit the market last time and haven’t stopped since.

Built in 1956, this warehouse space was originally used to house railroad materials. Through the decades, it underwent several transformations until 2022, when the owners reinvented this industrial warehouse into a 5,623-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bathroom luxury home. For the exceptional remodel and finish out, the architect and designer stayed true to a gritty heritage with exposed brick walls and polished concrete tile. They created a kitchen so good it received national attention as HGTV’s Amazing Kitchen in the Ultimate House Hunt 2022.

An Epic Reception

Fast forward to 2024, and the award-winning kitchen helped lure Richard Chamberlain — yes, of the eponymous Chamberlains Steak & Chop House — to create the most incredible heavy hors d’oeuvres for an equally incredible and very carefully curated exclusive reception.

Downes did what Downes does. She scrolled her roster of would-be buyers and invited each to stop by one evening where the food, drinks, and conversation flowed freely. The clever mix of clientele made it a reception where you lingered, casually toured each room, headed up a spiral staircase for a Downes-lead tour of the rooftop deck then headed back downstairs to retour because it’s just one you want to see again.

Curated Clientele

Architect Bruce Bernbaum was in attendance to offer insight on the architecture, while an eclectic crowd — a personal wealth manager, a life insurance agent, title company representatives, a lender, high-end agents, their clients, and other Design District property owners made their way through the crowd. It was a magical evening where the Texas weather actually cooperated.

Friendships and alliances were formed, and one savvy home shopper made their move. Literally. An offer was accepted shortly thereafter, and the closing was as much of a whirlwind as the short-lived off-market listing.

Downes seems to have a knack for that — discovering one-of-a-kind listings and introducing them to their next owner. If you’re into statement homes, you might want to give her a follow. She can’t seem to not find them. She’s pretty open about it, too.

“The ideal match for individual taste. Your new home should exude personality, contemporary or traditional, luxury estate, or minimalist loft. Your vision is my first concern. Your style is my direction.”

Downes had 1517 E. Levee Street listed for $5 million.