Good Things are Happening in Oak Cliff’s Tenth Street Historic District

Sometimes it only takes one person to see potential and spark change. James McGee, president and CEO of Southern Dallas Progress Community Development Corporation, is that champion for the Tenth Street Historic District. By restoring and updating homes, he is gradually providing the change this historic Freedman’s town needs.

The Tenth Street Historic District, recognized as one of the last intact Freedman’s Towns in the nation, became Dallas’ 12th historic district in 1993 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

I visited this week to see McGee’s progress and what remains to be done. Two things should strike a first-time visitor. First, the Tenth Street Historic District sits across from The Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, a top U.S. magnet school—ranked ninth nationally and first in Dallas and Texas by US News and World Report.

The second factor is that the Tenth Street Historic District is a few blocks from the new Halperin Park (the renamed Southern Gateway Park), a five-acre bridge park. The initial phase is scheduled to open this spring and begin reconnecting Oak Cliff, which was divided in 1956 by Interstate 35, cutting off the vibrant Tenth Street Historic District and eventually leading to its decline. 

Revitalization has been sporadic and challenging. As a designated historic district, it faces regulations that hinder investment, particularly in single-family homes — even as Dallas urgently needs them. Most homes are modest folk or vernacular styles, similar to New Orleans shotgun houses. The area also has larger two-story homes, vacant lots open for new construction, and the original Simpsons corner store, which McGee plans to restore.

A ProGuard residential protection plan study analyzed Zillow listings. It found that “Dallas, Texas, ranks 25th overall among U.S. cities with the oldest homes on the market. This makes it a great location for buyers seeking historic charm. In Dallas, 16.7% of homes are over 100 years old.”

While a centuries-old home may need repairs and updates, remember that these homes have survived for a reason. They offer history and character. Also, bear in mind that today’s younger generation is not of the mindset that bigger is better. No. They are actually seeking smaller, more affordable homes. They want practical, livable spaces and to create community. This is exactly what McGee is working towards. 

With the passage of a bond project, alley reconstruction is underway, with sidewalk reconstruction set to follow. North Cliff Street has been resurfaced, and McGee is working on four more residences and the Simpsons Corner Store. 

His first renovation has just hit the market, and this 1925 charmer is the perfect example of what can be done in this neighborhood. At 1,261 square feet (only 128 square feet shy of my own home!) with a big front porch, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms, it has an open-plan layout and is just what a young urban pioneer is looking for today.

Josiah Thomas, owner of Thomas Drafting and Design, has been working with McGee for a number of years on various projects and is just as excited about the opportunity here as McGee. “The unique challenge is scaling down to fit the existing bones of these homes,” he said.“Finding the balance between modern flows that are marketable to modern residents and maintaining the historic exterior. It’s always nice to see these older homes being recrafted. We don’t have craftsmanship at a reasonable price point anymore, and this is a more affordable investment opportunity. It’s exciting work from that perspective.”

If Halperin Park can accomplish the vision of reconnecting historic Oak Cliff and sparking environmental, economic, and community revitalization for the Tenth Street Historic District, then investing here is a no-brainer. Frankly, I cannot imagine that this won’t come to pass because in real estate, location is everything.  So, regardless of how hard following historic district rules may be, this neighborhood must become successful again. If you have doubts, I remember when anyone broaching the idea of residential investment in Deep Ellum or the Cedars would have someone wrangling you into a straitjacket. Look at these neighborhoods now.

Revitalization always takes visionaries, and the Tenth Street Historic District has one in McGee. If you have the mettle to be an urban pioneer, your return on investment may well surprise you in a few years. As listing agent Tara Miller wrote, “Owning a home here means becoming a steward of Dallas history. This landmark district is known for its cultural significance and unique architectural character, offering a sense of community and pride that is hard to find elsewhere.”

Good things are indeed happening here.

Miller has 1102 Church St. in the Tenth Street Historic District available for $329,999.